Black History Month Celebration in U.S. Embassy, Asmara

Weekly Movies at the American Center

The regularly scheduled Wednesday film night at the American Center featured a variety of Black American films, including Ali, The Great Debaters, and Solomon Northrop’s Odyssey.  The Great Debaters was a particular fan favorite, generating numerous requests from the audience for more films on America’s history of overcoming racial barriers.

Black Men in America: Discussing Diversity

The four panelists joined with the Supervisory PAS

On Thursday February 26th, Public Diplomacy hosted a panel discussion on the diversity of Black men in America.  Embassy officials Ajani Husbands, Eulando Wyckoff, and Clyde Jackson joined Dr. Haile Mezghebe (Program Director, Physicians for Peace) in telling personal accounts of growing up in America as Black men. In a venue packed to near capacity, the four presenters entertained a lively discussion for close to two hours. The audience showed particular appreciation for the sheer variety of stories offered.  While Mr. Wyckoff spoke about growing up in the southern United States during the Civil Rights Movement, Mr. Jackson recounted his experience living in the nation’s capital during the 1980s. Dr. Mezghebe spoke about his connections to both the United States and Eritrea as a dual citizen and Mr. Husbands shared his perspective on growing up in the post-Civil Rights era.

IIP Black History Film Festival

On Saturday February 28^th, Public Diplomacy showcased a series of Black History films from the Department of State’s International Information Programs (IIP). The films covered a range of prominent figures and events, including Frederick Douglass, the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, and a history of Black achievement in America. Over 160 guests attended the four hour festival.

“Black Hereos: Who Inspires You?” Essay Contest

Ten winners with the Judges and the supervisory PAS

The Public Diplomacy section invited Eritrean youth, ages 12-14 and 15-17, to participate in an essay competition for Black History Month. Contestants were asked to write an essay in English about who they see as an inspirational Black hero. The competition drew more than 113 entries from across Asmara. Entries included essays on Black American icons such as Rosa Parks, Denzel Washington, and President Barack Obama, as well as African leaders such as Nelson Mandela, Wangari Maathai, and Julius Nyere.
Public Diplomacy awarded Certificates of Participation to all 113 participants, as well as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and two honorable mentions in each category, totaling ten winners. The three judges expressed to the young writers how inspiring the essays were and hoped the students would continue to nurture that same passion for writing. Teachers from the various schools also expressed their wish to see more programming from the U.S. Embassy that encourages students to write.