Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Date/ Time: Time: Wednesday, April 16, 2025 @ 8:00 - 9:30 EST (US & Canada)

Sponsoring Agencies: ICSWG, Samuel Dewitt Proctor Conference, Bread for the World (USA), Mimosa Midwives, Advocacy for Africa Network (AdNA), MT Legal Research and Consulting LLC

Language: English

Description
Today, many African nations, Pan-African nations of African Descent, and minority communities of Pan African Peoples in other nations face the reality of geo-political shifts in addition to issues like excessive indebtedness, which threatens political stability and economic sovereignty. Women and girls of Africa and African Descent, youth and children are further marginalized from livable wages and wealth.
This panel will discuss present-day challenges faced by people of Africa and African Descent and how these challenges inform and engage and help cohere the work of the UN eight mechanisms. The side event will further propose recommendations as calls for action.
Location: The Church Center for the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, 11^th floor Conference Room, New York, New York and Online (Hybrid)

Contact: Reverend Dr. Angelique Walker, Mrs. Dunia Mekonnen Tegegn, Co-Leads Advocacy,
Co-Lead Advocacy, ICSWG PFPAD
Duniategegn@gmail.com,  awalker-smith@bread.org

Panelists 

1. Ms. Priscilla Ankrah: Priority Africa,      The Moment of Now and the Geo-Political Shifts 
2. Sister June Lewis,   The Church of England, Reparatory Justice and Faith
3. Dr. Steven Rogers, Africa Faith and Justice Network (AFJN), Trade, Debt Relief and AGOA/AWEP
4. Mr. Cameron Clarke,  ICSWG Youth Sub - Committee , Caribbean Youth Activist
   
   Moderator: Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith, Bread for the World, Strategist for Pan-African &Orthodox Faith Engagement

Registration for In Person and Online Participation:
 https://bread-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/AoSVX-qrRX21S8xu5Yi5cQ *

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting or join in person. *

Event Title: Afrodescendant Women and Reproductive Justice: Knowledge, Barriers, and Strategies for Health Equity in Latin America (Colombia, Brazil)

Date and Time: Wednesday 16th 11:30am-12:45pm

Sponsoring Organizations: Ilex Acción Jurídica1 (Colombia), National Federation of Traditional Midwives2 (Colombia), Conectas (Brazil)3

Language(s): Spanish and Portuguese

Location: UN Headquarters, conference room CRA

Event Description
Afro descendant women in Latin America face structural inequalities that limit their access to sexual and reproductive health, restricting their autonomy and rights. Structural racism in healthcare systems disproportionately affects their access to essential services such as Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVE), prenatal care, and culturally sensitive obstetric support. This event will highlight the structural inequalities that Afro descendant women in Latin America face
in accessing sexual and reproductive health services, including Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy (IVE), prenatal care, and culturally sensitive obstetric support. The discussion will focus on how structural racism within healthcare systems in Colombia and Brazil disproportionately affects these women and will explore legal and policy strategies to advance health equity. A key component of this event is the recognition of Afro descendant midwifery as an ancestral and community-based practice essential for maternal health and the right to healthcare. We will advocate for the implementation of inclusive and anti-racist public policies that ensure equitable access to reproductive health services.

Beyond addressing barriers, this event is designed to have a meaningful impact in advancing the visibility and recognition of Afro descendant women's and girls' rights. By bringing together advocates, experts, and policymakers, we aim to strengthen advocacy efforts that demand structural changes in healthcare systems, promote the legal recognition of traditional Afrodescendant midwifery, and push for public policies that dismantle racial discrimination in
reproductive health services.

Additionally, this space will serve to reinforce regional and international networks that work towards reproductive justice and health equity for Black women and girls. By amplifying these issues at a high-level international forum, we seek to elevate the voices of Afro descendant women, ensuring their rights and experiences are central to global discussions on racial and gender justice.

Objectives
Raise awareness of the situation of Afro descendant women regarding sexual and reproductive health, emphasizing the structural barriers they face in Colombia and Brazil.

Denounce racial discrimination in healthcare systems and promote political and legal advocacy strategies to guarantee equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Reclaim Afro descendant midwifery as an ancestral practice that ensures the right to health for Black women and their communities.

