The International Day for People of African Descent is observed worldwide every August 31 to highlight the contributions of the African diaspora and combat discrimination against people of African descent. This observance was established by the United Nations in 2020, commemorating the First International Conference of the Negro Peoples held in Harlem in August 1920, which led to the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Negro Peoples of the World. The day aims to promote respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent and to celebrate their diverse heritage and culture. It also seeks to address ongoing issues of racism, exclusion, and marginalization, which were particularly highlighted during the events of 2020, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd. The African diaspora includes hundreds of millions of individuals, with significant populations in countries such as Brazil, the United States, and Haiti.