Community
For Seattle’s Black Sororities And Fraternities Its All About Giving Back
THE SEATTLE MEDIUM — Engaging in community service provides people with the opportunity to become active members of their community and provides a lasting, positive impact on society at large.
By Aaron Allen
Engaging in community service provides people with the opportunity to become active members of their community and provides a lasting, positive impact on society at large. Community service or volunteerism enables people to acquire life skills and knowledge, as well as provide a service to those who need it most.
After reconstruction the foundation of the Black community was the church. It was and still is the place where community service was instrumental in the survival and maintenance of the Black community.
At the turn of the century as ex-slaves began to establish themselves as citizens, education opened the door to opportunity for the descendants of Africa. On college campuses across the country, fraternities and sororities like the church was a mechanism for Black people to organize themselves in providing college support systems for students of color, community services and civil rights to the collective.
Now as much as each fraternity and sorority loves to claim prominence the first Black Fraternal organization was the Prince Hall Freemasonry established in 1775.
Greek letter sorority and fraternal organizations and their commitment to community service are embedded in the fabric of Black life. They provide our community a path for natural born leaders and those who aspire to be leaders to exercise and strengthen their talents for the betterment of their people.
According to Aubrey Scott, President of Seattle Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, “the assets of the Fraternity are the brothers who are committed to giving back to their communities and this provides a significant impact on our community at-large.”
Several fraternal organizations were established but failed after the Prince Hall Freemasonry until 1905. Organizations such as Alpha Kappa Nu and Gamma Phi folded as they were unable to establish other chapters. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity founded at Cornell University in 1906 was the first to successfully charter chapters on other campuses across the country that still exists to this day.
In addition to Alpha Phi Alpha, several other organizations founded in the early part of the 20th century have endured the test of time and continue to serve our community in a number of ways. Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity was founded at Indiana University January 5, 1911. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority founded on January 15, 1908; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority founded on January 13, 1913; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity founded on November 17, 1911; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity founded on January 9, 1914; and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority founded in 1920 all claim their roots at Howard University. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority was founded November 12, 1922 on the campus of Butler University.
The Iota’s Iota Phi Theta, the fraternal organization was founded at Morgan State University in 1963 and Iota Phi Lambda, the Sorority a business Greek letter organization was founded in Chicago June 1, 1929.
Achievement, service and leadership are the pillars in which Black sororities and fraternities build their fundamentals around. These are three things that are a common thread through all of them. But giving back to the community by establishing a culture of service to humanity has been the primary purpose of all Greek organizations.
Phi Beta Sigma’s adoption programs, “Adopt A Street”, “Adopt A Family” and “Adopt A School” programs all embody the community service spirit in providing opportunity and resources to those in need as well as taking responsibility for the physical upkeep of their community.
“We provide a culture for service and service to humanity,” says Julian Heyward, President of Seattle Alumni Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. “Community service to the men of Phi Beta Sigma along with brotherhood engagement in that service is what we do.”
The other attribute that distinguishes these entities is the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. The unity that derives out of the experience enhances the diversity in human energy towards providing an altruistic service helping to make for a more secure and productive community.
Although each organization possesses their own cultures, colors and traditions they all have in common the ideals of achievement and service to humanity and through community service programs. Each organization offers its members commitment to servicing humanity and the betterment in particular of the Black community.
Historically, Black women and sororities have always been at the forefront of social engineering and change. Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the first Greek letter organization for Black women, has utilized the strengths and talents of its members since its founding in 1908 to help better our community. The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority engage in their own unique contributions through progressive and aggressive fundraising in their HBCU for Life: A call to Action Fundraiser. They are also very active in caregiver support through Caregivers Awareness, helping adult children and siblings as they become caregivers for their parents. They also help nurture youth through their C.A.P. (College Access Preparedness) program.
Brenda Vasser, President of the Seattle Alumnae Chapter shares how the role and rich history of community service plays out in Alpha Kappa Alpha,
“To be of service to mankind, promote unity and scholastic and ethical standards, we have been doing this for 110 years,” says Vasser.
“How we give back has changed, but what has not changed is that we give back,” explains Vasser who has been an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority since 1979.
Kappa Alpha Psi has a number of programs that they focus on throughout the year, like their Kappa League/Guide Right mentorship program that they utilize to help empower young men. They also partner with N.O.B.L.E. (National Organization of Black Law Enforcement) on a national program called Learn to Live which educates young people and the community on better police and community relationships. They also couple with local churches to raise money for St. Jude in their “Day of Caring” Program.