Strengthen collaboration networks among Afro descendant organizations, activists, and health experts to enhance advocacy efforts within the United Nations agenda on health equity.

Event Format:
• Panel Discussion: Experts from Black women’s organizations in Brazil, the National Federation of Afro-Colombian Midwives, and Ilex will share analyses on Afro descendant women's access to healthcare.
• Open Dialogue: A space for experience-sharing and collective strategy-building.
• Conclusions and Recommendations: Presentation of a joint statement with proposals for the protection and promotion of Afro descendant women’s sexual and reproductive rights.

Proposed Panelists:
• Representative from Ilex Acción Jurídica (Colombia): Access to justice and strategic litigation in defense of Black women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
• Representative from a Black women's organization in Brazil: Analysis of the Brazilian context and advocacy strategies in health policy.
• Member of the National Federation of Afro-Colombian Midwives: Experiences in midwifery within Afrodescendant communities and demands for recognition.

Event Agenda (11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.)

11:30 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | Opening Remarks
• Welcome by event moderator
• Brief introduction to the topic and objectives of the session

11:35 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. | Panel Discussion
• 11:35 – 11:45 a.m.: Representative from Ilex Acción Jurídica (Colombia) – Access to justice and strategic litigation in defense of Black women’s sexual and reproductive
rights.
• 11:45 – 11:55 a.m.: Representative from a Black women's organization in Brazil – Analysis of the Brazilian context and advocacy strategies in health policy.
• 11:55 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.: Member of the National Federation of Afro-Colombian Midwives – Experiences in midwifery within Afrodescendant communities and demands for recognition.

12:10 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Open Dialogue & Strategy Discussion
• Experience-sharing and collective strategy-building among attendees.
• Discussion on regional and international advocacy strategies.
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Conclusions and Recommendations
• Presentation of a joint statement with proposals for the protection and promotion of Afrodescendant women’s sexual and reproductive rights.
• Call to action for stakeholders, policymakers, and international institutions. Expected Outcomes
• Strengthening of advocacy networks and collaboration among Afrodescendant organizations in Latin America and international actors.
• Generation of proposals for the official recognition of Afrodescendant midwifery as an essential healthcare practice within public health systems.
• Increased visibility of reproductive justice issues affecting Afrodescendant women and girls at international human rights forums.
• Development of policy recommendations for governments and international institutions to advance equitable healthcare access and anti-racist health policies.

Contact:
Audrey Karina Mena Mosquera
Co-founder, Ilex Acción Jurídica
Email: amena@ilex.com.co

____

1 Is a Colombian organization dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of Afro-descendant communities, focusing on racial, economic, and gender justice. Through research, strategic litigation, and advocacy, it works to guarantee rights and transform public policies.
2 Represents and supports Afro-descendant and Indigenous traditional midwives. It focuses on promoting intercultural
childbirth, preserving ancestral knowledge, and ensuring access to maternal healthcare with a community-based and differential approach.
3 Is a Brazilian organization that promotes social justice and human rights in the Global South. Through litigation, advocacy, and strengthening civil society actors, it works to combat inequalities and promote democracy and access to justice across Latin America.

DATE: Wednesday 14 April 2025 from

TIME: 13:15 a.m. to 14:30 p.m.

LOCATION: UN Headquarters, Room CRE

CONTACTS:
Amara Enyia: amara.enyia@glanpad.org
Chenai Kadungure: chenai.kadungure@glanpad.org
Raphaella Ayina: secretariat@glanpad.org

GLANPAD is a network of international human rights lawyers and practitioners of African descent around the world. GLANPAD’s proposed mission is to dismantle systemic barriers and achieve reparatory justice, environmental justice, social and global justice for Africans and people of African descent through the synergy of strategic litigation and advocacy. The goal is to build a global network that facilitates collaboration, shares critical knowledge, enhances capacity, and supports unified actions around litigation and advocacy across continents. By connecting the African continent with its Diaspora in a uniting and powerful force, GLANPAD strives to establish a comprehensive reparatory justice agenda that leads to concrete and enduring change.

