The Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance (ACHA) proudly joined scholars, policymakers, and cultural leaders from around the world at the historic Christianity and Slavery Conference held in Curaçao from November 10–14, 2025. The global gathering brought together voices from the Dutch Caribbean, the Netherlands, the United States, Canada, South Africa, Suriname, and across Europe to explore the deep and complex intersections between Christianity, colonialism, African spirituality, and the transatlantic slave trade.

Why Curaçao Matters

Curaçao served for centuries as a major transit point where enslaved Africans were brought, sold, and dispersed throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Today, many descendants still carry the emotional, spiritual, and cultural weight of that history. Hosting the conference on the island created a powerful space for reflection, healing, and renewed dialogue.

ACHA’s Unique Connection to the Island

For ACHA’s Executive Director, Okama Brook, the conference held special meaning. From 2010 to 2012, she lived and worked in Curaçao as a UNDP Officer, supporting the transition of the former Netherlands Antilles and contributing to the island’s first Millennium Development Goals Report.

During her time there, she witnessed firsthand:

• The lingering impact of colonial structures
• Persistent inequalities
• Widespread colorism
• A deep desire among Afro-descendant communities to reconnect with their African roots

How These Experiences Shaped ACHA

These lived encounters—rich with resilience, longing, and hope—played a key role in inspiring the founding of the Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance. ACHA was created to help rebuild the bridge between Africans and Afro-Caribbeans, strengthening cultural identity, historical awareness, and community solidarity across continents.