December 29, 2008

Hujambo (greetings) Africans of the Diaspora:

This has been a very satisfactory year for the entire system of WADU in 2008. I have seen an appreciable spread of interests and support for our movement. Never before has so much interests by the Diaspora in African affairs been evinced throughout, groups, associations, individuals and the media. I am particularly pleased to see the work and interest achieved by our women. They have not only assisted greatly in attending and preparation of meetings in many countries and cities, but they have also in increasing numbers brought out their young children and grandchildren to meetings.

At my age (92 on January 19, 2009), I am constantly invigorated whenever I see young people preparing themselves to carry on the torch of Pan Africanism, our history and the legacy handed down to us by our foreparents. We have witnessed in the past year hopeful triumphs that many thought they would not witness in their lifetime. Yes, we can all enjoy the smell of victory, but let me take this opportunity to issue a warning. Let us in this moment of euphoria not be lulled into a false state of complacency that all our troubles are over and that all the injustices that have overshadowed us in the past is gone forever. The price of Justice is Eternal Vigilance. At a time when we are challenged by so many downturns and difficulties in our daily lives, we have now the clear duty and opportunity to save the next generation.

This is an age of Enlightenment. Enlightenment leads us to the Truth. History is the endless path along which Culture and Development travels. At this definitive moment of time, let us realize our good fortune and remember that wise men learn from history and do not fester over injustices of the past. The Future begins today. We must change the present global order and can do so if we believe in our own ability to achieve our goals. It is our duty to readjust the gross imbalances in our society. We must replace the culture of materialism and greed with those of spirituality and altruism. Start by looking at your neighbor and realize that we are our sister and brother’s keeper.

The World African Diaspora Union is sincerely urging you to break down the walls of bigotry and racism that divides us and utilize the power and forces that lies within us to establish a New Global Order based on Justice and Equality for All. We, who started civilization in the Motherland, must not feel daunted by the noble task before us.

Members of WADU, you have in each one of you the inherit genes of our forefathers and foremothers to achieve greatness. Your reward is the opportunity it offers you to make this world a better place. Let us resolve now to move together in 2009. Reach out and bring your friends and sisters and brothers into the World African Diaspora Union. Let me stress that our goal is to establish a new global order of Justice and Equality for All. Our next Summit is July 2009. Please visit our website for updates at WWW.WADUPAM.ORG.

Yours most sincerely,

Dudley Thompson.

President of WADU