Executive Director Natalee S. Snider’s Inspiring Speech at Experience Africa 2023

The Experience Africa 2023 Conference in Washington, D.C., provided a platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together, share stories, and celebrate the rich tapestry of the African and Caribbean diasporas. Among the speakers, Natalee S. Snider, the executive director of the Mayor’s Office on Caribbean Community Affairs, delivered a powerful speech that highlighted the shared heritage, collaborative spirit, and contributions of Afro-Caribbean communities. Her words resonated with unity, collaboration, and the importance of recognizing the threads that bind the African and Caribbean experiences.

Natalee S. Snider’s speech commenced with a deep sense of identity, introducing herself as a representative of the Caribbean Washingtonians and connecting her roots to Waterhouse, Kingston, Jamaica. Drawing parallels between her ancestral land and the Caribbean community’s history, she recounted the heroic tale of Queen Nani of the Maroons, a warrior queen who fought against British oppression and collaborated with the British to secure freedom. This dual spirit of warriors and collaborators continued to shape the present, as Snyder expressed how Caribbean communities have evolved to collaborate and communicate intellectually and creatively to bring about political and cultural enlightenment.

Snider drew attention to the significant global presence of the Afro-Caribbean community, with an estimated 23 million individuals worldwide. She posed a thought-provoking question about the Caribbean country with the highest number of Afro-Caribbeans. Surprisingly, it was revealed to be the United States, demonstrating the widespread influence and interconnectedness of the diaspora. Jamaica, with 3 million Caribbean people, also held a significant place within this narrative.

The speech underscored the interconnectedness of the Afro-Caribbean and African communities through shared cultural influences and collaborations. Famous personalities like Wyclef Jean, co-creator of the Fugees, and Lauryn Hill, who married a son of Bob Marley, exemplified the multi-layered connections between the Caribbean and African cultures. The roots of these connections extended to icons like Bob Marley, who was a part of the Rastafarian movement that revered Ethiopian culture. These interwoven threads showcased the depth of cultural exchange between the communities.

As Snider elaborated on the collaborative legacy, she highlighted Marcus Garvey’s historic role in encouraging the return to Africa through his black-owned shipping line. This legacy of collaboration extended beyond famous individuals to everyday people who contributed to major movements and daily life, whether as business owners, restaurateurs, or family pillars. The speech emphasized the profound impact of African and Caribbean communities across various aspects of society, underlining the importance of unity and shared history.

Snider expressed her gratitude to Experience Africa for serving as a bridge between the African and Caribbean diasporas. The conference served as a testament to the power of shared experiences, stories, and cultural connections that bring these communities together. Through her speech, Snider not only celebrated the achievements and contributions of Afro-Caribbean individuals but also reinforced the notion that unity and collaboration are essential for the progression of both communities.

Natalee S. Snider’s speech at the Experience Africa 2023 Conference illuminated the significance of unity, collaboration, and shared history between the African and Caribbean diasporas. Her words resonated as a call to recognize the interconnectedness of cultures, celebrate common achievements, and continue to build bridges that foster understanding and growth.