GLANPAD launched during the 3^rd Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent and since then, has formed a Steering Committee and 5 working groups building toward its mission. GLANPAD seeks to hold a side event at the 4^th session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to further build on the establishment of a global network, begin to share its strategy around the nexus of strategic litigation and advocacy, and to conduct a consultation on potential case types and approaches for strategic litigation related to reparatory justice.
GLANPAD seeks a venue within UN headquarters that can serve at minimum 50 people for a period of 1.5 hours. At this time, the dates are subject to any availability that can be had between 9am and 6pmET and not to conflict with plenary sessions.

“Africa and People of African Descent: United for Reparatory Justice in the Age of 
Artificial Intelligence”
 
SIDE EVENT AT THE 4^th PERMANENT FORUM ON PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT


“Engaging Youth in Higher Academia: 
Launch of the Pan-African Student Course Congress”
 
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST)
The side event will be held in English but open to all languages


LOCATION: Online Webinar
ZOOM

The Pan-African Student Congress welcomes student organizations centered around people of African descent to join us as we launch the Pan-African Student Course Congress. This is a chance to better learn about P.A.S.C, its mission, and a better way to connect different Black University Organizations and students. This side event is tailored for individuals aged 35 and under in Black university organizations.

This event is sponsored by the Pan-African Student Congress and International Civil Society Working Group Youth SubCommittee. 
RSVP at the following link: https://forms.gle/k39udskWeLrQMMEZ7

Contact:
Miles Henderson, amiles.henderson@gmail.com
Cameron Clarke, diaspora2caribbean@gmail.com

Title of the side event:  EDUCATION STRATEGY SESSION                                                                                            Developing Saturday Schools for Africa and Youth of African Descent, Globally

Date, time and time zone of side event:                                                                                                                      Wednesday, April 16, 2025, | 1:00 pm -3:00 pm (ET- New York)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies:
International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG) 
 
Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words):                                                                                      
This session explores International Saturday Schools, empowering youth of African descent globally with African-centered education. Highlighting SEA Saturday School in Benin as a model, it emphasizes curricula teaching history, heritage, and community engagement. Key focuses include language preservation through indigenous language education and materials, and creating an academic pipeline inspired by Harriet Tubman’s principle—supporting students' advancement to uplift communities. Actionable steps: Implement the SEA model to expand Saturday Schools globally, develop mother-tongue resources, and establish academic pipelines for lifelong student support, fostering leadership and community connection among African-descended youth.                                                                            
Location of the side event (or website for registration, for events held online). For
online events, kindly ensure to send the connection link to facilitate participants’
access. Hybrid – In-person and on Zoom
Zoom Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K7Dsl4yeStWZnacgv_4TgA

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details)
Submitted by: ICSWG Programs Co-lead Prophet N. Anyanwu Cox, R.N (MO)., M.Ed.,
Email: anyanwu1950@gmail.com | Permission to publish given

Any visual you may have to enhance your event promotion, i.e., flyers, posters, or related materials. PANELIST: Dr. Sheila Walke, anthropologist, educator. Dr. Valerie F. Hunt (Implements a SEA model Saturday School in Benin, Africa), Dr. Julianne Malveaux economist, educator, and public policy analyst., Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, Afrofuturist

Weblink for any further information: https://iwgpfpad.mn.co/spaces/9306480/feed

Title of the side event:  EDUCATION STATEGY SESSION                                                                                                                                                              
Developing Saturday Schools for Africa and Youth of African Descent, Globally
Date, time and time zone of side event:                                                                                                                      Wednesday, April 16, 2025, | 1:00 pm -3:00 pm (ET- New York)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies:
International Civil Society Working Group (ICSWG)
 
Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words):                                                                                        This session explores International Saturday Schools, empowering youth of African descent globally with African-centered education. Highlighting SEA Saturday School in Benin as a model, it emphasizes curricula teaching history, heritage, and community engagement. Key focuses include language preservation through indigenous language education and materials, and creating an academic pipeline inspired by Harriet Tubman’s principle—supporting students' advancement to uplift communities. Actionable steps: Implement the SEA model to expand Saturday Schools globally, develop mother-tongue resources, and establish academic pipelines for lifelong student support, fostering leadership and community connection among African-descended youth.                                                                            
Location of the side event (or website for registration, for events held online). For
online events, kindly ensure to send the connection link to facilitate participants’
access. HYBRID – In-person Location: Church Of the Covenant, 310 East 42nd Street, New York, New York and Virtually on Zoom, Zoom Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/K7Dsl4yeStWZnacgv_4TgA

