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Posted June 29th, 2007 by epolley
The Bill Sutherland Institute for Africa Advocates is an important project of the AFSC's work around Africa. The Institute, which took place at the Africa Tent at the first-ever US Social Forum, is a training event designed to improve activists, advocates and educators abilites to change U.S. policies towards Africa.
By Erin Polley, Eyes Wide Open Program Assistant
As a young anti-war organizer for the AFSC in the Chicago office, it was exciting for me to step out of my "norm" and to learn about the work AFSC is doing in Africa with the Life Over Debt campaign, trade and migration. I have always had a deep interest in the continent and recently had the opportunity to travel to Southern Africa. Since then, my interest has developed into a commitment to educate my friends and family about the issues facing Africa and to de-bunk the myths constantly perpetuated in the media.
A certain session with scholar and social activist, Prexy Nesbitt, particularly attracted me to spend more time in the lovely, air-conditioned (and catered!) Africa Tent. Prexy is well known among Africa Advocates and anyone involved with social justices movements in Chicago where he resides. While he is a seasoned activist, with stories for days from his experiences in Mozambique working with FRELIMO, in Southern Africa with the ANC and in Europe with the World Council of Churches--Prexy still has the unique ability to relate to people of all ages.
In the session titled, "Under the Baobob Tree:Envisioning Complete Communities, No Easy Struggles, No Easy Victories", we were given the opportunity to hear candidly about Prexy's life and the birth of his activism as a young boy growing up on the west side of Chicago and his introduction to Africa during his days as a student at Antioch. His stories and his words inspired and invigorated me. I felt a strong sense of empowerment from Prexy about being a young person in a movement that has been going on well before I was even born. Prexy encouraged us all to continue to keep the lines of dialogue open to envision a "Complete Community" that is inter-generational and multi-racial.
While I am lucky to know Prexy and work with him regularly on issues and campaigns in Chicago, his session at the Bill Sutherland Institute reminded me what I came to the USSF for...inspiration, stimulation and a renewed sense of committment to changing the world.
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