Fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Title of the Event:
Voices United, Healing The Global Heart

Date & Time:
April 10, 2025, 9:00 AM Central (10:00 AM EST, 7:00 AM PST, 3:00 PM GMT)

Organized by:
Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival

Hosted by:
Princess Eulogia

Event Overview:
This side event, Voices United, Healing The Global Heart, aims to bridge the gap between the Garifuna diaspora and global communities, addressing reparatory justice, human rights, and economic inclusion for people of African descent. Through panel discussions and interactive Q&A, we will explore barriers preventing marginalized communities from monetizing social media platforms, highlighting how digital opportunities can empower women and girls to navigate motherhood and economic challenges. The conversation will further examine systemic racism in policy-making, the role of artificial intelligence in digital justice, and the intersection of culture, media, and economic sustainability.

Additionally, this event will highlight the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ acquisition of Balliceaux Island and its significance to the Garifuna people. The Garifuna delegations traveling to reconnect with their ancestral roots will also take part in these vital discussions. This gathering will serve as a platform to engage in transformative conversations that can shape the future of Garifuna descendants and the broader diaspora.
A crucial aspect of this discussion will be the connection between mental health and intergenerational historical trauma. The psychological impact of displacement, marginalization, and cultural erasure continues to affect the well-being of Garifuna descendants and other people of African descent. This event will explore how these historical traumas manifest in modern struggles, particularly for mothers raising children in challenging socio-economic environments. Addressing these issues through reparatory justice frameworks will provide a pathway toward healing, resilience, and empowerment.

The Second Decade: Development, Justice, and Recognition for Africans and People of African Descent
Topics to be Addressed:
Reparatory Justice for Africa and People of African Descent
Human Rights of Women and Girls of African Descent
Media, Journalism, and the importance and struggles of "relaying the message"  
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Justice for People of African Descent
Mental Health, Well-Being, and Intergenerational Trauma
Educational Aspects of Ancestral Knowledge and Preserving Cultural Heritage

Key Features:
Twin Islands St. Maarten/St. Martin reparations-themed conference
Participation from the Chairperson of the Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance
Participation from Africa: Secretary General of African Unity 6th Region Global & Economic Community African Six Region
CSO Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean
Acquisition of Balliceaux by the Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Government

Special Presentations:

1. The Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance will present its plan for building bridges between the Garifuna communities and Africa: The Journey of Return Opportunities
2. The AU6RG/ECASR will share information about the framework for engagement

Speakers:
Macaulay Kalu, Secretary General of African Unity 6th Region Global & Economic Community African Six Region
Amb. Okama Ekpe Brook, CSO Regional Director for Americas and the Caribbean
Chief Queen Mother Freda, CEO of Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival
Jacqueline Roberts FRSA, SV2G (St. Vincent and the Grenadines 2nd Generation) UK
Odenke Ibiang, Singer and Influencer from Ekori, Nigeria
& More

Format & Speakers:
The event will feature keynote speakers, panelists, and audience participation. A live Q&A session will encourage engagement from diverse stakeholders, including cultural organizations, policymakers, and technology advocates.

Contributing Entities:
SV2G
Mannequins N Motion
The Garifuna Museum of Los Angeles
El Museo Garifuna SAWAINA
Freedom Hair by Melony
Other supporting organizations providing public speakers, video clips, free giveaways, and advertising support.

Target Audience:
Global African and Caribbean Diaspora
The Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival
Museum and cultural organizations
Human rights advocates
Digital justice and AI experts
Women and girls of African descent seeking economic empowerment
Social media and content creators facing monetization barriers
Government representatives and policymakers invested in the Garifuna diaspora and reparatory justice
Mental health professionals and advocates focusing on intergenerational trauma

Accredited Media: Media representatives for the Fourth Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent

Language:
English (Some Spanish and Garifuna might be used).

