28 March 2019 – Monuments and memorials play a crucial role in preserving and managing memory, as well as educating the public about the history and cultural impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. That was the focus of today’s briefing for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), which was organized by the United Nations Department of Global Communications under the title: “The role of memorials in preserving history.”
Organized by the Education Outreach Section’s Remember Slavery Programme in partnership with the NGO Relations, Advocacy & Special Events Section, the event was held in the Economic and Social Council Chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York and was moderated by Sherrill D. Wilson, Professor of Urban Anthropology and founding Director of the Office of Public Education and Interpretation for the African Burial Ground National Monument in New York.
The panelists included: Marie-Paule Roudil, Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Liaison Office in New York and UNESCO Representative to the United Nations; Rodney Leon, Designer of the Ark of Return, the Permanent Memorial to Honour the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the United Nations; Jacques Martial, President of Mémorial ACTe in Guadeloupe; Malick Kane, Cultural Administrator at the World Foundation for the Memorial and Safeguarding of Gorée in Senegal; and Noah J. Brown, a nineteen-year-old artist, designer and curator from Toronto.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Wilson said, “The value of monuments is that they speak for those African ancestors from the past. They speak to us in the present. And ultimately, they speak to our descendants in the future, our children’s children.” Calling for Black communities to rewrite their history into one of inclusion rather than exclusion, she said, “The single greatest challenge we face today is that we must continue in the struggle to go forth creating additional monuments, public signage, historical markers.”
Ms. Roudil focused on how, since its inception, UNESCO had consistently worked towards raising awareness of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, including through its Slave Routes project. She also mentioned that UNESCO was launching a book entitled Legacies of Slavery: A Resource Book for Managers of Sites and Itineraries of Memory, which provides a comparative analysis of experiences in the preservation and promotion of memorial sites across the world and proposes practical guidance for their management and development.
In his presentation, Mr. Leon said that memorials were sacred spaces designed to psychologically and spiritually transport visitors to a place where acknowledgment, education, reflection, and healing could take place. Explaining how he had designed the Ark of Return, he said its exterior form was meant to resemble a ship, in acknowledgment of the millions of Africans transported on slave ships. Images of maps depicting the triangular slave trade influenced his use of the triangle as a primary element in designing the memorial's shape. The memorial was also organized so that visitors could pass through it and intimately experience the three primary elements in the interior space, namely: “Acknowledge the Tragedy”, “Consider the Legacy”, and “Lest we Forget”.
Mr. Martial shared with the audience important historical dates related to slavery in Guadeloupe. He also noted that, in 2001, the French National Parliament voted unanimously to declare slavery and the slave trade a crime against humanity. Explaining the Mémorial ACTe’s unique “Silver Roots on a Black Box” design, he said that the memorial highlighted the history and memory of enslaved Africans. But it also paid tribute to indentured servants who had been brought to Guadeloupe from India. The memorial had a permanent exhibition showcasing patrimonial objects, art and new technologies. It also explored new forms of slavery across the world that existed even today.
Mr. Kane showed a video highlighting international support for the envisioned Gorée Island Memorial in Senegal, which had not yet been built. He said the memorial would reflect a message of self-esteem and self-confidence for the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and their families. Its core value had been described by Joseph Ki-Zerbo of Burkina Faso, who had said, “Africa… has been torn apart and scattered over the earth. It is our responsibility to put it back together.” The memorial would be designed to highlight the divided villages that were separated during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It would contain an African narrative that should be written and taught to the whole continent by fellow Africans.
Given the importance of young people in the conversation, Mr. Brown was designated as the event’s youth speaker. Presenting his own work, which explored different forms of gender expression and racial identity, he said that youth today were unaware of their ancestral identity and their historic ties due to the large loss of information that occurred following the Transatlantic Slave Trade. He also showcased the artwork of other artists of color who had been born after 1991. These artists were connected to the African diaspora and were working to dismantle the systematically oppressive concepts prevalent in society. Noah concluded by saying, “Knowledge is power… If young artists of color continue to exhibit their works to the public, we as a society can listen and learn from their stories to become an accepting human race.”