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details)
Submitted by: ICSWG Programs Co-lead Prophet N. Anyanwu Cox, R.N (MO)., M.Ed., Email: anyanwu1950@gmail.com | Permission to publish given

PANELIST: Dr. Sheila Walke, anthropologist, educator. Dr. Valerie F. Hunt (Implements a SEA model Saturday School in Benin, Africa), Dr. Julianne Malveaux economist, educator, and public policy analyst., Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, Afrofuturist, Dr. Niamo Muid, Educator, Reparationist and Saturday School parent

(Optional) Weblink for any further information: https://iwgpfpad.mn.co/spaces/9306480/feed

Background
Reparatory justice for the enslavement and trafficking in Africans across the Atlantic between 1501 and 1867, subsequent colonization and ensuing diverse forms of segregation is a priority for all Africans and people of African descent. Separated from their families, their communities and their cultures, millions lost their liberty, their identity, their religion, as they were physically, sexually, and psychologically abused, subjected to degrading and dehumanizing treatment, too many for the rest of their lives. They left families and communities that were torn apart, fearful, and scarred physically, materially, and psychologically. The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (1998) claims jurisdiction over crimes against humanity, including those of enslavement, forcible transfer of population, torture, apartheid and other inhumane acts among crimes against humanity.

Reparatory justice is grounded in principles of natural justice. It is the right of remedy for any person or people subjected to harm. Reparations have been provided to victims and their descendants of the Holocaust, Japanese internment, apartheid, and forced sterilization. In recent years, there has been discussion of reparations for Ukrainians following the conflict with Russia. General Assembly Resolution 60/147 of December 2005, Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law, recalling the provision of Article 75 of the Rome Statute among others, outlines the parameters for reparations including that statutes of limitations shall not apply to gross violations of international human rights law and serious violations of international humanitarian law which constitute crimes under international law (Section IV). There seems, therefore, the legal basis for the pursuit of reparatory justice for Africans and people of African descent for the enslavement, trafficking, colonization and various forms of apartheid to which they have been since 1501.

While there have been sporadic, and increasingly more concrete reparatory initiatives, in several countries, many of which at the instigation of civil society, they fall far short of a comprehensive, proportionate response – in scope, reach and depth – for the harm done to Africans and people of African descent. The perpetrators of enslavement, colonization and various forms of segregation of Africans and people of African descent were largely states and/or their governments, often with the full endorsement and blessing of religious autocracies and with the complicity of large commercial enterprises. History shows that the resistance and rebellion against these forms of oppression emanated from civil society, whether organized, spontaneous or at the prompting of indomitable individuals. Civil society has been at the forefront of raising awareness, informing and educating the public, and mobilizing material resources. Individually and collectively, civil society has played the role of activist, advocate and agitator, pushing governments and others to recognize, acknowledge and even take steps to apologise and offer redress for historical wrongs. Contemporary initiatives are being led by both governments and by civil society. This panel examines the role of civil society in the pursuit of reparatory justice, identifying gaps, lessons learned and the way forward in contemporary efforts, cutting across community, national and global efforts.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes of the Discussion
Panelists and participants are expected to share their perceptions and perspectives on

•The role(s) that civil society should play in the pursuit of reparatory justice;
•The ways and means to enable and empower the agency of civil society;
•The limits on and limitations of civil society;
•The comparative and/or competitive advantage of civil society; and,
•The complementarity between civil society and government.

The insights, suggestions and recommendations of this discussion will be shared widely to engender a much needed debate, discussion and discourse about the complementary roles of various actors at the international level. These insights will feed into the Working Group’s report to the Human Rights Council and 3rd Committee of the General Assembly, as well as to incentivize similar conversations across the globe about what can be done, what is being done, and what ought to be done to maximise efforts for reparatory justice in the 21st Century. It builds on thousands of conversation across the globe since the slave ships docked in the beautiful ports of West Africa centuries ago. It is a reflection of the inherent resilience of Africans and people of African descent and is a testimony to the resistance and rebellion that secured the end of the slave trade, colonization and multiple forms of segregation, and the foundation for the challenges still ahead to right these egregious historical wrongs.

