The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation issued a proclamation recognising “the wisdom of our forefathers and foremothers” in uniting Africa.

The proclamation, delivered yesterday to mark Africa Day, stated: “On 25 May 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Africa made history with the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the forerunner to the African Union.

“Today, 61 years later, we, the descendants of Africans who live in the African diaspora, recognise the wisdom of our forefathers and foremothers, who thought it vital for Africa to unite.

“Today, we still see the need to put tribal differences aside, erase artificial geographical boundaries and forgive past offences.

“The only way to rise above historical atrocities and correct contemporary neocolonialism is to see ourselves as a continental family and move forward as a collective people.”

The theme for this year was “Building towards the future — People in Need”.

The proclamation continued: “The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation calls on the Africans in Bermuda and the African-Bermudian community to heed the clarion call of unity in order to build a promising future firstly as a collective people, but also as a society.

“Knowing that Africa's history began pre-enslavement, Africa Day is an opportunity to globally celebrate Africa’s historical and modern successes.

“All over the world, where Africa Day is celebrated, Africa’s rich diversity — culturally, ethnically and in the natural world and what its land and people have given the world — resources, music, food, entertainment — makes it worthy of the recognition it receives on this day.

“Today, we speak to the economic potential that exists on the African continent and as heirs, we must unite to protect and preserve Africa’s wealth, both on the continent and in the diaspora.

“We leave these parting words recognising that African visionaries saw all Africans worldwide coming together, uniting as do the Asians, Europeans and other nations. African unification is not an option, it is a need. Africa unite. Forward together always — one family, one nation under one sun and one creator.”

The day was celebrated in Bermuda with a beachside celebration at John Smith’s Bay, organised by local charity Jumuiya Ya Afrika.