Following the presentations, the moderator guided the attendees through a question and answer segment. The briefing was well received by the audience, which included NGO representatives, students, educators, United Nations staff, diplomats and members of the general public.
[From left to right] Hawa Diallo, UN Department of Global Communications; Malick Kane, World Foundation for the Memorial and Safeguarding of Gorée, Senegal; Rodney Leon, Designer of The Ark of Return; Marie-Paule Roudil, UNESCO Representative to the UN; Sherrill D. Wilson; Jacques Martial, President of Mémorial ACTe, Guadeloupe; Kimberly Mann, UN Department of Global Communications; Noah J. Brown; Maher Nasser, Director, Outreach Division, UN Department of Global Communications. Photo: Bo Li
United Nations Remember Slavery Programme and Partners Recognize People of African Decent at events in Washington D.C
The legacy and contributions of people of African descent were recognized at two events organized by the United Nations Department of Public Information and partners in the Washington, D.C. area, in October 2017.
A moderated discussion titled, “The Legacy and Contributions of People of African Descent” was held on Tuesday, 17 October at the Jack Morton Auditorium at The George Washington University campus in partnership with The George Washington University (GWU), Howard University, Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) and Afrodiaspora Inc. In his opening remarks, Dr. Ben Vinson III, Dean of Columbian College of Arts & Sciences of The George Washington University (GWU), said that he was excited and honoured that GWU was hosting the first collaborative event for educators and students on this subject matter in the Washington, D.C. area. He also moderated the panel which included Dr. Sheila Walker, cultural anthropologist and filmmaker; Dr. Mohamed Camara, Professor and Chair of African Studies Department of Howard University; Omyma David, Focal Point of the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme; and Sylvia Cyrus, Executive Director of Association for the Study of African American Life and History.
Prior to the moderated discussion, the audience viewed a seven-minute trailer of Dr. Sheila Walker’s newly released documentary film, Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora. In her discussion of the film, Dr. Walker explained that “given the African demographic basis of the Americas - of six and half million people who came to the Americas from Europe and Africa during the period 1500-1800, one million came from Europe and five and a half million came from Africa – thus making the argument that the overwhelming population that created the foundations of the modern Americas was African and African descendant. She therefore believes that it is impossible to tell the history of the Americas without including the roles of this majority. Dr. Walker also noted that the enslavement of Africans to build the Americas involved a transfer of technology from Africa to the Americas and some Africans were enslaved specifically for their knowledge and skills in metallurgy and agriculture.
In his presentation, Dr. Camara posited that, “one of the most far-reaching contributions of people of African descent to world civilization in modern times has been the unwavering fight for freedom, dignity and social justice, not only for themselves but also for all oppressed people around the world”. He also believes that African humanism and African spiritualism have sustained the identity, ethical values and civilizational worldview of people of African descent.In the current age of globalization, where transnational interdependence and cultural introversion evolve side by side, people of African descent must decisively promote global Africa and advance transcontinental unity and collective self-awareness.
Ms. David and Ms. Cyrus informed the audience of how institutions such as the United Nations and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History are helping to raise awareness of the legacy and contributions of people of African descent. In her presentation, Ms. David explained that the theme “Remember Slavery: Recognizing the Legacy and Contributions of People of African Descent” was chosen to guide the 2017 activities and products of the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme. Activities have included exhibits, film screenings, NGO briefings, Global Student Videoconferences, an annual General Assembly Commemorative Meeting, a cultural and culinary event and activities at the United Nations Information Centres around the world. Ms. David also noted that it was important to raise awareness of the legacy and contributions of people of African descent because “it helps to empower people of African descent and change some of the flawed perspectives and misinformation that exists about them”.
