#United States #Chicago #Northeastern Illinois #GHRAD Conference #Mamphela Ramphele

Annual GHRAD Conference: A Platform for Awareness and Action

Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) is excited to announce the 12th Annual Genocide and Human Rights in Africa and the Diaspora Conference (GHRAD). Scheduled for March 2-4, 2026, the event will take place at the university's Main Campus in Chicago and will also be accessible via Zoom. This year's conference theme, "From Remembrance to Prevention," underscores the importance of learning from past atrocities to prevent future occurrences.

Organized by the GHRAD Center at NEIU, the conference is aimed at a diverse audience, including students, educators, activists, and community members. Professor Jeanine Ntihirageza, who coordinates the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program and directs the GHRAD Center, emphasizes the need for dialogue on the persistent impact of historical events on present and future generations.

Keynote Speaker

The highlight of this year's conference will be the keynote address by Dr. Mamphela Ramphele, a renowned South African activist and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town. Dr. Ramphele's contributions to the Black Consciousness Movement alongside Steve Biko and her global development experience as Managing Director of the World Bank will provide invaluable perspectives on oppression and resistance. Dr. Ntihirageza expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Dr. Ramphele, acknowledging her rich background in activism and education, which will inspire attendees to engage deeply with the subject matter.

Conference Agenda

Participants can look forward to an engaging schedule that includes panel discussions on critical topics such as reparations in Chicagoland, the need to confront the silence surrounding genocide in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and strategies for healing and prevention. The forum aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of the human rights landscape both locally and globally, facilitating community engagement and encouraging collective action to address ongoing injustices.

The Role of Oral History

Northeastern Illinois University houses a unique oral history archive focusing on survivors of the 1972 genocide in Burundi. This collection, known as Mass Atrocity Testimonies — An Oral History Archive, began in 2023 and serves as an educational resource, allowing scholars and students to connect with firsthand accounts of survival and resilience. Professor Ntihirageza, herself a survivor of the genocide, highlights the importance of centering survivors’ voices in discussions about historical memory and prevention of future atrocities.

Dr. Ntihirageza asserts, "Genocides often remain hidden from history. We must pay attention to survivors' stories to ensure that such tragedies do not reoccur."

Learning and Action

This year's GHRAD Conference also aligns with NEIU's College of Arts and Sciences-themed semester, titled "Staying the Course for Human Rights From Awareness to Action." Throughout Spring 2026, the university will focus on the principles outlined in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights, integrating these themes into classes and public programs.

Conclusion

The GHRAD Conference not only serves as a platform for awareness but also seeks to empower individuals to take action against injustices affecting communities worldwide. By hosting esteemed speakers and discussing pertinent topics, Northeastern Illinois University aims to inspire hope and drive meaningful change in human rights advocacy. Join the conversation in person or online and be part of a transformative event that champions the fight for justice and equity in our world.