Physicist brings skills back to African community; will speak at ALD 2007 in DC

In the 1960s, the Black Panther Party for Self Defense created something called the “survival programs,” designed to meet the basic needs of the African community. Free healthcare, free schools and free meals were all part of their service to the community. For that, the Panthers were loved by the people and feared by the establishment.

It has been proven with evidence obtained through the Freedom of Information Act that the federal government orchestrated a counterintelligence program to prevent the Panthers - and groups like them – from continuing in such work. However, this year's African Liberation Day program includes an organization that has picked up the torch of the present era and assumed the responsibility of looking out for the well being of the African community.

The All African People’s Development and Empowerment Project (AAPDEP) is a do-for-self project, that builds the capacity for water purification and electrification. This project puts forward a process for transforming life for African people from New Orleans, Louisiana to Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Unlike the many charity programs dedicated to ending poverty throughout the African world, what makes the AAPDEP so unique is its “do-for-self” philosophy that is reminiscent of the 1960s. This is not surprising however, given the fact that the AAPDEP is a project of the Uhuru Movement – an international political organization that professes African self determination and independence.

“It is no secret that the majority of African professionals and intellectuals do not have the ability to utilize their skills and resources to benefit their people,” says Dr. Aisha Fields, physicist and director of AAPDEP.

“Because of the nature of this social system, a doctor from Nigeria is more likely to give plastic surgery to a lawyer in Silver Springs, MD than to give a treatment to an AIDS patient in Uganda.”

Apparently, AAPDEP members are not just part time do-gooders. They are on a political mission to organize others like them. Dr. Fields has been on a month-long speaking tour throughout the U.S. to promote the project. She has been recruiting professionals and young students in all fields of study – from biology to electrical engineering. The last leg and highlight of her tour will be on Saturday May 26th in Washington D.C.’s Anacostia Park with the African Liberation Day mobilization.

During the ALD, Dr. Fields and other AAPDEP members will make what has come to be known as an edge-of-your-seat presentation on the economic and political factors that contribute to the low quality of life in African communities throughout the world.

“We are speaking at African Liberation Day because we want to expose the truth and we want to let African professionals and aspiring professionals know that they have somewhere to go to help their people,” says Dr. Fields.

“My ultimate vision is to see security for my people. When a hurricane can destroy the lives of thousands of Africans in the world’s richest country, you know something is very wrong. If they won't look out for us, then we’re going to look out for ourselves.”

The public can hear Dr. Fields speaking at African Liberation Day on Saturday, May 26th at 9:00AM at Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W Street, S.E. For more information, or to interview Dr. Fields, contact (646) 620-2266, email alduhuru [at] yahoo.com or visit http://www.alduhuru.org.