Congressman Johnson Headlines UN Atlanta Chapter Black History Month Event on Capitol Hill: Celebrating Resilience & Empowerment: The 2nd International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 17, 2024, the United Nations proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent 2025-2034. This Second International Decade confronts the legacies of enslavement and colonialism, delivers reparatory justice, and secures the full human rights and freedoms of people of African descent worldwide.

In support of that effort, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) and Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) reintroduced their resolution supporting the UN resolution by reaffirming the United States’ commitment to advancing racial justice, addressing systemic inequities, and promoting the rights and dignity of people of African descent globally.

On Monday, February 24, 2025, in celebration of Black History Month, Congressman Johnson addressed the United Nations Association Black History Month Event: Celebrating Resilience and Empowerment: The Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034) on Capitol Hill. 

To watch the event, click HERE. To read Congressman Johnson’s speech, click HERE. 

“The Second Decade for People of African Descent is more than a recognition, it is a call to action,” said Congressman Hank Johnson. “As we face a resurgence of challenges to racial justice and human rights, we must stand firm in our commitment to progress. Black communities have long been at the forefront of change, shaping history through resilience, advocacy, and leadership. This decade is not just about reflecting on the past — it is about advancing justice, securing equality, and building a future where dignity and opportunity are a reality for all. History will not judge us by our words alone, but by what we do today and tomorrow.”

“I was proud to co-lead the resolution calling for a Second International Decade for People of African Descent, and I’m glad that the UN did the right thing in declaring the Second Decade as we entered a moment of severe backsliding around the world,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “With American democracy under attack, we are turning toward African-descendent communities across the globe now more than ever for their perspectives, lessons learned, best practices, and strategies for resistance and triumph. Someone has to fight for our rights and our democracy, and like always it’s going to be Black communities leading the charge against authoritarianism.”

Danielle Dean, Vice Chair of Advocacy, United Nations Association said: “The Second Decade for People of African Descent offers an opportunity to bring greater awareness of what the decade is, and inspire action within our own communities. More can be done to include young voices, inspire local communities and partner with our national and international friends to deliver on the vision of the first decade.”

Quote from Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli from WOLA:  “At a time where there is global democratic backsliding and a growing anti-rights, anti-diversity and anti-inclusion movement the Second Decade will protect the rights gained and advance the newer challenges faced by Afro-descendants including the climate crisis and racial bias in new technologies.”

Quote from Raudemar Ofunshi Hernandez, Afro-Latino Spiritual Leader: “Our destiny has given us an opportunity to, with the leadership of Representatives Hank Johnson and Sydney Kamlager-Dove, jointly with the Black Caucus and our big ancestral army, to fulfill our overdue dreams.”

The moderator of the event was Tracy Gray, President, United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter. The panelists included: 

Professor Justin Hansford, Director of the Howard University, Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center and Member of the UN Permanent Forum of People of African Descent.
Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States of America.
Dr. Tonija Hope, Director, Ralph Bunche International Affairs center, Howard University. member of the US Civil Society Committee for the Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial and Ethnic Discrimination (JAPER) and Chair of the US Civil Society Committee for the US-Colombia Action Plan to Promote Racial and Ethnic Equality (CAPREE).
Gimena Sanchez-Garzoli, Director of Andes, Washington Office of Latin America.
Raudemar Ofunshi Hernandez, Spiritual Leader and President, Colombia Acuerdo de Paz NGO

Key topics of the event addressed:  

Achievements of the First International Decade
Contributions of African-descended communities
Setting priorities for the Second International Decade
Building global solidarity through the UN framework

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