Africa, long ignored by much of the world, is now a focus of films, magazines and activists working for poverty elimination, environmental salvation, investment in emerging markets and human development.

The Rise of the Afripolitan

A quiet wave of change has gradually swept across the globe.  Africa, long ignored by much of the world, is now a focus of films, magazines and activists working for poverty elimination, environmental salvation, investment in emerging markets and human development.  Africa is part of a growing trend of concern and activism.

The concept of the “Afripolitan” has evolved to describe the swelling ranks of those who care about Africa and are engaged in efforts to advance the continent and its countries in joining the global economy of the 21^st century.  The term is a melding of “Africa” and “metropolitan.”  Africa, of course, centers this concept on those who see the continent’s importance to the world at large.  The metropolitan aspect conveys the sense of worldliness that understands the interconnectedness of all societies and the need to ensure that no society is left to languish.  But the Afripolitan does more than see Africa; he or she makes an effort to help in whatever way they can.

Now that we have established what an Afripolitan is, who is an Afripolitan?  Certainly members of the African Diaspora who realize the importance of their motherland and taken the next step to help would be Afripolitans.  However, the young person who volunteers for the Peace Corps or the Teachers for Africa Program, no matter what their ethnic heritage, also is an Afripolitan.  Current and former government officials whose work in Africa has led them to make an enduring connection with the continent and its people would be Afripolitans.  Those who have donated to and who continue to sustain humanitarian efforts and church missions would be Afripolitans.  Students who learn about the world and want to make it better are Afripolitans.

Two notable Afripolitans are the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, who established the African-African American Summits (now the Leon H. Sullivan Summits) to build a bridge between Africa and America, and Ambassador Andrew Young, the former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and U.S.

Congressman whose interventions on America’s Africa policy are still felt in countries such as Angola. 

There are many other notable Afripolitans – from Ron Dellums, the former U.S. Congressman who fought apartheid and then waged a campaign to help victims of HIV-AIDS on the continent, to Oprah Winfrey, who built a model school for exceptional girls in South Africa, to Bono, the U2 lead singer who has had such a significant impact on developed world policies on African debt and development to Angelina Jolie, whose work as Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees has brought much-needed attention and assistance to people worldwide, including victims of genocide in Darfur.

Afripolitans are not just people of African descent.  They are not just the rich and famous who make public contributions to Africa’s wellbeing.  They comprise millions worldwide who care about the present and future of Africa and are willing to give of their time, talent and treasure to help Africans in their ongoing effort to reach their great potential.

The Leon H. Sullivan Foundation understands the power of the Afripolitans to make tomorrow brighter for all African people.  The first step is to identify this special breed of person.  The next step is to help all Afripolitans realize their numbers and influence.  The final step is to facilitate coordinated action to help African countries reach their goals – not just internationally-mandated one such as the Millennium Development Goals – but also their own goals for creating just, successful societies.

The day of the Afripolitan is rising.  You can see it in our media. You can hear it in our conversations.  You can tell it by our actions.  Together, the world’s Afripolitans will help increase the positive trends all African countries are striving to achieve and will help Africans to help themselves.

According to a saying among the Krio people of Sierra Leone: “A bundle cannot be fastened with one hand.”  Africa is on the move, and the Afripolitans are providing to Africa the cooperative hand we all require.

Are You an Afripolitan?

An Afripolitan is a member of a class of caring people who realize the importance and value of doing what they can to help the people of Africa to help themselves.

You are an Afripolitan if you demonstrate:

Compassion for the plight of other people,

Respect for the diversity of mankind,

Belief that your actions can make a difference in the world,

Creativity with resources, either time, talent or financial resources and Drive to act on your desire to help.

In short, Afripolitans act, while others merely watch.

If you feel this description applies to you, join the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation in our various campaigns to bring benefit to the people of Africa. Together, we can make life better for as many African people as we can reach.

If you’re not one already, become an Afripolitan today!

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