Tracy Gray (podium), UNA-Atlanta President, moderates panel of distinguished leaders, advocates, and policymakers
Washington, D.C. - February 24, 2025
A Reflection by Tracy Gray, President, UNA Atlanta Chapter
In a momentous gathering at the Capitol Building, distinguished leaders, advocates, and policymakers convened for the Black History Month Briefing: Celebrating Resilience, marking the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). Spearheaded by Georgia 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson and 37th Congressional District of California Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, this robust discussion reinforced the United States' commitment to equity, justice, and global cooperation for the African Diaspora.
I was honored to serve as moderator as President of the UNA-Atlanta Chapter; the event brought together some of the most influential voices in human rights, policy, and advocacy. Professor Justin Hansford, a leading legal scholar at Howard University, highlighted the significance of strengthening legal frameworks to ensure lasting protections for African-descended communities worldwide. Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of UNA-USA, underscored the importance of civil society’s role in advocating sustainable development and human rights.
The collaboration between UNA-National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) and UNA-Atlanta (UNA-ATL) was a testament to the dedication of Danielle Dean, Vice Chair of Advocacy for UNA-NCA, whose leadership over the past eight months ensured this event’s success. The briefing also featured profound insights from Dr. Tonija Hope Navas, Director of Howard University’s Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, who championed racial equality within the African Diaspora. Justin Hansford, a law professor at Howard University School of Law, highlighted the raw, fierce, and dazzling work behind the scenes to influence resilience and the importance of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
Among the most riveting moments was the message of resilience and triumph delivered by Raudemar Ofunshi Hernández, who spoke about the enduring power of family and global solidarity amidst historical injustices. Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, a human rights and anti-racism advocate, shed light on the urgent need to address racial disparities in U.S. foreign policy.
The panel addressed key questions on international legal frameworks, the impact of social movements, and the UN’s strategic priorities for the next decade. Discussions on the legacy of slavery, reparations, and the need for measurable indicators of progress resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the urgency of continued advocacy and legislative action.
I concluded the session by calling civil society to remain engaged: “This is not just a moment in history—it is a movement. We must all commit to ensuring that today's progress translates into lasting change for future generations.”
The event stood as a powerful declaration of resilience, unity, and the shared responsibility to uphold human rights and dignity for all people of African descent.
I appreciate your interest in Monday's Congressional Briefing, Celebrating Resilience and Empowerment.
You can watch the event here. You can also read Congressman Johnson’s speech by clicking here.
If you would like to learn more about how to get involved, you can see the hosts of Monday's event below and consider joining the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter.
United Nations Association:
Atlanta Chapter
United States of America
National Capital Area (DC, MD, VA)
The cosponsor of our event: Black Professionals in International Affairs
A Reflection by Tracy Gray, President, UNA Atlanta Chapter
In a momentous gathering at the Capitol Building, distinguished leaders, advocates, and policymakers convened for the Black History Month Briefing: Celebrating Resilience, marking the launch of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034). Spearheaded by Georgia 4th District Congressman Hank Johnson and 37th Congressional District of California Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove, this robust discussion reinforced the United States' commitment to equity, justice, and global cooperation for the African Diaspora.
I was honored to serve as moderator as President of the UNA-Atlanta Chapter; the event brought together some of the most influential voices in human rights, policy, and advocacy. Professor Justin Hansford, a leading legal scholar at Howard University, highlighted the significance of strengthening legal frameworks to ensure lasting protections for African-descended communities worldwide. Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of UNA-USA, underscored the importance of civil society’s role in advocating sustainable development and human rights.
The collaboration between UNA-National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) and UNA-Atlanta (UNA-ATL) was a testament to the dedication of Danielle Dean, Vice Chair of Advocacy for UNA-NCA, whose leadership over the past eight months ensured this event’s success. The briefing also featured profound insights from Dr. Tonija Hope Navas, Director of Howard University’s Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center, who championed racial equality within the African Diaspora. Justin Hansford, a law professor at Howard University School of Law, highlighted the raw, fierce, and dazzling work behind the scenes to influence resilience and the importance of the Second International Decade for People of African Descent.
Among the most riveting moments was the message of resilience and triumph delivered by Raudemar Ofunshi Hernández, who spoke about the enduring power of family and global solidarity amidst historical injustices. Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, a human rights and anti-racism advocate, shed light on the urgent need to address racial disparities in U.S. foreign policy.
