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Black History: Commemoration Osagyefo in Romania

Romanian African Cultural Music & Dance Tour

A brief history of Kwame Nkrumah

Kwame Nkrumah was born “Francis Kwame Nkrumah” on 21st September 1909 and passed away on 27th April 1972 in Bucharest, Romania. He was the first prime minister of Ghana that helped fight for Ghana independence in 1957, but he served as prime minister of Gold Coast from 1952 to 1957 and after the independence continued to serve as prime minister up to 1966.

Nkrumah never returned to Ghana, but he continued to push for his vision of African unity. He lived in exile in Conalky, Guinea as the guest of President Ahmed Sekou Toure, who made him honorary co-president of the country. Nkrumah read, wrote, corresponded, gardened and entertained guests. Despite retirement form public office, he felt that he was still threatened by western intelligence agencies. When his cook died mysteriously, he feared that someone would poison him, and began hoarding food in his room. He suspected that foreign agents were going through his mail and lived in constant fear of abduction and assassination. In failing health, he flew to Bucharest, Romania for medical treatment in August 1971. He died of cancer in April 1972 at the age of 62 while in Romania. However, the Voice of Amilcar Cabral, during Nkrumah’s funeral in 1972 emphatically stated”. Let no one tell us that Nkrumah died of cancer of the throat or some other disease. No! Nkrumah has been killed by the cancer of betrayal that the world should uproot”.

Over his lifetime, Nkrumah was awarded doctorates by many universities including Lincoln University (Pennsylvania). Moscow State University, Cairo University (Egypt), Jagiellonian University (Poland) and Humbolt University (East Germany).

In 2000, he was voted African Man of the Millenium by listeners to the BBC World Service, being described by the BBC as a ‘Hero of Independence’, and an ‘International symbol of freedom as a leader of the first black African country to shake off the chains of colonial rule.

Nkrumah was also best-known politically for his strong commitment to and promotion of Pan-Africanism. He was inspired by the writings of black intellectuals such as Marcus Garvey, W. E. B. Du Bois, and George Padmore, and his relationships with them. Much of his understanding and relationship to these men was created during his years in America as a student. Some would argue that his greatest inspiration was Marcus Garvey, although he also had a meaningful relationship with C. L. R. James. Nkrumah looked to these men to craft a general solution to the ills of Africa. To follow in these intellectual footsteps Nkrumah had intended to continue his education in London, but found himself involved in direct activism. Then, motivated by advice from Du Bois, Nkrumah decided to focus on creating peace in Africa. He became a passionate advocate of the “African Personality” embodied in the slogan “Africa for the Africans” earlier popularised by Edward Wilmont Blyden and he viewed political independence as a prerequisite for economic independence.

Planned Itinerary Brief:

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

Arrival at Henri Coanda airport in Bucharest.

Where you will be met by JBD TRAVEL and taken

to your accommodation in the city centre of Bucharest.

Day 2: Historical Seminars and Tours

Today, we will meet up in the lobby of the hotel and make our journey to National Military Museum (Romanian: Muzeul Militar Național “Regele Ferdinand I”), located at 125 – 127 Mircea Vulcănescu St., Bucharest, Romania.

Day 3: Educational Exhibits and film screening

This morning we will begin to explore the exhibit of Kwame Nkrumah’s life, achievements, and connections to Romania. Panelling discussions among us on his contributions to African independence. This will be followed by a film screening of documentaries on Nkrumah’s life with some historians and experts to answer any unanswered questions on his life and death.

Day 4: Community Engagement

This morning we will begin our day with a hearty breakfast in the Hotel to prepare for a day of workshops focussing on education and cultural dance, acrobatics and drumming.

Day 5: Commemorative Ceremony and Farewell.

Pan-African Symposium, we will begin the full day with Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah’s vision and contemporary relevance, followed by keynote speeches and discussions and presentations.

Day 6: REST DAY

This is your free day to explore your surrounding and reflect of all that you have learnt.

Day 7: Departure Day

Participants will depart from Bucharest.