Black people throughout the world have passed through a miserable past due to historical injustices like slave trade and colonization, among others. The vestiges of the injustice of the past persist coupled with other economic and social challenges that aggravate the life of blacks. To alleviate this, black people need to voice together and achieve together.
The Ethiopian Herald has recently discussed with Tsegaye Chama, founder and Secretary General of Global Black Center on how black people approach their struggle for their rights, the need to have one strong black organization and the special role Ethiopia can play. Enjoy reading!
What is the overall objective of the establishment of the center?
When we go back 20 years in life journey of this organization, the whole purpose was to establish an institution, which will address the issue of the global black people, the people of African descent.
And we had to walk a long journey by working around, by addressing the pressing issue of the global black people. And we found that we are in severe deficiency of institutions that will address the cause of the black people. And now this is an answer for the deficiency of the global black organization.
When we say “Black,” who are we referring to? Those in Africa, or elsewhere?
We often use the term people of African descent interchangeably. Scientifically speaking, all human beings originated in Africa, which opens a broader conversation about ancestry and identity. But for our purposes, when we speak of “Black people” or “people of African descent,” we refer to those of African origin those who trace their ancestry to the Black race and heritage rooted in Africa.
For example, in the Caribbean region alone, there are about 33 islands, and in at least 11 of those countries, the majority of the population is Black. These are communities formed through the horrific legacy of the transatlantic slave trade yet they emerged as nations in the very places where their ancestors were once enslaved. That is a powerful testament to the resilience and success of Black people, and it deserves to be acknowledged with care and respect.
Today, there are nearly 44 million African Americans in the United States. Across Europe, we find substantial Black populations. In Latin America especially Brazil roughly 17% of the population identifies as having African ancestry.
And of course, here in Africa, the mother continent, the Black race remains rooted and vibrant.
This is why we use the term global Black people to encompass all those of African descent, wherever they are in the world. Black people are everywhere, and their shared heritage connects them across continents.
Our world has many races. So why do we need a separate center that focuses on black people?
Nowadays, there is an issue of identity, the issue of race, the issue of culture. Black people have to endure special injustice. Black community all over the world has their own special need, special injustice, special problems that need to be addressed.
For example, we can talk about racial injustice. We can talk about colonization and decolonization. We can talk about slavery. In my community, as a global black center, we see slavery as not simply a historical imperfection or something historical occurrences. No. We say it’s crime.
That’s how we say it is a crime. So if there is a crime, there should be perpetrator as well as a victim. Then what is needed? Justice should be served.
Therefore, according to the global black people and scholars, slavery is injustice purposefully imposed in the course of societal development of the black people. Therefore, this is one of the issues that we need to address because what is happening. What we see is that issues of this kind simply be left in the air and there is no one to address these issues.
That is why I said we need global organizations that address the issue of identity, the issue of pride, the issue of community, the issue of culture, and the issue of injustice perpetrated and imposed on the black people. It is not only timely; it’s timeless.
It should be properly developed. And then, who is going to own and address these issues? Which organization? Organizations that are created on the basis of political union? No. Political organizations have enough problems to deal with their own politically oriented and motivated issues.
So, our organization has a prophetic, historical mission to address the issue of the global black people. Not only political organizations. Political organizations are already entangled and fallen in the snare of the way how they are created.
Therefore, just to come back to your question, why it is needed? It is not only timely. It’s a timeless organization and the Global Black Center is here to address this issue.
It’s very important. We don’t need to take this thing simply. And Ethiopia, well, Ethiopia is on the lead.
Having established and embraced the Global Black Center, at this time, Ethiopia is on the lead. And this organization is, I believe, a unique, pioneering global institution that addresses the cause of the black people.
I suppose the idea behind the Global Black Center is to address the historical injustices Black people have faced, such as colonization and the transatlantic slave trade. These events are often spoken of as part of the past colonization happened around 60 years ago, and slavery over 200 years ago. So why is it important to talk about them now?
It’s important because the impact of colonization and slavery is not confined to the past; their aftermath still lingers today, shaping the daily lives of Black people around the world. If we don’t properly address this history and uncover the full truth, it will continue to affect future generations.
Take the example of young Black people in London. If you ask them about their ancestry, many can name their parents or grandparents, but beyond that, they may only say, “I’m from Jamaica” or “Barbados.” But where were they before that? Often, there’s no trace. The history breaks at slavery where identity was erased, and people were reduced to objects. This disconnection leads to a deep sense of loss and disempowerment.
That’s the problem we aim to address. A child without a clear lineage is stripped of part of their identity. To rebuild that, we need a new approach one rooted in history, heritage, and education. We must rewrite the true history of Black people, grounded in facts and evidence, not the version crafted by colonizers to justify domination. This history must be rigorously revised and integrated into the global education system.
The Global Black Center exists to do just that. We want to reclaim and restore the narrative—accurately and assertively. Our mission is not political or ideological; we are not responding to crises. Our focus is education and truth. We seek to correct the omissions, distortions, and erasures that have plagued the global understanding of Black history.
Our vision includes the establishment of two major institutions: the Global Black History, Heritage, and Education Museum and the Global Black History University, both based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia a city of profound historical and cultural significance for Black people. These institutions will serve as independent centers of knowledge and research, designed to educate and empower future generations through an honest account of Black history.