As Ms. Cyrus explained, “the Association for the Study of African American (originally Negro) Life and History is the world’s oldest Black intellectual organization”. It was created in 1915 by African American Historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson to promote, research, preserve, interpret and disseminate information about Black life, history and culture to the global community. The annual Black History Month, observed in the United States during the month of February, was an initiative of the organization, hence each year the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) determines the national theme for the commemoration. In addition, the organization’s primary publications—the Journal of African American History and the Black History Bulletin—are designed to help educators preserve the legacy and highlight the contributions of people of African descent. Ms. Cyrus also strongly encouraged educators to continue to find creative ways throughout the year to raise awareness of the legacy and contributions of people of African descent despite crowded school curricula.
On the following day, Wednesday, 18 October, the premiere screening of the documentary film, Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora, followed by a moderated discussion, was held at the Hall of the Americas at OAS Main Building in partnership with the Office of the Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and Afrodiaspora, Inc. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Mauricio Rands, Secretary for Access to Rights and Equity of the Organization of American States and the panellists were Dr. Walker, and Ms. David along with Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, Museum Curator of the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)/Smithsonian Institution and Dr. Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian, Director of the Department of Social Inclusion in the Secretariat for Access to Rights and Equity of the Organization of American States.
In his opening remarks, Organization of American States Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez commended the documentary for showcasing “the resolute spirit of the African Diaspora to thrive regardless of the circumstances”. He assured the audience that the OAS was doing its part to celebrate the African diasporic experience in the Americas, where people of African descent number an estimated 200 million. “Afro-descendants are in every single country of our hemisphere and have impacted our societies in innumerable ways. They play an instrumental role in shaping the social, economic, political and cultural spheres of our societies”.
Introducing her documentary, Dr. Walker noted its significance in giving visibility and recognition to countless Afro-communities found in unexpected parts of the world. During the after-screening discussion, she further explained that African descendant communities exist not only in all of the nations of the Americas, but also, among other places such as Melanesia, Turkey, on Indian Ocean islands and in several states in India. Dr. Walker also reported that throughout her many travels she has observed, that “African descendants maintained elements of ancestral cultures in the Diaspora, especially in the realm of spirituality, and commonalities are found across distant geographies”.
In her presentation, Dr. Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian underscored the work of OAS in helping move the agenda of human rights and social inclusion of People of African Descent. She cited the organization’s landmark Inter-American Convention against Racism, Racial Discrimination and Related Forms of Intolerance that specifically addresses the protection of the rights of Afro-descendants, among other groups historically discriminated against. The body has also agreed to a Regional Plan of Action to implement the Decade’s priorities in their region. In addition, the OAS Secretary General has requested that the rights of persons of African descent be included in OAS meetings, policies, programmes and projects. Dr. Muñoz-Pogossian believes that racism should be prevented on the individual level and national level. On the individual level, she encourages a movement away from the “culture of privilege” towards a “culture of equality”. At the national level, she called for more legislation and policies to criminalize racist behavior and affirmative action practices in education and employment.
Dr. Curtis of NHAAHC posited that the newly-built institution is the only national museum in the United States devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. She explained that “the museum understands African Americanness as a global created identity that is not bound by United States borders but shares African heritage, cultural continuities and cultural expressions with other African descendant peoples around the world”. Dr. Curtis also expressed her appreciation for the way in which people of African descent were presented in Dr. Walker’s multi-continent documentary. She believes that in addition to the cultural continuities “it is so important to just see Black people as modern living beings in these spaces around the globe. And that we see ourselves as creators, as artisans, as architects, as producers of culture. Our visibility is critical!”
Overall, both events helped to raise awareness of the cultural, social and economic contributions of people of African descent to the development of societies around the world; underscored the significance in giving visibility and recognition to the countless Afro-communities found in unexpected parts of the world; and informed the audience of how organizations such as the United Nations, Organization of American States, National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History are helping to advance the agenda of the International Decade of People of African Descent (2015-2024). An exhibit produced by the Department’s Education Outreach Section titled Remember Slavery: Recognition, Justice and Development to mark the Programme’s tenth anniversary and highlight the objectives of the Decade was displayed at both events.
Exhibit "Remember Slavery: Recognition, Justice and Development", Photo: DPI
George Washington University event, Photo: DPI
Exhibit "Remember Slavery: Recognition, Justice and Development", Photo: DPI
George Washington University event, Photo: DPI
George Washington University event, Photo: DPI
Assistant Secretary General Nestor Mendez makes opening remarks at OAS event, Photo: OAS
Panel at OAS event, Photo: OAS
Audience at OAS event, Photo: OAS
The Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Socio-Economic Contributions of People of African Descent
30 March 2017 – Whereas the cultural impacts of people of African descent tend to be well recognized around the world, their contributions to the economic and social development of societies, from the time of the transatlantic slave trade to the present, should be better known. That was why the United Nations Department of Public Information hosted a briefing for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on 30 March 2017 titled "The Transatlantic Slave Trade and the Socio-Economic Contributions of People of African Descent."
Organized by the Education Outreach Section’s Remember Slavery Programme in partnership with the NGO Relations, Advocacy & Special Events Section, the event was held in the Economic and Social Council Chamber at United Nations Headquarters in New York and was moderated by Professor Abena P. A. Busia of Rutgers University. The panelists included: Dr. Joseph E. Inikori, a professor and economic historian from the University of Rochester; Mr. Cy Richardson, Senior Vice President for Economics and Housing Programs at the National Urban League in New York; Professor Verene A. Shepherd of the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, in Jamaica; and Dr. Ben Vinson III, Dean of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences of The George Washington University in Washington, DC.
Dr. Vinson focused on the many historical contributions of people of African descent across the Spanish speaking Americas. Calling Latin America “a case of Black success,” he described the significant role that people of African descent played in the development of the colonial world, which later became the foundation of modern Latin American societies. One lesser known contribution that he highlighted was military service. He posited that the role that Black people played in conquering the New World gave rise to a legacy of military service that would endure throughout the colonial period. He said, “Prior to 1700, the bulk of the Spanish world's armed forces were staffed by men of colour, who used their special military relationship with the king to lobby for privileges that made their lives better, and that improved the fortunes of their families.”
In her presentation, Professor Shepherd chose to focus on the contemporary situation in the Caribbean. She provided clear examples of how survivors of the transatlantic slave trade in the Caribbean developed economic enterprises, contributed to the development of European countries, created wealth and increased regional commerce. However, the profits they generated from plantation production enriched European institutions while impoverishing the Caribbean. Highlighting social contributions in such areas as architecture, culture, language, fashion, cuisine, spirituality, philosophy, place names and folktales, she stressed that the most significant legacies were in the areas of resistance, the ideology of freedom and the constant search for respect, identity, justice, labour rights and gender equality.
Dr. Inikori presented on the economic contributions of people of African descent in Brazil and the United States. He made the argument that the employment of enslaved Africans in large-scale commodity production in the Americas from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries was central to the nineteenth century Atlantic economy and ultimately the global economy. He observed that, over the years, such knowledge has remained known only to a circle of historians. In that regard, he integrated data into his presentation to help make the convincing case that enslaved Africans and their descendants had paid a high cost for their contributions.
Mr. Richardson focused his presentation on the legacies of the United States’ civil rights movement and the continued struggle for equitable development. Richardson argued that “the ideals, practices and tactics of that movement constitute a massive contribution of people of African descent in the United States as well as a blueprint of sorts for the broader international civil and human rights ecosystem.” He posited that, in addition to promoting political and civic engagement, the civil rights movement and the fight for racial equality helped to accelerate the further development of other key values of democratic life, such as tolerance, moderation, compromise and respect for opposing points of view. He also noted that one of the major outcomes and consequences of the movement was the election of former United States President Barack Obama but cautioned that this did not mean that we were seeing a “post-racial America.” He acknowledged that the struggle endured, and as the movement evolved, the focus was now on economic inequality and narrowing the racial wealth gap.
