AVReQ and The Social Justice Agency joined hands to host their highly anticipated annual Mandela Day celebrations. This year’s events proved to be a resounding success, as attendees were privileged to engage with the esteemed author, playwright, and former international journalist, Esther A. Armah.

The two-day celebration commenced with a thought-provoking masterclass on July 18th, titled ‘Healing Harm, Heeding History.’ Esteemed guests, including academics, activists, and community leaders, gathered at the AVReQ Seminar Room for an enlightening conversation between Esther Armah and Prof Juliana Claassens. The discussion revolved around themes of healing, historical consciousness, and the paramount importance of emotional justice in the process of racial healing.

The masterclass provided an invaluable opportunity for attendees to delve deep into the complexities of racial healing and engage in candid dialogues on confronting historical trauma. Esther Armah’s articulate insights, garnered from her extensive experience as a former international journalist, left a lasting impact on all present.

The following day, on July 19th, AVReQ and the Stellenbosch University Museum hosted an extraordinary Dramatization & Dialogue experience centered around Esther Armah’s new book, ‘Emotional Justice: A Roadmap for Racial Healing.’ The event welcomed an enthusiastic audience eager to witness the pages of ‘Emotional Justice’ come to life on stage.

The highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing performance by acclaimed Ghanaian actress, Pearl Korkor Darkey. Her skillful portrayal brought to life the journey of discovery, resistance, and emotional labour that led to the creation of the groundbreaking racial healing roadmap outlined in the book. Attendees were moved by the power of the narrative facilitated by AVReQ’s Ayanda Nyoka, which unflinchingly explored the troubled legacy of untreated trauma and the language of whiteness.

The success of these events was a testament to the commitment and dedication of AVReQ and their partners in promoting emotional justice as a transformative force in the pursuit of racial healing. The engagement with Esther Armah’s work sparked essential conversations about dismantling existing racial healing models and reimagining a future founded on inclusivity and healing.

AVReQ and The Social Justice Agency expressed their profound gratitude to Esther Armah for her valuable contributions to the events and for sharing her insights with the South African community. Hosting an esteemed figure of her stature was a tremendous honour, and the impact of her presence will undoubtedly continue to resonate within South Africa’s social justice landscape.

Reflecting on the success of these events, it is evident that the collective effort of AVReQ and their partners, along with the inspiring presence of Esther Armah, has laid the foundation for a renewed commitment to emotional justice and racial healing in South Africa and beyond. As we move forward, the legacy of these events will undoubtedly continue to foster transformative conversations and inspire action in the pursuit of a more equitable and just society.