Celebrations to honour Dudley Thompson

NEW YORK:

The World African Diaspora Union (WADU) has invited persons of African descent across the world to share in this year’s celebration of Africa Month.

Among the events scheduled is the African Diaspora Summit, May 25 - 26 in South Africa. A WADU release noted that the Summit in South Africa ‘is intended to strengthen the relationships with African people world-wide for African cultural, economic and political renaissance.’ Invited guests include Dr. Julius Garvey (NY), Dr. Leonard Jeffries (NJ), Mel Foote (WDC), Vanessa Williams (GA), Dr. Georgina Falu (PR) and Omowale Clay (NY).

This year’s celebration will also be in tribute to the late Dudley Thompson, former Jamaican government minister and Pan Africanist in a ceremony set for May 14. “As part of Africa Month commemoration, WADU is collaborating with global organisations such as the African Union (AU) and the African Union Diaspora Task Team (AUDITT) for a tribute for the late Pan African ‘Legend’ Ambassador Dudley Thompson on May 14.

The tribute is to promote Baba Dudley’s vision and work for a Diaspora union with Africa, as the 6th region of Africa,”the release outlined. In April 2007, Baba Dudley Thompson committed to join Elombe Brath, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Nana Farika Birhane and Minister P.D. Menelik Harris to support the building of an African Diaspora system “for the empowerment of Black people in the world.”

Tribute - The event in Atlanta is both to support the ongoing struggles of African people world-wide and also as tribute to Pan African ancestors - Dr. Ndugu T’Ofori-Atta, Dr. Dudley Thompson and Queen Mother Dorothy Lewis. In Georgia, Pan African leaders will convene on May 5 to promote a program of action for Pan African Diaspora leadership in the 21st century.

A Brunch has been set for May 5 at 12noon at “Our Intimate Café” on 2001 Martin L. King Jr. Drive S.W. For more information on the AU programs contact Baba Watusi Branch at 718-523-3312. For the Atlanta programmes, call Empress Oyah at 770-912-7053 or Dr. Akilah at 404-564-6484 or www.myintimatecafe.com.