About the Event
This event takes place on April 16, 2025, 13:15 – 14:30, in the margins of the 4th Session of the Permanent Forum on people of African descent in person in Room CRE. There will be five or six panelists who will respond to a series of questions, with comments and questions from participants. The observations and conclusions from the event will inform the Working Group’s ongoing work on reparatory justice.

About the Panelists
Georgia Boon
Director of Planning and Engagement
Church Commission for England
Georgia has spent over twenty-five years working in the third sector, primarily in supporter-facing and income generating roles focused on strategy, partnerships and planning. Her particular specialism is in working with stakeholders in co-design and co-creation. She is Programme Director for the Church Commissioners for England’s work to respond to links with African chattel enslavement.

Amb David Comissiong
Ambassador of Barbados to Caribbean Community
David Comissiong is the Barbados Ambassador to CARICOM. He is the former head of the Barbadian government’s Commission for Pan-African Affairs and the founder of the Clement Payne Movement. A vocal critic of imperial hegemony in the region, Ambassador Comissiong is one of the most important Pan-Africanists in contemporary Caribbean politics.

Dr Bina D'Costa
Chairperson/Rapporteur - UN WGEPAD
Professor - International RElations, Australia National University
Bina D’Costa is the current Chair of the United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent. She is a Professor at the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University. She has published many essays and seven books, including ‘Nation-building, Gender and War Crimes in South Asia’ & ‘Children and the Politics of Violence’. Bina previously led UNICEF’s migration and displacement program at UNICEF Office of Research focussing on the Horn of Africa, East Africa, Jordan, Lebanon, EU refugee emergency and on the surge mission in the Rohingya emergency. She has advised the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, OHCHR, International Crimes Tribunal, Bangladesh, and various civil society justice initiatives in Asia.

Dr Justice Alfred Mavedzenge
Programs Director: Africa Judges & Jurists Forum (AJJF)
Adjunct Senior Lecturer of Public

Side Event to the 4th Session of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent, UN Hqs NY

Date: 16th April 2025

Venue: Blue Gallery, The Blue Building, 222 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017

Time: 14:00 - 16:00 (NY time)

1. Background information
"Africa in Museum" is a Dialogue series on African heritage resources initiated in 2021 as part of activities of the 1st Decade of People of African Descent in Switzerland. It aims at mobilizing members of the African Diaspora as well as major stakeholders to visit museums and learn first-hand of the presence and provenance of African heritage resources in foreign museums and contribute positively to the dialogue on Restitution. Participants learn more about the importance and spiritual significance of African artifacts and the role of restitution in the process of Decolonization and Reparatory justice. It serves also as a forum for museums to inform on their various initiatives of research on provenance and dialogue with African countries. It is in line with "Reparatory Justice for Africa and People of African Descent" of the UN and the AU theme of the Year, and of Africa Day 2025, "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.

Refreshment is served.

To participate, please send us a mail with the following details:
- First & Surnames
- Name of organisation / institution
- Country and province (state) of residence
- WhatsApp number and E-mail

The language of the event is English.
Entry is free and open to all but with limited number of places, registration is obligatory.

Lead facilitator: Dozie Celeste Ugochukwu / WhatsApp: +41 79 476 74 83 contact@africancouncil.ch. / www.africancouncil.ch /www. africanfoundation.ch

ORGANISERS & PARTNERS 
- African Diaspora Council of Switzerland
- African Foundation for Migration and Development
- Trust Africa
- Bard CCE
- Nigeria Business Forum in Switzerland
- Afrika Vision
- Organization of Monarchies and Leaders of Africa
- MICIC / AME

2SCHEDULED PRESENTATIONS & SPEAKERS
SCHEDULE PRESENTATION SPEAKERS
10 mins Moderator, Introduction Karen Attiah, Washington Post
5 mins Opening remarks, Representative of Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN in NY
15 mins Keynote address, Angela Naa Afoley Odai, CIDO-AU Commission, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
45 mins Panelist H.E. Amb. Abubakr Jidda, Consul-General, Consulate General of Nigeria, New York
Panelist Representative of Open Society Foundation (tbc)
Panelist Ebrima Sall, TrustAfrica, Dakar, Senegal Panelist Dozie Celeste Ugochukwu, African Diaspora Council of Switzerland
Panelist Kim Poole Teaching Artist Institute, USA
15 mins Exchanges / Discussion / Aperitif Participants and panelists

