VIRTUES ON DISPLAY - Amarachi Okafor Announces ‘Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’
For Amarachi Okafor, an Abuja-based visual artist, curator, cultural producer, author and founder of ORIE STUDIO, the last two decades of experimentation have culminated in an interesting array of mediums, materials and techniques.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“‘Announcing Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’, is a metaphor and a call for human connection, building up, garnering that strength, which is almost only found in unity.”
AMARACHI OKAFOR/Photo credit: Red Door Gallery, Lagos
Our world today could certainly do with a few doses of these indelible qualities.
For Amarachi Okafor, an Abuja-based visual artist, curator, cultural producer, author and founder of ORIE STUDIO, the last two decades of experimentation have culminated in an interesting array of mediums, materials and techniques. With a BA in Painting, a Masters in Sculpture and also in Curatorial Practice, some of these techniques came to life at Red Door Gallery Lagos, where her 20th anniversary retrospective themed ‘Announcing Beauty, Mercy, Kindness and Love’ is currently holding.
A recipient of numerous awards, prizes and scholarships, including the 2007 UNESCO Aschberg Artist Award and the Commonwealth Connections Artists Award in 2009, Amarachi has worked as a senior curator at the National Gallery of Art, Nigeria, and has also served as a juror in several regional and national competitions including Life In My City Art Festival (LIMCAF).
Her worldview and wide range experience at Universal Studios, Aina Onabolu Studios and New Afrika Studios have propelled Okafor’s works to explore related topics such as environment, unity, nation building, hunger, education etc. With a variety of media, objects, words and events that includes painting, plastic bags, textiles, installations, performance art etc, she continues to promote these global themes that sometimes require audience participation.
In her words, “It has been a very rewarding journey locating methods for pursuing research, audience-participation and collaboration as part of my processes for making art; whilst studying and embedding tangible and visual notions of structure, design and architecture.”
This 20th anniversary retrospective exhibition is a ‘cultural production’ that gives visitors a glimpse at the evolution of Amarachi Okofor’s practice through the years. She has a renewed focus on opening up the conversation about her creative process - from conceptual to creating, curating, research, documenting and archiving - masterful skill sets she continues to build on and share with beauty, mercy, kindness and love.
Video Credit: Orie Studio/CKG Media
PHOTOS OF THE EXHIBITION /Photo credit: Red Door Gallery , Lagos
If you are in Lagos, the exhibition runs from October 29 to November 19, 2022 at the Red Door Gallery, Lagos.
Original Quote
“To announce beauty, mercy, kindness and love is the act of flying over limits. However tiny they may be. The act of erasing bricks and doors. The way to let the words that make us more beautiful flow.”
Additional links to works by Amarachi Okafor
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PUBLIC ART MEETS WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AT JAGUAR PARADE NYC 2022
Several jaguar sculptures painted by great artists will be exhibited in iconic locations throughout New York City. The event will culminate in an online art auction on Oct 5- 20, with 100% of the net proceeds going to jaguar conservation efforts. Jaguar Parade NYC 2022/Onca-Mimética by Irmãs Gelli
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
inspiration behind it
"All fauna, the forest and the people who live in it have the right to life. May it be green, alive, and free!" The sculpture is a collaboration between Rui Machado, an amazon artist, and Liv Mourão, a Brazilian artist based in NYC. Together, they tell through the design the life of the people, fauna, and flora of Amazon and its connection with the jaguars.
Jaguar Parade NYC 2022
If you spot a few brightly painted Jaguar sculptures in the city, you are in for a treat at The Jaguar Parade NYC 2022. This is where art and socio-environmental awareness come together, in what is described by the luxury carmaker as ‘the wildest open-air art exhibition’. Several artists and celebrities have been selected to collaborate on creating jaguar sculptures that carry the message of conserving America’s biggest cat.