The panel addressed key questions on international legal frameworks, the impact of social movements, and the UN’s strategic priorities for the next decade. Discussions on the legacy of slavery, reparations, and the need for measurable indicators of progress resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the urgency of continued advocacy and legislative action.
I concluded the session by calling civil society to remain engaged: “This is not just a moment in history—it is a movement. We must all commit to ensuring that today's progress translates into lasting change for future generations.”
The event stood as a powerful declaration of resilience, unity, and the shared responsibility to uphold human rights and dignity for all people of African descent.
I appreciate your interest in Monday's Congressional Briefing, Celebrating Resilience and Empowerment.
You can watch the event here. You can also read Congressman Johnson’s speech by clicking here.
If you would like to learn more about how to get involved, you can see the hosts of Monday's event below and consider joining the United Nations Association of the United States of America, Atlanta Chapter.
United Nations Association:
Atlanta Chapter
United States of America
National Capital Area (DC, MD, VA)
The cosponsor of our event: Black Professionals in International Affairs
Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) addresses attendees, highlighting the importance of historical reflection and progress
 Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) addresses attendees |  (L-r): Paula Boland, President, UNA-NCA; Danielle Dean, Co-Chair Advocacy Committee, UNA-NCA; Tracy Gray, President, UNA-ATL |
(L-r): Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director, UNA-USA; Tracy Gray, President, UNA-ATL; Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli, Advocate at the Washington Office on Latin America; Raudemar Ofunshi Hernández, Spiritual Leader and Activist, Afro-Cuban Religions
Distinguished Panel Experts
Congressman Hank Johnson serves as the representative for the 4th district of Georgia. Further, he is an advocate for racial justice and key proponent of the UN’s Second Decade for People of African Descent.
Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove serves as the representative for the 37th congressional district of California. She advocates for justice and fights for the rights of vulnerable communities.
Danielle Dean serves as the UNA-NCA Outreach Manager and the Vice Chair of Advocacy. Danielle has been with the organization for almost 4 years. She is dedicated to being an advocate for essential treaties and resolutions to maintain international relations.
Tracy Gray serves as the president of UNA-Atlanta. He has worked to improve the chapter’s ability to ensure diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion for the United Nations mission. Tracy continually works to secure a voice for the voiceless.
Tracy Gray serves as the president of UNA-Atlanta. He has worked to improve the chapter’s ability to ensure diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion for the United Nations mission. Tracy continually works to secure a voice for the voiceless.
Justin Hansford is a law professor at Howard University School of Law. Additionally, he serves as an Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center. Justin has dedicated his time to advocating for human rights, law and social issues. Following the killing of Michael Brown, he began his work in Ferguson where he served as a policy advisor for criminal justice reform.
Justin Hansford is a law professor at Howard University School of Law. Additionally, he serves as an Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center. Justin has dedicated his time to advocating for human rights, law and social issues. Following the killing of Michael Brown, he began his work in Ferguson where he served as a policy advisor for criminal justice reform.
Rachel Bowen Pittman currently serves as Executive Director of UNA-USA. She works to support the work of the United Nations in various areas, including Capitol Hill. She has led a nationwide fundraising campaign to provide education to youth who are in refugee camps.
Rachel Bowen Pittman currently serves as Executive Director of UNA-USA. She works to support the work of the United Nations in various areas, including Capitol Hill. She has led a nationwide fundraising campaign to provide education to youth who are in refugee camps.
Dr. Tonija Hope Navas is the Director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. She is in charge of the Center’s international engagements for students at Howard. Additionally, she actively involves herself in initiatives to promote racial equality within the African Diaspora.
Dr. Tonija Hope Navas is the Director of the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. She is in charge of the Center’s international engagements for students at Howard. Additionally, she actively involves herself in initiatives to promote racial equality within the African Diaspora.
Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli is a human rights and anti-racism advocate at the Washington Office on Latin America, promoting human rights in the U.S. foreign policy framework. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Gimena Sánchez-Garzoli is a human rights and anti-racism advocate at the Washington Office on Latin America, promoting human rights in the U.S. foreign policy framework. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of the oppressed.
Raudemar Ofunshi Hernández is a spiritual leader and human rights activist with extensive knowledge of Afro-Cuban religions like Santería and Palo Monte and the practice of Ifa in West Africa. As president of the NGO Colombia Acuerdo de Paz, he champions peace and human rights worldwide, using Colombia’s 2016 peace accord as a model.
