“Negotiating the African Presence: Rastafari Livity and Scholarship” is the theme of the Rastafari Studies Conference being hosted by The University of the West Indies, Mona on August 17-20, 2010. The Conference is earmarked to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the publication of the Report on the Rastafari Movement in Kingston, Jamaica authoured by the late M. G. Smith, Professor Emeritus Roy Augier and the late Professor the Honourable Rex Nettleford. The Report marked a turning point in the relations between the Rastafari community and the wider Jamaican society. To this extent the work being celebrated is unmatched with regard to its landmark intervention and recommendations, which included the exploration of repatriation to Africa. 2010 also marks the 80th anniversary of the Rastafari Movement which has grown from a few visionaries in the 1930s into a vital force in reconstructing and elevating the African Presence in the Western hemisphere.

Professor Emeritus, Roy Augier, the only living author of the Report will deliver the keynote address at the Opening Ceremony of the Conference on Tuesday, August 17, 2010 at 6 pm at the Undercroft, UWI, Mona. The Conference will continue over three days with panel discussions, plenary, an exhibition, cultural expo  and film screenings engaging over one hundred and twenty  local and international scholars, artists and elders in a range of topics. These topics include: the Global Reach of Rastafari, Social Movements, Change and Identity, Family, Gender and Power in Rastafari, Resistance and Elaboration of Black Religion, Rastafari Communities and Black Religion. A highlight of the Conference will be discussions through workshops and spotlight sessions on repatriation and intellectual property. The conference organizers in recognition of the significance of the Report are in dialogue with members of the Rastafari community regarding the provisions required to facilitate the Movement’s efforts at securing national and international legal claims to better protect its membership’s cultural heritage and intellectual property. This is a part of the UWI’s long term solutions to challenges faced by the Movement. The Conference also consists of tributes in the form of Orature and Music featuring Yasus Afari and films.

For more information contact the Institute of Caribbean Studies at 977-3659 or e-mail rastafarisrudies2010@yahoo.com.