Learn More About Historical Land Inequity and Redistribution
Mugabe and the White African follows Mike Campbell, a white Zimbabwean farmer, as he takes President Mugabe to court for human rights violations connected to a corrupt land redistribution program. Learn more about issues raised in the film as well as historical discrimination and land ownership in Africa.
Follow up a screening of the film with a panel discussion or teach-in on the historical legacy of European colonialism in Africa.
Convene a study circle to look at reconciliation strategies that nations such as South Africa have used to heal from longstanding social inequities or human rights abuses. Identify race, gender or ethnic inequalities that have existed or do exist in your community. Consider applying what you have learned about reconciliation to your community.
Examine how South Africa and other African nations have addressed land redistribution issues in pursuit of racial equity. Use what you learn to inform the creation of a set of recommendations for Zimbabwe.
Investigate historical land ownership policies in your community. Look at who was prevented from owning land in particular places; the consequences of exclusionary ownership policies on subsequent generations; and possible remedies for the resulting inequities.
Find out the current U.S. foreign policy approach toward Mugabe and Zimbabwe. Let your elected representatives know what you think the policy should be, particularly in relation to whether or not Mugabe should be removed by force, arrested and/or tried for human rights abuses.
Join local community groups and national organizations that are advocating to end ongoing human rights violations in Zimbabwe:
Africa Action: Africa Action is the oldest human rights organization focused exclusively on Africa. In partnership with activists and civil society organizations throughout the United States and Africa, Africa Action is working to change U.S. foreign policy and the policies of international institutions in order to support African struggles for peace and development.
Amnesty International: The Take Action section of the Amnesty International website allows visitors to sign up for Amnesty International's Zimbabwe blog to receive emails when new postings, including news and actions, are available.
International Crisis Group: The International Crisis Group is an independent, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization committed to preventing and resolving deadly conflict.
African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights: Established by the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which came into force on October 21, 1986, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is charged with ensuring the promotion and protection of human and peoples' rights throughout the African continent.
Idasa: The Take Action page of the Idasa website provides ways to get involved in building democratic societies in Africa, including promoting the African Charter on Democracy; signing up for the Right to Know campaign; getting involved in a reflect circle; joining a study tour; and subscribing to the Idasa newsletter.