The African Renaissance Monument

Follow as I go inside the African Renaissance Monument, a monument/museum that celebrates Senegalese history and looks forward to a bright future. 

Location: 
Almadies, Dakar, Senegal

Photos

At the dedication ceremony for the monument, you can see that many foreign dignitaries attended. This is not just a statue about Senegal renaissance, but about a Pan-African rebirth.
Abdoulaye Wade: "Young people of Africa and the Diaspora (Africans who were scattered largely due to slavery), if one day your steps have brought you to the foot of this monument, think about all those who sacrificed their freedom or their lives..."
Here you see a man playing the "kora," a stringed musical instrument that is made of wood and a calabash (gourd).
You know this! These are mbër, or wrestlers.
A representation of traditional farming methods which can still be seen, particularly in the Casamance region.
I was looking at a very cool display about Senegalese history (notice the wrestlers) and the electricity went out!
Many people in Senegal have taken classes in American history. Once, a man on a bus approached me and began listing all the US Presidents! Can you do that?
"African and foreign visitors: If your steps have brought you to the foot of this monument, think of all the sacrifices that have taken Africa from centuries-old darkness and propelled it into the light of freedom."

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