IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2010
During the World African Diaspora Union (WADU) State of the African Diaspora Forum in Atlanta, with the theme Renew, Restore and Rebuild, Reverend Dr. Jeremiah Wright warned the Black Church not to turn their back on Africa as they did at the past but that the Black Church in 21st must “renew its commitment to Africa” the Homeland of Africans scattered across the world. The forum was held at the historic Pan African Orthodox Christian Orthodox Church, Shrine of the Black Madonna in Atlanta, Georgia.The main purpose of the forum was engage Pan African faith leaders to advance the African Diaspora reunion with Africa culturally, politically and economically.
The forum was also to rebuild the exemplary support of faith leaders who contributed to the progress of African liberation struggles at the height of the 1960’s Civil Rights and Black Power Movements. During his introductory remarks, Minister P.D. Menelik thanked Dr. Wright for his unconditional support and contributions to the liberation struggles of nations in Southern Africa, the Nigerian democracy movement and the work for Africa debt cancellation and economic development of Africa. Minister Menelik worked Dr. Wright and Dr. Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker advocating key Africa issues in the U.S. for the freedom and reconstruction of Africa.
Haiti was high on the agenda of the forum with Joe Beasley of the Concerned Black Clergy giving an update on Haiti after witnessing the devastation first hand in Haiti. Mr. Beasley spoke of the importance of Haiti to people of African descent and stressed that Haiti needs our long term support. Joe Beasley was of Africa Ascension and Southern RainbowPush Coalition is also working with Dr. Ron Daniels of IBW21 on supporting ongoing reconstruction efforts in Haiti. Other forum speakers were Reverend Dr. Ndugu T’Ofori-Atta of the Religious Heritage of the African World (RHAW), Reverend Dr. Richard Cobble, President of the Concerned Black Clergy, Dr. Joyce King of Georgia State University, Rev. Dr. Carolyn ‘Akua’ McCrary of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Reverend Derrick Rice of Sankofa Church.
Finally, Dr. Wright highlighted the critical importance of African spirituality in our renewal, restoration and rebuilding for future generations and spoke of the importance of incorporating Africans who have been scattered in Asia/Pacific region of the world. He warned of Africom and the new scramble for African resources. At the end of the forum, attendees committed themselves to work and organized themselves into cultural, political and economic task-forces to continue the ongoing work for the advancement of African people, globally.
WADU is inviting Africans everywhere to support Africa Day programs in May, the WADU Ethiopia Summit in July and long term support for Haiti. For more information contact WADUPAM.ORG or 718-523-3312.