“Protecting jaguars means protecting the landscapes they depend upon… as the impacts of the current crisis profoundly re-shape our lives and lead us to rethink our relationship with nature…”
- Jaguar
From September 7 to October 5 , dozens of jaguar sculptures painted by great artists will be exhibited at iconic landmarks throughout New York City, such as Central Park Zoo, UN Plaza, Tavern On The Green, Times Square, Fifth Avenue, as well as some private locations. Some sculptures are even part of the ongoing 77th United Nations General Assembly.
The Jaguar is listed as “Near Threatened” on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Jaguars currently inhabit 18 Latin American countries, from Mexico to Argentina, but have been eradicated from nearly half of their historic lands.
The campaign is supported by global conservation organizations including United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Panthera, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and The Lion’s Share.
It will culminate in an online art auction on Oct 5- 20, with 100% of the net proceeds going to jaguar conservation efforts.
Jaguar Parade’s first edition took place in Sao Paulo from October to November 2019, and at that time, was known as the largest open air urban art exhibition in the history of the city.
Some of this year’s participating sculptors and artists include the below.
Love Jaguar By: Poll Ce + Alexander Milov (New York - United States)
FOREST GUARDIANS By Sophie Reitermann (São Paulo - Brazil)
I Love Myself By: Pedro Silva (New York - United States)
DELICATE By: Ying (New York - United States)
Photos by Jaguar
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UN General Assembly - 🇳🇬 Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari Makes his Last Address
President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate
Africa-Related New York
Watch President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, as he addresses the 77th Session of the United Nations General Debate today.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Growing Food Insecurity
- Climate Change
- Insecurity and Armed Crisis
- Developing Nations Debt Crisis
- Threats to Global Democracy
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President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional For Global Food Security at UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET: At United Nations General Assembly, President Biden Announces $2.9 Billion in Additional Funding to Strengthen Global Food Security
Africa-Related New York
The White House released the below fact sheet on this announcement
U.S President Joe Biden arrives New York today for the 77th UN General Assembly
FACT SHEET:
Today, in his address to the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. announced over $2.9 billion in new assistance from the U.S. Government to address global food insecurity. President Biden’s announcement builds on the $6.9 billion in U.S. government assistance to support global food security already committed this year.
The compounding impacts of the pandemic, the deepening climate crisis, rising energy and fertilizer costs, and protracted conflicts - including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine - have disrupted global supply chains and dramatically increased global food prices. A multi-year drought in the Horn of Africa has created a dire humanitarian emergency, with parts of Somalia at risk of famine for the second time in just over a decade. This new announcement of $2.9 billion will save lives through emergency interventions and invest in medium to long term food security assistance in order to protect the world’s most vulnerable populations from the escalating global food security crisis.
Yesterday, the United States convened a Global Food Security Summit co-chaired by Secretary of State Antony Blinken with the leaders of the European Union, African Union, and Spain, and co-hosted with Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Colombia, on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week. The Global Food Security Summit reaffirmed the commitment of world leaders to act with urgency and at scale to respond to the pressing global food crisis and avert extreme hunger for hundreds of millions of people around the world. President Biden will also convene the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health, on September 28, to end hunger and reduce diet-related diseases here at home.
Today, President Biden announced the following additional investments in lifesaving humanitarian and food security assistance this year:
Global Humanitarian Assistance: President Biden announced an additional $2 billion in global humanitarian assistance through USAID. This funding will help save lives in countries facing food security crises, including through food and nutrition assistance, health care, safe drinking water, protection for the most vulnerable, and other vital relief. This funding increase emergency food security programming in those countries most impacted by the pandemic, the climate crisis, and the rise in food prices and supply chain constraints resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Global Development Assistance: President Biden also announced $783 million in global development assistance funding, including:
$140 million in new development funding, subject to Congressional notification, to accelerate last-mile delivery of agricultural tools, technologies, and production methods that will help smallholder farmers to boost their productivity, efficiency, and incomes. This funding will go towards the U.S. government’s Feed the Future Initiative to scale a rapid response for smallholder systems in sub-Saharan Africa through the new Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative. This will support smallholder producers, small and medium agricultural enterprises, and national partners to maintain food production in the face of volatile global commodity prices and disrupted supply chains.
