The PJ Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy (INAFRICARA) continued its mission of strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations by convening scholars, students, and thought leaders for the Africa-Caribbean Intellectual Exchange Forum at the Neville Hall Lecture Theatre, The University of the West Indies, Mona, on 10 June 2026.
Held in collaboration with Morgan State University under the theme Pan-African Scholarship, African Spiritual Traditions, Ethiopia and Global Africa, the forum created a space for meaningful dialogue on the historical, intellectual and cultural connections that continue to shape relationships between Africa, the Caribbean and the wider African Diaspora. Participants included academics, members of the diplomatic corps, students and representatives from a range of sectors, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing Pan-African scholarship and collaboration.
The programme opened with a lecture by Ethiopian Fulbright scholar Professor Getachew Metaferia, who spoke on Ethiopia’s unique place in African history through his presentation, Ethiopia, African Sovereignty, and Global Religious-Political Traditions. His lecture examined Ethiopia’s enduring significance to African liberation movements and highlighted the country’s historical and spiritual legacy within the broader Global African community.
The forum also featured a panel discussion on Pan-African Scholarship, Africa and Caribbean Knowledge Systems, with presentations by Dr Marcus Goffe; Mr Steven Golding, President of UNIA Jamaica; and Dr Michael Barnett, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Psychology and Social Work at the University of the West Indies. Moderated by distinguished Pan-African scholar Professor Rupert Lewis, the discussion encouraged participants to critically examine inherited colonial narratives while recognising the intellectual traditions that have long connected Africa and its Diaspora.
Throughout the evening, speakers returned to one central idea: scholarship should not remain confined to the classroom. As Dr Marcus Goffe observed,
Pan-African intellectuals must be activist intellectuals to effect true change and genuine transformation and sovereignty amongst the people, including deconstructing pedagogy and institutions, bridging intellectual research with grassroots activism.
His remarks reflected the forum’s broader call for scholarship that not only advances academic understanding but also contributes to stronger communities and meaningful social transformation.
Ras Dr Wayne Rose, a Jamaican Rastafari scholar and Morgan State University lecturer who developed the University’s Ubuntu Study Abroad programme, reinforced this message by highlighting the importance of hands-on, experiential learning that enables students to engage directly with the lived realities of African Diaspora communities.
Throughout the discussions, speakers emphasised that stronger partnerships between African and Caribbean institutions are essential for addressing shared challenges while creating new opportunities in research, education, culture, economic development and public policy.
The forum underscored the value of knowledge exchange as a catalyst for innovation, social transformation, sustainable development and deeper regional collaboration.
Audience members further enriched the conversation during a lively question-and-answer session, raising issues related to identity, education, spirituality and the future of Pan-African co-operation. Their contributions reflected a growing interest in developing practical pathways for continued collaboration among African and Caribbean scholars, institutions and communities.
The African-Caribbean Intellectual Exchange Forum represents another milestone in INAFRICARA’s ongoing efforts to foster intellectual dialogue and strengthen people-to-people connections across the Global African community. By bringing together leading scholars and creating space for open exchange, the Institute continues to advance partnerships grounded in shared history, mutual learning and a collective vision for the future.
As Africa and the Caribbean navigate an increasingly interconnected world, initiatives such as this demonstrate the important role that higher education, scholarship and cultural dialogue play in strengthening relationships across regions. Through partnerships such as its collaboration with Morgan State University, INAFRICARA continues to promote the exchange of ideas that supports a more connected, collaborative and prosperous Global African community.
