Since 2004, an annual symposium is held in Atlanta, Georgia during the week of Walter Rodney’s birthday (23 March). The goal is to bring together scholars, researchers, activists, students and the community to discuss contemporary issues from a Rodney perspective.
Past keynote speakers include: Andaiye (Women’s Rights and Human Rights Activist); The late Dr. Amiri Baraka (Activist and Playwright); Mr. Salih Booker (Africa Action); Dr. Thomas D. Boston (Georgia Institute of Technology); Dr. Horace Campbell (Syracuse University); Dr. Carole Boyce Davies (Cornell University); Howard Dodson (Moorland-Spingarn Research Center and Howard University Libraries); Jesus “Chucho” Garcia (Afroamerica Foundation); Dr. Paula Giddings (Author and Historian); Rigoberto Giron (CARE USA); and Dr. Lewis R. Gordon (Temple University). Noted diplomats at the 10th Annual Walter Rodney Symposium: The Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, UN Ambassador Camillo Gonsalves from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Bassey Ewa Henshaw, Former Senator, Nigeria.
The objectives of the symposia are to:
- Raise awareness of Rodney’s legacy and the existence of his papers at the AUC RWWL
- Advance scholarship about Rodney’s work
- Develop content for newsletters and journals
- Involve students, academics, activists and the community in dialogue on contemporary issues
We look forward to seeing you at the next one!