On November 9th and 10th, 2016, PBI-USA will host an exchange between Black community leaders from the Buenaventura Humanitarian Zone in Colombia and organizers in the Movement for Black Lives for an exchange and public event to explore the connections between the movements.
On Wednesday, Nov. 9th, Black community leaders from Colombia and the U.S. will convene at Highlander Research and Education Center for a workshop and exchange, exploring strategies for community-based peaceful alternatives to resolving harm committed in the community by both state and non-state actors.
On Thursday, Nov. 10th, we invite the public to join us for a public event and critical conversation with these community leaders about ways they are demanding respect for their lives, lands and rights. Learn what strategies communities are implementing to uproot the systemic barriers that prevent them from gaining the resources, leverage and capacity for long-term self-sufficiency. Learn how communities are taking control over policing in their communities and developing self-directed community autonomy to confront and transform harm from both state and non-state actors themselves.
Bridging the Americas: Black Lives Matter Everywhere
Location: SEEED Knoxville, 1617 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Date/Times: Thursday, November 10, 2016 @ 6pm
Snacks and beverages will be served! This event is free and open to the public. Contact amelia(at)pbiusa.org with questions.
Description of PBI's protective accompaniment work in Buenaventura: In addition to its physical and psychosocial accompaniment, PBI carries out political advocacy about the security situation in the region. PBI works to highlight this kind of community-based peaceful alternative. Click on the video to learn more about PBI's work in Buenaventura.
Description of the Speaking Tour: In April 2014 a courageous Afro-Colombian community took a stand against violence that controlled their lives for over 15 years and transformed their neighborhood into a peace zone. The same year, the Movement for Black Lives ignited in the United States, vividly drawing national attention to an epidemic of state violence against Black communities. Join us as we explore the connections between these powerful movements throughout the Americas.