From the UN
This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting
Salome Agbaroji, the Youth Poet Laureate of the United States, delivered a powerful address at the United Nations on March 28, 2025, during the commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Her speech focused on the urgent need to acknowledge historical injustices and to foster a future rooted in dignity and justice for Afro-descendants.
Agbaroji opened her remarks by highlighting the staggering impact of the Transatlantic slave trade, which saw 15 million Africans kidnapped and brutalized. She emphasized the moral depravity of a system that commodified human lives, calling it "morally detestable" and "exceptionally odd." Her poignant reflections on the twisted psychology behind these atrocities underscored the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and the importance of reclaiming narratives that have long been marginalized.
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In her address, Agbaroji urged nations to recognize their roles in perpetuating these injustices and to take actionable steps towards reparative justice. She called for educational programs that accurately reflect African history, the return of stolen cultural artifacts, and a commitment to valuing human life beyond economic terms. "Use the same economical prowess to assign dollar values to your ethical debt," she implored, echoing the sentiments of the UN Secretary-General regarding the need for reparatory justice systems.
Agbaroji's message resonated deeply as she challenged member states to reflect on their contributions to racial disparities and to actively participate in rebalancing the scales of justice. "What has your nation done to rebalance the scales of justice?" she asked, emphasizing that a future of dignity and justice is within reach if collective action is taken.
Her call to action not only highlighted the historical context of the Transatlantic slave trade but also served as a rallying cry for a global community to unite in the pursuit of equity and recognition for Afro-descendants. As the meeting concluded, Agbaroji's words lingered, urging all present to commit to a future where every individual can look in the mirror and affirm their worth.
Converted from Rebalance the scales of justice & dignity - Salome Agbaroji, Youth Poet Laureate | United Nations meeting on March 28, 2025
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