Rapporteur Myron O. Sotunde-Adesina, International Civil Society Working Group for the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent (ICSWG UNPFPAD) Youth Sub-Committee - Regional Lead Italy

Workshop Title
SOLITUDE International Think Tank for black women and girls of African descent releases newest report "Reparations as Personhood"

Date and Time: Wednesday April 16th 2025 15:00 to 16:15pm

Sponsoring Organizations: SOLITUDE, Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign, Malcolm X Center for Self Determination

Language: English

Location: UN Headquarters, Room CRE
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gHoylxkgT9KwD8vOBShoQQ

Workshop Description
SOLITUDE, an international think tank dedicated to the research and methodology of black women/girls of African descent will present its newest report 'Reparations as Personhood'. The delegation of researchers will engage as a panel discussion analyzing their findings, methodology, and recommendations towards the repair, renewal and restoration of black women and girls of African descent. Cohort will conclude with various recommendations for black women of African descent across the Diaspora for the next 50 years.

Workshop Format: Panel Discussion, Audience Q&A, Recommendations

Panelists: Efia Nwangaza, Esquire Founder: Malcolm X Center for Self Determination/WMXP Community Radio Dr. Kwame-Osagyefo Kalimara: New Afrikan Peoples Organization/Malcolm X Grassroots Movement Elder and Co-Founder, Spelman College Lecturer Dr. Andrea Thomas: Researcher; Center for AI and Digital Policy

Contact: Tomiko Shine; Cultural Anthropologist
Founding Director; Aging People in Prison Human Rights Campaign
Principal Organizer; SOLITUDE
dcapphrc@gmail.com

Date, time, and time zone of the side event:
April 16, 2025, 4:00 p.m. (New York time / GMT-4)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity(ies):
• AfroLeaders Research Institute on Technology, Artificial Intelligence and Racial Equity
• AMUAFROC – Association of Afro-Colombian Women
• AfroLeaders Costa Rica

Language(s) in which the side event will be conducted:
Spanish (with English interpretation subject to availability)

Description of the side event (maximum 100 words):
This event will explore the impacts of algorithmic racism on Afro-descendant peoples and the threats posed by unregulated artificial intelligence to their collective rights. Drawing on proposals from Latin America and other regions, it will present alternatives such as ethnocoding and anti-racist regulatory frameworks. A technical, political, and community-centered dialogue will be encouraged with UN system actors and Afro-descendant youth.

Location of the side event:
Myriad USA Office, 551 5th Avenue, Suite 2400

In the case of a virtual or hybrid format, the access link will be shared in due course.
Name and email address of the main organizer:
Nathalie Cook Reyes - nathaliecook@afroleaders.org
Permission to publish contact details: Granted

__________________
Fecha, hora y zona horaria del evento paralelo:
16 de abril de 2025, 4:00 p.m. (hora de Nueva York / GMT-4)

Organización(es) o entidad(es) patrocinadora(s):
• Instituto de Investigación AfroLeaders en Tecnología, Inteligencia Artificial y Equidad Racial
• AMUAFROC – Asociación de Mujeres Afro Colombianas
• AfroLeaders Costa rica

Idioma(s) en el cual se llevará a cabo el evento paralelo:
Español (con interpretación al inglés sujeta a disponibilidad)

Descripción del evento paralelo (máximo 100 palabras):
Este evento explorará los impactos del racismo algorítmico sobre los pueblos afrodescendientes y las amenazas que la inteligencia artificial no regulada plantea para sus derechos colectivos. A partir de propuestas desde América Latina y otras latitudes, se presentarán alternativas como la etnocodificación y marcos normativos antirracistas. Se propiciará un diálogo técnico, político y comunitario con actores del sistema ONU y juventudes afrodescendientes.