Kappa Alpha Psi works collectively to manifest their visions of community service and the brotherhood plays an essential part in their efforts as President Scott of the Seattle reiterates.
“Kappa men collectively uniting and giving back to their communities, willing to sacrifice time, talent and treasure is fundamental to our reason for being,” says Scott.
Delta Sigma Theta implements a program designed to open the minds of 3rd graders to the world of science as they bring young children to Seattle’s Pacific Science Center. The Delta’s also take pride in providing financial aid through their Tessie Miller Scholarship program, which provides young high school students assistance with their costs of education.
Lauren Thomas who heads the Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta (DST) in the Seattle region, which includes King, Snohomish and Kitsap counties explains DST’s purpose as follows:
“Ensuring through sisterhood, public service and the uplifting of the Black community Delta Sigma Theta Sorority through programs addressing education, social actions and public policy, DST works to enhance African American life.”
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity has chosen to strengthen fatherhood through their international mandate “Fatherhood Initiative” with its goal of enhancing the perceptions and empowering men to uphold the dignity of fatherhood and mentorship as well as financial aid scholarships for up and coming college bound students.
“Community service plays a significant role in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,” states Gavin Monroe, President of Seattle’s Alumni Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. “We not only service our members but we empower our members to give back to their communities through our four cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance and uplift.”
According to Sigma Gamma Rho’s Seattle Alumni Chapter, “Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s aim is to enhance the quality of life within the community. Public service, leadership development and education of youth are the hallmark of the organization’s
programs and activities. Sigma Gamma Rho addresses concerns that impact society educationally, civically, and economically.
Sigma Gamma Rho hosts a plethora of community services including their Hattie McDaniel Breast Cancer Awareness initiative named after the first African American to win an Academy Award.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority’s impact on the community rest in a program entitled the Storks Nest which addresses health and wellness for expecting mothers and prenatal care. As Black women it is important that they bring awareness to women particularly women of color of the importance of staying healthy during pregnancy. According to their website, “The Stork’s Nest prenatal education sessions provide information, educational materials and a variety of other resources and referrals that help clients take good care of themselves and their babies.“
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Zeta Pi Lambda Chapter of Seattle makes their presence known through programs such as their Junior Gents Mentoring Program. According to their website, the program is designed “to mentor teen males of color, ages 12 to 17, in a variety of life skills with the goal of developing confident, well-adjusted young men who possess life skills necessary to be productive members of our community.”
Another attribute of Black Greek organizations is its commitment to education, and scholarship is a major part of giving back to community.
To make sure that Black children and children in general receive an equal opportunity to further their education is significant in Greek life. Each fraternity and sorority offers financial aid and academic assistance through youth mentorship programs to help all those in need.
According to Brenda Vasser, Black fraternities and sororities in Seattle provide tens of thousands of dollars in scholarship funds each year to student looking to pursue their education.
“From the collective efforts of the Pan Hellenic Council in the Pacific Northwest, we average anywhere between $25,000 to $50,000 dollars in scholarship awards each year,” says Vasser, who is a member of the Pan Hellenic Council.
“Am I my brothers (and sisters) keeper?” Well when you look at the body of work set forth by the examples of the men and women of Greek letter organizations for more than a century and the universal leaders that have evolved out of Greek organizations – Thurgood Marshall, Martin Luther King, Ralph Abernathy, Shirley Chisholm, Maya Angelou, Dionne Warwick, Jesse Jackson, James Weldon Johnson, Hattie McDaniel, just to name a few Greek lettered fraternity and sorority members the answer is a resounding yes!
It is incumbent upon us as citizens of communities to care for our family, friends and neighbors. It is essence of community. “Love thy neighbor as thyself…” is the cornerstone of humanity and fraternal and sorority life exemplifies this standard.
This article originally appeared in The Seattle Medium.
Art
Houston’s ‘call Me Mother’ Exhibit Opens Today, Spotlighting Black Maternal Health
AFRICAN-AMERICAN NEWS AND ISSUES – DALLAS — The Health Museum in Houston today opens “The Call Me Mother Experience,” an exhibition spotlighting Black maternal health through art and personal storytelling. Curated by Houston’s first Black poet laureate, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, the project originated from her own poem written during a miscarriage.
