reSURGEnce Economic Conference to Strengthen Black Americans and Black South Africans Alliances 30 Years After Freedom from Apartheid
In a strong show of solidarity, Black business, clergy and local government leaders in the US are forming alliances with their counterparts in South Africa to shore up opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
As South Africans celebrate 30 years of freedom from Apartheid since the historic election of Nelson Mandela in 1994, the city of Durban is set to host a delegation of Black Americans who will participate in the 5-day reSURGEnce Conference that will take place in mid-July at the International Convention Centre. Special International Mandela Day activities are planned for the group on July 18.
Among the Americans participating in this important exchange are celebrity chef Melba Wilson; Ayo Tometi, co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter; and New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr. Queen of Gospel, the legendary Shirley Caesar, and multi-Grammy winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker will join a star-studded cast for a cultural music festival to culminate the activities.
Since 2011, The New York Christian Times and the Black Church Means Business have been organizing similar trips to the continent of Africa, and according to Business leader, Dennis Dillon, publisher and conference convener, the ongoing mission and commitment is to strengthen economic collaboration between Blacks in Africa and Blacks in America.
“We are purposeful that together we must drive an economic revival in this our global African village. We must break the economic stranglehold and help get Black people, Black communities, municipalities and the Black world on a path to economic sustainability and progressive growth,” Dillon attested.
With the resort city of Durban open for business and encouraging Black Americans to visit and to take advantage of the diverse business and investment opportunities available, the city has signed an MOU with The New York Christian Times, and top officials from the eThekwini Municipality in Durban, including City Manager Musa Mbhele and Chairperson of the Development and Planning Cllr. Thembo Nthuli were recently in New York to help kick-off the reSURGEnce initiative and to discuss the conference, which will focus to a great extent on trade and investment opportunities, regenerating African cities and America’s urban centres, access to capital, and other key areas.
“Being in Harlem at the reSURGEnce Conference last year was an eye-opener for us, and in this season, not much is more important than strengthening our collaboration with African Americans as we work to build and grow together,” shared the Honourable Musa Mbhele, City Manager of Durban. “We are inviting our American brothers and sisters; and Johannesburg businessman and women to join us in Durban on July 17 to 21, 2024.”
To join this global economic revival, with a focus on the African continental Economic growth through sharing of business insights, unlocking unlimited Investment opportunities; and empowering Black Business for global economic equity; thus, bridging the racial wealth gap Become a Global Delegate and Register at www.reSURGEnceConference.com.