For centuries African, Afro-American, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-European communities have been fighting racism and economic oppression, seeking to forge mutual solidarity in their struggle.
The exhibition features a mural by artists Dewy Elsinga (1992), also known as ‘Butterfinger’ and Brian Elstak (1980). The mural conveys the atmosphere of political change, depicting prominent leaders of the struggle such as Nelson Mandela, Patrice Lumumba, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Malcolm X.
Political agents of change are not confined to the past. Ethiopia’s prime minister Abiy Ahmed was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Since becoming prime minister the 43-year-old politician has played a role in bringing democracy to Ethiopia, interceded in the conflict between Sudan and South Sudan and put a stop to the war with neighbouring Eritrea.
Without precious raw materials from Africa you wouldn’t have a mobile phone. Coltan and cobalt from the Congo are exported to countries like China, where these minerals are used in the manufacture of countless mobile devices. These precious minerals are a major source of income and various militias in Congo are fighting for control of the trade.
The exhibition “Africa Inspires” is attracting a lot of attention from the press.
