"Is The Diaspora Political?" Hosted By Busayo Twins

The idea for the “Is the diaspora Political?” event series was borne from a collective observation that crises facing the continent are never given the necessary mainstream coverage as other equally devastating and interconnected crises happening elsewhere. In the UK particularly, it felt as though the cultural rise and influence of African art was not translating into increased awareness and activism around issues facing African people. Social media has helped bring attention to concurrent genocides happening in Congo and Sudan to name a few but many people seem to still be unclear about what the causes of these crises are and what is expected from those of us who love the motherland but do not reside there. 

 This event is an attempt to explore whether (how?) the diaspora should engage in transnational activism and how to harness our newfound geopolitical privileges to push justice for Africans. It’s a space to inform, discuss and share ideas in community with other diasporans who want to do more for Africa - in big and small ways - and replicate the impact other liberation movements are making on behalf of other marginalised communities around the world. Throughout the 70’s, 80’s, and 90’s, The Africa Centre housed political discussions pertaining to both independence movements across the continent and community organising within the UK, and while the pursuit for liberation still demands this level of intra-communal engagement, we aim to replicate this environment.

So what to expect from the “Is the diaspora political?” pilot event? Well, it will be a panel-based evening, with speakers from African liberation campaigns who operate in both the UK and US as well as contributions from community organisers, intellectuals and enthusiastic individuals such as yourselves who want to channel their frustrations into something productive and collaborative. It will be an evening of learning, discussion and exchange where all levels of knowledge and activism are welcomed. We hope with this event we can build a movement of diasporan thought leaders who are empowered to organise and participate in African liberation in their various capacities and locations. 

London For Sudan is formed of Sudanese diaspora and allies that strive to amplify the voices of the Sudanese people and support the efforts for peace, justice and stability in Sudan. London For Sudan was created in late 2023 as a response to the calls on social media to #KeepEyesOnSudan and #TalkAboutSudan. They aim to raise awareness on what’s happening in Sudan through protests, vigils, digital activism, and political advocacy. Their vision is of a civilian led Sudan - Sudan back to the people.

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The Friends of the Congo (FOTC) is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The FOTC was established in 2004 to work in partnership with Congolese to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), formerly Zaire.