Resistance, resilience and restoration

By CARLY BAHR Staff Writer

The 2023 Pan African Conference’s theme was “Transnational Resistance Resilience and Unadulterated Black Joy.”

The two-day conference, held at Minnesota State, ranThursday through Friday. Henry Morris, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, gave the welcoming address Wednesday followed by a theme elucidation by Interim Director of African American Affairs BalenciaSariah Crosby, an art presentation by students Joy Teah and Love Quetee, live music and a closing address.

Author Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts of “Black Joy: Stories of Resistance, Resilience, and Restoration,” gave a virtual keynote address.

The event’s theme was inspired by a quote from educator and writer JJ Bola, “I think about transgenerational trauma a lot, but I think of transgenerational joy more. I would like to think that my ancestors pass on love and joy and happiness, that they knew I would need peace to survive this world, and so they sewed it in my blood.”

MSU Alum Iman Mohamoud said the annual event was bigger in years past and included more non-Black and non-BIPOC attendees.

“The people that I’ve met attended because it’s a requirement. But when I meet people that are non-white they’re coming because they’re interested. They want to be part of this and included but I think the con- ference would be more beneficial for white people because a lot of this is stuff that I already know and I know my Black and BIPOC friends already know about this stuff,” she said. “If we could get more white people to come to conferences and events like this then I think we could see some change.”

Mohamoud said she attend- ed every Pan African Conference during her time at MSU, and this year’s theme was in line with a shifting conversation around the Black experience.

“It was always about trauma, which is good to talk about but it’s also good to focus on Black joy because it’s not talked about and we don’t see it as much. It’s not talked about and it’s not