First Voice: Dialogue with the Diaspora is the Mayor of London’s second Black History Month Conference and is scheduled to take place on Saturday 25 October 2003 at Wembley Conference Centre and on the Sunday 26 October 2003 at a number of key community venues.

The concept of ‘First Voice’ reminds us that it is important to acknowledge the voices of minority communities when we talk about history. Their account of their histories and heritage provide us with an invaluable alternative perspective, which serves to promote a greater understanding of the ‘full picture’. The underlying theme of the Mayor of London’s second Black History Month conference will be to explore the existence of unbroken transnational networks and linkages that exist amongst people of the African Diaspora - the notion that even after many years and centuries of separation and dispersal, their sense of belonging to a 'community' transcends both time and spatial boundaries. The result of this is the creation of a complex set of communities with related and/or shared historical, cultural, economic, social and political trajectories. First Voice will explore the historical development and dynamics of this relationship through a multi-disciplinary approach. Delegates will be encouraged to analyze the African Diaspora through history, literature, music, film, culture, economics and politics.

The Mayor’s 2003 conference will continue the tradition of breaking new ground by pushing forward the debate about Black history and heritage and by bringing together an exciting and diverse array of eminent contemporary and historical speakers in such a way so as to engage key audiences and sectors both nationally and internationally.

The strategic objectives of First Voice will be to:

• Create a stimulating, international and multi-disciplinary forum in which delegates and speakers can share research, experiences, ideas and best practice in the area of Black history and heritage;

• Influence or develop local, regional and national policies and strategies for the promotion of Black history and heritage;

• Promote an understanding and appreciation of the community diversity; and

• Engage more young people in diaspora heritage and history work in innovative ways.

• Critically evaluate and discuss the contemporary social, economic, political, cultural, spiritual, education and health issues using the ‘Sankofa’ principles of ‘looking back’ – using history as a reference and information tool to inform the future.

The main conference plenary sessions will take place in the Grand Hall, Wembley’s luxurious main auditorium, renowned as a popular venue for a wide range of events – both national and international. The Wembley Grand Hall can comfortably accommodate 2,636 people in amphitheatre style, tiered seating.

Conference breakout seminars will take place in a variety of rooms, each having capacities ranging between 120 and 200 delegates.

Ms. Shabazz

Eldest daughter of Malcolm X

Dr. Gorkeh Gamal Nkrumah

Founder, Kwame Nkrumah Pan African Cultural Foundation, Cairo

Eldest son of Kwame Nkrumah

Dr. David Dubois

Son of W.E.B Dubois

Zindzi Mandela

Daughter of Nelson Mandela

Cllr. Stephen Padmore

Son of George Padmore

Dr. Asa Grant Hilliard

Professor of Urban Education, Georgia State University

Paul Robeson Jnr

Son of Paul Robeson

The Conference seminars will explore the following themes:

The First Voice conference is forwill seek to target a wide range of participants, both as delegates and as speakers/facilitators. In keeping with the Mayor’s policy to increase access to information and opportunity to all, attendance at the conference will be free.

• Black voluntary sector organisations
• Media
• Educators
• Young people
• Social commentators
• Museums, libraries and archive sector
• Historians
• Researchers

Over the two days, key areas of the Wembley Conference Centre will be transformed into a Global Village Marketplace, providing an opportunity for minority-owned businesses, organisations, corporate sponsors and mainstream businesses to raise awareness of their products and services. Approximately 3,000 sq metres of space will be devoted to the creation of a unique and vibrant Global Village Marketplace, featuring over 100 stalls.

The Business Federation Partnership, which is the national representative organisation for African and Caribbean businesses in the UK, has agreed to partner the Mayor and the London Development Agency to establish a vibrant conference marketplace.

The significance of the First Voice conference lies in the dynamic and eminent speakers that the Mayor will be bringing to London over two days. It will be a high profile event, attracting national and international attention. At the same time, the conference will offer an important vehicle for dialogue. In many ways, it is right and fitting that an international conference of this kind takes place in London, given the significance of London in the history of many ethnic minority communities.

8. Conference Contacts