THE EXCHANGE 2019

"The Exchange CEREMONY

Marking 400 Years of Slavery”

“The Exchange – Marking 400 Years of Slavery”

2019 marked the “The Year of Return” and to commemorate this, we held a ceremony with the theme The Exchange: Marking 400 Years of Slavery. This event was held at the DuSable Museum of African American History in Chicago on Saturday; November 16, 2019.

The Exchange was a unity-focused ceremony and an evening to celebrate excellence and further unify Chicagoland Africans, South Americans, Afro-Caribbean and African American communities; all of which make up the African Diaspora. We brought together individuals and organizations with the goal of healing the wounds of the Middle Passage separation.

The 2019 Exchange followed from the United State Commemorative program (H.R. 1242 Commission Act) which recognized 400 years of African American history in the United States as well as the declaration of 2019 as “The Year of Return” by the President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo.

We partnered with the Social Science Department of Kennedy King College, Ghana Professionals of North America, Global Institute of Development and Planning, Martins International, United African Organization, The Wildhare, Africa International House, Mr. Candy Man, Miss & Mrs American Nation, Bantu Fest, CHORD, United African Organization & Coalition of Advocates for Sudan in organizing this event.

Participants  at  the  Event  included  Black  legislators, members of Chicago’s Global Community,  dignitaries, other  government  officials, community  leaders,  prominent  business  leaders  and  owners,  professionals,  brand  leaders,  social  influencers,  millennials and college students.

Ted Williams III  Productions  performed  a  play  entitled: “1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE.”  The Exchange  provided  an  opportunity  to experience and embrace the African culture and unity.