GBC Beacon of Hope, Catalyst for Transformative Change in Africa: President

Adwa: The Global Black Centre (GBC) is a beacon of hope and a catalyst for transformative change in Africa, Center President Demeke Makonnen said. The president made the remark at the first anniversary of the Global Black Centre held at Adwa Victory Memorial Museum today. The event brought together dignitaries, ambassadors, and global leaders. Opening the event which brought together dignitaries and ambassadors, the president pointed out the symbolic significance of hosting the event at the Adwa Memorial Centre, a site that embodies the principles of dignity, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Demeke, outlining GBC’s three pillars-advocacy, policy development, and community engagement, called for rigorous assessment and strategic planning to guide the organization’s future.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Angela Martin, a representative of the African Union Commission, praised the center’s efforts to preserve African history and culture, aligning with the AU’s policy instruments such as the Charter for African Cultural Renaissance, expressing AU’s full support for the mission. ‘The work of the Global Black Centre is invaluable in keeping our shared heritage alive, telling our stories, and educating future generations,’ she said. Global Black Centre Vice President, Robin Walker, recounted the organization’s humble beginnings and its rapid evolution into a global force. He credited the vision of grassroots leaders and the unwavering support of Ethiopian officials for GBC’s success.

The vice president also announced future initiatives, including the establishment of the ADWA Pan-African Award Prize and ADWA Pan-African Heritage Month, aimed at honoring outstanding achievements within the African diaspora and celebrating African heritage. On his part, Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evegeny Terekhin emphasized the alignment between GBC’s mission and Russia’s movement for the sovereignty of nations, expressing optimism for future collaboration.

The Global Black Centre is a leading organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, heritage, and education of the global African diaspora. Through advocacy, policy development, and community engagement, GBC aims to empower individuals and communities worldwide, ensuring that African contributions are celebrated and recognized on a global stage.