Unless we do this Black scholars, communities, institutions it won’t be done. We are carrying the responsibility to preserve and teach our heritage. We are on a mission to restore what has been taken and rebuild a legacy that belongs to all Black people, everywhere.
How is the Global Black Center currently working with other organizations that share its mission?
We collaborate with any organization that approaches the cause of Black people with honesty and genuine intent whether or not they’re connected to the African Union. Our alignment isn’t about formality, but shared purpose. This year, in particular, is dedicated to justice for people of African descent, with reparation being a central focus.
Across the world especially in the UK and Jamaica many small organizations are raising the issue of reparations. Sometimes it’s as small as a few families gathering to demand their share. But without coordination, this fragmented approach only weakens the cause. It’s what those who committed the original injustices want: disorganized voices, easily dismissed.
We believe Black people must speak with a unified, strategic voice anchored by strong institutions like the Global Black Center, which has been built over two decades with the dedication of committed scholars and global leaders. We have a clear focus: preserving and teaching the true history of Black people, advocating for reparations, and empowering future generations through heritage and education.
Currently, we see a lack of leadership and institutional capacity within the African Union to independently address reparations. There’s no clear mandate, no unified declaration. The issue floats in discussion but lacks structure. Pan-Africanism, too, has become an abstract idea, without a firm institutional foundation to carry it forward.
We are not a political organization. We’re a historical and educational institution. Ethiopia, by hosting and supporting the Global Black Center, has the opportunity to lead a global voice not politically, but culturally and intellectually.
Reparations must be pursued in a highly organized, evidence-based manner. Right now, anyone can claim a share of reparations without a framework. Families, small groups, and local initiatives all stake claims but where does the money go? How is it allocated? Without clarity and coordination, the movement will stall.
This is why we need institutions like the Global Black Center independent, non-political, and globally engaged. Ethiopia has taken the initiative by nurturing this center. But this is not just for Ethiopia. This is a global effort, involving international scholars, intellectuals, and thought leaders.
Let me call on the Ethiopian government again: support this effort. This Center has the potential to be what the Black world lacks an institution of serious research, education, and advocacy.
We’ve seen Black excellence in many fields science, athletics, politics. From Abebe Bikila’s global legacy to Barack Obama’s presidency, Black people have shown they can achieve greatness despite systemic discrimination. Even under slavery, Black inventors and scientists created patented innovations. Yet their contributions have been erased or misattributed.
Our history spanning from the pyramids of Egypt to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela is rich, complex, and deeply intellectual. Our systems of governance, like the Gada system, reflect a sophisticated understanding of society and democracy. These must be documented and taught.
Despite historical erasure, we have contributed immensely to astronomy, medicine, chemistry, and civilization at large. But our children don’t know this. Their identity has been severed. That is why the Global Black Center is essential: to restore knowledge, rewrite our true history, and re-educate the new generation.
When Black children know the greatness of their ancestors, they grow up with confidence, identity, and a readiness to confront the challenges of the 21st century. Everything we are achieving now is evidence of the potential we’ve always had. It’s time to fully own that legacy.
Why is Ethiopia taking the lead in the Global Black Center (GBC)?
Ethiopia has always held a symbolic and spiritual role in the global Black consciousness. In moments of triumph and adversity, Black people across the world have looked to Ethiopia for inspiration and leadership. That remains true today there is a growing global awareness, and all eyes are on Ethiopia. What Ethiopia says and does now matters deeply to Black communities everywhere.
Throughout history, Ethiopia has never failed the Black world, and we believe it never will. As we speak, global Black communities are watching Ethiopia’s actions its transformation, its symbols of pride like the Adwa Memorial Museum, and its capital, Addis Ababa, which is undergoing a visible renaissance. Ethiopia stands as a gateway to the African roots that many in the diaspora are yearning to reconnect with.
This is why the Global Black Center chose Ethiopia. I’ve worked on this project for over 21 years, and those I’ve worked with renowned scholars and committed leaders agree: only Ethiopia can carry this responsibility. The vision and mission of the GBC align with Ethiopia’s historic and cultural significance.
What kind of support and collaboration are you hoping for from Ethiopian leadership?
We are calling on the Ethiopian government especially Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to take up this mantle. The global Black community is here in Ethiopia, knocking at your door. We’re not just asking we’re ready. Leaders and voices from across the Black world are calling on you: Julius Garvey, son of Marcus Garvey; historian Robin Walker; Ethiopian leaders like Demeke Mekonnen; and Professor David Francis, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sierra Leone, who chairs our board.
We are asking you to become the chief patron of the Global Black Center. Not because we want political favor, but because Black people today need a strong, visible, global leader to champion their cause and you are well positioned to be that leader.
Ethiopia doesn’t need a marketing campaign the world is already watching. What we need is strategic support to package and present what Ethiopia already has: history, culture, and symbolic leadership. The Adwa Memorial Museum, for example, has an audience waiting. The Black diaspora is eager to reconnect with their history and with Ethiopia.
We are in the process of securing land to build the Global Black History Museum a place that will house heritage from across the world. Ethiopia will become the center where educators, researchers, and scholars gather to study Black history and culture. And from there, we will move forward to establish the Global Black University, right here in Ethiopia.
This is a moment of great responsibility and great opportunity. Ethiopia is not just hosting a center it is stepping into its historic role as a leader and beacon for the global Black community.
Thank you very much.
Thank you!
BY ZEKARIAS WOLDEMARIAM
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 19, July 2025
