The Rebirth of Humanism in Africa

Humanism in Africa was born out of Pan-Africanism movements. Unlike the pioneers of Pan-Africanism who were fighting for the rights and better conditions for Africans of Black decedent in the whole world, Humanism was a movement force to mobilize all Africans to participate in a revolutionary culture of their heritage and identity- and for recognition, they borrowed an ideological title to give it a name.

Many newly independent countries embraced the ideology and it was incorporated in many walks of life; like farming, theatre, military, education and many community services. As a mobilizing vehicle for development of Africa, Humanism flourished and was heavily ideological especially in theatre and education which became an integral part of the masses’ culture and life, for everyone was equal.

In theatre the techniques of traditional heritage such as dance, songs, mimes, and the ability to improvise story telling created a sense of pride and unification among the people of different tribes. For example, Zambia used it as a political stage, and the slogan of one zambia one nation was born, and everyone embraced it and worked together to achieve the social order and development of the country.

Driven by the national ideology of Humanism, the theatre in zambia boldly and systematically asserted itself as a main player in the maintenance of the political arena and mass education in the nation. One wonders why such a driving force would become the decadence of society, and be alienated from a political platform and called as a mere theism.

Like most humanist, the African leaders definition of Humanism was based on what Bill Jones a black american Humanist believed. He believed that, black humanism emerges as a part of a debate that is internal to black life and thought; which means black humanists reflect upon their own circumstances when developing their world view of humanism. This is true, but it was abused as soon as the ideology was introduced as a political tool.

With so much wild spread poverty, wars, disease in Africa, the need for Africans to duel in and champion the cause without dependence, will set precedency to the world community. As we imagin ourselves as Africans and accept our heritage, perhaps we can have a sneak preview in the existing Africans historical and intellectual points of reference and learn from their strengths and weaknesses- so we can champion the cause of the new pan-Africanism and live without looking back at our misfortunes of the past.