by Mina Candela (Notes) on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 4:01pm

With whole communities forced off their lands resulting in over 1.5 million people internally displaced, theirleaders assassinated and their organizations threaten, the war that Afro-Colombians are living as the third largestpopulation of Black people outside of Africa behind Brazil and the U.S., is a war that surprisingly few seem to beaware of. While many are aware of the repressive situation that labor organizers face and the continuedoppression of indigenous communities, the struggle of Afro-Colombians to survive armed conflict in theirterritories, sexual violence against Afro-Colombia women, the collusion of paramilitary thugs with foreign andnational corporations to steal their land and their efforts to maintain the integrity of their unique culture andautonomous existence and development, are realities that are not part of the contemporary drama that isimagined to be Colombia.

The Afro-Colombian Solidarity Tour organized by the Black Community Process in Colombia’s international workinggroup (PCN International), will be the first of many that the will attempt to bring a comprehensive understandingof the Colombian reality that includes the plight of the 26% of the population that is Black. It is hoped that bybringing activists from the U.S. to visit communities, share experiences and see first- hand the challenges thatBlack political movements face in Colombian, those activists will bring their experience back to the U.S. to educateothers and help forge more effective bonds of solidarity, especially as it relates to the role the U.S. plays in shapingColombian internal policies.

We hope that you join us.

Tour highlights:

  • –  Arrive and Depart from Bogota, Colombia
  • –  One day tour of Bogota with visit to community of internally displaced persons
  • –  Bus trip from Bogota to Cali
  • –  Visit Afro-Colombian communities and meet with activists in Bogota, Norte Del Cauca, and the coastal cityof Buenaventura
  • –  Boat trip and meeting with the Community Council of La Plata
  • –  Eco-tour and meeting with members of grassroots environmentalist organization Econatal
  • –  Day and a half visit to beaches at Juanchaco

Cost: $1,350Price includes

  • –  All airport transfers fees
  • –  In country transportation
  • –  Accommodations in 3-4 star hotels
  • –  All program activities and entrance fees
  • –  One way flight from Cali to Bogota on morning of July 29
  • –  Three meals per day
  • –  Translation services
  • –  Price is based on single room accommodations

Price does not include:

– International airfare, tips, and personal expenses are not included How to apply

  • –  Send registration form and a deposit of $200 by June 7th
  • –  Deposits are non-refundable unless trip is canceled
  • –  Balance is due by July 5thApplication form and more info at www.afrocolombianhr.org

    Contact: Charo Mina-Rojas,