HOUSTON — A new exhibition opening Sunday, Oct. 4, at The Health Museum is bringing Black maternal health into public view through art and personal storytelling.
The Call Me Mother Experience will be on display through Feb. 28, 2027. The museum lists a preview reception today from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1515 Hermann Drive, with tickets priced at $5 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
A personal story becomes a community conversation
According to the museum, founder, curator and lead artist Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton developed the project from a poem she wrote during a miscarriage. The installation combines films, recorded interviews, visual artwork and contributions created with community members.
Mouton, Houston’s first Black poet laureate, discussed the exhibition and her connection to its subject in an Oct. 1 appearance on KPRC’s Houston Life. The station described the project as addressing the unequal burden of pregnancy-related illness and death faced by Black women in Harris County.
An announcement distributed by the Call Me Mother Experience says the initiative will also reach community locations and faith-based organizations across Greater Houston. Those additional settings are intended to extend the conversation beyond a museum visit.
What visitors can expect
The museum says reception guests can explore the exhibit, hear the curator and meet participating artists. Reception admission includes general museum entry; refreshments are available while supplies last.
The featured image accompanying this article is an original illustrative concept, not a photograph of the exhibition or its artwork.
Sources and visitor information:The Health Museum exhibition listing; preview reception details and tickets; KPRC Houston Life; organizer announcement.
The post Houston’s ‘Call Me Mother’ Exhibit Opens Today, Spotlighting Black Maternal Health appeared first on African American News and Issues.
Based on reporting by African-American News and Issues – Dallas.
Black Press
Should You Have to Pay to Hear the Gospel?
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN — Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell of Atlanta’s 2819 CHURCH and Tim Timberlake of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, are at the center of a social media debate. The controversy stems from ticket prices for their “Street Preachers” podcast tour, with general admission tickets reportedly costing around $60 and VIP options up to $200.
For generations, the Black church has passed the offering plate to keep the lights on, pay the preacher, help the poor and carry the Gospel beyond its walls. But what happens when the preacher leaves the sanctuary, takes a popular Christian podcast on tour — and charges admission?
That question has placed Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell, founder and lead pastor of Atlanta’s fast-growing 2819 CHURCH, at the center of a heated social media debate.
Mitchell and Tim Timberlake, senior pastor of Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, host “Street Preachers,” which its official website describes as a “raw, unfiltered podcast” committed to spreading the Gospel.
‘A brood of vipers’
The controversy began after ticket prices for the podcast’s 2026 tour circulated online. General admission tickets reportedly cost about $60 before fees, with premium options, including a VIP meet-and-greet package, priced at $200. Critics questioned whether ministers should charge people to hear the Gospel.
Others defended the pastors, arguing that Christian events require venues, transportation, security, equipment and staff.
Mitchell answered critics from the pulpit last month, calling them “a brood of vipers.” He said the podcast is a separate, personal project and that neither his church nor Timberlake’s is bankrolling it.
“Now we have decided to go on a tour to take the gospel to cities, and because that’s not funded by 2819, and it’s not funded by Celebration Church, Tim and I gotta do that with our own pockets,” Mitchell said. “It’s why there is tickets. We have to pay for venues and security and productions and staff from our own pockets.”
Mitchell called some critics “ignorant” and said they did not know that a child was healed through faith during one of the events.
“And you want to complain about a 60 ticket?” he said. “So hate on!”
Worship service vs. media event
Mitchell maintains that “Street Preachers” is an independently produced podcast tour, not a worship service, and that ticket revenue helps cover production costs.
Yet the presence of pastors, Scripture and Gospel language makes the distinction less clear to some believers.
The official tour website lists all eight 2026 stops as sold out. Promotional material announcing additional dates promised, “Better ticket options. Same Gospel. Same move of God.”
Corporate prayer gathering
The language gets to the heart of the dispute. Some Christians argue that no one should be kept outside because they cannot afford a ticket. Others say the Gospel remains free even when people pay for the venue and experience surrounding its presentation.
The paid podcast tour, however, is not Mitchell’s only large-scale gathering. On Oct. 10, 2819 CHURCH will host “ACCESS — That Powerful Hour of Prayer” at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Admission is free.
2819 CHURCH has said 80,000 free tickets were claimed before registration reopened.
The contrast raises another question: What makes one Gospel-centered event a ministry supported by donors and another a production supported by customers?
