First Conference on Memorial Tourism in the DRC

The Eric Impion Foundation held the first conference on memorial tourism in the Democratic Republic of Congo from May 21 to 22, 2021. The conference took place in the international conference venue of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa, and the theme of the conference was “Rethinking, reconsidering the historical heritage and memorial of the slave trade in Central Africa.”

Experts from France, the United States, Benin, Congo Brazza, Angola, and different provinces of the DRC gathered to reflect on ways to enhance the heritage linked to the slave trade in the African region. The conference focused on two sub-themes: “The slave route(s): What results in Africa and the DRC?” and “Patrimonialization and tourism development around the slave trade.” The aim was to come up with ways to develop tourism while preserving the historical and cultural heritage of the region.

It is notable that the Kongo Kingdom contributed to a significant portion of the slave trade, with 45% to 60% of all slaves deported from Africa originating from this region, particularly the current Congo-Kinshasa. However, it is concerning that only countries in West and East Africa, such as Ghana, Benin, and Senegal, are capitalizing on the tourism potential of this dark history. Central African nations must take action to promote their own sites and educate visitors on the region's role in the slave trade. It is crucial to acknowledge and honor the memory of those who suffered, while also promoting understanding and reconciliation in the present day.

Topic:

Rethinking, Reconsidering the historical heritage and memorial of the Slave Trade in Central Africa.

Among the international guests at the event, there were several African-Americans in attendance. Dr. Griffin Lotson, a member of the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor and descendant of a slave of the Wanderer Slave Ship that brought 400 people from Kongo in 1858, traveled to the event to share his knowledge and experience with the group. Reginald Simon made the journey from Florida to join to express the need for American Kongo descendants to reconnect to the Congo to learn history and their origins. Richard Whitehead also traveled from Seattle/Washington to participate in the event and share the importance for African American to learn about their ancestors.

Left to Right: Richard Whitehead (Washington), Dr. Griffin Lotson (Georgia), Reginald Simon (Florida)

The Eric Impion Foundation's initiative to promote history in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central Africa has received a warm welcome from several high-ranking officials. His Excellency Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, the President of the DRC, was represented by Madam Chantal Yelu Mulop, his Special Adviser in charge of Youth and gender-based violence, who expressed her support for the foundation's efforts. The Congolese Minister of Tourism, the Governor of the Kongo Central province, the Consul of Angola, and the Consul of Benin, UNESCO, and the Congolese Museum Institute also praised the foundation's work. By investing in promoting history, the foundation hopes to contribute to the development of the country and the region. This initiative has the potential to raise awareness about the rich cultural heritage of the DRC and Central Africa and to foster a deeper sense of appreciation for it.