Given the importance of youth in the conversation, one event participant, Ms. Ruth Brinkley, representing Hip Hop for DPI and New Future Foundation Inc., offered a youth perspective. She spoke of the contradiction between the many significant contributions made by people of African descent to the development of societies around the world and the myriad struggles they continued to experience. She felt that educational institutions should focus not only on the traumatic events of the transatlantic slave trade but also on the positive contributions and leadership of people of African descent.
Following the presentations, the moderator guided the audience and panelists through a rich question and answer segment, which was dominated by youth participation. The briefing was well received by the audience, which included NGO representatives, students, educators, United Nations staff, diplomats and members of the general public.
(From left to right) H.E. Mr. Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the UN; H.E. Mr. José Luis Fialho Rocha, Permanent Representative of Cabo Verde to the UN; Prof. Verene Shepherd, University of the West Indies; Ms. Omyma David, UN Department of Public Information; Ms. Ruth Brinkley, Hip Hop for DPI and New Future Foundation Inc.; H.E. Ms. A. Missouri Sherman-Peter, Permanent Observer of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to the UN; Prof. Abena P. A. Busia, Rutgers University; Under-Secretary-General Cristina Gallach, UN Department of Public Information; Mr. Cy Richardson, National Urban League; Dr. Ben Vinson III, George Washington University; Dr. Joseph Inikori, University of Rochester
Resistance to and the Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
31 August 2016 – Although slavery was officially abolished long ago in the Americas, its residue can still be felt today. In order to combat the sometimes harmful legacies, it is important to learn the true nature of what happened, correct misconceptions and hold frank discussions on how to move forward. Those were some of the issues discussed today at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Participants were gathered for a lecture event entitled “Resistance to and the Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade”, which was hosted by the Department of Public Information’s Remember Slavery Programme and the Dag Hammarskjöld Library.
Opening remarks were delivered by Ramu Damodaran, Officer-in-Charge of the Department’s Outreach Division, who said, “As we reflect on the impact that the institution of slavery has had on society, we can see that much work has to be done to heal the scars”. He also highlighted ongoing racism and inequalities experienced by people of colour, as well as their struggle for recognition and justice.
Also speaking was Marie Paule Roudil, Director of the Liaison Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in New York. She noted that the fight against racism and discrimination needed to start with the teaching of respect and tolerance. She added that it was necessary to share the common history of all humanity – including its most tragic chapters. In that regard, she highlighted the unique potential of cinema to foster such understanding.
During her keynote presentation, Natasha Lightfoot, Associate Professor of History at Columbia University, drew attention to numerous examples of resistance to slavery, stressing that such efforts “indicated unyielding desires for freedom” and contributed to anti-slavery debates in the past. In that context, she maintained that “slaves were the authors of the abolition”. She also drew connections between the Haitian revolution, slavery in the United States and the conditions faced by people of colour in the Americas today.
The lecture sparked a number of questions. In response to one on reparations, Professor Lightfoot responded that all aspects of public life had been touched by slavery, so she believed that this wrong should be repaired. "It has gone on far too long without an acknowledgement", she said. When asked what an apology by a country that had been involved in slavery would be worth without reparations, she indicated that, while it would certainly be welcome, it would not be nearly enough.
Replying to another question about how youth could be inspired to seek awareness of the true nature and legacy of slavery, Ms. Lightfoot stressed that it was critical to talk about such issues and share real stories. She also underscored the importance of using the term “enslaved peoples” as opposed to just “slaves” in order to remember the victims’ humanity and not fall into the trap of thinking of them as goods that were bought and sold.
This event was part of a lecture series being held across the United States from 21 August to 30 October 2016. The knowledge- and community-building initiative – which brought together the United Nations, the American Library Association, Fox Searchlight Pictures and BazanED – aimed to examine the lasting effects of the injustices of the transatlantic slave trade. It was inspired by Nate Parker’s film The Birth of a Nation, and commemorated the duration of the history-changing slave rebellion launched by the film’s subject, Nat Turner, on 21 August 1831. In addition to marking the 185th anniversary of Turner’s rebellion, it was also tied to the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed annually by UNESCO on 23 August.