$220 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for eight new school feeding projects that are expected to benefit nearly a million children in food-insecure countries in Africa and East Asia. Funds are being awarded through the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.
$178 million, through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for seven international development projects on four continents to support U.S. government priorities including promoting climate-smart agriculture, facilitating trade, and addressing the root causes of migration in Central America. The funds are being awarded under the Food for Progress Program, through which USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service partners with non-governmental organizations and foreign governments on projects that help developing countries strengthen their agricultural systems and boost their trade capacity.
Through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. government and the Government of Malawi will also sign a new Malawi compact later this month. This compact includes a $245 million Accelerated Growth Corridors Project, which sets out an ambitious agenda to reduce transport costs and better connect goods, farms, and rural populations to markets.
Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP): President Biden announced that the United States has contributed $150 million to the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program, enabling the first new Call for Proposals since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. contribution will encourage other donors—both government, multilaterals, and philanthropic groups—to match and announce additional commitments to support GAFSP’s Call. Given the scale of the challenge, the United States believes we can only overcome global food insecurity by working together to create innovative partnerships with international financial institutions, international organizations, and other key stakeholders. Through the Call, GAFSP will enable us to collaboratively respond to the most urgent needs of the growing food security crisis.
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Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries.
Persons living with disabilities are rated among some of the strongest people we know. Their ability to triumph and even excel above what life throws, leaves much to be admired by the ‘fully formed’. Every July 3 serves as a reminder to celebrate these inspiring individuals.
The U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Rights Sara Minkara addressed the media about the United States’ new role as co-chair for the Global Action on Disability Network GLAD . In collaboration with the International Disability Alliance (IDA) led by Vladimir Cuk, the goal of the GLAD Network is to achieve inclusive international development and humanitarian action.
“... our priority is disrupting the narrative surrounding disability, moving from a charity lens to a value-based lens”
Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.
“We are really traveling the world and working with different governments and countries to really support in building capacity and helping governments uphold their commitments when it comes to disability”.
- Sara Minkara, U.S. Special Advisor on International Disability Right
It is estimated that 80% of people with disabilities live in developing countries. What is your country doing to make life easier for people living with disabilities? Guide to
INSPIRING VOICES: Nigerians Living with Disabilities
Obi Ndefo, Juanita Ashade, Irene Olumese and Yagazie Foundation are among the Nigerians working to bring more attention to the subject. Follow their inspiring stories below.
See full press briefing transcript here
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U.S Secretary of State Blinken to Attend 77th United Nations General Assembly;
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week
By Africa-Related New York
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
STATEMENT BY NED PRICE, SPOKESPERSON
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will travel to New York City September 18-23 to participate in the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week. While in New York City, the Secretary will meet with UN officials and counterparts on the margins of the event.
Stay connected with the Office of Press Relations:
What is the UN General Assembly and what happens there?
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MENTORSHIP YIELDS! El Anatsui Leads New Class Of Rolex Mentors
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
MENTORSHIP
an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines - ROLEX
Photo: El Anatsui & Bronwyn Katz at his Tema, Ghana Studio. By Tomas Bertelsen/Rolex
Every two years since 2002, Rolex - the Swiss luxury watchmaker has paired artists and protégés in an exclusive programme called The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.
The programme seeks out gifted young artists from all over the world and brings them together with artistic masters for a six-week period, to build a one-to-one mentoring relationship where the protégé is granted access to a master at work, or sometimes collaborate on a work.
"The programme has evolved into an enriching dialogue between artists of different generations, cultures and disciplines"
- ROLEX
Past pairings in dance, film, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, architecture and an open category covering interdisciplinary pursuits, have brought together the likes of filmmaker Spike Lee with Kyle Bell, and Architect David Adjaye with Mariam Kamara. Read their stories below.
