Is systematic racism a product of Colonialism

Dr. Hamdesa Tuso, Historian Brian Knowles and Dr. JP Linstroth join panel to discuss the current racial climate in America and its global reverberation. Dr. Hamdesa Tuso is a first time guest to program. Bio: he was born and raised in Oromia in the Ethiopian Empire. He began his activism for social justice during his high school - he joined the Arsie Basic Schools Movement (ABSM) when he was in grade nine and served in the leadership role for six years. ABSM was established to spread literacy among the peasants in the Rift Valley of Oromia. In addition, ABSM advocated for social change and justice for the landless peasants who were being exploited and abused by the absentee landlords during the feudal reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. His journey in search of more knowledge led him to pursue higher education in Australia and North America. He attended Avondale College, NSW, Australia, receiving a B.A. and subsequently pursued his graduate education at Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan, where he received his M. A., and Michigan State University where he obtained his Ph.D. Professor Tuso started his professional career in the field of international education. He served as the International Student Advisor for five years and the Director of the Office of International Programs and Services for three years (both at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia). During the last three decades, Dr. Tuso has taught at five universities in the field of Peace & Conflict Studies in U. S. and Canada – more he recently taught at the Department of Peace & Conflict Studies, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. During the last three decades, he has played in critical roles in the formation of several Oromo organizations – the Oromo Committee for Immigration & Refugees (OCIR, Chair), Oromo Community Organizations (OCR, Chair), Oromo Studies Association (OSA) (founder), Shanachaa Jaarsummaa (Chair) (www.shanachajaarsummaa). He is the Director of the African Working Group (AWG) www.(africaworkingroup.net) and he served as Associate Editor of the Horn of Africa Journal for over 10 years. For further information regarding Professor Tuso’s professional accomplishments, research & publications, and history of activism for social justice and peacemaking activities, you may visit his website (www.hamdesa.com). “DISCUSSIONS OF TRUTH” “ANTI-RACISM, COLONIALISM, & EDUCATION” July 8th, 2020 Recap overview: • Mr. Brian Knowles, Manager, African, African-American, Latino, and Gender Studies, School District of Palm Beach County (PBCSD) • Dr. Hamdesa Tuso, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace and Justice, University of Manitoba Topic discussion points: Anti-Racism, Colonialism, & Education. Quick synopsis: Mr. Brian Knowles brings to the discussion his views about the “Eurocentric” problems associated with the American education system. He believes a greater effort needs to be made to “decolonize” American education and to make certain all voices are heard as equals. Dr. Hamdesa Tuso, who has spent the majority of his life living in exile as an Oromo-Ethiopian and having lived in Australia, the United States, and Canada, demonstrates through his academic acumen an understanding of colonialism and racism. It is important to place the current era following the murder of the African-American, George Floyd, in perspective and where we may go from here in terms of conflict resolution and dialogue and peacebuilding. The discussion on anti-racism and racism was lively and demonstrates how much needs to be done to make progress and to create a better environment about these sensitive issues and to address “racism”, not only in the United States, but wherever it exists.