23/1: TBA X Africadelic: Patrice Lumumba Day '25
Reflecting on the Struggle for Congolese Independence
This Patrice Lumumba Day, we honor the fearless individuals who fought for Congo’s independence and reflect on their enduring legacy. In partnership with Africadelic’s screening of “Soundtrack Coup d’État”, this program highlights the stories of resistance leaders like Patrice Emery Lumumba, Maurice Mpolo, and Joseph Okito, alongside many unsung heroes of the movement.
Patrice Lumumba (1925–1961), Congo's first Prime Minister and a visionary Pan-Africanist, played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom. He, alongside Mpolo (Minister of Youth and Sports) and Okito (Vice-President of the Senate), were executed on January 17, 1961, in Katanga under Belgian command, a brutal attempt to suppress Congo’s true independence. Their collaboration and shared vision for a united, independent Congo made them a threat to colonial powers. Together, they sacrificed their lives for freedom, yet their story remains incomplete without acknowledging their collective efforts.
The program also sheds light on trailblazers like Andrée Blouin, who championed literacy, human rights, and women’s empowerment, working tirelessly to tackle societal challenges. These leaders and countless others achieved Congo’s independence in 1960, but the struggle for lasting freedom continues, as external forces still fuel conflict in East Congo.
How do their sacrifices resonate today? What lessons can modern activists draw from their legacy? Join us as moderator Carla Kabamba leads an inspiring panel discussion featuring Grâce Ndjako, Donna Senders, and Mpanzu Bamenga. Together, they will explore Congo's history, its ongoing challenges, and the path forward. The evening concludes with uplifting beats by DJ Lema to unite and inspire.
Let’s celebrate their legacy, confront today’s realities, and envision a brighter future. This is more than a commemoration; it’s a call to action. Join us!
When? Thursday 1 January 2025
Time? 19:00-22:00 uur
Where? Bijlmerplein 140
Tickets? €7,50
Patrice Lumumba (1925–1961), Congo's first Prime Minister and a visionary Pan-Africanist, played a pivotal role in the fight for freedom. He, alongside Mpolo (Minister of Youth and Sports) and Okito (Vice-President of the Senate), were executed on January 17, 1961, in Katanga under Belgian command, a brutal attempt to suppress Congo’s true independence. Their collaboration and shared vision for a united, independent Congo made them a threat to colonial powers. Together, they sacrificed their lives for freedom, yet their story remains incomplete without acknowledging their collective efforts.
The program also sheds light on trailblazers like Andrée Blouin, who championed literacy, human rights, and women’s empowerment, working tirelessly to tackle societal challenges. These leaders and countless others achieved Congo’s independence in 1960, but the struggle for lasting freedom continues, as external forces still fuel conflict in East Congo.
How do their sacrifices resonate today? What lessons can modern activists draw from their legacy? Join us as moderator Carla Kabamba leads an inspiring panel discussion featuring Grâce Ndjako, Donna Senders, and Mpanzu Bamenga. Together, they will explore Congo's history, its ongoing challenges, and the path forward. The evening concludes with uplifting beats by DJ Lema to unite and inspire.
Let’s celebrate their legacy, confront today’s realities, and envision a brighter future. This is more than a commemoration; it’s a call to action. Join us!
When? Thursday 1 January 2025
Time? 19:00-22:00 uur
Where? Bijlmerplein 140
Tickets? €7,50