The new 2022 class, announced on September 9th at The Brooklyn Academy of Music NY, includes renowned Ghanaian sculptor and visual artist El Anatsui, who has had mentorship at the core of his over 6-decade career, guiding Bronwyn Katz - a South African sculptor and visual artist. Anatsui is joined by other notable names like the American jazz singer Dianne Reeves, Chinese filmmaker Jia Zhangke, British writer Bernardine Evaristo and the French architect Anne Lacaton.
supporting individual excellence
PHOTO: ROLEX
Rolex’s vision to revitalize mentorship in the arts and support individual excellence, reflects not only in their selection of both Master and Protégés, but in also the past and future yields of this programme.
Have you given any thought to mentorship lately? The notion of imparting and sponging knowledge is powerful in of itself. Giver or receiver, it can be a life-changing experience.
Past Mentor and Protégé Parings
Film: Spike Lee & Kyle Bell - Rolex Mentor and Protégé Relating to the experience of Native Americans in his country, Spike Lee chose to mentor Kyle Bell...
Architecture: David Adjaye & Mariam Kamara A visit to Mariam Kamara’s native Niger was the turning point in the relationship between her and...
Visual Arts: Artists in wonderland Year after year, Anish Kapoor, one of the world’s most famous living artists, astonishes the international...
Open Category: Lin-Manuel Miranda & Agustina San Martín Lin-Manuel Miranda and his protégée Agustina San Martín met while he was making his film directorial debut...
Music: Zakir Hussain & Marcus Gilmore “I see him as a bit of a sage. He’s like a kind of Yoda, he really is,” says Marcus Gilmore talking of his ...
Dance: Crystal Pite & Khoudia Touré “If I had to find one word to sum up the last two years, it would be ‘transformation’,” says Khoudia ...
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9/11: TWENTY-ONE YEARS AFTER
A day of sombre remembrance of a date history will never forget
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“#neverforget911”
Photo by Anthony Formin
A day of sombre remembrance of a date history will never forget.
The 9/11 Memorial & Museum located at the World Trade Center in New York City, is described as the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. Honoring those who were killed in the 2001 and 1993 attacks is at the heart of our mission.
Each year on the anniversary of 9/11, the families of victims gather for a ceremony on the 9/11 Memorial plaza to read aloud the names of the 2,983 men, women, and children killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks and February 26, 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Six moments of silence mark the times when each of the World Trade Center towers was struck, when each tower fell, and the times corresponding to the attack at the Pentagon, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.
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TEDx OKENE 2022: IT'S 2 DAYS TO GO!
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms. Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
Rosemary Onubaiye | Africa-Related
“We want a changed mindset, one geared towards positivity.”
It's 2 days to go!
Don't miss #TEDxOkene 2022 this Saturday in Okene and online on Saturday September 3, 2022.
Among the impressive lineup of speakers are Dr Tom Adaba OON of the Tom Adaba Legacy Project, teen speaker Ohinoyi Ohikere, Ms Salamatu Yunusa, a first-class graduate of Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of East London, and Rev. Fr. George Ehusani of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation.
This year, the organisers are working towards a ‘changed mindset’ in individuals and communities. By pairing young mentees with inspiring mentors, they hope to better keep track of projects in development .
The event will be graced by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, HRM. Alh. (Dr.) Ado Ibrahim, alongside royal fathers and mothers. Past speakers like Hamza Lawal of Connected Development CODE, will be back as a guest
Check out more scenes from TEDXOkene 2021
MEET THE 2022 SPEAKERS
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LUX TERRA TRAINING: An Interfaith Approach To Transforming Nigeria
Lux Terra Foundation played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skill acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for Intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“What we want to do is to try and see if we can get more voices involved, in countering corruption.”
Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, E.D LTLF hosts The International Islamic Academy, Madalla
In an era of religious intolerance and heightened sensitivities, it is always refreshing to witness collaborations across creeds. Such was the case on August 29-30, 2022, when Abuja-based Lux Terra Leadership Foundation headed by Rev. Fr. George Ehusani, hosted a training program for staff of International Islamic Academy, Madalla, Niger State.