Venue:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87942982480?pwd=bCTk9Ht6qpnEvzG0EB7Uwpmzo9AnEI.1
Meeting ID: 879 4298 2480
Passcode: 570935

Lead Organizer Contact:
Princess Eulogia
pr@mannequinsnmotion.com

Title of the side event –
“Researching Black Maternal Care – Embedding our Reproductive Human Rights”

Date, time and time zone of side event –
Friday April 11^th,  3pm -5pm BST  /  11:00 am – 1:pm EDT

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies –
‘Mothers and Midwives Across the Diaspora’ – ‘International Civil Society Working Group PFPAD’ -  ‘Mimosa Midwives’ 

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

Description of the side event (no more than 100 words) –
 
Childbirth has a lasting effect on all lives, but is surrounded by much mystery and complexities. African descendant mothers and their babies worldwide suffer some of the worst outcomes. This networking event invites delegates to hear from midwives and mothers in different regions who are at the forefront of ‘culturally safe’ initiatives to achieve profound improvements.
Be prepared to listen, to think deeply, to be curious in a safe and respectful conversational space of learning and sharing.
Thus we deepen our understanding of how we move towards protecting the human rights of women and girls both now and intergenerationally.

Location of the side event (or website for registration, for events held online). 
Zoom Webinar online link below
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iem7gIxsT4ScXxOAxH5TIQ

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details) – 
Lead Organiser - Elsie Gayle - Lead Midwife, ‘Mimosa Midwives’, Member of the International Civil Society Working Group for the PFPAD.
Email address - elsie_gayle@hotmail.com
 
Weblink for any further information –
https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/forums/forum-african-descent/sessions/session2/statements/PFPAD-session2-health-pnl-Elsie-Gayle.pdf

Title of the side event: REPARATIONS STRATEGY SESSION 
Reparations Panel of Experts– Guided Discussion based on past, present, & future reparation scenarios

Date, time and time zone of side event: Monday, April 14, 2025, | 7:00 pm -9:00 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 Guided Discussion panel utilizes an innovative format to maximize participation, engaging panelists and the audience through immersive, thought-provoking scenarios on reparations: the future achieved, the historical struggle, and the present opportunity. Panelists will respond based on their expertise, providing practical insights and visionary guidance, fostering dynamic cross-dialogue, and inspiring strategic and visionary thinking. The objective is to draw direct correlations between past, present, and future efforts, catalyze transformative strategies, and connect diverse perspectives to advance reparatory justice. Actionable step: Implement this model to deepen collaboration and inform reparations-focused frameworks and decision-making.

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. VIRTUAL ONLY via Zoom Webinar - Zoom Registration Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oL3uxnJIRaiNICP_Vwf2Dg#/registration
 
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

PANELISTS - Rev. Robert Turner – activist faith leader
Robin Rue Simmons – former city alderman implementing reparations in city
Dr. Cheryl Grills – former member of state-wide reparations Task Force
Nicole Carty – student and youth organizer for reparations
Kamm Howard – activist in global reparations movement
JAM Aiwuyor – communications and narrative change specialist
Kennis Henry – leader of long-standing national reparations coalition
Daniel Stein – diasporic perspective on reparations
Eric Philips – Guyana CARICOM representative
Moderator – Nkechi Taifa, Esq.

Title of the side event:  HEALTH and WELLBEING STRATEGY SESSION                                                                                                                                                              
Building the Movement for Reparatory Justice in Health Across Global Africa

Date, time and time zone of side event:                                                                                                                       Tuesday, April 15, 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 addresses the global impact of anti-Blackness on the health and well-being of people of African descent, sharing healing strategies and actionable solutions. It highlights growing pathways to wellness, aiming to connect knowledge, resources, and actions to build a thriving global African community. The focus is on overcoming the enduring effects of a traumatic past. Actionable steps: Expand access to culturally relevant healing initiatives, promote global resource-sharing networks, and advocate for structural changes to dismantle anti-Blackness, fostering a united, resilient, and healed community.         
                                                                               
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: Enola G. Aird, Esq., President Emerita, and Elder Griot of Community Healing Network, Dr. Sharon Bethea - President of the Association of Black Psychology, LilyX - The National Youth Co-Chair of N’COBRA., Moderator: Dr. Niamo A-Raheem – Founder of The HealMobile: Journey to Your True Self,

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

Title of the side event
The Main Focus is Reparatory Justice for Africa and People of African Descent as one of the four central topics of the 4th Session of the PFPAD.