Unfiltered preaching, youth appeal
Mitchell’s congregation, composed largely of young Black adults, grew from fewer than 200 weekly worshippers in 2023 to about 6,000, according to the church. Some worshippers arrive before sunrise to secure a place inside.
His appeal rests partly in an intense, vulnerable and raw preaching style.
“I’m preaching without watering that down, without filtering out things that we think might be too controversial,” Mitchell told The Associated Press.
That visibility has also brought scrutiny of his theology, associations, travel, security and the businesses surrounding his ministry.
But the controversy reaches beyond Mitchell and Timberlake. Christian music concerts charge admission. Seminaries charge tuition. Religious publishers sell Bibles, books and devotionals. Churches pay musicians, media teams and guest preachers. Money becomes particularly uncomfortable, however, when an event is presented simultaneously as ministry and entertainment.
Ministry vs. entertainment
Supporters should not assume every dollar collected becomes personal profit. Critics, however, question whether lower-cost seats, sponsored tickets or free admission for people who cannot pay should be part of a Gospel-centered event.
The Black church always has required resources for ministry. It also has carried a sacred responsibility to make room for people with little or nothing to give.
The sold-out “Street Preachers” tour shows people are willing to pay to attend. The free ACCESS gathering offers a different model. The challenge is preserving that open door as Christian ministry increasingly adopts the machinery — and economics — of popular entertainment.
The post Should you have to pay to hear the Gospel? appeared first on St. Louis American.
Based on reporting by St. Louis American.
Black Press
NCCU Ramping up for the 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience
NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL UNIVERSITY – CAMPUS ECHO — N.C. Central University is preparing for its 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience, a week-long celebration. Thousands of students, family, friends, and alumni are expected to gather on campus for festivities including the Homecoming Countdown, parade, Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation, concerts, and the football game.
This Saturday N.C. Central University will kick off its 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience — a week-long celebration bringing thousands of students, family, friends and alumni to campus.
This year’s festivities include the Homecoming Countdown, parade, Miss and Mister NCCU Coronation, concerts and the football game.
The number of visitors to the football game on Saturday, Oct. 10 is expected to reach at least 10,000 — O’Kelly Riddick Stadium’s capacity, with NCCU’s recent enrollment increase of more than 10,000 students.
The Eagles will face William & Mary after playing against the Campbell University’s Fighting Camels on Oct 3.
Students are already expressing excitement for the upcoming festivities.
“I’m excited for homecoming because I can meet alumni and go outside and party with my fellow eagles,” Digital Filmmaking junior Rhese Gardner said. “I’m also really looking forward to the Greek Bowl because there’s a lot going on.”
He added that even though he’s disappointed this semester’s Oil Spill was canceled, he’s still excited for the other events like the parade and concerts.
Here is a list of the week’s on-campus events:
- Oct. 3 – Homecoming Countdown
- Oct. 4 – Gospel Concert
- Oct. 5 – Coronation of Miss and Mister NCCU
- Oct. 6 – 10:40 Break
- Oct. 6 – Homecoming Experience Showcase
- Oct. 7 – Fried Chicken Wednesday
- Oct. 7 – Festival Block Party
- Oct. 7 – Late Night Breakfast
- Oct. 8 – Back to the Nest Young Alumni Mixer
- Oct. 8 – Old School Greek Stroll Off
- Oct. 8 – Hip-Hop Concert
- Oct. 9 – Step Show
- Oct. 10 – Football Game
The post NCCU ramping up for the 89th Ultimate Homecoming Experience first appeared on Campus Echo Online.
Based on reporting by North Carolina Central University – Campus Echo.
Black Press
Botham Jean’s Killer Granted Parole 7 Years After His Murder
MICHIGAN CHRONICLE — Former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger has been granted parole, seven years after her conviction for murdering Botham Jean inside his Dallas apartment. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved her release on October 1, seven years to the day after her murder conviction. Guyger was convicted in 2019 and sentenced to 10 years in prison for Jean’s 2018 death.
Former Dallas police officerAmber Guyger has been granted parole seven years after she was convicted of murdering her neighbor,Botham Jean, inside his Dallas apartment.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles approved Guyger’s release Thursday (October 1), seven years to the day after Guyger was convicted of Jean’s murder, according to NBC News.
