Synopsis of Symposium: The symposium on "African Governance, Philosophical Thought & Rule of Law," will examine the political, economic, religious and social justice systems, as well as the governmental structures and philosophy of traditional African society, with emphasis on the Bassa model of governance. Rule of law and social justice as defined and practiced in traditional African societies will also be emphasized. Panelists will rely on these thriving qualities of traditional African governance and social structures and practices to provide a comparative analysis of the impact of western democracy and philosophical thought, and political and economic systems on the integration, cohesiveness and development and progress of modern African societies.

Keynote Speaker: Rev. Joseph M. N. Gbadyu, Bassa Historian & Former Deputy Minister of Local Government of Liberia. Keynote Topic: "The Bassa Model of Leadership."

Symposium Moderator: Dr. D. Elwood Dunn, Author of "Historical Dictionary of Liberia" & Professor of Political Science and Departmental Chair, University of the South, at Sewanee, TN.

Background Information

Almost every modern African society is beset by violent civil war, poverty, malnutrition, underdevelopment, and serious political and economic crisis. The plight of millions of ordinary African men, women and children suffering from precarious living conditions perpetuated by unproductive military governments is the focus of daily newspaper, radio and television news reports worldwide. A net result of these pathetic news headlines is the conclusion that African corruption and undemocratic African leadership are solely to blame for the plight of the African peoples. But the issue is not so simplistic from the standpoint of African history and systems of governance and social doctrine.

Corruption, mismanagement, and unproductive tendencies are general human flaws that are not unique to Africa or Africans. African leaders who substitute the well-being and happiness of their people for personal gains must be held accountable. But the subject of African underdevelopment and lack of political sophistication must be dealt with from a sound historical perspective in order to find a lasting solution to the plight of the African peoples. And it is in this light that the NC A& T State University at Greensboro, North Carolina, and AmeriDream, Inc. of Gaithersburg, Maryland have graciously accepted to sponsor, in collaboration with Guilford College, and UNC at Greensboro, a symposium on "African Governance, Philosophical Thought & Rule Of Law", scheduled for April 26, 2003 on the University's main campus in Greensboro from 9:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M.

The symposium will serve as a reminder to ordinary Africans, African scholars, politicians, and leaders that any group, in the struggles for peaceful co-existence and political power, must first and foremost draw upon its own past and way of life as a cultural stream in its history on the earth. It is no secret that beginning thousands of years ago, Africans created a thriving political culture. The evolution of Africa's cultural creativity is well documented and can be further studied as a source of enlightenment. These truisms about African contribution to modern civilization not only exist, but also reflect a way of life that is positive beyond mere materialism and the fight for political power. And this is one reason why African metaphysics is spiritually centered all over the continent today.

A Book About The History, Migration & Government Of The Bassa People Of Africa

The symposium will deliberate on seven basic topics chosen purposely in support of the central theme of the book, Nyanyan Gohn-Manan: History, Migration and Government of the Bassa, by Dr. Syrulwa Somah, a faculty member of NC A& T State University. African academics, journalists and political leaders have been designated to deliver a paper on each of the seven selected topics.

Objectives of the Symposium

The key objectives of the symposium are to:

· Move the proposals made in History, Migration and Government of the Bassa to the state of strengthening the mechanism for peaceful political future with a view to heightening the potential of the African forum of government as an instrument for lasting peace in Africa

· Stimulate greater interest in eliminating military coup d’etats from African politics

· Foster greater collaboration between political organizations, thereby opening up new vistas for Non-Partyism to the indigenous political system of the Bassa to serve as an exemplary model for the disorganized governments of the world

· Help refine the approaches for African authentic form of government and involvement in national and community development while facilitating greater civic participation

Lodging
By special arrangement with AGPTRL, Holidays Inn Hotel located at 3114 Cedar Park Road off I-40 (Exit 128) will provide lodging at a special rate of $67.00 for a double bed room. When making reservation ask for the School of Technology conference rate. Please make your reservations ASAP. The hotel is within 3 minutes distance of AGPTRL. For reservation and further information please call (800) 284-1493/or (336) 697-4000

Airlines
By special arrangement with AGPTRL, Continental Airlines (Call Meeting at 800-468-7022) will serve as the official airlines for the conference. All those will be flying into Greensboro to attend the conference receive 10% discount on the total price of the ticket. You must travel and return any time between April 24-28, 2004. When call the airlines give them the Z Code: ZADK or the Agreement Code: UQDLVV to get your discount.

Car Rental
By special arrangement with AGPTRL, Enterprise (call 336-855-6464) will serve as the official car rental for the conference. All those will be flying into Greensboro to attend the conference receive special rate ($9.50 to $14.00) per day for 100 miles. When calling the car rental give them the name of the conference to get your discount.

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