CAHAC’S 2023 MAIDEN EXHIBITION, “SUNRISE WEST AFRICA”

 CAHAC’s 2023 maiden exhibition, “Sunrise West Africa”, was a landmark cultural and historical showcase highlighting the region’s heritage, creativity, and missionary legacy. Held in Abidjan, Côte

Granville Sharp

d’Ivoire, it marked the Center for Art, History and African Culture’s (CAHAC) first major public exhibition, positioning West Africa as a hub of cultural dialogue and historical reflection.

 Context and Purpose

• CAHAC launched “Sunrise West Africa” to celebrate the region’s diverse cultural identity and historical narratives.
• The exhibition aimed to bridge history and contemporary creativity, presenting West Africa not only as a site of rich traditions but also as a dynamic contributor to global culture.
• It emphasized themes of missionary influence, abolitionist history, and African resilience, aligning with CAHAC’s broader mission of preserving and interpreting African heritage.

Exhibition Highlights

• Artistic Displays: Paintings, sculptures, and restored archival images showcased the vibrancy of West African creativity.
• Historical Narratives: Exhibits traced the impact of Christian missions, abolitionist movements, and cultural exchanges between Africa and Europe.
• Missionary Legacy: Biographical accounts of missionaries and African converts highlighted the 

  

   Leaders of the British Abolition

  
  role of faith in shaping education, translation, and social reform.
• Interactive Engagement: Visitors participated in guided tours, multimedia presentations, and discussions linking past struggles to present opportunities.

 Significance

• For local communities, the exhibition reinforced pride in West African identity and history.
• For scholars and students, it provided valuable resources for research in history, postcolonial studies, and cultural analysis.
• For the global audience, it positioned West Africa as a cultural hub, fostering dialogue on heritage, resilience, and creativity.
• Economically, the exhibition contributed to Abidjan’s growing reputation as a center for cultural tourism and international exhibitions.

 

 Emergence of Africans at the forefront

The emergence of West African natives as key players in the evangelisation and transformation of Africa between the 19th and early 20th centuries marked a turning point in Christian missions. Mission fields such as Granville Town, now Freetown, Aburi, Abeokuta, Lagos, Ogbomosho, and Monrovia became centers where African converts rose to leadership, contextualizing the gospel and ensuring its acceptance within local cultures. These towns provided fertile ground for indigenous evangelists to demonstrate that Christianity could thrive under African leadership, moving beyond dependence on foreign missionaries.

Dr. George Green and the carriers

Among the most influential figures was Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Anglican bishop, who translated the Bible into Yoruba and pioneered missions along the Niger River. His work symbolized the intellectual and spiritual capacity of Africans to lead the Church. Samuel Kaboo Morris, a Liberian prince, inspired many through his testimony in both Africa and America. William Wade Harris carried out mass conversions along the West African coast, leaving behind vibrant Christian communities. In Nigeria, Garrick Braide Sokari emphasized holiness and challenged traditional practices, while Joseph Ayo Babalola spearheaded revival movements that birthed indigenous churches such as the Christ Apostolic Church.

Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther

These leaders transformed Christianity in Africa from a foreign import into a faith rooted in local leadership and spirituality. Through preaching, healing, translation, and revival, they ensured that the gospel resonated with African realities. Their contributions laid the foundation for a self-sustaining African Christianity, proving that indigenous evangelists were not only recipients of missionary work but also architects of Africa’s spiritual destiny. Their witness remains a testament to the enduring power of African leadership in shaping the continent’s Christian identity.

Legacy and Contribution

“Sunrise West Africa” was more than an exhibition; it was a platform for memory, dialogue, and renewal. By combining art, history, and missionary narratives, CAHAC established a foundation for future exhibitions that will continue to highlight Africa’s role in shaping global culture and Christian heritage.