The Foundation’s Apo location played host to 50 administrative and academic staff of the Academy, for a two-day training program on skills acquisition, mechanisms and strategies for intensifying the Campaign for Integrity among Secondary School students, and more.
The Islamic Academy is one of the four Secondary Schools across the North Central zone of Nigeria that Lux Terra is accompanying very closely in its MacArthur supported Integrity Campaign in the country.
Other elements of this ongoing Lux Terra integrity campaign project include the close accompanying of an Islamic religious community in Niger State, and a Christian religious community in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Lear more about the Integrity Campaign and other training programs at Lux Terra
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U.S Supports UN Permanent Forum on International Day for People of African Descent
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“It is essential that we continue to speak up – loudly and without fail – against any notion of racial superiority and that we work tirelessly to free all societies from the blight of racism.”
— UN Secretary-General António Guterres
2014-2024
How much progress has been made in the UN’s International Decade, aimed at advancing social justice, eradicating racism and promoting human rights for people of African descent?
August 31 marks the 2nd anniversary of the International Day for People of African Descent, a day created by the United Nations to celebrate the achievements of people of African descent worldwide.
A panel of experts came together to examine The Critical Role of Racial Equity and Justice in U.S. Foreign Policy and to highlight their works in the last year to protect and advance human rights, to combat systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia around the world as well as the work of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
The briefers include the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield , The Honorable Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Special Representative for Racial Justice and Equity Desiree Cormier Smith and Justin Hansford, Howard University Law Professor.
All speakers touched on US efforts around the world in highlighting the indispensable contributions of Africans and people of African descent in multiple facets of society, while calling for people worldwide to continue to stand united inspite of the profound injustices and systemic discrimination they may confront today.
“Honoring this day means not shrinking away from our painful past or our current responsibilities.”
- Amb. Linda Thomas- Greenfield U.S. Representative to the UN
These U.S efforts in the last year include support for the UN Permanent Forum for people of African descent, partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), which led to the creation of the Thurgood Marshall Centre at Howard University Washington D.C, as well as various country programs in Mali, Columbia , Mauritania and Brazil.
“We need voices”
- Gregory W. Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Cmtee
The 193-member UN body unanimously adopted a resolution establishing this office, presided over by a 10-member advisory body, who have set targeted goals by 2024.
Some of the key questions that arose include placements of key policy makers of African descent around the world and collaborative platforms for advancement? All these, as we look ahead to the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December
See press briefing transcript here
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W.E.B. DU BOIS MUSEUM COMPLEX GHANA - Restoration Plan Commences
The W.E.B du Bois Center in Ghana is where the remains of Man, his wife Shirley and vast collection of books and personal items have been since his death on August 27, 1963.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
And Beatrice Arthur | Ghana
The great African-American Scholar, Civil Rights Activist and father of Pan-Africanism who influenced the likes of Ghana’s first Prime Minister/President Kwame Nkrumah, envisioned Ghana to be his final resting place.
W.E.B du Bois Photo by webdbmf.org
This symbolic and historic gesture gave birth to the W.E.B du Bois Centre in Accra, where the remains of the Man, his beloved wife Shirley and the vast collection of his books and personal items have been, since his death on August 27, 1963. He had spent a good part of 1961-1963 in Ghana curating the contributions of Africans to global development in the five-volume Encyclopedia Africana. Du Bois was interred in a state funeral outside Christiansborg Castle in Osu, formerly a holding pen for the slave cargoes bound for the Americas.
“I had planned an "Encyclopedia Africana" in 1909 but my leaving Atlanta for New York postponed this project and the World War prevented its renewal. In 1934 I was chosen to act as editor-in-chief of a new project of the Phelps-Stokes Fund to prepare and publish an Encyclopedia of the Negro. I spent nearly ten years of intermittent effort on this project and secured cooperation from many scholars, white and black, in America, Europe and Africa. But the necessary funds could not be secured. Perhaps again it was too soon to expect large aid for so ambitious a project directed by Negroes and built mainly on Negro scholarship. Nevertheless, a preliminary volume summarizing this effort was published in 1945. (p.302)
- W. E. B DU Bois 1968 Autobiography
In recent times however, that vision has weathered the storms of indifference and neglect, giving room for a new vision by the management of the W.E.B Du Bois Museum Foundation. Headquartered in New York and under the leadership of Japhet Aryiku, the Foundation stresses that the redesign and expansion project aims to re-establish a cultural destination for academics, the diaspora, and the local Ghanaian community that honors the momentous work of its namesake.
