By Tom Hanks

Approximately 50 people packed the U.S. Bank Conference Theater inside the Ohio Union Thursday evening for a panel discussion around unity in the Black community, specifically around the diaspora.

The event was part of the 45th annual African-American Heritage Festival, sponsored by Ohio State’s Center for Belonging and Social Change.

Panelists included Anaís D. Roque, assistant professor of anthropology, State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus), assistant House Minority Leader, Charity Martin-King, director of social change in the Office of Student Life and Adélékè Adeeko, distinguished professor of humanities.

The panel showcased the differences and similarities of Black people throughout the diaspora, while touching on topics such as what it means to be Black in America, as well as how the diaspora has evolved.
Alexander Nichols, a first-year PhD student in higher education, called Thursday’s event an experience in kinship.

“I’m passionate about learning more about African culture and the diaspora,” Nichols said. “What impresses me about it is how you can have this sense of kinship and community with people you’ve never even met before.”

Malasia Kelly, a fourth-year in human development and family science and co-chair for the African-American Heritage Festival, said she hoped event-goers left with an understanding of the need for unity in the Black community.

“Our overall theme for this year is unity, so we’re hoping that people will leave here unified, having gained more information about not only African-Americans, but also different parts of Africa and Africans,” Kelly said. “But overall, we hope people leave with a sense of feeling unified with not just African-Americans, but Africans.”

Yabesera Tadesse, a third-year in political science, said she enjoyed the panel discussion as it helped her to further understand the diversity of the Black community.

“I love hearing from people who have both scholarly experience in studying about the Black diaspora or people who have experience in advocacy, or people who have research experience –– people who really dedicated their time or their lives and really looking into what the Black identity is, and how we define it,” Tadesse said.

“I really look forward to learning about what they have to say, and it’s exciting to see Black OSU students finding community in this space, having a safe space to truly learn and feel united.”