DMTE (Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange) Reaching Out To The African Museum Of Verona
This morning, I had an inspiring meeting with Father Pietro Ciuciulla, the Director of the African Museum, and Alberta Dal Cortivo, the museum attendant, at Vicolo Pozzo 1, Verona. During our conversation, I had the pleasure of presenting the DMTE (Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange) project, which will be presented to the public from September 19th to 21st, 2025, in Verona, Italy.
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While the opening event (19th September) will be open to the public, an exclusive ancestral healing session, led by Rev. Gloria Tinu Ogunbadejo, is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at the African Museum.
This special event is part of a broader three-day tourism experience in Verona (19-21 September), offering a truly meaningful and enriching opportunity. For more details about the exclusive package and to discover what’s included, please visit Wediasporan.com/event.
This is a significant moment for the African diaspora, and we are excited to shine with it!
Much like the African Museum, where we plan to host this event, we have already reached out to a variety of stakeholders, including Verona University, the city council, and others for collaboration.
See also The Story Of The African Museum Of Verona Since 1938
Their participation will not only be key to the official opening of DMTE in September but will pave the way for long-term collaboration with the project.
What You Can Expect In The Three-Day Event
Thought-provoking conferences and talks from influential speakers like Professor Oluwafemi Esan, and Dr. Ikechi Kelechi Agbugba, in a long list of others who will delve into the importance of cultural heritage, African Indigenous Knowledge Systems (AIKS), and the role of the Diaspora in shaping the future of the African diaspora as we know it.
A guided tour of Verona
Embark on a journey through Verona’s African heritage. Visit the African Museum and uncover the remarkable story of Saint Zeno, a powerful testament to the deep connections between Africa and the historic city of Verona.
Breakdown of the 3-Day Verona trip
Over these three unforgettable days in Verona, Italy, the Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange (DMTE) will take you on a powerful journey through African heritage, indigenous knowledge, and the global diaspora experience.
Cultural performances
Immerse yourself in African music, art, and traditions. Plus, an exclusive healing ceremony led by Rev. Ogunbadejo to honor our ancestors and foster spiritual connections. You don’t want to miss this rich cultural experience!
African Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Deep dive into African Indigenous Knowledge systems with Professor Esan, where you will gain insights into preserving and celebrating Africa’s unique knowledge systems and how to learn and unlearn through Indigenous understanding.
What DMTE is All About
DMTE is all about fostering a deeper connection between the African Diaspora and our rich cultural history. Through group tourism, sharing personal stories, and engaging in cultural exchanges, this project will help bridge the gap between the African Diaspora and the continent, encouraging meaningful connections that will last for generations.
We are coming together to learn, celebrate, and honor African heritage. But this isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s about shaping a stronger future, by embracing who we are, where we come from, and how we can better contribute to a shared global vision.
At the heart of Project DMTE is strengthening the connection between the African Diaspora and the African continent, celebrating its rich cultural heritage.
However, this initiative goes beyond just fostering ties within the Diaspora—it also embraces the opportunity to explore and share the diverse heritage of the African Diaspora.
Through this, we aim to foster positive collaboration with individuals from all backgrounds, even those who may not be Africans, but have a genuine interest in learning about and engaging with African experiences.
During this inaugural event, you will have the opportunity to discover the profound impact of African culture in Verona, Italy.
Verona holds deep significance in our diaspora experience, with a rich history spanning centuries. From the 4th-century story of Saint Zeno, the African-origin.
DMTE is A Movement, Not Just an Event
This event is the beginning of something much bigger. The mission of DMTE goes beyond tourism—it’s about empowerment. We are building a platform that empowers members of the African Diaspora to reclaim, celebrate, and share our culture with the world through our training programs and group tourism experiences.
This event is the beginning of something much bigger. The mission of DMTE goes beyond tourism—it’s about empowerment. We are building a platform that empowers members of the African Diaspora to reclaim, celebrate, and share our culture with the world through our training programs and group tourism experiences.
This initiative will help shine a spotlight on the stories of African presence and influence in cities around the globe, from Verona to London, Paris, New York, and beyond. Become part of a new narrative about African heritage and its impact on global culture.
See also Arikana Chihombori-Quao: Champion of African Unity, Diaspora Engagement, and Economic Empowerment
Join the Diaspora Memorial & Tourism Exchange (DMTE) today.
DMTE Project Advisers
We are honored to have some esteemed members of the African diaspora, whose wisdom and guidance are invaluable to us. At WeDiasporan (formerly Evideos Association, registered in Verona since 2014), we acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers.
We have, therefore, reached out to these individuals for their guidance on this important project, and they have been incredibly supportive. We are truly grateful for their assistance and insight. Here they are, so you can help us thank them:
- Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep: Negus Imhotep is the CEO & Cultural Memory Specialist for Imhotep Consultancy Group, LLC., he is also the Deferred Expulsion Program Manager for Des Moines Public Schools.
- Rev Gloria Tinu Ogunbadejo: Rev. Gloria Tinu is an ancestral healing coach based in the UK, dedicated to helping spiritually conscious individuals heal generational trauma and reconnect with their roots.
- Prince Maxwho Obayangbon: My name is Prince Maxwho Obayangbon, and I hail from Africa, specifically Nigeria’s Edo state and the city of Benin, but I currently reside in Italy, in Europe.
- Professor Oluwafemi Esan: Professor Oluwafemi Esan holds the distinction of being the founder of El-ROI London University, the first Black privately-owned American University in London.
- Mohamed BA: Mohamed BA is a distinguished Senegalese artist, educator, and cultural advocate based in Milan. He is deeply passionate about bridging cultural divides through the powerful mediums of theater and percussion-based music.
- Kossi Komla-Ebri: He is a retired medical surgeon and author, best known for winning the first prize for fiction at the third edition of the Eks&Tra competition in 1997 with his story Quando attraverserò il fiume (“When I Cross the River”). Also, the and author of Imbarazzismi (EnbarRacements).
We are also deeply grateful to Prof. Alessandro Lanteri for helping us connect with the right people in Verona. Now, we’d love to hear from you—how would you like to be a part of this exciting journey?
Don’t sleep on this awakening opportunity
With a growing number of Africans now living in cities around the world, there is an incredible opportunity for members of the African diaspora to share their unique experiences and help others learn about their adopted cities through the lens of their heritage.
Take Verona, Italy—the city where DMTE began—where the patron saint “Saint Zeno” is of African descent. This is a powerful story of pride and connection that should be shared with fellow Africans.
See also 10 Best Places To Visit In Verona
Similar African influences can be found in cities like Florence, Rome, London, Paris, and New York, just to name a few. DMTE aims to spotlight these untold stories, empowering diaspora members to teach one another about the rich histories of their ancestors, even far from the African continent.
Special thanks to you from the project team, Obehi Ewanfoh as the Director and Alfredo Sambù as Coordinator.
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