From H.E. Dr. Macaulay Kalu, Secretary General of the African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG) & Chairman of The Economic Community of African Sixth Region (ECASR)
To my brothers and sisters across the African Diaspora—past, present, and future:
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us recognize this moment as more than a time of reflection—it is a call to action. This year, we embrace the African Union’s theme, “Justice for Africans and Persons of African Descent through Reparation,” alongside Canada’s theme, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” These themes are not separate, but deeply intertwined, reminding us that justice and leadership go hand in hand as we shape our destiny confronting the deep injustices of our past and present, while seizing the power to shape our future.
We must embrace an undeniable truth: there is no country called “Black”—we are from Mother Africa. Though history has scattered us across continents, our roots remain unshaken. It does not matter where you are born; what matters is that life itself began in Africa. And so, Africa is born in you. Our identity is not confined by borders or imposed labels but shaped by a shared history, an unbreakable spirit, and an unmatched strength that has withstood the test of time. Let us carry this truth with pride, knowing that our connection to Africa is eternal, and our legacy is one of resilience, greatness, and unity.
For too long, systems of oppression have sought to divide us, knowing that as long as we remain separated—by geography, by language, by ideology—we cannot fully realize the immense power we hold. But let the world take notice: our strength is in our unity. Whether we are from the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, or the African continent itself, we are one people, bound by destiny and empowered by resilience.
This Black History Month, let us commit to healing ourselves, healing our divisions, and reclaiming our collective greatness.
From Resistance to Revolution: Honoring Our Legacy
Our journey has been one of struggle and triumph. We have moved from enslavement to empowerment, from oppression to liberation, from being silenced to global influence.
But we must not define our story only by the suffering we have endured—we must honour and celebrate the brilliance we have brought to the world. Our legacy is one of groundbreaking scientific innovation, cultural enrichment, economic power, and artistic mastery. The world as it exists today has been built on our knowledge, our labor, and our resilience and our substance. The truth is undeniable—without Mother Africa, the very luxuries the world enjoys would not exist! Take pride in that fact and stand tall in our collective power.
From the birth of civilization in ancient Africa to trailblazing discoveries in medicine, mathematics, technology, and the arts, our people have shaped the course of human history. The wealth of nations has been built on our labor, our intellect, and our ingenuity. Though much of our story has been stolen, erased, or hidden, the truth remains immutable: we are the architects of progress, the pioneers of innovation, and the soul of civilization.
To the Next Generation: The Future is in Your Hands
To the young warriors of today—Generation Z and beyond—
You are not just the future—you are the present. You are the visionaries, the innovators, and the disruptors who will write the next chapter of our global story. In a world that constantly tries to define you, define yourselves. Own your history. Embrace your identity. Stand firm in your truth.
Technology, knowledge, and platforms are now in your hands—use them to build, to educate, to empower, and to unify. Reject the false narratives that attempt to diminish your worth. You are descendants of kings and queens, warriors and scholars, inventors and revolutionaries.
The brilliance of your ancestors flows through your veins. Do not allow the world to divide you. Stand together. Work together. Rise together. The future belongs to those who claim it with conviction, purpose, and power.
Our Global Mission: A United Africa, A United People
The time has come for us to move beyond division and towards a global African renaissance. We must recognize our economic power, our cultural influence, and our ability to reshape the world on our own terms. We must build institutions that serve us, economies that empower us, and systems that protect us.
This Black History Month, let us do more than remember our past—let us take ownership of our future.
We honor our ancestors not just with words, but with action. We must uplift one another, invest in our communities, and build a legacy of strength, unity, and prosperity.
The time for division is over. The time for action is now.
Happy Black History Month. Let us rise—together.
ONE VOICE. ONE PEOPLE. ONE AFRICA.
With unity, resilience, and strength,
H.E. Dr. Macaulay Kalu
Secretary General, African Union Sixth Region Global (AU6RG)
Chairman, The Economic Community of African Sixth Region (ECASR)
