Obama to Host Africa Independence Celebration

These are nice times for the continent of Africa on the sporting and international public relations fronts.

In South Africa, despite threats of protests and violence, the FIFA World Cup has proved a safe, fun and glittering tribute to the world's most popular sport, thus far.

In Ghana, celebration was the byword as the West African nation defeated the United States in a dramatic World Cup game this weekend.

Now comes word that President Barack Obama will host a 50th anniversary celebration, marking the independence of African nations, in August.

As usual, President Obama appears to be keeping his eye on the big picture as he prepares to host this tribute to the continent of his father's birth.

Instead of simply throwing a party to celebrate the past, Obama is expected to invite young leaders from several African nations to the event to discuss the future of their nations and the continent as a whole.

It's hard to imagine when Africa will ever enjoy a champion of such stature as President Obama.

The symbolism of America's first black president embracing the continent is nice, but it is the world focus and attention Obama can bring to the projects and potential throughout the continent that will likely prove the most enduring part of Obama's African legacy.

During his visit to Ghana last year, the symbolism of touring Cape Coast Castle, a fortress from which Africans were sent to the New World to become slaves was evident, and Obama didn't duck the tough realities facing African nations when imploring listeners to turn away from corruption and fighting.

Obama to Host Africa Independence Celebration

Today in Ghana, my sister Lisa, who is traveling there on business this week, reported that the car horns were blaring, the national colors of red, gold and green were flying high, and folks were dancing in the streets still celebrating the national soccer team's win over the United States this past Saturday.

When a nation like Ghana, just 23 million strong, can beat the world's most powerful nation of about 300 million people, you know you are living in nice times.