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reSURGEnce Economic Conference to Strengthen Black Americans and Black South Africans Alliances 30 Years After Freedom from Apartheid

SALM TEAM July 5, 2024

In a strong show of solidarity, Black business, clergy and local government leaders in the US are forming alliances with their counterparts in South Africa to shore up opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

As South Africans celebrate 30 years of freedom from Apartheid since the historic election of Nelson Mandela in 1994, the city of Durban is set to host a delegation of Black Americans who will participate in the 5-day reSURGEnce Conference that will take place in mid-July at the International Convention Centre. Special International Mandela Day activities are planned for the group on July 18.

Among the Americans participating in this important exchange are celebrity chef Melba Wilson; Ayo Tometi, co-founder of #BlackLivesMatter; and New York State Senator James Sanders, Jr. Queen of Gospel, the legendary Shirley Caesar, and multi-Grammy winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker will join a star-studded cast for a cultural music festival to culminate the activities.

Since 2011, The New York Christian Times and the Black Church Means Business have been organizing similar trips to the continent of Africa, and according to Business leader, Dennis Dillon, publisher and conference convener, the ongoing mission and commitment is to strengthen economic collaboration between Blacks in Africa and Blacks in America.

“We are purposeful that together we must drive an economic revival in this our global African village. We must break the economic stranglehold and help get Black people, Black communities, municipalities and the Black world on a path to economic sustainability and progressive growth,” Dillon attested.

With the resort city of Durban open for business and encouraging Black Americans to visit and to take advantage of the diverse business and investment opportunities available, the city has signed an MOU with The New York Christian Times, and top officials from the eThekwini Municipality in Durban, including City Manager Musa Mbhele and Chairperson of the Development and Planning Cllr. Thembo Nthuli were recently in New York to help kick-off the reSURGEnce initiative and to discuss the conference, which will focus to a great extent on trade and investment opportunities, regenerating African cities and America’s urban centres, access to capital, and other key areas.

“Being in Harlem at the reSURGEnce Conference last year was an eye-opener for us, and in this season, not much is more important than strengthening our collaboration with African Americans as we work to build and grow together,” shared the Honourable Musa Mbhele, City Manager of Durban. “We are inviting our American brothers and sisters; and Johannesburg businessman and women to join us in Durban on July 17 to 21, 2024.”

To join this global economic revival, with a focus on the African continental Economic growth through sharing of business insights, unlocking unlimited Investment opportunities; and empowering Black Business for global economic equity; thus, bridging the racial wealth gap Become a Global Delegate and Register at www.reSURGEnceConference.com.

ABOUT THE reSURGENce CONFERENCE:

The conference fosters a supportive environment for networking and entrepreneurial mentorship, facilitating growth and development. Attendees gain valuable insights and support from experienced leaders, helping them to scale their businesses and navigate economic challenges effectively.

Conference Co – Convener and Founder of the reSURGEnce Movement, Dennis Dillon is a community empowerment strategist, and publisher of The New York Christian Times newspaper as well as several books, magazines, and periodicals. He has provided leadership in several key corporate community economic benefit negotiations and has worked with many small businesses, community organizations, and major corporations, including Macy’s, McDonald’s, Chase, Citibank, AAA, and The Daily News, to bring resources and impact to local communities. He serves on several boards including the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and is the Global Convener for the DOOR of Our Return. In recognition of his work, he has been honoured with well over 200 national and local awards including recently recognized as one of the top 10 New York leaders alongside Rev. Al Sharpton and New York Governor Cuomo.