the african diaspora jam
February 22-March 2, 2005
Selma, Alabama, USA

Centuries ago peoples of the African continent were taken - no, snatched away - from their land of origin and scattered throughout the world. And even four-year olds were ripped from their mothers and fathers, without warning. Africans were stripped of their culture, their language, their traditions, and their religions. In all, over 50 million Africans were subjected to the emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental trauma of the great Maafa.

It is true that the return of all these displaced Africans to Africa is highly unlikely. Even so, we must persevere in ongoing reunions: spiritually, politically, mentally, and physically to heal the extensive wounds caused by this separation and degradation of the African peoples. For it is this healing, that forms the foundation of the healing process for black youth, the black families, and the overall black community.

It is from the backdrop of this much needed healing process that we at 21st Century propose, for the Fall of 2004 at the 21st Century campsite in Selma, AL, the bringing together of thirty (30) activists and community workers throughout the African Diaspora to broaden our international work. This gathering also has the added benefit that it could nourish the development of our International Network and Exchange Programs.

Finally, this event would be co-sponsored by Y.E.S.- Youth for Environmental Sanity- with whom we first connected through the World Jam of 1999. This sponsorship will consist of a grant for plane tickets and some help with logistical needs, as people will come from as far away as Brazil and Africa. We, on the other hand, are looking for funding to meet the total budget as well as additional sponsors to help with the fundraising, perhaps like the Institute of the Black World- the youth segment.

There are 7 proposed objectives for the Diaspora Jam:

-To connect, share, reenergize and uplift young people from around the world spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and culturally.

-To explore the common forms and tools of oppression faced by people of African descent, such as globalization.

-To explore the similarities and differences in the obstacles we face in creating a new vision and a new reality for people throughout the Diaspora, and to think about this change within the context of creating a truly global community.

-To share historical information about social change movements as well as our present day experiences with creating freedom movements.

-To create shared vision and to learn necessary organizing and movement building skills from one another.

-To share spiritual tools and resources used in social transformation.

-To have fun! Too often organizers and participants don't get to experience the full range of life's gifts because the tasks we face are so monumental. Having some fun can prevent burnout among activists and recruit more young people to the cause of social justice and peace.
























This gathering will be a powerful event tying together the past, present, and future symbolized by the Ghanaian symbol of the Sankofa Bird- "looking back to go forward." It will bring together dedicated sons and daughters of those who hoped and prayed for a day when their children could be reunited in order for them to work together to create a world where there is unity in the human family. It will be a continuation of the struggle for African people's human rights as well as the beginning of a new phase in that struggle. We are poised at a moment when the peoples of the world must choose between global community or global chaos. The African Diaspora Jam is a step, among many, towards global community in the face of centuries of chaos.

Click here to apply to the African Diaspora Jam

NOTE: YOUR CHANCES OF ACCEPTANCE INCREASE THE EARLIER YOU APPLY