Ubicación del evento paralelo: Myriad USA Office, 551 5th Avenue, Suite 2400

*En caso de modalidad virtual o híbrida, se compartirá el enlace de acceso oportunamente.*
Nombre y dirección de correo electrónico de la persona organizadora principal:
Nathalie Cook Reyes
nathaliecook@afroleaders.org
Autorización para publicar datos de contacto: otorgada

Title: Anti-racist Education and the role of public policies: paths for racial equity

Date: April 16th

Time: 5:30 pm to 7pm (ET)

Location: Brazilian Foundation - 216 East 45th Street - Suite 1106 - New York - NY – 10017.

Organizations: 
SETA Project (ActionAid Brazil)
Uneafro/Brazil
Brazil Foundation
MIR (Ministry of racial equality/Brazil)
MRE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Brazil)
Observatório da Branquitude
Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES)

Language: Portuguese with English translation

Side event description:
The panel aims to discuss the importance of implementing anti-racist pedagogical practices in Brazilian education, highlighting how public policies can contribute to promoting racial equality in the educational system and in the society. For that, we will understand the strategies of the Brazilian State, of the NGO and the social movements. Furthermore, the table aims to analyses the public policies and discuss the experiences and challenges to implement these policies. 

SPEAKERS: 
Ana Paula Brandão (Actionaid/SETA Project)
Douglas Belchior (Uneafro)
Clédisson Junior (MIR)
Fabrício Araújo Prado (MRE)
Clélia Prestes (AMMA Psique e Negritude)
Manuela Thamani (Observatório da Branquitude)

Link to register: 
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_o4XygxLVnGaU094-OCFOkR3qHcBuQ9CQgXhL7r0BaY/edit

Title: #WithHaitian Refugees: Towards a Rights-based Framework for the Protection of
Haitians in Human Mobility in the Caribbean

Date: April 16, 2025

Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm Eastern Time

Sponsoring Organization. Freedom Imaginaries

Languages: English

Location:  Virtual Zoom Event

Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/WithHaitianRefugeesSideEvent

Contact for organizer: Malene Alleyne
malene@freedomimaginaries.org


Summary of Event:
This session will address the human rights situation of Haitians in human mobility in the Caribbean region, with a focus on asylum seeking women and girls. The event will also propose a rights-based regional framework and mechanism for the protection of Haitians in human mobility in the Caribbean in line with principles of humanitarian assistance, protection, cooperation, and international solidarity.

Register here: https://tinyurl.com/WithHaitianRefugeesSideEvent  

Title: Discussion on the US Department of Justice January 2025 Report on the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

Date, time and time zone: 16 April 2025 at 6:00 p.m., ET

Sponsoring entities: Black Public Media, Trinity University Press, The Mary Jones Parrish Reading Room for History Literacy

Language: English

Description: This January, the US Department of Justice released its report on the Federal investigation into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, a murderous military-style campaign that targeted Greenwood, Tulsa’s African American enclave. Although the moral case for reparations is clear, the legal basis is not: Relevant civil rights statutes did not exist at the time, and the perpetrators are long dead. The DOJ review relied on sources represented on the panel: Victor Luckerson, author of Built From the Fire; Lisa Fanning, genetic genealogist on the Tulsa Graves Investigation; and Anneliese Bruner, descendant of Tulsa massacre survivor and author Mary Jones Parrish.

Location: Online (Eventbrite); Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1spa0ME9RSm19f8simbbmg

Name and email address of the lead organizer: Anneliese Bruner, anneliese.bruner@gmail.com

Link: Descended From the Promised Land, a Black Public Media-supported documentary featuring massacre descendants’ reflections on what was lost to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Viewing this 20-minute film in advance will give attendees a grounding in the history of the catastrophe.

Event Title: The challenges of developing public policies for racial justice in the face of the rise of Christian nationalism in the Americas (Brazil, USA)

Date and Time: Wednesday, 16th | 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM (EST)

Sponsoring Organizations:

• Movimento Negro Evangélico do Brasil (Brazil)
• Ebenezer Baptist Church (USA)
• Fórum de Consciência Negra da IBAB (Brazil)
• Novas Narrativas Evangélicas (Brazil)
• Southern Center for Human Rights (USA)

Language(s): English and Portuguese

Location: The People's Forum – 320 W 37th St, New York, NY 10018

Registration:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd13s6-JTjnPZR0rRPtCzHbp85CYQnYke8D3dDRMl60lpzGdQ/viewform?usp=dialog
Must be completed at least 24 hours before the event.

