The International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference will take place in July with actor Danny Glover again acting as co-chairman.

The theme this year is 'Catching the Fire!' and the conference will be held from July 26 to July 30 at the Southampton Fairmont Princess hotel.

It was specifically designed this year, to coincide with Bermuda's Cup Match and Emancipation Day celebrations.

The official planners for this event are the brother and sister team from Henderson and Associates in Washington D.C. Mr. Jake Henderson and Dr. Gaynelle Henderson.

Minister of Cultural and Social Rehabilitation, Dale Butler said: "Bermuda has been at the forefront of the Diaspora Trail since 2002.

"Back then, the former Minister of Tourism, the late David Allen had a vision – which saw scholars, historians and cultural activists throughout the African Diaspora come together to create a plan aimed at encouraging travel throughout the Caribbean and Africa.

"Like many of our sister islands in the Caribbean, we have strong, inescapable ties to the African continent, due in particular to the Transatlantic and Triangular slave trade.

"This dark time in our history had a tremendous impact on populating most, if not all of the islands in the Caribbean and South American regions.

"In Bermuda, we have developed a comprehensive self-guided tour throughout the Island, which traces our history, explores our African customs, and highlights many fascinating points of interest.

"And since 2002, the African Diaspora Heritage Trail has proven to be an unqualified success, so much so that it has been recognised as part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project. As such, we are proud to have been the host of this important initiative for the past few years."

As part of the fourth conference, there will be a number of events taking place. Danny Glover, actor, filmmaker, entertainer and activist will be returning as conference co-chair.

Other speakers include Shirley Franklin, Mayor of Atlanta, civil rights activist and former Congressman Andrew Young and Rita Marley, the wife of the late Bob Marley.

There will also be a concert performance by Chuck Jackson, whose hits include 'Any Day Now' and 'I Don't want to Cry'.

"The ADHT is an opportunity to reflect on our common destiny with the African Diaspora and those talented and diverse persons who are committed to the authentic research, documentation, promotion and dynamic development of African Diaspora Heritage sites/venues, museums, monuments and cultural expressions," said the Minister.

To learn more about local events taking place to learn more visit www.adht.net