Mrs. Marley made the announcement recently on behalf of The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation announced at a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. Through a series of benefit concerts, symposia, fund raisers and events, Africa Unite 2007, Mrs. Marley said, will encourage peace, education and empowerment for youth in Africa while reinforcing the significance of Bob Marley's songs of freedom to manifest change throughout the world.
This year, Africa Unite will join forces with the Emerging Leadership Programme, initiated by the Desmond Tutu Peace Centre, which honours the peacemaker and iconic Nobel Peace Laureate, Desmond Tutu. The Emerging Leadership Programme grooms young leaders with value-based leadership for reconciliation, transformation and peace in global communities.
Africa Unite 2007 will also support the Shanduka Foundation's Adopt-a-School Programme that is committed to providing quality education to all African children, and the Ubuntu Institute that is dedicated to the development of young social entrepreneurs on the African continent who are committed to achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.
"Our family is committed to keeping the legacy and teachings of Bob alive to spread 'one love' worldwide through the power of music, which is a gift from God," said Mrs. Marley. "I have so much hope for Africa. It is our goal to bring life to the words of "Africa Unite" and aid where help is needed, while creating opportunities and sustainable change for youth in Africa and worldwide."
Africa Unite 2007 will commence on the honourable Bob Marley's birthday, February 6, 2007 and continue throughout Black History Month to include a Bob Marley photo exhibit and the launch, in South Africa, of Mrs. Marley's book No Woman No Cry; an Africa Unite benefit concert at the site where Nelson Mandela cast his first vote; education symposium in Johannesburg entitled You Can't Blame The Youth workshops to encourage peace, an education and empowerment for Africa's youth; a One Love fundraising dinner &; photo auction; a Catch A Fire fashion show featuring local South African designers.
Born in Ethiopia in 2005, and again realized in Ghana in 2006, the now annual Africa Unite events came to life from the unwavering passion and spirit of Mrs. Marley and her family. She is inspired, she said, to spread the spirit and legacy of Bob Marley, to continue to bring life to his songs of freedom and to actively work towards a united Africa in their lifetime.
"It is an honour to bring the legend of Bob Marley to South Africa to manifest the monumental changes Africa Unite will deliver," said Christine Hansen, Executive Producer of Africa Unite 2007 and President & CEO of Thirty-Three Productions, Inc. "The power of music when merged with the inspirational legend and legacy of Bob Marley, then combined with the lifelong vision of Rita Marley, the Marley Family and The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation's to witness a united Africa in their lifetime, will bring dreams to reality for young Africans in 2007 and far beyond!"
Africa Unite 2007 will provide a tremendous resource to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals that are not only possible but within the reach of our generation," said Prince Cedza Dlamini, Founder of the Ubuntu Institute. "I have the vision, the passion, and the energy to effect change. They just need the resources and skills to execute their vision."
