HomeOffice of the Special Representative for Racial Equity and JusticeRemarks & Releases…Remarks for Special Representative Cormier Smith’s Participation in Symposium on Global Anti-Blackness and the Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

# 											Remarks for Special Representative Cormier Smith’s Participation in Symposium on Global Anti-Blackness and the Legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade									

Remarks

Desirée Cormier Smith, Special Representative for Racial Equity and JusticeBureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

Harvard University

March 22, 2024

Good afternoon. Thank you – to Matthias, Maggie, Emma and the entire Carr Center team; to Darius from my team; to the advisory board; to the staff of HKS who prepared and set up the delicious food and coffee we enjoyed and facilitated the physical setting for us to convene; and to all of you – who traveled from all corners of the world and generously shared your brilliance and wisdom with us.

I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to address so many brilliant minds at the conclusion of this symposium on global anti-blackness and the legacy of the transatlantic trade in enslaved African people in commemoration of the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UN International Day for the Victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the 30th Anniversary of the UNESCO Routes of Enslaved People, and the final year of the UN Decade for People of African Descent. Over the past two days, we have engaged in profound discussions, confronting the darkest chapters of history and exploring the enduring impact of systemic racism on societies around the world. It is a privilege to stand before you as we reflect on the past, present, and future of global racial equity and justice.

For more than three centuries, Africans brought to the western hemisphere and their descendants were bound and brutalized by an internationally organized system of human trafficking built on violence, exploitation, and dehumanization. The atrocities committed against enslaved Black people continue to reverberate, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of humanity. The suffering endured by enslaved Africans and their descendants cannot be quantified in mere words or numbers. It is a legacy of pain and trauma that continues to haunt us to this day, reminding us of the depths to which humanity can sink when fueled by greed and hate.

But even in the face of such horror, we must acknowledge the resilience and resistance of our ancestors, who endured unimaginable suffering. From the plantations of the Caribbean to the cotton fields of the American South, enslaved Africans and their descendants fought for their dignity, their freedom, and their humanity. They resisted oppression in several ways, from acts of rebellion and defiance to the preservation of culture, language, and identity in the face of relentless efforts to erase them.

The contributions of people of African descent to the development of the western hemisphere and the rest of the world cannot be overstated. Despite facing centuries of systemic discrimination and oppression, Black people have made indispensable contributions to every facet of human endeavor. From the arts to sciences, from literature to politics, Black people have enriched our societies immeasurably, shaping our cultures, our economies, and our collective consciousness.

As we confront the legacy of the transatlantic trade in human beings and the ongoing scourge of anti-Blackness, we must recognize that the struggle for racial equity and justice is far from over. In the United States and around the world, systemic racism continues to pervade every aspect of society, perpetuating disparities in education, healthcare, housing, employment, and criminal justice. It is a legacy that manifests itself in the form of police brutality, mass incarceration, economic inequality, access to education, and cultural marginalization.

The creation of my position and office at the State Department underscores our dedication to tackling anti-Blackness and other forms of racism on a global scale as we work to dismantle systemic racism here in the United States. In this role, our mission is clear: to ensure U.S. foreign policy, processes, and programs advance the human rights of individuals belonging to marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities, including people of African descent, and to build global partnerships to combat systemic racism, discrimination, and xenophobia around the world – NOT because we have solved these challenges here in the United States, but because we recognize that these are global challenges that require coordinated and sustained global solutions.

To that end, the United States supports the creation and elevation of UN mechanisms working to address racial injustices and improve the livelihoods of people of African descent, including CERD, EMLER, WGEPAD, UNESCO, and the UN Permanent Forum for People of African Descent. And I am so honored that so many esteemed experts from many of these mechanisms joined us and shared their wisdom, expertise, and commitment over the last two days.

But let us be clear: the road to racial equity and reconciliation is long and arduous. It will require unwavering commitment, unshakeable courage, and close collaboration from all sectors of society. We must dismantle the structures of oppression that continue to perpetuate inequality and injustice, and we must do so with great urgency and resolve. We cannot afford to be complacent or to shy away from difficult conversations. Each of us must work in concert from our own perches towards the shared goal of dismantling the systems of power and privilege that uphold white supremacy and anti-Blackness.

In closing, let us carry forth the spirit of solidarity and determination that has permeated this symposium. Let us stand together, united in our quest for a more just and equitable world. Let us honor the memory of our ancestors who – despite enduring unimaginable injustice and inhumanity – never lost hope and never bought into the lie of their inferiority. Let us never forget that our actions today will shape the world of tomorrow, a world where every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality or physical ability can thrive and reach their full potential. Finally, let us use the hope, the inspiration, and the connections we made or strengthened over these last two days as fuel to continue the struggle for justice, dignity, and the full enjoyment of our human rights.

Thank you.

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