WASHINGTON, DC--They came from all over–from Florida, South Carolina, DC, New Jersey, New York, California and Maryland. They also came from Congo, via England.They defied marathon-related detours that had streets blocked off that made it nearly impossible for folks to get to the site. But, they came anyway–in bunches–and filled the room to capacity.These were mostly Africans who attended the March 26, 2011, National Conference on the Other Wars, hosted by the Black is Back Coalition for Social Justice, Peace and Reparations (BIBC) at the Festival Center in DC.For most of the attendants, it was a conference whose time had come.

Their presence and exuberant participation in the conference was confirmation of the declaration by BIBC chairman, Omali Yeshitela, during his conference overview, that the conference and the very existence of the Coalition are a criticism of the white left and the traditional peace or anti-war movement.
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