The “African-American” experience is typically depicted as a story that begins with Africans brought to North America via the Trans-Atlantic enslavement, through struggles for inclusion and civil rights, up to what many believe today are relatively integrated U.S. citizens of African descent. Yet there are millions of Black people whose American experiences do not fit neatly in that story. For example, today 3 million of America’s Black population is foreign born; between 1980 and 2005 the foreign born Black population more than tripled (Haitians quadrupled and Ethiopians increased 13 times); In 2005, 1 million U.S.-born Black children had at least one foreign-born parent; Black, immigrant women are having children faster than women traditionally regarded as African-American.

In the spirit of African Liberation Day, IPS’ Foreign Policy In Focus project will hold a screening of, The Neo-African-Americans, about how rapid, voluntary immigration from Africa and the Caribbean is transforming the “African-American” narrative. This forum will use the documentary as a jump off point for dialogue about even broader identity issues confronting all people of African descent worldwide. Following the film will be a panel discussion with IPS Associate Fellow Ajamu Baraka and IPS Events Coordinator, Netfa Freeman. The filmmaker, Kobina Aidoo has also been invited.

2012 African Liberation Day series:

• May 24 – FTAs, Afro-Colombians and The African World
• May 31 – Film: The Neo-African Americans
• June 7 – Film: Apocalypse Africa: Made In America