African Diaspora: Identity and Transformation

The forum will explore the concept of diaspora historically and in the contemporary world.

Friday, November 03, 2006
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1246 Public Policy Building
UCLA Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90095

Panelists will provide a perspective on the theoretical discourse on the topic as well as attempt to quantify practical applications for diasporic associations. Furthermore, guest speakers will examine how host and home countries can use diasporic identifications to encourage home countries investments and sustainable development.

10:00am Welcome

• 10:15am Robert Hill, "The African Global Diaspora"

10:45am Panel one – Chair: Andrew Apter

• 10:45am Pearl Robinson - African Diaspora synergy
• 11:00am Abena Busia - Identity at Home and Abroad
• 11:15am Jude Akudinobi - Cultural transformation through African Diaspora film
• 11:30am Section Q&A

11:45am Panel two – Chair: Marcia Thomas

• 11:45am Dominic Thomas - African Diaspora: France
• 12:00pm Sheila Walker - African Diaspora: The Americas
• 12:15pm J. Michael Turner - African Diaspora: The Caribbean
• 12:30pm Section Q&A

Lunch Break 1:00pm -2:00pm -- eateries conveniently located on campus for your dining pleasure

2:00pm Video presentation

• 2:00pm Sheila Walker "Scattered Africa: Faces and Voices of the African Diaspora"

3:00pm Panel three – Chair: C. R. D. Halisi

• 3:00pm Pearl Robinson - Pan-African organizations as facilitators of African Diaspora synergy
• 3:15pm Nunu Kidane - Recent African immigrants/migrants in the US
• 3:30pm Yaw Adutuwm - Africa’s brain drain and the African Diaspora
• 3:45pm Section Q&A

4:00pm Video presentations

• J. Michael Turner "Quando los Espiritos Bailan Mambo"

4:45pm Closing

• Poem by Abena Busia

Special Instructions

For campus map, directions, transportation options to UCLA, visit www.ucla.edu/map

Cost : Free and open to the public; parking is available in lot 3 for $8.

For more information please contact:

UCLAAfrican Studies Center

africa@international.ucla.edu

www.international.ucla.edu/africa

Sponsor(s): African Studies Center, Latin American Institute, Globalization Research Center - Africa, USA for Africa