On May 25, 1963, leaders from thirty-two African countries met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. They created the Organization of African Unity, or OAU. For decades, most of Africa had been controlled by European countries. Britain, France, and other nations had taken over African land, resources, and people. By the early 1960s, many African countries had won their independence. But freedom brought new challenges. The new nations needed to build schools, roads, and hospitals. Some faced conflicts with their neighbors over borders drawn by European mapmakers. The OAU gave these countries a place to solve problems together. Its goals included ending colonialism everywhere in Africa and promoting peace. The organization also supported countries that were still fighting for freedom, like South Africa. May 25 became known as Africa Day, a holiday celebrated across the continent. In 2002, the OAU became the African Union, which continues to bring African nations together today. Africa Day reminds people of how much the continent achieved by working as a team.