In 2019, a jury convicted Guyger of murder and she was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Jean’s 2018 death. Her conviction and 10-year sentence were upheld on appeal in 2022.
Geyger’s first parole request was denied in 2024, NBC Dallas-Fort Worth reported.
The Dallas Police Department fired her after the shooting. During her trial, Guyger testified that she mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment after returning home from work, believing it was her own apartment one floor below.
She said she saw Jean inside and fired her weapon because she believed he was an intruder, according to NBC News.
Jean was a 26-year-old Black man from St. Lucia who worked as an accountant. He was inside his home eating ice cream when Guyger entered and shot him, NBC DFW reported.
The parole board cited Guyger’s prison record in approving her release. According to NBC DFW, officials said she did not have a documented pattern of violent or assaultive arrests or convictions, maintained a satisfactory adjustment while incarcerated, and completed programs intended to help her obtain and maintain employment.
Jean’s family opposed the parole decision and had asked that Guyger serve her full 10-year sentence, according to NBC DFW.
Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt, who represents the family, told NBC DFW that the decision was deeply disappointing.
“They stood up again and again to ask that the full sentence be served,” Merritt said.
The Dallas Police Department told NBC DFW that the parole decision was outside its authority and that the department had no role in determining whether Guyger would be released. The department said its thoughts remained with Jean’s family and others affected by his death.
Guyger’s conviction and 10-year sentence were upheld on appeal in 2022.
A civil jury ordered Guyger to pay Jean’s family $98.6 million in damages in 2024, according to NBC DFW.
Guyger’s release date has not been announced. NBC News reported that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will determine when she is released.
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Based on reporting by Michigan Chronicle.
Black History
Morehouse School of Medicine Fall Convocation Has Strong Ties to Nashville
TENNESSEE TRIBUNE — Morehouse School of Medicine recently held its 42nd Fall Convocation and White Coat and Pinning Ceremony, which highlighted strong connections to Nashville. Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, in her 12th year as president and CEO, leads the institution, which welcomed 355 new students.
Morehouse School of Medicine held its 42nd Fall Convocation and White Coat and Pinning Ceremony on September 18, and it featured strong ties to Nashville. Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice is completing her 12th year as president and CEO of Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM). The school boasts 355 students seeking degrees and certificates in the medical field.
“This entering class represents the future of medicine, science, public health and health care leadership,” said Valerie Montgomery Rice, MD, and FACOG. “As these students begin their journeys at Morehouse School of Medicine, they join a community grounded in excellence, service and our shared commitment to advancing health equity. We look forward to supporting their development as leaders who will transform the health and well-being of the communities they serve.”
Infectious diseases physician and scientist Dr. Barney S. Graham, MD, and PhD, served as the keynote speaker. He serves as the director of the David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute, professor of Medicine and Microbiology, Biochemistry and Immunology at Morehouse School of Medicine. He is an inventor of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies approved for human use to prevent or treat RSV, COVID-19 and Ebola. He joined MSM in 2022. He served in various positions at Vanderbilt University for 21 years.
Dr. Graham told the audience to “Embrace the Unseen” and focused on three points: Do the Best You can with what’s in front of you, Do what makes you come alive and Do the right thing even when no one is looking. He added, “Anything you do to improve mental and physical wellness and promote disease prevention will reduce health disparity by reducing the resources needed for treatment.”
His remarks commanded a roaring applause from the audience, which included his wife, Dr. Cynthia Turner Graham, and the former First Lady of Tennessee State University, Mrs. Edwina Hefner, a close friend to the family.
Based on reporting by Tennessee Tribune.
Black History
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Publishes Global Circle’s Vatican Reparations Call in Special Edition Alongside Heads of State
GLOBAL CIRCLE FOR REPARATIONS AND HEALING — Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published the Global Circle for Reparations and Healing’s submission, “From Accra to the Vatican,” in a special edition of The Ghanaian Envoy. This marks the first time a sovereign state has incorporated the Reparations Presentment to the Holy See into its official record. The 175-page edition, titled “Creating A New World,” also documents Ghana’s campaign that led to UN Resolution A/RES/80/250, which recognized the trafficking and enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
“From Accra to the Vatican” appears in The Ghanaian Envoy Special Edition on UN Resolution A/RES/80/250 — the first time a sovereign state has carried the Reparations Presentment to the Holy See into its official record
ACCRA, Ghana / CHICAGO, Illinois — October 7, 2026 — The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing today announced that its submission to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “From Accra to the Vatican: A Call for a Global Plan of Action on Catholic Church Redress”, has been published in the Special Edition of The Ghanaian Envoy, the official newsletter of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana. The 175-page edition, titled “Creating A New World,” documents the Ghana-led campaign that culminated on March 25, 2026, in United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity.