On the 59th anniversary of his death, this milestone unveiling was witnessed by du Bois’ great grandson Jefrey Peck, and made possible through a partnership with Ghana’s Ministry of Tourism Arts & Culture.
The Museum Complex has Sir David Adjaye of Adjaye Associates as the design Architects. The project is expected to be completed in 2024 with public support and donations. See how you can support below.
Get to know the WEBDB Museum Project here
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PARADISE PREPARED: Rev. F. M. LAWLUVI Transitions at 95
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Self realization... Know yourself ”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi 1927-2022
He answered the call to serve as a minister of the Gospel at a young age. On August 16, he answered heaven's call at the grand age of ninety-five.
On and off the pulpit, he taught us a great deal throughout his lifetime. He was a uniting force to his community and lived by example, displaying no fear of truth. In one of his sermons, he called for unity in the family and community; and members to “stand up and check” divisive forces.
“Jesus receives outcasts, criminals, evil doers. For he said, I've come not for the righteous but for sinners”
Rev. F. M. Lawluvi
Africa-Related was privileged to visit and film the great Rev. Fredrick M. Lawluvi in Anloga Ghana, while producing his cousin El Anatsui's documentary film in 2015. He had such a profound influence on the life of the young El Anatsui, who was raised by his Uncle - also a minister. We captured that memorable moment between the two great men - the Reverend and the Artist. The meeting was their first in 67 years, since 1948.
“My strength is revived”, he joyfully proclaimed during our interview later that day on his emotional meeting with his beloved cousin El Anatsui. It was no lie. It was evident to those present, akin to a ‘Lazarus’ moment - enough to add years to man’s life. Thankfully, they had another seven to make up for the time.
Rev. Lawluvi was instrumental in giving the El Anatsui film its final title, to which we remain truly grateful.
We commiserate with the entire Lawluvi and extended family.
Rest in peace Sir. Your work continues…
Follow the artist @elanatsui.art
Follow the film release @elanatsuifilm
Rev. Lawluvi El Anatsui in over 60 years + hear Rev. Fredrick Lawluvi speak during one of his life-changing sermons in Anloga, Ghana’s Volta Region.
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EXHIBITION: THE MET Tributes CHEIK DIOP With ‘African Origin of Civilization’
The exhibition highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
Photo: metmuseum.org
The ongoing exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NY titled The African Origin of Civilization, may be a vindication of sorts, of the Senegalese historian Cheik Anta Diop’s previously debunked theory about Africa’s time and place in the global civilization discourse.
In his 1974 book The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality, Diop challenged what history had long taught about Africa.
The exhibition bulletin highlights five millennia of extraordinary artistic production on the African continent. Twenty-one pairings unite masterpieces from the Museum's collections of ancient Egyptian and West and Central African art to reveal unexpected parallels and contrasts across time and cultures.
“The African Origin of Civilization will remain on view while The Met’s galleries of Sub-Saharan African Art are closed for the complete renovation of the Michael C. Rockefeller Wing. The re-envisioned wing is expected to reopen in 2024, and will feature three distinct suites of galleries for Sub-Saharan African Art, Ancient American Art, and Oceanic Art.
- The MET Museum -
The Met continues to set an encouraging example to museums worldwide by giving well-earned spaces to their African Ancient & Oceanic Art sections. Our own museum coverage and experience show that in most cases, these sections are reserved at farther wings from the main space, leaving visitors sometimes discouraged by distance, time or exhaustion.
The exhibition opened on December 14, 2021 and remains ongoing.
