The VIII Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas is celebrated this year from March 24 to 28th under the theme: "I Have a Dream: Recognition. Justice. Development." 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.

In December 2024, the United Nations proclaimed the Second International Decade for People of African Descent under the theme “People of African Descent: Recognition, Justice, and Development.” This U.N. proclamation signals that the fight against racism and racial injustice is far from over and makes a clarion call to all proponents and advocates of racial equality to continue the quest for social justice.  

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 Organization 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.  

These seek to demonstrate how the wounds of the transatlantic slave trade are not merely confined to history books but 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.

It has been the practice that the OAS adopts and adapts the UN theme for its celebration of the Inter-American Week. This year, the United Nations Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery is observing the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade under the theme "Acknowledge the past. Repair the present. Build a future of dignity and justice," which aligns with the theme and vision of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent. 

The VIII Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas is celebrated this year under its own 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.

As the OAS continues to recognize 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, it remains ever inspired by their resilience and fortitude as we commit to continue promoting, protecting, and reinforcing the rights of people of African descent in the Americas.

Activities

Monday, March 24: Opening Ceremony
14:00 EDT (18:00 GMT)

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
10:00 EDT (14:00 GMT)

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
• Webinar "Women of African Descent in the Americas: Resilient and Diverse" (More information)
• 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
• Panel Discussion hosted by the Office of the General Secretariat in Antigua and Barbuda (Register here)
• Film Screening hosted by the Office of the General Secretariat in the Dominican Republic (More information)
• Webinar hosted by the Inter-American Network of High Authorities on Policies for Afro-descendant Populations (RIAFRO) (Register here)
• Lecture hosted by the Office of the General Secretariat in The Bahamas
• Ceremony to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the National Afro-Peruvian Museum, Lima, Peru
• Art and Poetry Competition and Lecture hosted by the Office of the General Secretariat in Jamaica (Register here)
• Art Exhibition and Lecture hosted by the Office of the General Secretariat in Paraguay