Wednesday 13th March 2019
Tucked away on the schedule of hundreds of event this week, we spotted a Caucus for women of African descent. As British Black women our 'membership' of the African Diaspora is one that is complex and multi-layered, so a caucus to welcome those of us with this heritage was welcome.
The term diaspora is used to describe people of African descent who live in other parts of the world. This could be due to migration or choice, for a number of reasons including economic opportunities. Then there are those who are the descendants of those who were taken from Africa by force, stolen to fuel the Transatlantic Slave trade.
In all the years of the CSW this is the first year that a caucus was called and we went along, not now what to expect. Our experience as daughters and granddaughters of Africans taken to the Americas or the British colonies is one that hugely influences our lens on the world around us. For those of us who have an additional step (via the British Colonies in the Caribbean).
This space in the busy schedule, gave us the chance to connect with our sisters in the diaspora, from Geneva, America, the Caribbean and other countries.
We used the time to find our commonalities (including sharing recipes), sharing our experiences, listening to our sisters, singing together but most importantly we paid tribute to our ancestors. To those who went before us and paved the way for us to be in this space together.
The commune was welcomed by Rev. Dionne P. Boissiere, Chaplain of the Church Center for the United Nations. The first woman of African descent to hold the post. We were also joined by sisters in policy, education, artists and activism. We were an intergenerational family gathering which will be celebrated for being the first.
I feel truly honoured to have been at CSW63 for this inaugural moment, the power and sisterhood of the common was strong in that space and I hope we can strengthen the bonds that were founded on that night.
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