Title: “Pan African Roots Synergy Conversation on Land rights for Indigenous Africans”1

Date, time and time zone of side event
Date: April 15th, Time: 7.30 PM – 9.30 PM (New York Time)

Main Organizers
The Kingdom of Kush in cooperation with the AUADS Sixth Region High Council
Co -Sponsored by
-Institution of Financial Unity
-Europe Pan African Forum for People of African Descent
-Europe Pan African Coalition on Reparatory Justice
-Guyana Reparation Commission
-EPAF-PAD Belgium
-National Platform Dutch Slavery Past (Associated Member of Caricom Reparation Commission)
-Tiye International
-KROTOASA Foundation South Africa
-National Reparation Commission NL

Language(s) in which the side event will be held
English. On basis of the registrations, decision will be made if translation in French, Spanish or Portuguese will be available.

Description of the side event

The Context
According to the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights “land is not a mere commodity, but an essential element for the realization of many human rights. Land is a cross-cutting issue that impacts directly on the enjoyment of a number of human rights. …. Land is also often linked to people's identities and so it is tied to social and cultural rights.” The UN WCAR 2001 declared the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery as crimes against humanity. As consequences of these acts, indigenous Africans lost their claim to land. This Event will focus on the Legal Framework, Regulations, Policies and Practices that present the case for Reparatory Justice. 2

Location of the side event .
Venue: 630SECOND New York 849 6th Avenue (https://www.eventective.com/new-york-ny/630-second-avenue-708362.html)
Registration: https://regislandright.eventbrite.com/

Name and email address of the lead organizer (and permission to publish the lead
organizer’s contact details)
email address: regislandright@gmail.com 


_________
1. We define Indigenous Africans as Africans who lost their land rights under Slavery as well as Colonialism. Also define as African Diaspora or People of African descent
2. Some sources
https://app.box.com/s/6vg48pr6jidp409cqpu8ydlg2fzi8jnx
https://www.actec.org/resource-center/video/40-acres-and-a-mule-reparations-and-the-estate-tax/#:~:text=%E2%80%9C40%20Acres%20and%20a%20Mule,resources%20for%20economic%20self%2Dsufficiency
https://unhabitat.org/sites/default/files/documents/2019-05/sg-guidance-note-on-land-and-conflict-march-2019-1.pdf

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

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.

Title of the side event: THE GARVEY TALKS : A Reparations Rap Session

Date, time and time zone of side event: Thursday April 17, 2025. 10:00am - 12:00pm (EST)

Sponsoring organization(s) or entity/ies: UNIA Jamaica; Institute of the Black World; First Repair; Justice Chapel; Teaching Artist Institute; National African-American Reparations Commission

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

Description of the side event
The Garvey Talks: Reparations Rap Session will focus on the theme “Reparatory justice for Africa and people of African descent”. The panel discussion will bring together reparation advocates from across the African Diaspora to discuss lessons learned, goals accomplished, and the collective path forward. Speakers will include representatives of the Caricom Reparations Commission and members of the National African-American Reparations Commission. The moderator will be Reverend Kobi Little, former head of the NAACP in Maryland and current Dean of Justice Chapel. This session will be held in Harlem, the headquarters of Pan-African icon Marcus Garvey over a century ago.

Location of the side event: HARLEM COMMUNITY BOARD 9
3291 BROADWAY | HARLEM
(BTWN 132ND & 133RD STREETS)
NEW YORK CITY

Name and email address of the lead organizer (w/permission to publish the lead organizer’s contact details): STEVEN GOLDING (President), UNIA JAMAICA. Email stevenbgolding@gmail.com