On the first day of the Accra Reparations Conference, H.E Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), honored Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the late Pan-African Marcus Garvey, with the prestigious Bridge Builders Award.
The ceremony, held at No.1 Oxford Street, was attended by distinguished guests, including two Board Members for DAF, Rabbi Kohain Halevi, Dr. Desta Desta, and a delegation accompanying Dr. Julius Garvey.
Dr. Julius Garvey, renowned as a surgeon and medical professor, received his education at Wolmer’s Trust High School for Boys in Kingston and earned his B.S. degree from McGill University in Montréal, Canada, in 1957. Subsequently, he obtained his M.D., and C.M. degrees from McGill University Faculty of Medicine in 1961. Dr. Garvey’s illustrious medical career includes certifications from prestigious institutions such as the Royal College of Surgeons, the American College of Surgeons, and the International College of Surgeons.
The Bridge Builders Award, presented by H.E Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett, is a distinguished recognition for individuals who have significantly contributed to bridging the gap between Africa and the African Diaspora. Previous recipients of this esteemed award include iconic figures such as Xernona Clayton, H.E. Joyce Banda, H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Mr. Louis Gossett Jr., Rev Jesse Jackson, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, H.E. Mia Mottley, H.E. Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, H.E. Dr. Bamanga Tukur, H.E. Professor Benedict Oramah, H.E. Wamkele Mene, and Dr. John Sampson, among others.
In a statement, H.E Ambassador Dr. Erieka Bennett expressed her honor in recognizing the tremendous contributions of Dr. Julius Garvey over the decades in both the field of health and Pan-Africanism. The award symbolizes the acknowledgment of Dr. Garvey’s dedication to fostering connections between Africa and its diaspora, making him a fitting addition to the esteemed list of Bridge Builders Awardees.
The Accra Reparations Conference continues to be a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration of individuals who have played pivotal roles in advancing the cause of Pan-Africanism and unity.
Source: Ishmael Awudi
