On April 15, 1958, in the city of Accra, Ghana, African leaders and political activists gathered at the first Conference of Independent African States. The Conference was attended by representatives of the governments of Egypt (at the time a constituent part of the United Arab Republic), Ethiopia, Ghana, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, representatives of the National Liberation Front of Algeria, and the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon. This was significant in that it represented the first Pan-African Conference held on African soil.

In addition to putting forth a program to unite the entire continent, the conference called for the founding of Africa Freedom Day, a day to “mark each year the onward progress of the liberation movement, and to symbolize the determination of the People of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation.” Africa Freedom Day was later changed from April 15 to May 25, and renamed African Liberation Day (ALD).

In Apocalypse Africa: Made In America, journalist Del Walters’s explores secret recordings, classified films and other archival evidence that suggests the United States’ involvement in the downfall of Africa, including genocidal wars in Darfur, Uganda and Rwanda. Through top-secret data, hidden documents and other sources obtained from government archives, the film reveals links between the destruction of Africa and those who influence American foreign policy. A discussion will follow the film.

Following the film will be a panel featuring:

• Del Walters, filmmaker and journalist
• Ajamu Baraka, IPS Associate Fellow and
• Netfa Freeman, IPS events coordinator

Books and DVDs by Del Walters will be available for purchase and a signing.