Opening A New Chapter in the WeDiasporan Journey: A Meeting with Professor Emanuela Gamberoni at the University of Verona

Today marked a significant milestone for WeDiasporan, as we took a crucial step forward in expanding our impact. In a meeting that felt both familiar and full of potential, we met with Professor Emanuela Gamberoni from the Department of Culture and Civilization at the University of Verona.

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The purpose of our meeting was clear: to discuss the next phase of our global initiative and explore the possibility of strengthening our academic partnership with the university, particularly regarding the conferences and public debates that form a key part of our upcoming work.

While this visit does not yet confirm the University of Verona as a partner in the WeDiasporan project, it marks an important chapter in our ongoing relationship with the university. In 2016, we had the privilege of collaborating with them to organize a major conference on human migration—a topic that is deeply meaningful to us.

As part of the fourth phase of our research project, the conference brought together a distinguished group of scholars, including Professor Gamberoni herself, Gian Paolo Romagnani, and Anna Paini, who each contributed valuable insights on migration, global displacement, and the African diaspora.

The event was a milestone not only for WeDiasporan but for all of us who are committed to understanding and addressing the complexities of migration.

While WeDiasporan’s reach extends beyond Verona, the city holds a special place in our hearts because it is where our journey began over 10 years ago.

See also Capturing Your Verona Memories: My Verona Journey Series, Part 9

Verona is where the initial seeds of the project were planted, and it is where we first had the opportunity to explore how our work could evolve into a truly global initiative. That’s why it felt particularly meaningful to return to the university today, to discuss not only our future plans but also the ongoing relationship we hope to build with this esteemed institution.

The Power of Partnership: WeDiasporan and the University of Verona

While we are still in the early stages of presenting our request, today’s meeting with Professor Gamberoni was both exciting and productive. As the conversation unfolded, we shared our vision for the next phase of the WeDiasporan project, which revolves around deepening academic partnerships, facilitating meaningful public debates, and creating spaces for critical dialogue about the African diaspora.

This academic component is something we feel passionate about because it provides an important platform for diverse voices to engage with one another and address the pressing issues surrounding African heritage, migration, and identity.

See also Group Travel – A Shared Adventure in Verona: My Verona Journey Series, Part 8

In particular, we discussed the upcoming conferences and public debates that will form part of the Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange (DMTE). This initiative goes beyond tourism; it’s about creating lasting, transformative exchanges that bridge the gap between the African diaspora and the African continent.

The conferences and debates will serve as spaces where scholars, activists, and community leaders can come together to explore ideas, challenge existing narratives, and forge new paths forward. We hope that Professor Gamberoni’s deep academic expertise and insight will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the success of these conferences.

One of the things that stood out to us during the meeting was how engaged and curious Professor Gamberoni was about our work. She asked thoughtful questions that made us think more deeply about how we can refine and expand our approach to ensure that the project has the greatest possible impact.

Her questions were not just academic—they were rooted in a genuine desire to understand the intricacies of our vision and how it could be brought to life in the university’s academic and cultural ecosystem.

Revisiting 2016: A Shared History of Collaboration

Looking back on our first collaboration with the University of Verona, it’s clear how far WeDiasporan has come. The 2016 conference on human migration was an important turning point for us, and Verona played a pivotal role in making it happen. It was through the university’s support that we were able to gather leading scholars and experts in the field, including Professor Gamberoni, and bring them together to discuss migration from multiple perspectives.

The conference provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and the development of new research on migration that continues to inform our work today. The success of that event reinforced the importance of academic collaboration in our mission to elevate the voices of the African diaspora.

We believe that by bringing together scholars, artists, community leaders, and activists from around the world, we can foster a deeper understanding of the African diaspora’s history and its current realities.

It was in Verona that we first saw the potential for these kinds of academic exchanges, and it’s in Verona where we hope to continue building on this momentum.

Expanding Our Reach: WeDiasporan’s Global Vision

While Verona will always be at the heart of WeDiasporan’s work, we recognize that our mission extends far beyond Italy. The Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange (DMTE) is a global initiative, and our vision for it is expansive.

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Through this project, we aim to foster a deeper connection between the African diaspora and the African continent, building a global network with universities, African studies centers, and public institutions that share our commitment to cultural exchange and social impact.

The DMTE initiative is designed to achieve three core objectives: self-rediscovery through cultural exchange, critical dialogue for reflection and realignment, and empowerment through knowledge transfer.

By offering immersive travel experiences, academic conferences, and public debates, DMTE will provide a platform for individuals of African descent to reconnect with their heritage and engage in meaningful conversations about the past, present, and future of the African diaspora.

Our global expansion will include collaborations with different universities, academic institutions, and cultural organizations around the world.

These partnerships will be critical in helping us reach a wide range of audiences and create lasting, impactful experiences for those who participate in our programs. But Verona will always remain a focal point for us, as it is the place where our vision first began to take shape.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Join the Movement

The journey we’re embarking on with the University of Verona and our partners around the world is one that will have a lasting impact on the way we understand and celebrate African heritage. We believe that by reconnecting the African diaspora with its roots, we can create a more empowered and united global community.

We’re excited about the future of this project and the potential it has to spark important conversations, promote mutual understanding, and foster lasting cultural connections. And we invite you to join us in this movement.

Whether you’re a scholar, an artist, an activist, or simply someone who is passionate about African heritage, there’s a place for you in this journey.

As we continue to build on the work we have started, we are looking forward to the support of the University of Verona and other collaborations and partnerships that lie ahead.

The future of the African diaspora is bright, and together, we can help shape it in a way that honors our shared history and empowers the generations to come.

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