UNESCO’s Slave Route project was launched in 1994 and aims to contribute to a better understanding of the causes, forms of operation, stakes and consequences of slavery in the world; highlight the global transformations and cultural interactions that have resulted from this history; and contribute to a culture of peace by promoting reflection on cultural pluralism, intercultural dialogue and the construction of new identities and citizenships.
Natasha Lightfoot, Associate Professor of History at Columbia University; Ramu Damodaran, Officer-in-Charge of the UN Department of Public Information's Outreach Division; Marie Paule Roudil, Director of the Liaison Office of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in New York
Lecture on "“Resistance to and the Impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade”, UN Headquarters in New York, 31 August 2016
The Musical Journey of the African Diaspora
Prof Craig Boyd, Dr. Melissa Gonzales, Dr.Marta Moreno Vega, Prof. Peter Manuel, and Ms. Kimberly Mann
14 April 2016 -- Enslaved people carried with them many valuable skills and useful knowledge that helped to build the societies in which they found themselves during the Transatlantic Slave Trade. In many cases, experts told participants at an event on “The Musical Journey of the African Diaspora” held on 14 April 2016 at New York Headquarters, the rhythms and musical traditions they brought with them from their homeland were essential to their survival and maintaining their identity.
As one travels through the African Diaspora, music and dance considered to be indigenous is largely reminiscent of the African continent, yet not everyone recognizes this fact. The next step in this musical journey is to document the African origins of these art forms. That process of remembering will help people recognize the creativity and contributions of Africans while enjoying the music that they have adopted today as their own.
“We have to see each other, in each other, and make the connections,” said Dr. Marta Moreno Vega, moderator of the panel and founder and president of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute in New York City. Dr. Vega said the study of Africa and the African diaspora, impeded by colonialism, is still in as nascent state. “The United Nations can help us make these connections.”
She said the creativity and innovation African slaves used under unbearable conditions to remember their musical traditional was miraculous, “It was understanding spirit,” she added.
Part of the 2016 annual observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the briefing was organized by the Department of Public Information’s Education Outreach Section in partnership with the NGO Relations and Advocacy Section.
In response to audience members disturbed by the lack of recognition of the link between Africa and many types of music and dance in the world, Professor Craig Boyd, of Suffolk County Community College, believes it’s important to share these traditions broadly. “We must also educate students about the origin of the sounds that were woven into gospel, jazz, blues and rock and roll and other popular musical styles in the United States”, he said.
Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, who teaches at Hunter College and Montclair State University, said technology, unimpeded by funding and bureaucracy, can be used to create playlists of music and other information to help young people know how the contemporary songs they listen to every day have their roots on the African continent. Dr. Gonzalez gave an overview of how African music and dance are reflected in the samba in Brazil, the tango in Argentina and the Cumbia in Colombia.
Dr. Peter Manuel, a professor of ethnomusicology at John Jay College and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, explained how Africans created new instruments, such as the steel pan in Trinidad, in the face of opposition by government officials. He also traced the many types of rhythms and instruments that are popular in the Caribbean but are of of African origin, such as the Congo drum, Bata drums and the Mbria.
Remembering Slavery: From Bunce Island to the Americas
A group photo of panellists and speakers from today's special event on the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (UN Photo/Rick Bajornas)
24 March 2016 -- Tens of thousands of African slaves were captured and transported to the Americas from Bunce Island, Sierra Leone during the transatlantic slave trade. Preservation of the site is key to preserving the links and bonds that exist between the descendants of these slaves and their ancestral home. Many of these slaves were skilled rice workers who helped to shape the economy, culture, history and language of the Gullah culture of the sea islands of Georgia and South Carolina, Nova Scotia and Jamaica.
The Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone organized a panel discussion and performance on 24 March 2016 at United Nations Headquarters in New York in observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade to examine this history. Titled “ The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Constructing New Amistad, Bunce Island, Gullah, Maroon and Nova Scotia Bridges,” the event was co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations, the Sierra Leone Monuments and Relics Commission and the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme.
H.E. Mr. Vandi Chidi Minah, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, explained that building bridges can help commemorate the shift from enslavement to comprehensive cultural and political emancipation for people of colour. “Today is about celebration and commemoration,” Ambassador Minah said. “Today is about not only acknowledging the past, but building on the past to create the future.” Opening remarks were also delivered by Ms. Cristina Gallach, Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information, and H.E. Miss Shorna- Kay Richards, Deputy Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations.
About 400,000 victims of the transatlantic slave trade hailed from Sierra Leone, Dr. Sylviane A. Diouf, Director of the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture of the New York Public Library, told the audience. The West African country holds a unique place in the transatlantic slave trade because it was at the confluence of several migratory movements. “It was a place of departure, a place of return, a place of exile and a place a refuge,” said Dr. Diouf, who moderated the panel.
Remembering history comes with a responsibility to the present and future, Dr. Diouf said. By recognizing landmarks of suffering, resistance, resilience and creativity, the past can be linked with the present and future, she added.
The panellists included Mr. Al Marder, President of the Amistad Committee, New Haven, Connecticut; Dr. Bernard Powers, Professor of History, College of Charleston, South Carolina and Board Member of the International African American Museum (IAAM); Ms. Isatu Smith, Chair of the Sierra Leone Monuments and Relics Commission was represented by Mr. Melbourne Garber; Dr. Christopher DeCorse, Professor of Anthropology, Maxwell School, Syracuse University; and Mr. Roy Anderson, director and producer of the films Akwantu: The Journey and Queen Nanny: Legendary Maroon Chieftainess. Ron Daise, singer/songwriter and former Chair of the federal Gullah/Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor Commission, performed several songs.Dr. Sylvester Rowe, former Deputy Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, played a key role in the organization of the event.
"Truth: Women, Creativity and Memory of Slavery"
5 October 2015 -- The power of visual, literary and performing arts was centre stage at a roundtable discussion on 5 October 2015 on Truth: Women, Creativity and Memory of Slavery at Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus in New York. The event, organized by the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme in partnership with Fordham University, was one in a series on Women and Slavery, the 2015 theme chosen by the United Nations to honour the struggle of enslaved women during the Transatlantic Slave Trade and their heroic efforts to resist the institution of slavery and pass on their rich cultural heritage from Africa to their children.
The Truth: Women, Creativity and Memory of Slavery panel brought together artists and scholars to discuss the creative works of enslaved women throughout the African diaspora, and examined how their art was used to express, endure, survive and liberate – both themselves and their people. Through their presentations, the panel also shared various ways contemporary women artists of African descent have creatively represented the experience of enslaved women and explored what the world today can learn about the emancipating power of creativity.
In her opening remarks, Kimberly Mann, Chief, Education Outreach Section of the Department of Public Information, told the packed auditorium, which included UN staff and diplomats as well as faculty and students, about the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme’s commitment to help young people learn from this history in order to help fight racism and prejudice today. Mann also reminded the audience that countless stories of enslaved women’s heroism and valour in the face of unimaginable cruelty remain untold.
The discussion was moderated by Dr. Aimee Meredith Cox, Cultural Anthropologist and Professor of African and African American Studies at Fordham University. The panellists included: Dr. Deborah Willis - Chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University; Dr. Nicole R. Fleetwood, Associate Professor, Department of American Studies and Director of the Institute for Research on Women at Rutgers University, New Brunswick campus; Yolanda Arroyo Pizarro - award winning novelist, short story writer and essayist; Gabriela Salgado- Independent Contemporary Art Curator & Consultant in Europe and Latin America, Iyunolu Osagie- Associate Professor of English at Pennsylvania State University and Dr. Yuko Miki Assistant Professor of Iberian Atlantic History at Fordham University. Each presenter underscored the role of the arts in helping to ensure that enslaved women are given greater visibility in historical narratives which tends to focus only uprisings led by men.
