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by Bruce I. Afran Esq (Author), Deadria C. Farmer-Paellmann J. D. (Author), Restitution Study Group Inc (Author)
In this "Petition for Writ of Certiorari," Deadria Farmer-Paellmann and the Restitution Study Group challenge the Smithsonian Institution's transfer of 29 Benin Bronzes to Nigeria in October 2022, highlighting significant legal and ethical implications. This compelling narrative documents their battle to prevent the transfer, arguing that the Smithsonian, as a trustee for the American public, should not act without a public hearing. The petition underscores the historical and cultural significance of the bronzes to the descendants of enslaved Africans and calls for their retention in the U.S. as part of the collective heritage. This book provides a detailed account of the legal proceedings, historical context, and the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of African American cultural heritage. It includes a Flowcode scan to screen the Cannes 2023 International Cellphone Cinema Showcase Award winning film: "They Belong to All of Us -- The Benin Bronze Slave Trade Story," directed by Tylon "Usavior" Washington, written and narrated by Deadria Farmer-Paellmann.
Bruce Afran is a prominent civil rights and constitutional lawyer, and an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers University School of Law. Since 1986, he has handled major cases in civil rights, corporate fraud, environmental preservation, and election reform, and has represented high-profile clients, including former Black Panther Sundiata Acoli. Deadria Farmer-Paellmann is a legal strategist, and human rights advocate renowned for her groundbreaking research, litigation and multi-media advocacy in the slavery reparations movement exposing corporate complicity in slavery. She founded the Restitution Study Group in 2000. Restitution Study Group is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to seeking reparatory justice for the descendants of enslaved Africans globally. www.rsgincorp.org Cover: Slave trade manilla Benin Bronze Oba head (18th century) cover photo by: Franko Khoury/NMAfA
