news

GFDD Publication Launched at Medgar Evers College

April 9, 2014

On April 8, Global Foundation for Democracy and Development launched the English Version of one of its more recent publications: "The Presence of Africa in the Caribbean, the Antilles and the United States." The venue of the book launch and panel discussion at Medgar Evers’ Edison O. Jackson Auditorium in Brooklyn, was especially poignant.

Established in 1970 Medgar Evers College is named after a black civil rights
activist who, while serving in World War II, became disenchanted by the knowledge that he was fighting for freedom halfway around the world while he and other American blacks endured segregation and other forms of racism.

GFDD Publication Launched at Medgar Evers
College

View Photo Gallery

Opening the proceedings with a creative performance of the "Catholic Rites", one of the publications’ 16 authors, acclaimed visual artist and scholar of African music, Mr. Geo Ripley. Mr. Ripley is famed for his conceptual work in
African, pre-Colombian, and Antilles cultures using altars and other ritualistic symbols and recalled the African ancestry of the Caribbean countries in a peaceful manner with an artistic dance presentation.

GFDD’s Executive Director, Ms. Natasha Despotovic then warmly welcomed everyone to the event, expressing gratitude for the opportunity of this landmark occasion to further explore this important topic to us all. Despotovic stated: "The diaspora book
forms part of the GFDD and FUNGLODE publication series, Research and Ideas, which includes research papers, articles and speeches that address critical issues of the contemporary world, from national, regional and global perspectives. It was released in Spanish last year, seeking to elevate the discourse on the historical journey of people of African descent throughout the continent, and to promote understanding of how this journey continues to shape modern society." Despotovic
also pointed out that the purpose of GFDD’s initiatives was to educate and promote cultural exchange with individuals in a peaceful manner and that the organization was looking to stimulate exchanges between different cultures.

Ms. Despotovic then went on to introduce the first speaker, Dr Rudolph Crew, President of Medgar Evers College. He spoke of the importance of celebrating cultural origins and redressing the balance by giving economic opportunity for trade
with Caribbean countries like Haiti and DR etc., countries often dwarfed by trade agreements between the United States and China. Referring to the GFDD publication, Dr. Crew acknowledged that the book aptly promotes the academic exchange of ideas related to African identity, race, and historical migration.

Ms. Delia Blanco, an international contributor to the book and an expert in cultural and social convergences and divergences in Caribbean societies who is
currently Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic Francophonie, said the book is; "a scrupulous analysis of that period of history which transmits innovative and inspirational ideas from different viewpoints". Highlighting the importance of education, Ms. Blanco spoke of the role of Francophonie as an example of universal citizenship and how it helps build bridges
between people of different cultures in a peaceful way.

The next guest of the evening to be introduced is one of the forerunners of performance art in the DR. Revered internationally, Geo Ripley is the only Dominican who has ever participated with a painted work in celebration of NYC’s prestigious the Museum Of Modern Art (MOMA) 50th anniversary, and was awarded thethe "African Ancestor Prize" by the New York International African
Institute. He spoke of the importance of celebrating minority languages such as Creole in countries like Haiti, explaining how these languages represent the spirit of resistance against colonial powers, and how they form a dominant part of the populations’ identity. In celebrating these languages, populations will be motivated to safeguard and promote the development of their country.

The final speaker, Dr. Gerard White-Davis, whose non profit organization ICCP
brings together Caribbean Professionals to share information, knowledge, resources and expertise through collaboration, partnerships, and individual initiatives, said the book serves as an invaluable resource for not-for-profit organizations, academics, and international scholars whose mission is to further an understanding of the African Diaspora. He further stated that this book and the panel discussion were helpful for reminding organizations like his of the importance of considering the
role of African heritage in Caribbean culture.

The presentations provoked a lively question and answer session, including interesting questions regarding DR’s close neighbor, Haiti. The audience was interested to learn more about the importance of minority languages like Creole as part of African heritage. Other asked about the ongoing human rights issues between Haiti and the DR to which Ms. Blanco replied that there was an ongoing process of discussion
and reconciliation. She explained that despite the shortfall of any government decision, she felt confident that there was a growing awareness of this issue in the DR and that there would ultimately be a peaceful resolution.

"The Presence of Africa in the Caribbean, the Antilles and the United States" publication was made available to the College, courtesy of Editorial FUNGLODE and GFDD. It also includes the following Dominican authors; Celsa
Albert Batista, Lipe Collado, Franklin J. Franco, José Guerrero, Rafael Jarvis Luis, Odalis G. Pérez, José Luis Sáez and Darío Solano. The international authors represented are; Patrick Bellegarde-Smith, Jean Ghasmann Bissainthe, Melina Pappademos and Roger Toumson.

About GFDD Publications
GFDD publishes books on topics relevant to Dominican Republic and contemporary issues of international interest. Books are available on
the GFDD website, Amazon.com and iTunes.