Far From the Africa Crowd

Thursday June 19 at the Presbytery of Denver of the PCUSA.

Accompanied by Pastor Tom Sheffield of the Denver Presbytery, the Rev Wilbert Sayimani, Rev Paul Neshangwe, Elder Thabisili Muparutsa, Elder Rose Musonzah; the delegates discussed how the Church in Zimbabwe is dealing with problems of civil strife, sickness and disease and the broader challenges of faith and God. A highlight of this visit will include travel to San jose, CA to participate in the 218th General Assembly of the PCUSA.

AFRICA AGENDA HOSTS FORUM AND COMMUNITY DIALOGUE ON ZIMBABWE: BEYOND THE CRISIS, CITIZEN MOVEMENTS, THE MEDIA, DEMOCRACY AND THE FORCES OF CHANGE IN ZIMBABWE”

Saturday, April 26, 2008, 2pm-4:30 pm in the Community Room of the Aurora Central Library
(14949 E. Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012)

For the last decade or so, Zimbabwe, formerly Southern Rhodesia, has been labeled by the media as a failed state in the likes of Somalia. Among the reasons, the Zimbabwe economy, characterized with wide spread food shortages, is in shambles with inflation levels measuring about 24,470 %, according to recently released figures by the country’s reserve bank. Current unemployment levels reportedly stand at about 80% with citizens fleeing into neighboring South Africa and elsewhere for better opportunities. Furthermore, Zimbabweans say their country remains under the tight grip of one man, President Robert Mugabe, and his ZANU-PF party.

At independence in 1980, Mugabe was considered a freedom fighter that helped liberate Zimbabwe from British colonial rule. Today, he is called a dictator whose 28 year rule has ruined a once prosperous nation. The country is facing huge challenges stemming from HIV-AIDS, isolation and sanctions from the Commonwealth, the US and other nations concerned with human rights abuses, a controversial 2000 government land reform program. Even more, the results of the March 29 presidential elections are being challenged by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) whose leader is calling for the president’s resignation. Today, there is an impasse in Zimbabwe which has raised questions about peace and stability in the country.

There is another question we are asking. Is the stream of negative news about this nation of over 13 million people all we know about it? Or, is there something else that Zimbabweans should to be doing to help improve the image of their nation in the eyes of the world?

This forum will gather Colorado communities together to discuss ways that African-Americans, Africans and their allies living in America can support peaceful resolution in Zimbabwe. Participants will learn about what Zimbabwe leaders in Colorado are doing to support the end of the impasse and how Africa Agenda supports this vision.

Panelists Include:
George Bamu, Founder & CEO, Africa Agenda
Eliakim Sibanda (PhD), University of Winnipeg in Canada
Derrick Hudson (PhD), Metropolitan State College of Denver
Lucas Shamala (PhD), Metropolitan State College of Denver
Pius Kamau (MD) Columnist with the Denver Post

Denver-Saturday Feb. 9, 2008, 2:30-4:30 pm in the Community Room of Aurora Central Library (14949 E. Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012), Africa Agenda will host a historical, post election forum and community dialogue on the election disputes in Kenya, current peace efforts and work toward reconciliation between Kenyan citizens and their government.

Long considered one of the more stable places in Africa, Kenya was plunged into violence and mayhem December 29, 2007 after presidential elections in which both the government and the main opposition party claimed they won. To date, both sides continue to accuse each other of election fraud and intimidation while efforts to restore peace continue. An estimated 800 people have been killed. Millions of dollars have been lost in business, tourism and property. Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary General; John Kufour, President of Ghana and Jendayi Frazier, US Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs, amongst others, have made trips to Kenya to help bring peace. Raila Odinga, the opposition leader involved in this dispute was in Colorado last September where he met with Kenyan citizens and local business leaders and encouraged them to invest in Kenya.

While a shaky situation prevails in Kenya and despite economic growth and gains in peace and security, this turmoil has cast some doubts about the goal of facilitating sustainable peace and economic development throughout the continent. This forum will gather Colorado communities together to brainstorm on ways that African-Americans, Africans and their allies living in America can support peaceful resolution in Kenya. Participants will learn about what community leaders in Denver are doing to support the end of the dispute in Kenya and how Africa Agenda supports this vision.
Panelists Include:
Lucas Shamala, Professor-Metro State College of Denver
James Ainsworth-Freelance Journalist
Ifalade Ta’Shia Asanti-Executive Director-National Institute for Indigenous Cultural Studies
Joseph Oyugi-Founder, Friends for Leadership Development and Governance.
George Bamu-founder/president-Africa Agenda

Marsha Mallory Bennett-Former Chair, Denver Nairobi Sister Cities committee.
With the Distinguished Tamara Banks as Panel Moderator