Black Heritage Festival’25: Tourism Minister urges diaspora to reconnect with heritage and advocate for reparations

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has urged people of African descent to reconnect with their heritage, highlighting the significance of reparations.

Speaking at the launch of the fourth edition of the Black Heritage Festival 2025 in Georgia, she encouraged those in the diaspora to consider the African Union’s 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations”, which aims to address historical injustices and establish mechanisms for reparatory justice globally.

The festival, held at the International Convention Centre Park, aimed to showcase Africa’s rich heritage and culture while promoting economic development within the diaspora.

The event, themed “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade”, included a series of dialogues and networking sessions on vital topics such as the legal framework for diaspora integration, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cultural exchange, and tourism.

Additionally, the launch featured an industry roundtable focusing on African heritage, cultural preservation, dual citizenship opportunities, and business prospects, attracting a diverse range of businesses, including fintech companies, to discuss Africa’s development.