Artivism at the Heart of Reparatory Justice: Kim Poole’s Historic Call

On February 10, 2025, the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel became the stage for a powerful and historic moment in the ongoing struggle for reparatory justice. As part of the African Union’s (AU) 2025 Theme of the Year: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” the Civil Society Pre-Summit Symposium brought together policymakers, scholars, and activists from across the continent and the African diaspora.

Among the distinguished speakers, one stood out—not just for her message but for what her very presence represented. Kim Poole, a Soul-Fusion Performing Artist and Founder of the Teaching Artist Institute (TAI), was the only presenter on stage currently living and born as apart of the Historic African Diaspora—a descendant of those taken from the continent against their will during the transatlantic slave trade.

Invited by Briggs Bomba of TrustAfrica, Poole was uniquely positioned to embody the voices of those whose ancestors fought, resisted, and dreamed of justice. Her participation reinforced an essential truth: the call for reparatory justice is not limited to any single experience of oppression.

It encompasses the demands of the African Diaspora for recognition and redress while also standing in solidarity with struggles on the continent, from the legacy of colonial war crimes in Namibia to ongoing injustices in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Reparatory justice movement is about acknowledging deeply interconnected Global African Restoration. Opening her Artivist Interlude with a powerful rendition of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, Poole set the tone for an intervention that was both personal and universally resonant.

Her choice was intentional. Marley’s lyrics—”Won’t you help to sing these songs of freedom?”—echo the call of generations past and present, demanding liberation in body, mind and spirit. As the interlude continued, she transitioned into another historic diaspora birthed anthem, We Shall Overcome. But before the song began, she performed a symbolic act of recognition and solidarity that would become one of the defining moments of the event.

“You are the face of our ancestors’ wildest dreams.” With these words, Poole invited all members of the Historic African Diaspora in the audience to stand with her. From USA, Caribbean, Brazil and bryond they began to rise with pride across the room. She acknowledged them as those who had come back to Africa—not as captives, but as facilitators of healing and restoration for the Global African People.

Then, she extended the invitation to the entire room. “Now, I ask every ally and audience member to stand in solidarity with the Historic Diaspora.” This was not just a moment of acknowledgment—it was a metaphysical and symbolic demonstration of the truth that reparations, as a movement began in the diaspora, among the enslaved, their descendants, and those who resisted colonial oppression from afar.

A proud self proclaimed Artivist, Poole re-centered the role of the African Diaspora in the reparatory justice conversation, reminding the AU and all stakeholders present that while the African continent plays a critical role in the reparations movement, it must always center the diaspora’s foundational and ongoing contributions.

A Call to Artivists, Healers, and Culture Workers

As the Executive Director of the Teaching Artist Institute, Poole ended her interlude with a clear and urgent call to action: “Artivists, culture workers, healers, and spiritual leaders—this is your time. Find your role. Stand up. Take up space in the reparatory justice movement.” For Poole, the struggle for reparations is not just a legal or political matter—it is cultural, spiritual, and artistic. It is about restoring stolen identities, healing generational wounds, and reclaiming narratives that have been distorted by centuries of oppression.Through artivism, she insists, the movement can transcend policy discussions and reach the hearts and minds of people worldwide.

Kim Poole’s presence at the symposium was more than symbolic—it was necessary. As the only Historic African Diaspora-born presenter, her voice carried the weight of those who never had the chance to return. Her ability to bridge the gap between the continent and the diaspora was a reminder that reparations are not just about economic compensation but about restoring the cultural and historical bonds that were violently severed.

“The African Diaspora must remain at the center of the conversation.” As the AU embarks on a year of discourse centered around justice and reparations, Poole’s interlude stands as a powerful reminder that the movement must continue to evolve—not just in conference halls, but in the cultural and spiritual spaces where true healing begins.