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KOFO WONDER! Live @ Freedom Park
Multi-talented Kofo Wonder performs at Freedom Park, Lagos on August 28, 2021
Africa-Related New York
If you are in Lagos on Sunday August 28th and every last Sunday of the month, don't miss a chance to see the multi-talented Kofo Wonder + The Daylight Stars!
PHOTOS: Kofo Wonder & The Daylight Stars on MESSENGERS at Zinc Bar NYC (2008)
Music that moves! Watch Kofo Wonder bring the talking drum to life!
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U.S STATE DEPT ANNOUNCES COLIN POWELL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The Colin Powell Leadership Program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education.
Africa-Related New York
“diversity is a source of strength, it is a source of our success”
Photo: U.S State Dept website
In support of the Secretary’s modernization agenda, the U.S. Department of States announced the new Colin Powell Leadership Program to further advance the Department’s commitment and efforts to hire a workforce representative of all segments of society. The program will provide individuals the opportunity to pursue careers at the Department of State.
Colin Powell understood that diversity “is a source of strength, it is a source of our success,” and exemplified his leadership values—both as a general and as Secretary of State — by putting people first. The Colin Powell Leadership Program recruits highly motivated candidates from a variety of backgrounds who aspire to and possess the potential to become future civil service leaders at the U.S. Department of State.
This program will provide paid fellowships to recent college graduates and paid internships to students who are enrolled at accredited institutions of higher education. Both paths may lead to full-time employment opportunities at the Department and are focused on developing future leaders through training, mentoring, and on-the-job experience to provide them with the skills, tools, and resources needed for long-term success at the Department.
Internship opportunities will be in the Social Science Student Trainee (0199) and Administration and Office Support Student Trainee (0399) series. Fellowship opportunities will be in the Foreign Affairs (0130) and Management Analysis (0343) series. Applicants will apply via USAJobs and the first vacancy announcement is tentatively scheduled for mid to late September 2022. Subsequent announcements will be held annually in the spring. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and retain a secret or top-secret clearance. All positions will be located in the Washington, D.C. area.
To be eligible for the Colin Powell Leadership Internship Program, applicants must either be an enrolled or current student, on a part-time or full-time basis, pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a qualifying post-secondary educational program. A cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0 is required. The duration of the internship program will be determined by the participant’s anticipated graduation date and may not exceed four years from the initial appointment to the program.
Applicants for the Colin Powell Leadership Fellowship Program must have received a baccalaureate or graduate degree within the last two years with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2 out of 4.0. The fellowship program is a one-year paid developmental program.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit here
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US VISAS: State Department Gives Post-Pandemic Update
The US State Department briefed journalists on recent measures taken to combat post-pandemic visa backlog at consular posts overseas. Some of the measures include the global visa approach, whereby applicants can apply for U.S visas anywhere in the world.
By Oyiza Adaba | Africa-Related New York
“Applicants can apply anywhere in the world where there’s an appointment available.”
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services, Julie Stufft provided an update to members of the foreign press on the current status of visa processing and services at the U.S Consular sections overseas. The pandemic, no doubt impacted the world’s travel
“Right now the wait time for routine visa appointments at half of our overseas posts is less than four months and at some posts is actually far, far shorter than that.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
She however stressed that the State department is viewing the visa workload globally, and that Consular posts worldwide are experiencing a faster recovery than initially expected. She highlighted some of the measures taken to meet visa demands and reduce the backlog. They include:
Waiving in-person interviews;
Upgraded Staffing and ‘doubled consular hiring’;
Remote/Virtual Adjudication processes leading to more visa adjudications ‘this year than in the past six years’;
Expedited visa appointment for business travel, urgent humanitarian or medical travel;
Increased number of visas to Temporary Workers (including agricultural workers) and Student categories;
Global Visa approach where applicants can apply in any U.S consulate, and not necessarily in their country of origin.
“… if an applicant is in a country with a long wait time, that applicant go to another post… and this has really been successful for thousands of visa applicants this year.
- Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services -
What has been your post-pandemic experience at the U.S Consulate in your country?
See transcript here
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HIGHLIGHTS: CHALE WOTE & HOMOWO FESTIVALS
See images of the colorful display of Culture and Talent at annual Chale Wote and Homowo Festivals in Accra Ghana
By Africa-Related New York
Photos: Beatrice Arthur
TWO FESTIVALS SIDE BY SIDE
The Chale Wote Street Art Festival also known as Chale Wote is an alternative platform that brings art, music, dance and performance out into the streets. The festival targets exchanges between scores of local and international artists and patrons by creating and appreciating art together. Wikipedia
Homowo is a harvest festival celebrated by the Ga people of Ghana in the Greater Accra Region. The festival starts in the month of August with the planting of crops before the rainy season starts. During the festival, they perform a dance called Kpanlogo. Wikipedia
Photos by @annabetya
Get to know more about the historic location of Jamestown Accra, and plan your next visit.
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2022 GLOBAL CITIZEN FESTIVAL: ACT NOW!
The Lineup for the 2022 Global Citizen Festival has been announced. It will take place in New York and Accra Ghana on September 24, 2022
Words: Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
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ACT NOW!
Listen to the Message in the Music…World Leaders Told
Advocacy is at the core of the 2022 Global Citizens Festival. Bearing that message to world leaders, corporations and citizens, is an impressive lineup of performers across different musical genres. The message is this:
Amply voices of Girls
Tackle Global Food Crisis
Address Financial Imbalance of Climate Change
Provide Debt Relief
It is a call that would be heard from the historic Black Star Square in Accra, Ghana to Central Park New York, where performances would run concurrently on September 24, 2022.
The U.S lineup include Metallica, Mariah Carey, Jonas Brothers, while Usher, SZA, Stormzy, Gyakie, H.E.R., Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and TEMS will perform in Ghana, to celebrate the country’s 65th independence anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the African Union.
Learn more about the upcoming festival and how you can get involved.
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FOREIGN AID IN AFRICA: Did It Work?
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga,and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa
By Africa-Related New York
Dr. Mo Ibrahim, Prof. Bill Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga and Ms. Tanaka Chiimba discuss The Impact of Foreign Aid in Africa. (Screeshot from: Wheeler Institute)
The Wheeler Institute for Business & Development and the London Business School organized a 10-week open access course titled, African History through the Lens of Economics. This plenary session on the 10th week hosted Prof. William (Bill) Easterly of New York University, Prof. Celestin Monga of Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, and Dr. Mo Ibrahim of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. The plenary session, which examined The Impact of Foreign Aid was moderated by Tanaka Chiimba, a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa.
- Did foreign Aid work in Africa
- Africa's approach to Aid
- Governance of Aid in Africa
- China in Africa
The 10-week course was attended by over 50,000 participants with over 28,000 certification awarded. The initiative is the brainchild of the main teaching faculty made up of Elias Papaioannou, Leonard Wantchekon, Nathan Nunn and Stelios Michalopoulos. The ideas and lessons from such programs can no doubt germinate into seeds of change for Africa.
If you missed it, you can still take the classes at your leisure. All course materials and lectures are free and can be found here:
Background on Speakers
Bill Easterly, Professor of Economics at New York University and Director of its Development Research Institute, is a leading scholar and authority on foreign aid and development. His books 'The Tyranny of Experts', 'The White Man’s Burden', and 'The Elusive Quest for Growth' have had a profound impact on policy making and our thinking on these issues.
Celestin Monga, Visiting Professor of Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government, Former Chief Economist and Vice-President of the Africa Development Bank Group, has done important research and policy work across the continent.
Mo Ibrahim has been one of Africa’s most successful entrepreneurs, whose business journey continues to inspire millions of Africans. Through the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, he and his team have focused their philanthropic work stressing the importance and promoting good governance and leadership.
Tanaka Chiimba is a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company in South Africa and a graduate of Sloan Fellow of London Business School (2019)