Kim Poole Appointed to African Union Committee for African Languages and Reparatory Justice.
By Raymond Enoch
A Baltimore Native USA Kim Poole, the visioner and founder of the Teaching Artist Institute (TAI), has been appointed to a prestigious role with the African Academy of Languages (ACALAN) by the African Union.
The appointment comes as part of the African Union’s (AU) Year of Reparatory Justice, with Poole joining the African Languages Week Coordinating Committee (ALWCC). Her mission? To spearhead the revitalization of African languages across the continent and the Diaspora as a vital form of reparatory justice.
Poole’s groundbreaking work in arts, education, and cultural advocacy has earned her international acclimation, positioning her as a leading figure in the movement to restore African languages.
With her new role on the ALWCC, she will help guide efforts to preserve and promote African languages, which have long been marginalized due to colonial oppression. Poole sees this as an urgent matter of cultural reclamation: “Reparations isn’t just about financial restitution—it’s about restoring everything that was stripped from us,” she explains.
ACALAN, the AU’s official body for linguistic development, has set its sights on decolonizing education, governance, and cultural expression through the protection of indigenous languages. Poole’s appointment aligns with these goals, further emphasizing the importance of linguistic sovereignty in the fight for reparatory justice. As part of the ALWCC, Poole will work to enhance language advocacy, integrate African languages into schools and communities, and use the arts to amplify their presence globally.
For Poole, language is not just a tool for communication—it’s a pathway to healing and empowerment. “Language is how we tell our stories,” she asserts. “If we are serious about reparatory justice, we must ensure that our stories are told in our own tongues.” She echoes the words of activist Ossie Davis, emphasizing the need for decolonization that goes beyond financial compensation and extends into the cultural, educational, and linguistic spheres.
Under Poole’s leadership, African Languages Week 2026 will mark a key milestone, bringing together artists, educators, and community leaders to implement innovative strategies for language revival. These strategies include integrating African languages into music, theater, and literature, developing educational programs, and using digital platforms to celebrate linguistic diversity.
Poole’s appointment is a historic moment for the African Diaspora, positioning her as a central figure in the global effort to reclaim African languages as instruments of cultural pride, identity, and self-determination. As the African Union’s Year of Reparatory Justice unfolds, Poole’s work will play a pivotal role in ensuring African languages are remembered, celebrated, and restored for future generations.
