International Day for People of African Descent
August 31
About International Day for People of African Descent
The International Day for People of African Descent takes place each year on 31 August. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly, it recognises the heritage, culture, and contributions of people of African descent across the globe, and calls for the full protection of their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
What is the International Day for People of African Descent?
The International Day for People of African Descent is a United Nations observance dedicated to honouring the diverse legacy, culture, and achievements of the African diaspora worldwide. It also serves as a moment to confront the racism, discrimination, and inequality that many people of African descent continue to face. The day is intended for everyone: communities of African descent celebrating their identity and heritage, governments examining their record on equality, and the wider public learning about histories that are too often overlooked. It is observed by UN agencies, national governments, civil society organisations, schools, and community groups in every region of the world.
When is the International Day for People of African Descent?
The International Day for People of African Descent falls on Monday, 31 August 2026. The date is fixed: it is marked on 31 August every year, so it does not move from one year to the next. The date carries historical weight, recalling 31 August 1920, when an early declaration setting out the rights of people of African descent was adopted in New York.
Why the International Day for People of African Descent Matters
People of African descent number in the hundreds of millions worldwide, with a substantial share living outside the African continent as a result of the transatlantic slave trade and later patterns of migration. In the Americas alone, estimates place the population of African descent at around 200 million people. Despite this vast presence and immense cultural, scientific, and economic contribution, communities of African descent continue to experience structural racism, barriers to education and employment, and unequal access to justice and healthcare.
The day sits within a broader UN framework. The International Decade for People of African Descent ran from 2015 to 2024, organised around three pillars: recognition, justice, and development. Building on that work, the UN General Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent, running from 2025 to 2034, under the same three themes. The annual observance keeps these commitments visible, encouraging governments and institutions to translate pledges into concrete policy and lasting change.
How to Get Involved in the International Day for People of African Descent
There are many ways to mark the day, whether you are an individual, an educator, an employer, or a community organisation.
- Learn the history – Read about the transatlantic slave trade, the African diaspora, and the contributions of people of African descent to art, science, politics, and society. Understanding the past is the foundation for meaningful awareness.
- Support Black-owned businesses – Seek out and buy from Black-owned shops, restaurants, and enterprises in your area or online, helping to address economic inequality in a practical way.
- Attend a local event – Many cities host talks, exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings around 31 August. Check with local councils, libraries, and cultural organisations for events near you.
- Amplify diverse voices – Share the work of writers, artists, musicians, and campaigners of African descent across your social channels, and listen to the experiences they describe.
- Review your workplace – Employers and managers can use the day to examine recruitment, pay, and progression data, and to ask whether their organisation genuinely supports staff of African descent.
- Bring the day into the classroom – Teachers can plan lessons on African history, the diaspora, and notable figures of African descent, helping young people grow up with a fuller picture of the world.
- Donate or volunteer – Support charities and grassroots groups working on racial equality, anti-racism education, and community development.
- Speak up against discrimination – Challenge racism when you encounter it, in everyday conversation and in formal settings, and stand with those affected.
History of the International Day for People of African Descent
The International Day for People of African Descent was established by the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 75/170, adopted on 16 December 2020. The proposal was led by Costa Rica and supported by a wide group of member states, reflecting a shared recognition that the contributions and rights of people of African descent deserved a dedicated place on the international calendar.
The day was observed for the first time on 31 August 2021. That inaugural commemoration was marked at the United Nations and echoed by governments, agencies, and civil society organisations around the world, who used the occasion to celebrate African heritage and renew their commitment to equality.
The observance did not arise in isolation. It built directly on the International Decade for People of African Descent, declared in resolution 68/237 on 23 December 2013 and running from 2015 to 2024. That decade established the framework of recognition, justice, and development that continues to guide international efforts. In December 2024 the General Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent for 2025 to 2034, ensuring the work continues for another ten years and giving the annual day an enduring purpose.
Noteworthy Facts About the International Day for People of African Descent
- The day was proclaimed by UN General Assembly resolution 75/170, adopted on 16 December 2020.
- It was observed for the very first time on 31 August 2021.
- The proposal to create the day was led by Costa Rica.
- The 31 August date recalls the adoption in New York in 1920 of an early declaration of the rights of people of African descent.
- The day complements the International Decade for People of African Descent, now in its second iteration covering 2025 to 2034, built on the pillars of recognition, justice, and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Day for People of African Descent?
It is a United Nations observance held on 31 August each year that celebrates the heritage, culture, and contributions of people of African descent worldwide, while calling for the protection of their human rights and an end to racism and discrimination.
When is the International Day for People of African Descent in 2026?
It falls on Monday, 31 August 2026. The date is fixed and observed on 31 August every year.
Who established the International Day for People of African Descent?
The United Nations General Assembly established it through resolution 75/170, adopted on 16 December 2020 following a proposal led by Costa Rica. The first observance took place on 31 August 2021.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing the International Day for People of African Descent with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #AfricanDescentDay and #AfricanDescentDay2026 on social media. The more people who understand the heritage, contributions, and rights of people of African descent, the bigger the impact.
Related Awareness Days
- International Day of Women and Girls of African Descent – A day celebrating the achievements and resilience of women and girls of African descent, and addressing the particular challenges they face.
- International Day of the African Child – An observance honouring children across Africa and the diaspora, and championing their rights and education.
- Black Girl Day Off – A day encouraging rest, wellbeing, and self-care for Black women and girls.
Links
- Visit the official United Nations International Day for People of African Descent page
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
Featured image: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash.
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