Join the campaign to petition for the establishment of Black African Reparations Day (9th November). The day aims to provide dedicated time for Black and Black Mixed Heritage people to focus on research, networking, cultural expressions, and study, fostering a global commitment to reparatory justice.

Context and Rationale

The African Diaspora Equity and Justice Alliance (ADEJA) is a transformative initiative headquartered in London, dedicated to empowering and seeking historical reparatory justice for Black Africans, the Black African diaspora, and the Mixed-Black diaspora. ADEJA evokes the spirits of Bernie Grant and PC Keith Blakelock, emphasising peace, righteousness, and community cohesion in its mission.

Bernie Grant, a renowned Black British politician, and PC Keith Blakelock, a police officer tragically killed during the 1985 Broadwater Farm riots, are raised by ADEJA to inspire a collaborative approach to reparatory justice – the nullification of White Supremacy.

The Bernie Grant Arts Centre, named in honor of Bernie Grant, stands as a cultural hub promoting diversity and inclusion through the arts, highlighting the importance of cultural expression in the pursuit of justice.

Proposed Activities

Research Symposiums: Organize symposiums focusing on historical reparations, systemic injustices, and the impact of slavery and colonization. Encourage academic and community-based research to contribute to the evidence-based claims promoted by ADEJA.

Networking Events: Facilitate global networking events for Black and Mixed-Black communities to connect, share ideas, and build solidarity. Strengthening international networks is crucial for a unified approach to reparatory justice.

Cultural Exhibitions and Performances: Showcase plays, music, art exhibitions, and cultural performances that celebrate Black identity and highlight the rich heritage of Black Africans and the diaspora. Emphasize the importance of cultural restoration and preservation.

Educational Workshops: Conduct workshops on reparatory justice, focusing on legal frameworks, historical perspectives, and strategies for advocacy. Empower individuals with knowledge and tools to actively contribute to the pursuit of justice.

Community Forums: Host forums for open discussions on reparations, community empowerment, and the role of individuals in fostering positive change. Encourage dialogue on systemic issues and potential solutions.

Educational Scholarships: Establish scholarships for individuals pursuing studies related to African and diasporic history, social justice, and reparations. Promote education as a means of empowerment and awareness.

Suggested Outcomes

Digital Resources: Develop and provide online resources, webinars, and educational materials accessible to a global audience, ensuring widespread participation.

Community Grants: Offer grants to community organizations dedicated to promoting reparatory justice, supporting initiatives that align with ADEJA’s mission.

Artistic Grants: Provide grants to artists and creators focusing on projects that contribute to the celebration and preservation of Black culture.

Reparatory Justice Toolkit: Develop a comprehensive toolkit for individuals and organizations, offering guidance on how to pursue reparatory justice effectively.

Global Collaboration Platform: Create an online platform facilitating global collaboration, allowing individuals and organizations to connect, share resources, and coordinate efforts for reparations.

This petition seeks to honor the vision of ADEJA by establishing Black African Reparation Day (BARD) on 9th November (9/11), fostering a global movement for reparatory justice in the nullification of White Supremacy in righteousness. We believe that dedicating a day to these activities will contribute to the empowerment, unity, and historical justice of Black Africans and the diaspora.

Events take place from the the 3rd – 31st May 2024.

More information here

Photo credit: Police in riot gear occupied the Broadwater Farm Estate for two months after the disturbance – Getty Images.