Format: Hybrid (The link will be sent by email up to one hour before the event to registered participants)

Event Description:
We are witnessing the rise of supremacist movements that have historically targeted Afro-descendants and their efforts to advance human rights worldwide. This event will discuss the reactionary political agenda that seeks to block public policies against systemic racism in Brazil and the United States. Black religious leaders and civil society organizations from both countries will reflect on how these challenges impact Afro-descendant communities globally and explore solutions to counter them. Through dialogue and shared strategies, this discussion aims to strengthen resistance and promote policies that safeguard racial justice and human rights.

More information: www.mnebrasil.org
 

Global Circle for Reparations and Healing Introductory Forum

Date: Wednesday, April 16 Time: 6-8 p.m. EDT Format: Hybrid

Location: Church Center of the United Nations, 777 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017

Event Purpose
The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing (GCRH) is convening a forum to introduce its mission, expand its cohort, and provide an overview of its six strategic working groups. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with GCRH's initiatives and explore avenues for collaboration and membership.

Who We Are
Established in 2021, GCRH is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to reparations and healing for people of African descent worldwide. Our journey began when twenty-three organizations were selected by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation as part of its Equitable Recovery Grant Initiative. Recognizing the importance of unity, these organizations formed GCRH to amplify and support each other's work in the reparations movement.

The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing (GCRH) operates through six strategic working groups: Global Institutions, Structures & Economic Policy, Political Actors & Power Dynamics, Media & Narrative-Building, Partnerships and Movement Building, Interreligious Actors, and Inter and Intra-Community Healing.

Our Cohort
The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing is led by distinguished leaders committed to advancing reparatory justice and healing for people of African descent. Our co-conveners include Dr. Amara Enyia of Global Black and the Movement for Black Lives; Dr. Ron Daniels from the Institute of the Black World 21st Century and the National African American Reparations Commission, and Kamm Howard of Reparations United and the National African American Reparations Commission.

Call to Action
GCRH invites all Global African organizations and individuals engaged in reparatory justice efforts to join our global network. By uniting our efforts, we can advance an actionable reparations and healing agenda worldwide. Interested parties are encouraged to contact us through our website:

*For more information about The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing and to register for this event, please visit GCRH.org

Title of the side event:
Reparations Café: Embodied Integration for Reparatory Justice

Date, time and time zone of side event:
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
6:30-8:00 PM Eastern Time (EDT)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies:
Black Exhale

Language(s) in which the side event will be held:
English

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words):
Presented by Black Exhale, the Reparations Café offers a trauma-informed, embodied approach to processing and integrating the forum's intensive reparatory justice discussions. This 90-minute virtual session creates sanctuary to collectively process the intellectual content through guided somatic practices, facilitated dialogue, and witnessing exercises. Led by trained facilitators Antoinette Cooper and Jaden Ramsey, the session provides essential integration before the forum's final day. This model of reparations-in-practice offers practical tools that can be implemented in your communities and policy work beyond the forum.

“Without inner change there can be no outer change. Without collective change, no change matters.”
—angel Kyodo williams

Location of the side event:
Online via Zoom (Registration link: cafe.blackexhale.org)

Name and email address of the lead organizer:
Antoinette Cooper
antoinette@blackexhale.org
(Permission granted to publish contact details)

Optional: Weblink for further information
www.blackexhale.org

Topic: Addressing the Haitian Community’s Challenges in the Dominican Republic: History, Impact, and Global Response

Date/Time: Wednesday April 16,2025 @ 7pm-9pm) EST (US and Canada}

Sponsor/Agency: Let’s be Whole Inc.,

Language: English

Description: The panel on "The Haitian Community Situation in the Dominican Republic" will feature knowledgeable, culturally sensitive, and experienced presenters who will explore key topics, including the island’s history, the underlying causes of current challenges, and the role of impunity. The discussion will address civil society and government responses, accountability, and the impact on society, focusing on ways to help the Haitian community transition from a marginalized group to active, involved residents. Presenters will share relevant statistics, best practices for intervention, and strategies for the global community to effectively respond.

Location: WEBINAR

Contact: Marie E. Lemy, PhD, MPH, email: Dr.mlemy@gmail.com
Register: Meeting Registration - Zoom