2019 is the 400th anniversary of slavery in the British colony that became the United States. This anniversary is important because the Abrahamic religions prophesied that the children of Abraham would be enslaved and afflicted for 400 years, but afterward, the nation(s) who afflicted them shall be judged and Abraham's children would come out with great substance. Some people would rather waste time debating whether or not people of African descent are the children of Abraham, whether there is a play on words operating that Abraham means children of Ham/Kam/Kem (in other words, children of Egypt), or whether or not the Tanakh, Bible, and Quran are even true. Although the prophecy can be a basis for believing in reparations for people of African descent, it is important to focus on this people loving ourselves enough to create a means by which we can save and repair ourselves.

Although reparations has been in the news this year, and even though the declared candidates for the 2020 U.S. Presidential race have been invited to the Reparations Summit, only one, Anita Belle, has accepted the invitation. Consequently, this has become her Reparations Summit. Although the Prime Minister of England, Theresa May and Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See/Catholic Church were invited, neither has agreed to participate or attend. How do we negotiate reparations if the debtor nations, England and the United States, are not at the negotiating table? It seems they prefer to be judged by the prophecy. Consequently, this Reparations Summit will present Belle's reparations proposals that are based on the perspective of Afrofuturism, the perspective of reparations that is self-created as opposed to being dependent on others.

The Reparations Summit will briefly touch on the four different "sizes" or choices:

• Assimilation or integration, including with whom;

• Black Nationalism with or without dual American citizenship;

• Pan-Africanism with or without dual American citizenship; and

• Afrofuturism as a philosophy and means of science prediction (as opposed to science fiction).

One size or choice of reparations might not fit all 45 million African-Americans. Moreover, one size or choice of reparations might not fit all 45 million African-Americans throughout the entire lifespan of each individual. For example, reparations in the form of free college education may not appeal to every black senior citizen. (Moreover, free college education may be an oversimplification set up to fail due to America's persistent separate and unequal pre-college educational system. Free college education falls under the assimilation and integration perspective, a perspective that all blacks may not agree with.) Although we live in an inter-connected world, the Afrofuturist perspective is less dependent on whites to agree to reparations, and therefore doesn't have to wait for such an agreement. Indeed, the Afrofuturist perspective makes whites' agreement more likely.

The Afrofuturist perpective follows the model advanced by certain indigenous/Native American nations: Certain nations have casinos which provide the indigenous reparations in the form of income. Likewise, the Afrofuturist perpective that Belle proposes would employ African-Americans in providing a unique and exclusive product/service in the field of clean energy.

Although termed Afrofuturist, the technology for this product exists now. Herein lies the politics for which we must unite in this 400th year. We must be a critical mass for this critical time in order for freedom, full repair, self-determination, and economic independence to finally reach the descendants of Africans enslaved in the United States.

Beyond self, whether the self is identified as an individual or member of a group, reparations repairs relationships between groups by making amends for and righting wrongs. Ultimately, reparations is a love story. A love story that transcends or travels across time and generations from ancestors to descendants. A love story in which the descendants build a bridge over the troubled waters of the breach between black and white ancestors. A love story of repentance and redemption.

This year's theme for the reparations summit is "A Crash Course on Reparations & Afrofuturism for Self-Creating Reparations". Be there and let's make history together!

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

No, but there is no child care available onsite. It is strongly encouraged that attendees be 18 years of age or older.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The event is taking place in downtown Detroit. Parking is available for cost in lots and metered parking is available on the street. The event is within walking distance of the Renaissance Marriott Hotel.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, you may download the Eventbrite app to show a digital ticket.

Are meals included in my registration?

Coffee, tea, and water will be available for attendees. A lunch will be provided on site at additional cost.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes.

Are there any scholarships available?

Yes, but only a limited number, so get yours now!