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Unrest at the African Union Follows the Firing of Popular Ambassador

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “The globalization construct of divide and conquer is still alive and well,” the ambassador stated. “Benin and other small, dependent colonies in Africa and its people were forever defeated and dominated because of the Berlin Conference,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao said.”

Published

6 years ago

October 16, 2019

Oakland Post

Supporters of Dr. Chihombori-Quao, remain adamant that the French government ordered the ambassador's termination.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

A speech denouncing France’s colonization of Africa and her continued efforts to unite Africa and the African Diaspora has cost H.E. Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, the African Union’s Ambassador to the United States, her job.

The African Union has given her until November 1 to clean out her office in Washington.

“I will continue to speak out on the issues that affect our people, and I will continue to tell the truth,” H.E. Dr. Chihombori-Quao told NNPA Newswire in an exclusive interview.

The interview occurred just days after she received a termination letter from African Union Commission Chairman, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat.

“I have the honor to inform you that, in line with the terms and conditions of the service governing your appointment as Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the United States in Washington, DC, I have decided to terminate your contract in that capacity with effect from November 1, 2109,” Mahamat wrote in the letter dated October 7.

The letter didn’t specify the reason for firing the ambassador, who has served in that capacity for two years.

Mahamat didn’t return several messages left by NNPA Newswire.

African Union Commission Spokeswoman Ebba Kalondo deflected questions about why Mahamat terminated Dr. Chihombori-Quao.

“Political appointees at the African Union, including Dr. Chihombori, are appointed at the discretion of the appointing authority. The duration of such political appointments is also determined at the discretion of that appointing authority,” Kalondo stated.

“This is normal diplomatic practice for political appointees everywhere,” she continued, later refusing to respond to whether France was involved in the decision to terminate Dr. Chiombori-Quao.

A spokesperson for French President Emmanuel Macron declined to say whether or not Macron either ordered or played a role in the termination.

However, supporters of Dr. Chihombori-Quao, remain adamant that the French government ordered the ambassador’s termination.

Dr. Chihombori-Quao has remained outspoken about a colonial tax on Africa that nets France about $500 billion each year. “It goes back to the Berlin Conference,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao said.

The 1884-1885 conference is considered the turning point in Africa’s history.

Before the conference, nations within the African continent were treated as trading partners because of the continent’s vast resources and wealth.

The Berlin Conference ignited what became known as the “Scramble for Africa” between European powers like France, Great Britain, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, the U.S., and others.

“The globalization construct of divide and conquer is still alive and well,” the ambassador stated. “Benin and other small, dependent colonies in Africa and its people were forever defeated and dominated because of the Berlin Conference,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao said.”

The ambassador has worked diligently to try and reverse the effects of the conference. She has called on people throughout the African Diaspora to return home and put their money and resources back into Africa.

“More African physicians are practicing in the United States than those who practice in Africa,” Dr. Chihombori-Quao noted. She has even begun a development called the Wakanda One Village Project, which would include health care facilities, hotels, manufactured homes, and shopping centers.

“The dismissal of Arikana Chihombori-Quao, AU Ambassador to the United States raises serious questions about the independence of the A.U.,” said former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings.

“For someone who spoke her mind about the detrimental effects of colonization and the huge cost of French control in several parts of Africa, this is an act that can be described as coming from French-controlled colonized minds,” Rawlings stated.

He continued:

“How can this shameful behavior emanate from us? A woman with all that it takes to galvanize our continent is chopped down by French-colonized power mongers good enough to be cleaners or pruning trees at the Elysee Palace. With leaders of this kind, how can this continent ever progress?”

More than 34,000 people have signed a petition on change.org, demanding the reinstatement of Dr. Chihombori-Quao.

After almost a year of persuading her to assume leadership as the African Union Permanent Ambassador in the United States representing the 55 countries of the Union, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao accepted the position in December 2016 and has led with courage and vigor in galvanizing peoples of African Descent, the petition states.

Dr. Chihombori-Quao has spoken globally to empower all those of African Descent to come together.

The goal is to build the “Africa We Want” as adopted in African Union Agenda 2063, wrote Professor Apollos Nwauwa, the secretary of African Diaspora Congress, who started the petition.

“The unification of the African Diaspora as espoused in A.U. Agenda 2063 is contrary to the Africa that has been marginalized and pillaged through inequitable colonial and post-colonial contracts. Dr. Arikana has been outspoken about neo-colonial maneuverings and exploitation that still exist today. Her dissemination of the truth has garnered her attention and support around the world,” Professor Nwauwa stated.

The petition has the support of various organizations, including African Union African Diaspora Health Initiative; Africa In Diaspora; Voice; Pan African Diaspora Youth Association; Pan African Diaspora Women’s Association; Africans in Boston; The African Diaspora Foundation; DFW Inclusive African Community Organization; and the Global African Business Association.

“People of African Descent around the world are appalled by Dr. Chihombori-Quao’s unjust dismissal,” Professor Nwauwa stated.

“Instead of dismantling her movement to liberate the people of African Descent from colonialism and pursue financial freedom, her dismissal has galvanized African Diaspora in the spirit of UBUNTU – I am because you are!”

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

3 days ago

May 28, 2025

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: