The implication is clear: By 1960, Africa paved the way, showing that what Kwame Nkrumah, the president of Ghana, called “positive action” could realize the goals of racial equality and democracy. And in fact, during the first decade of African independence, economies grew, while investment in social services paid off in declining mortality rates, increased life expectancies and higher literacy rates. With the political and cultural triumphs of African independence, however, there were also deep challenges. The generation that celebrated the coming of African independence did not foresee the pitfalls of decolonization and the failures of the postcolonial state. The reflections on the Year of Africa included here from members of this diaspora capture the many meanings of independence.

Source: New York Times February 07, 2020 00:22 UTC