The general coordinator of the colloquium, Professor Adela Panezo, told Prensa Latina that until May 14, the objective of this forum is to strengthen the links of Afro-descendant communities and organizations with the Academy.

The activist stressed the importance of making visible the problems faced by the diaspora in the countries of the region and jointly coordinate actions to improve their economic and social conditions.

The recognition of the impact of the ancestors and the contribution made by Africa in the construction of nations and their culture as well as in favor of the welfare of the Panamanian population will be the axis of the deliberations in panels, Panezo added.

The event, which opened with a master lecture on Africa’s contributions to the Panamanian language, will be attended by academics, scientists, historians and representatives of Afro-descendant organizations from at least 10 countries.

During the meeting, topics such as racism, exclusion, discrimination and xenophobia, stereotypes in Panama, and the Colombian Pacific, from a racial place to an enabler of life, will stand out.

Participants will also discuss presentations such as the Afro-descendant Neighborhood Network, anti-racist struggles and resilience, by Cuban expert Rolando Zuleta; and the hierarchy of women’s power in Afro-Cuban expressions, by Cuban expert Elaine Vazquez.

The 4th Conference will also debate issues such as history, migration and women’s resistance.

jg/jav/mem/ga