South Bronx's JOE HALL Appointed New President & CEO Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful “Ghetto Film School” (GFS)…
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Inside MNN El Bario, Harlem Studio. Photo: Africarelated
Appointment
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful Ghetto Film School (GFS)…
PRESS RELEASE
January 4, 2024
Joe HALL, New MNN CEO & President. (Photo: MNN)
Manhattan Neighborhood Network Ushers in New Era with Joe Hall as Incoming President & CEO
New York, NY, Jan 4, 2023 - MNN announced today the appointment of Joe Hall as the new President & CEO of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), an award-winning cultural organization and the largest community media center in the country.
Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities in Hudson Yards and East Harlem, MNN offers digital media education, training, production and distribution services to 400+ creators annually, reaching more than 400,000 cable TV subscribers, online and live event audiences.
Damian Benders, MNN’s board chair emphasized, "Joe's appointment is not just a new chapter; it's a commitment to our roots of community empowerment and innovative storytelling. His track record speaks not just to his capability but to his deep resonance with our mission."
Joe Hall stated, “MNN is a super smart, best practice organization with strong board leadership that has a bold vision of a more expansive creative offering moving forward. For someone like me, this is the perfect moment to bring my relationships and passion to this dynamic mix – I’m genuinely honored to be part of MNN, and can’t wait to get working with all our stakeholders and community to impact the culture in new and exciting ways.”
Outgoing President & CEO Dan Coughlin added, “I'm proud of what the team has accomplished at MNN and confident that Joe is the right person to take the helm. His experience and creativity are exactly what MNN needs to move forward."
MNN Board Chair Damian Benders, Mayor of the City of New York Eric Adams, and MNN President & CEO Dan Coughlin. Photo by Rowena Husbands.
“I and the board believe his vision aligns beautifully with MNN's mission and that his innovative approach will lead us into a new era of growth and creativity.” - MNN Board Chair Damian Benders
In 2000 Joe Hall founded Ghetto Film School (GFS) a nonprofit academy training 8,000+ underrepresented talent annually through its South Bronx, MacArthur Park (LA), and Tower Hamlets (London) operation hubs. GFS projects have been produced on five continents, with thousands of graduates now working in the film, television, and advertising industries. In 2009 Hall founded The Cinema School as the nation’s first film high school, raising $10M towards the school’s capital build-out and operations.
In 1992 Hall moved to the South Bronx as a social worker leading homeless relocation, job training, youth development, education, and health projects benefiting thousands of neighbors annually. He has been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and PBS, and is a widely sought-after public speaker including AdColor, foundation conference keynotes, and the Metropolitan Museum’s Kerry James Marshall retrospective closing ceremony.
Hall’s numerous professional awards include the 2005 NYC Mayor’s Award for Arts & Culture, and a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow residency in Bellagio, Italy. He has written OpEds and articles for multiple publications, contributed chapters for books on youth development and education, produced a documentary film for Sundance Channel, and sits on the board of WOCstar Fund investing in tech innovation by women of color-led startups.
Hall completed undergraduate studies at Curry College, and a Master of Social Administration from Columbia University.
About Manhattan Neighborhood Network:
Established in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is a media learning, production, and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement, empowering local voices & diverse views.
Learn more about MNN and its programs, how to become a community producer, or to register for a class.
Photos: Inside MNN TRAINING
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Calls for Congressional Hearing Over Religious Killings in Nigeria
Days before Christmas, hundreds of Christians were killed in Nigeria, along with their Pastor. This is just the latest example of deadly violence against religious communities in Nigeria. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC).
AfricA-Related, New York
Days before Christmas, hundreds of Christians were killed in Nigeria, along with their Pastor. This is just the latest example of deadly violence against religious communities in Nigeria. (Photo: Screenshot)
PRESS RELEASE
January 4, 2024
USCIRF Calls for Congressional Hearing after State Department Fails to Designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), while Azerbaijan is Added to State Department’s Special Watch List
Washington, DC – The United States
Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) calls for a congressional hearing after reiterating its extreme disappointment that the U.S. Department of State yet again failed to designate Nigeria and India as Countries of Particular Concern (CPC), despite both countries repeatedly meeting the legal standard. Despite this disappointment, USCIRF welcomed the State Department’s decision to include Azerbaijan on its Special Watch List (SWL) for committing or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA).
“There is no justification as to why the State Department did not designate Nigeria or India as a Country of Particular Concern, despite its own reporting and statements. USCIRF calls on Congress to convene a public hearing on the failure of the State Department to follow our recommendations,” said USCIRF Chair Abraham Cooper and Vice Chair Frederick A. Davie.
