The African Union established “Region 6”, in addition to the 5 geographic regions of the continent to encompass African descendants living outside the continent in the Diaspora. The goal of “Region 6´ is to create a mutually beneficial link that will bridge the Diaspora and the African continent.

The Republic of South Africa, in collaboration with the African Union (AU) Commission have hosted a series of Diaspora dialogues to map out issues of mutual interest – including economic, political, development, culture, and security. In 2012, South Africa will host a Summit of major stakeholders including governments, social movements, private sector, and academia on “Region 6”.

Please join us for this panel to learn more about Region 6, the forthcoming International Summit, and the role and possibilities for the African Diaspora as it engages the Continent.

Opening:

• Libations by poet and activist, Chioma Oruh
• Welcome by Dr.Harold A. Scott, Deputy Director, Bunche Center

Speakers:

• Ethelbert Miller, Board Chair, Institute for Policy Studies
• South African Ambassador Rakwena
• African Union Ambassador Amina Ali
• James Early, Director, Cultural Heritage Policy at Smithsonian
• Dr. Greg Carr, Howard University Africana Studies
• Angelle Kwemo, Legislative Counsel for Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL

Closing Poem by Anna Mwalagho, poet/musician

Sponsored by:Institute for Policy Studies’ Foreign Policy In Focus, TransAfrica Forum, Africa Diaspora for Change, Diaspora African Women’s Network (DAWN), Africa Action, and Institute of the Black World 21st Century.