The 2011 International Year of Persons of African Origin, and why the world doesn’t care

• In Event: Capitalism, Knowledge, and Democracy

Abstract

In 2009, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 2011 as the International Year of Persons of African Origin. This initiative has as its objective to “reinforce the national measures and regional and international cooperation activities,” which “aim to ensure full rights” and participation in relation to cultural, economic, political and social domains. Using a critical theoretical and conceptual framework, we analyze how six countries (three from the North and three from the South) interpret and operationalize this Year. We develop themes from our discourse, policy and narrative analysis of government, institutional and community documents, initiatives and achievements. We critique the absence of engagement and interest internationally, especially with an African-American president at the helm of the US government.

Authors

• Gina Thesee, University of Quebec - Montreal

• Paul R. Carr, Lakehead University