From Apology to Repair- Siphiwe Explains the Poisoned Root & Fruit of TransAtlantic Slave Syste

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 02:25:59 +0200

Quick recap---This meeting focused on a presentation by Siphiwe Baleka about reparations and African heritage at Langston University, Oklahoma’s only Historical Black College and University (HBCU). Siphiwe discussed the historical roots of the transatlantic slave trade, explaining how the 1452 Dum Diversas papal bull declared war on African peoples and authorized European colonization. He outlined how this legal framework led to the forced removal and enslavement of African ancestors, including those who ended up in Tulsa. The presentation covered the concept of "ethnocide" - the destruction of ancestral identity - and argued that reparations should be framed as war damages rather than just slavery reparations. Siphiwe also discussed the importance of African Ancestry DNA testing to reconnect with ancestral heritage and the possibility of repatriation to African countries. The session included a breakout discussion about making a "sovereign mind switch" to reclaim indigenous legal jurisdiction that predates European systems.SEE: www.balanta.org/news/tulsa-reparations-summit