The 2024 ADOS National Reparations Summit concluded on a high note, with gratitude extended to the attendees, speakers, foundation members, and hotel staff who made the event a success. Held in the historic city of New Orleans, the summit brought together advocates, experts, and allies to exchange ideas and strategies on achieving reparations for the American Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) community.
A Landmark Event
The summit marked a significant milestone for the ADOS Advocacy Foundation, as it was the first time the organization independently planned and executed such a comprehensive conference. Reflecting on its growth since the inaugural 2019 ADOS Conference, the foundation provided attendees with a rich experience, including workshops, debates, and keynote speeches, alongside an expanded menu featuring New Orleans culinary staples like beignets, catfish, and fried okra.
Diverse Participation
The event drew a diverse audience, including first-time attendees and seasoned supporters. Participants represented a wide range of regions, races, and ethnicities, including Nova Scotian, Caribbean, and white allies. The atmosphere was welcoming and collaborative, with attendees united in their commitment to securing reparations for the ADOS community.
Distinguished Speakers & Robust Programming
A highlight of the summit was its impressive lineup of speakers and panelists. Notable figures included Presidential Candidate Cornel West, The Honorable Nina Turner, and Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby. ADOS Advocacy Foundation President Yvette Carnell ensured attendees had a platform to engage with groundbreaking insights, while Policy Director Aisha Muhammad presented a detailed reparations framework, laying the groundwork for legislative advocacy.
The summit also introduced the ADOS Research Institute, a new initiative focused on publishing data that highlights the disparities faced by the ADOS community. Complementing the robust content was high-quality audio and video production, elevating the overall experience.
Expanding Accessibility
To ensure equitable access, the ADOS Empowerment Project sponsored a livestream, making the summit available to those unable to attend in person. A recording of the event is available for purchase until November 30.
Moving Forward
The momentum continued beyond the summit. On October 26, President Yvette Carnell collaborated with theADOS Empowerment Project and the Boston Reparations Task Force for a Reparations Listening Session.
This week, President Yvette Carnell is speaking at the Data for Black Lives event in Miami, focusing on the future of work, artificial intelligence, and reparations.
Looking ahead, the ADOS Advocacy Foundation is preparing for sustained advocacy during the next administration. Attendees can expect a follow-up survey to help refine future events, and the foundation will share insights on the 2024 election outcomes in the coming weeks.
The ADOS National Reparations Summit underscored the importance of collective action and strategic planning in the fight for reparations. As the movement gains momentum, the ADOS Advocacy Foundation remains committed to its mission of advancing justice for the ADOS community.