High-level Panel Discussion Highlights the General History of Africa Project
10 July 2015 -- The Department of Public Information and UNESCO held a high-level panel discussion on “The General History of Africa: Learning and Teaching about African Heritage" in New York on 10 July 2015. The aim of the pedagogical project is to elaborate common contents for use in primary and secondary schools in Africa and the Diaspora, and develop teaching materials for introduction in to national curricula. These materials will also include units on slavery and the slave trade.
Participants included Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, Mr. Maher Nasser, Officer-in-Charge of DPI, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil, the Senior Advisor of the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union and expert members of the Scientific Committee for the pedagogic use of the General History of Africa. The event was open to all and held in cooperation with DPI's Remember Slavery Programme.
Ms. Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, noted that Africa was the cradle of all humanity. “Better knowledge of African history is decisive to fostering global citizenship in today’s world,” she said. Maher Nasser, Officer-in-Charge of the Department of Public Information, moderated the event and emphasized that the history of the transatlantic slave trade should not be taught in isolation from the important contributions that Africans have made to humanity.
H.E. Mr. Macharia Kamau, Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations, eloquently emphasized how essential this project remains to countering the dominant Western perspective on the history of Africa. He stressed to participants that it was imperative that this project continue to receive strong support.
H.E. Mr. Guilherme Patriota, Deputy Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, noted that this project is of particular importance for Brazil since it is the country with the largest number of people of African descent outside of Africa. In his view, the project was a crucial step in shaping a new level of awareness and knowledge concerning an essential element of Brazil's identity as a society and as a nation.
Mr. Adonia Ayebare, Senior Advisor, Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations, highlighted the importance of teaching an African version of history that emphasizes solidarity, political and economic integration, as well as the important African contributions to humanity. He offered
Reflecting on the General History of Africa project, the panel members presented their views on the successes and challenges of a project that has spanned over 35 years and involved more than 230 historians and the 54 countries in Africa.
Mr. Ali Moussa Iye, Chief History and Memory for Dialogue Section, UNESCO, noted that the project is “proposing an African perspective to this history.” While noting the challenges of integrating common contents in all African curricula and of drafting volume IX which will contribute to renewing knowledge in African history, he said, “the hope is that it will make a great contribution to the International Decade for People of African Descent and be a user-friendly resource.”
Mr. Jean-Michel Mabeko-Tai, Professor of History at Howard University, said that the aim of the project was really about giving African children a perspective that they are the citizens of the future united Africa. He stressed the relevance and importance of the project.
Professor Lily Mafela, speaking from the University of Botswana in Gaborone, a member and rapporteur of the Scientific Committee for the Pedagogic Use of the General History of Africa, said that the project promoted a positive perspective, tackling negativity about Africa’s past, which would help youngsters develop a sense of pride in their history. Professor Mafela noted that by working closely with UNESCO, the project would build bridges for Africans across the world.
Echoing the message of other panellists about the importance of providing a broader perspective on African history, Professor Mamadou Diouf, member of the editorial team of the Book II of Volume IX of the GHA: Beyond the Slave trade and slavery: Reconnecting with the African history, highlighted the importance of training the next generation of teachers to ensure the complexity of the history of Africa is understood.
Following the presentations, the panel members held a vibrant interactive discussion with the audience on various issues. The discussion was attended by more than 125 participants, including diplomats, academic experts, teachers, civil society groups and staff members.
In 1964, UNESCO launched the General History of Africa project with a view to remedy the general ignorance on Africa’s history. The challenge consisted of reconstructing Africa’s history, freeing it from racial prejudices ensuing from slave trade and colonization, and promoting an African perspective.