The Global Circle’s submission, authored by Co-Convener Kamm Howard, appears in Part V of the edition, “What Repair Must Now Mean,” at page 161. It shares the volume with statements by President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of Liberia, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye of Senegal, President Carlos Manuel Vila Nova of São Tomé and Príncipe, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, African Union Commissioner Amma Twum-Amoah, CARICOM Reparations Commission Chair Sir Hilary Beckles, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Dr. Julius Garvey, and Congressional Black Caucus Executive Director Vincent Evans, among others.
The submission traces the Global Circle’s delivery of the Reparations Presentment to the Holy See in Vatican City on July 18, 2022, the document’s subsequent use by the former Vice President of Costa Rica and the Vice President of Colombia in their engagements with Pope Francis, and the partial response contained in Pope Leo XIV’s May 2026 encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. It argues that while three of the Presentment’s seven demands have entered the Church’s official language in diluted form, four remain wholly unmet: rescission of the papal bulls that authorized African enslavement, the Church’s call upon other offending Western nations to make redress, the establishment of a joint Vatican–African Diaspora–African Papal Commission on Reparations and Healing, and a substantial financial commitment to repair. The submission asks Ghana to adopt the Presentment as the reference instrument for a Vatican track within the Accra Next Steps Commitments and to convene a first meeting of Global African reparationists toward a collective response.
“For four years the Presentment has been a civil society document carried by civil society hands,” said Kamm Howard, Co-Convener of the Global Circle and Commissioner of the National African American Reparations Commission. “Ghana has now placed it in the official record of a sovereign state, in a volume that opens with a President’s address to the General Assembly and closes by asking what repair must mean. That is not a courtesy. It is a signal to every government, every reparations commission, and every African Catholic that the claim against the Holy See belongs on the state agenda, and that the state which broke the deadlock at the United Nations is prepared to see it there.”
The significance of the publication extends beyond the Vatican file. The Presentment was created as a legal claims instrument by Howard in 2014 and first delivered to corporations and institutions in the United States, where it secured significant concessions. Its appearance in a foreign ministry’s official publication, translated and distributed in English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian, establishes the reparations presentment as a recognized instrument of international reparatory diplomacy, one that other states and descendant communities can adopt without drafting a new framework of their own. The Global Circle has described this catalytic potential as the “N’namba Effect,” after the Evanston, Illinois, reparations initiative – led by N’nanba Robin Rue Simmons – that gave municipalities across the United States the model, permission, and courage to act.
“The Vatican told us in 2022 that it moves in fifteen-year increments,” Howard added. “Ghana has just demonstrated at the United Nations that a determined state can compress that timeline to a single vote. We are asking Ghana to do for the Church what it did for the General Assembly, and we are asking Global Africa to organize behind that ask with one document, one voice, and one set of demands.”
The Global Circle has written to President Mahama and Foreign Minister Ablakwa to express its gratitude and to propose that its Vatican and Interreligious Actors Working Group lead the first meeting on a collective Vatican response under the auspices of the Government of Ghana. The Global Circle has also formally advised the Congressional Black Caucus of the publication in connection with its pending request that the Caucus recognize the Presentment as the foundational document for reparations engagement with the Roman Catholic Church and join the Government of Ghana in this global call to action.
###
About the Global Circle for Reparations and Healing
The Global Circle for Reparations and Healing was convened in 2022 to help build united global reparations front across Africa and its worldwide diaspora. In July 2022 the Global Circle delivered the Reparations Presentment to the Holy See in Vatican City. It co-organized Accra Summit I in August 2022 with the Government of Ghana and the Africa Transitional Justice Legacy Fund, and led the organization of Accra Summit II: Centering Healing Across Global Africa in March 2025 in partnership with the African Union. The Reparations Presentment to the Holy See is available in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish at gcrh.org.
Media Contact
Global Circle for Reparations and Healing
Kamm Howard, Co-Convenor
[email protected] 773 520 0369
gcrh.org
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