People of African descent have historically been situated all over the world — and that dispersal shapes what it means to be African, and how each community comes to understand who they are. The Global Blackness Initiative is a group of faculty from allied but different universities who felt an urgent absence of a shared, global understanding of Blackness.
We have spent the last two years brainstorming ways of developing an international discussion on global Blackness — issues that take many forms, which is exactly why we want different groups of people talking, listening, and building a network across the globe.
The initiative is formed inside universities, but it is ultimately building a space for all Black people to have a voice. We come to it with a commitment to listen, understand, and accept the different viewpoints, cultural literacies, and creative outcomes of global citizens who identify as Black.
A coalition of faculty, students and community centers building an honest, people-centered conversation on what it means to be Black across the globe — in lecture halls and in the market, from Nairobi to Kingston to Havana.
Where it started: Cornell University, home of the Einaudi Center and the first Global Blackness Town Hall.
Ho Plaza, Cornell · Wikimedia CommonsWe were concerned after listening to our students and studying campus relations — not for another anti-racism debate, but for a conversation on the permutations, differences and solidarities within Black communities, in a global context.
Organized with support from the Einaudi Center to coincide with Black History Month. Over 250 registered attendees — student campus group leadership, faculty and staff — met to chart a future network engaging Blackness relationally, from different angles. Smaller discussion groups each produced a set of recommendations.
Maroon leader Mama G and world-renowned poet Sheldon Shepherd, both from Jamaica, met with our community — sharing history, culture and libation as a spiritual, ancestral practice.
Kingston, Jamaica · Wikimedia Commons
As someone who identifies as a Pan-Africanist, I am always eager to expand my understanding of the diaspora, and your presentation was invaluable. It was inspiring to see you holding a position of such influence and authority, despite the challenges that may exist.
Student reflection, on Mama G's visitOne of the most memorable experiences this semester was meeting Mama G, who brought Jamaican culture to life. She poured libation as a spiritual act, honoring ancestors and connecting us to traditions.
Course reflection, fall 2024