The Organization of American States (OAS) commemorates the Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas from March 24th to 28th under the theme: "I Have a Dream: Recognition. Justice. Development." This year's theme is intended to acknowledge the history of slavery, an institution that lasted for over 200 years, recognize that the legacy of slavery still permeates societies today, and focus on how we can achieve development by building a future of dignity and justice for all.
In tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this theme pays homage to an iconic line from one of his most revered speeches, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in August 1963 at the March on Washington during the height of the civil rights movement in the United States. These powerful words, which have transcended time and generations, capture the hopes and aspirations of all humanity that one day, people will not be judged by race, ethnicity, or creed but rather accepted and celebrated for their shared humanity and the diversity they bring to society.
Over the years, the OAS has been steadfastly amplifying its voice in recognizing the legacy of slavery and the slave trade and its impact on the lives of people of African descent in the Americas. In February 2016, the OAS celebrated, for the first time, Black History Month. Since 2018, the OAS has celebrated the Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas to affirm its commitment to ensuring that people of African descent in the Americas enjoy equal rights and opportunities in our hemisphere.
Through these events, the OAS has sought to demonstrate how the wounds of the transatlantic slave trade are entrenched in the living memories of communities, the core of institutions, and the structures of our global society. Reaffirming the organization's unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of our hemisphere's marginalized communities, it is essential to use this opportunity to reflect on the advancements made in highlighting and tackling systemic racism and structural injustice while looking toward building a future rooted in justice and respect for all.
Recognizing the harrowing journey of over 15 million men, women, and children who were violently and forcibly torn from their families and inhumanely trafficked to our hemisphere, the OAS remains inspired by their resilience and fortitude as it commits to continue promoting, protecting, and reinforcing the rights of people of African descent in the Americas.
This year's activities include:
Monday, March 24: Opening Ceremony
The week is officially launched at an in-person ceremony in the Hall of the Americas, at the OAS Headquarters. It features artistic presentations centered on the history and culture of people of African descent in the form or musical and/or dance performance, poetry, dramatization, or spoken word.
Tuesday, March 25: Special Session of the Permanent Council
The session is held to celebrate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave trade, and the Inter-American Week.
Both activities will have Webcast on the OAS Website.
Other activities:
• Exhibition by the Art Museum of the Americas
• Inter-American Poetry and Prose Chain
• Dissemination of Profiles of Afro-descendant Change Leaders, Reformers and Activists from across the Americas
• Essay and Poetry Youth Contest in OAS Member States among youth aged 15 to 21
• Lectures Series organized by the Offices of the OAS General Secretariat in the Member States
