As we look back on our 4th annual DBDLI/Deveau Lecture, our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the exceptional individuals and organizations that made it an indelible and enriching experience. We are deeply thankful to each and every one of you for contributing to the success of this remarkable gathering.
This year’s lecture convened thought leaders, scholars, and community changemakers in an enriching dialogue centred on Legacy in Action – Ubuntu, Education, and Black Brilliance in Innovation. Rooted in Afrocentric scholarship and praxis, this year’s discussions highlighted the transformative power of ancestral wisdom, Ubuntu philosophy, and technological innovation.
Honoring Land, Ancestors, and Community
The event commenced with an acknowledgment of the ancestral and unceded Mi’kmaq territories and the rich, resilient history of African Nova Scotian communities. Randy Headley, Chair of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI), set the tone by reminding us that meaningful land recognition requires tangible commitments to justice, advocacy, and continuous learning.
Ubuntu and the Reclamation of African Ways of Knowing
Dr. George Sefa Dei (Nana), an eminent Africentric scholar and DBDLI’s Extraordinary Fellow of Africentric Research (e-FAR), called for the revaluation of African ancestral knowledge systems to counteract the enduring impacts of colonial education. His reflections on Ubuntu as an ethical and educational framework emphasized the need for collective responsibility, relational learning, and elder-led knowledge transmission to redefine success in education.
Harnessing AI for Equity
Keynote speaker Dr. Rita Oji, a leading researcher in persuasive computing and AI-driven interventions, presented her pioneering work on voice-enabled AI chatbots designed to support underserved African communities. Her research highlights the potential of AI to bridge knowledge gaps while ensuring that technology is adapted to the linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic realities.
Catch the Highlights
Check out the highlights and key insights from the speakers through the below links.
Reclaiming Knowledge: Ubuntu, Ancestral Wisdom, and Africentric Education with Dr. George Sefa Dei (Nana)
Reimagining AI for Equity: Bridging Gaps and Empowering Communities with Dr. Rita Orji
Lecture Recording
A recording of the lecture is now available for on-demand viewing. Click below!
