As a body of nation state deeply tied to numerous cultural biases and inclinations, it is believed that drinking from the cup of wisdom of an elder is one way to find purpose, make meaning out of one's life and effect change in our society at large. It is for this cause that we have gathered a few inspiring quotes from some of these individuals of class and character, in an effort to widely sensitize Africa on the need to do better as a people and as a continent.
Some of these quotes are strong affirmations that would interest you and make you thump your chest with pride as an African.
- I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me (Kwame Nkrumah)
- I must identify myself with Africa. Then I will have an identity (Fela Kuti. musician, composer, human rights and political activist)
- For us, for our children, Africa and its people teach us a powerful lesson, that we must uphold the inherent dignity of every human being (Barack Obama)
- Young people should be at the forefront of global change and innovation. Empowered, they can become key agents for development and peace. If, however they are left on society's margins, all of us will be impoverished. Let us ensure that all young people have opportunities to participate fully in the lives of their societies (Kofi Annan)
- Inclusive, good quality education is a foundation for dynamic and equitable societies (Desmond Tutu)
- There is no way to escape the culture that has evolved, from which we ourselves have evolved. Naturally we stress it, break it up and reassemble it to suit our own needs. But it is there as a source of vital strength (Wole Soyinka)
- Third World is a state of the mind and until we change our attitude as Africans, if there is a fourth, fifth and even sixth world, we will be in it (Patrice L.O. Lumumba)
- Hopefully consumers will begin demanding finished products from Africa, a place typically only considered for raw materials (Yodut Ekland)
- At every African’s heart is an entrepreneurial spirit: we are survivors of struggle, malleable enough to embrace change and celebrate doing things differently (Tammy Frazer)
- African women need to know that they matter. They matter equally (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)