Wilmington Celebrates African Diaspora Heritage Month

On September 4, 2024, community leaders and members of the African diaspora gathered at Mother African Union Church in Wilmington, Delaware. The event marked the observance of African Diaspora Heritage Month and the ongoing International Decade for People of African Descent.

Delaware Faith In Action, a coalition of religious and civil rights organizations formed in 2014, hosted the forum. The event was part of a series aimed at raising awareness about the progress and conditions of People of African Descent in Delaware, particularly as the state approaches the 2024 elections.

Focus on Upcoming Elections

Alicia Clark, Founder of Delaware Faith In Action Network, emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections. She noted that the elections represent an opportunity for several “firsts” that could impact Delaware politics. Key races discussed included those for U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, Lt. Governor, County Executive, and Mayor of Wilmington.

Socio-Economic Challenges

The forum addressed persistent socio-economic challenges faced by Black communities in Delaware. Despite efforts to promote Wilmington and Delaware, Clark stated that many families and youth, particularly those of African descent, are being left behind. The event served as a reminder of the need to publicly identify and address structural and organizational inequities.

Review of Past Reports

Participants reviewed progress made since the release of several reports, including the 2016 Ivy Report on racism in state government, the 2022 Delaware Disparities Impact Study, the 2023 City of Wilmington Procurement Disparity Study, and various reparations studies. These documents have informed the ongoing dialogue about racial inequities in the state.

Legislative Recognition

In 2023, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and his colleagues introduced a bill authorizing the formal designation of African Diaspora Heritage Month. The bill recognized the contributions of the African diaspora to the United States, a theme that resonated throughout the forum.

Voter Registration Issues

Stacey Henry shared an experience where her 83-year-old mother was denied the ability to vote at the PAL Center on August 29, 2024. Despite having a history of voting, her mother was not registered and her party affiliation had been changed to “No Party.” The issue, affecting others at the same location, was attributed to a glitch at the DMV following a recent license renewal. As of the forum date, her mother had not been able to vote in the primary.

Concerns About Voting Rights

Alicia Clark used the forum to highlight irregularities and challenges faced by community members at the polls. She emphasized the need for greater scrutiny and action to protect the voting rights of African Americans in Delaware, particularly given the recurring issues at the PAL Center.