Mass burials taking place in Plateau State. (Photo by Kim Masara / AFPTV / AFP)
“Days before Christmas, hundreds of Christians were killed in Nigeria, along with their Pastor. This is just the latest example of deadly violence against religious communities in Nigeria that even the State Department has condemned. The majority of Commissioners have travelled to Nigeria and noted the threats to freedom of religion or belief and the deadly implications to religious communities,” stated USCIRF Chair Cooper and Vice Chair Davie. “In India, in addition to perpetrating egregious religious freedom violations within its borders, the government has increased its transnational repression activities targeting religious minorities abroad and those advocating on their behalf.”
“USCIRF rejects the State Department’s decision to omit Nigeria and India as CPCs. We met with the State Department on many occasions to sound the alarm about these countries, but not all of our recommendations have not been followed. We will not be deterred and will continue our role as a congressionally mandated watchdog to ensure the U.S. government prioritizes religious freedom as a key component of U.S. foreign policy,” they added.
The State Department re-designated 12 countries as CPCs—Burma, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Furthermore, the State Department again issued waivers on sanctions for Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. In its 2023 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended the re-designation of those 12 countries without any waivers and also recommended CPC designation for Afghanistan, India, Nigeria, Syria, and Vietnam.
The State Department placed Algeria, Azerbaijan, the Central African Republic (CAR), Comoros, and Vietnam on its SWL. USCIRF recommended in its 2023 Annual Report that Algeria, Azerbaijan, and CAR be placed on the SWL, in addition to Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
“USCIRF acknowledges the State Department accepted our recommendation to include Azerbaijan on its SWL. At the same time, USCIRF is disappointed that the State Department did not include our other recommendations for CPC or SWL. Though Vietnam is included on its Special Watch List, USCIRF strongly believes Vietnam should be designated a CPC based on the State Department’s own reporting on the government’s religious freedom violations,” said USCIRF Chair Cooper and Vice Chair Davie. “USCIRF formally requests a detailed justification by the State Department as to why our policy recommendations were not fully implemented, including the waivers.”
The State Department also designated eight EPCs, which are non-state actors that engage in particularly severe violations of religious freedom pursuant to IRFA. USCIRF recommended the redesignation of seven of these actors in its 2023 Annual Report: al-Shabaab, Boko Haram, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Houthis, ISIS-Sahel (formerly known as Islamic State in the Greater Sahara or ISGS), Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP, also referred to as ISIS-West Africa), and Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
Since the issuance of its 2023 Annual Report, USCIRF has consistently shared its recommendations with the U.S. Department of State and Congress. In early December 2023, USCIRF met with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken to reiterate those recommendations. USCIRF released publications on India’s State-Level Anti-Conversion Laws, Ethnonationalism and Religious Freedom in Nigeria, and State Control of Religion in Azerbaijan, and many others. In 2023, USCIRF held hearings on Iran, Burma, Russia, Cuba, Tajikistan, Vietnam, India, and Iraq.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at media@uscirf.gov.
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Houthi Attacks: Governments Issue Joint Statement
A Joint Statement from the Governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
AfricA-Related, New York
PRESS RELEASE
January 3, 2024
A Joint Statement from the Governments of the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom
The White House
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Recognizing the broad consensus as expressed by 44 countries around the world on December 19, 2023, as well as the statement by the UN Security Council on December 1, 2023, condemning Houthi attacks against commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea, and in light of ongoing attacks, including a significant escalation over the past week targeting commercial vessels, with missiles, small boats, and attempted hijackings,
We hereby reiterate the following and warn the Houthis against further attacks:
Ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are illegal, unacceptable, and profoundly destabilizing. There is no lawful justification for intentionally targeting civilian shipping and naval vessels. Attacks on vessels, including commercial vessels, using unmanned aerial vehicles, small boats, and missiles, including the first use of anti-ship ballistic missiles against such vessels, are a direct threat to the freedom of navigation that serves as thebedrock of global trade in one of the world’s most critical waterways.
These attacks threaten innocent lives from all over the world and constitute a significant international problem that demands collective action. Nearly 15 percent of global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea, including 8 percent of global grain trade, 12 percent of seaborne-traded oil and 8 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas trade. International shipping companies continue to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant cost and weeks of delay to the delivery of goods, and ultimately jeopardizing the movement of critical food, fuel, and humanitarian assistance throughout the world.
Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews. The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy, and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways. We remain committed to theinternational rules-based order and are determined to hold malign actors accountable for unlawful seizures and attacks.
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Cover Photo: Ian Taylor @carrier_lost
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FACT SHEET: U.S. at the United Nations in 2023
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) showcased American leadership at the United Nations, around the world, and across the country—advancing U.S. interests and delivering on Biden Administration policy goals.
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Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
FACT SHEET
December 30, 2023
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Office of Press and Public Diplomacy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FACT SHEET: Showcasing U.S. Leadership at the United Nations in 2023
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield and the United States Mission to the United Nations (USUN) showcased American leadership at the United Nations, around the world, and across the country—advancing U.S. interests and delivering on Biden Administration policy goals.
In 2023, USUN advanced humanitarian relief efforts, including leading initiatives to combat global food insecurity, and worked to rally international cooperation to renew international resolve towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, USUN championed U.S. priorities on human rights and defended the core values of the UN Charter, including consistently standing up to Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. USUN also managed challenges posed by the conflict in Gaza, both responding to Hamas’s atrocious terrorist attacks against Israel and promoting humanitarian assistance and civilian safety in Gaza.
What’s more, USUN worked with partners across the UN system to modernize its processes and workforce to achieve better results. That included launching new initiatives to increase the number of American citizens working at the UN, leading reform efforts to ensure the UN is fit for purpose, and advancing Biden Administration initiatives to bolster democracy, engage youth, and recruit a more diverse workforce that better represents the American people.
This year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield took this agenda to the road, traveling to 12 countries and nine cities across the U.S. to make the case for U.S. foreign policy priorities.
In 2023, the U.S. Mission to the United Nations has:
Countered Threats to Peace and Stability While Fostering and Building Alliances
· Across multiple continents and conflicts, USUN led efforts to create and maintain peace – and hold those committing atrocities accountable.
· USUN spearheaded efforts to address the crisis in Haiti, helping to adopt a resolution – co-penned by the U.S. and Ecuador – to authorize a Multinational Security Support mission. This mission, led by Kenya, would provide critical international support for the Haitian National Police to address gang violence and pave the way toward long-term stability in the country. USUN also led efforts to strengthen the mandate of the Special Political Mission, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH). In December, the Security Council sanctioned four notorious gang leaders who have undermined peace and security in Haiti by unleashing unspeakable violence and suffering on Haitian citizens.
· USUN consistently pushed for Security Council unity in condemning the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s reckless and dangerous behavior as the country launched multiple ballistic missiles — including at least five intercontinental ballistic missile launches— in violation of multiple Security Council Resolutions.
· During its presidency of the Security Council, USUN held the first Security Council open briefing on Sudan since the start of the conflict. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield traveled to the Chad-Sudan border to galvanize the international community to help protect civilians affected by the conflict.
· USUN and likeminded partners called for investigations into violations of UN Security Council resolutions resulting from Russia’s procurement of weapons and material from Iran and the DPRK.
· The United States led a high-level event focused on coalition-building to address the growing threat of synthetic drugs – and facilitated the drafting, negotiation, and consensus adoption of a General Assembly resolution to tackle the public health and security threats posed by synthetic drugs and weaken transnational criminal organizations.
· Following Hamas’ October 7th attacks against Israel, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN advocated for increased humanitarian assistance into Gaza, as well as the inclusion of Israel’s right to defend itself, a condemnation of Hamas, and calls for the return of hostages in key UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. All the while, the U.S. remained the leading supporter of the efforts of UNRWA and other humanitarian organizations on the ground in Gaza. In addition, the U.S. worked with other Council members to craft a humanitarian-focused resolution in the Security Council to help ensure humanitarian personnel and assistance, including fuel, food, medical supplies, and emergency shelter assistance, can reach the people of Gaza.
· As head of the U.S. delegation to the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Ghana, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted U.S. leadership and commitment to improving peacekeeping effectiveness through a series of financial and programmatic commitments.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield worked to secure the unanimous adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on the financing of African Union-led peace support operations. This resolution outlines a framework for the use of UN funds to support the deployment of AU-led missions to promote peace and security across the African continent – and is a major steppingstone toward empowering AU missions to respond to Africa’s growing security challenges.
Continued to Bring Global Food Insecurity to the Forefront
· For Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s third Security Council presidency in August 2023, the United States again made combatting food insecurity a signature priority – becoming the only permanent member of the Security Council to devote its presidency to the same issue for multiple years in a row, an important signal and commitment.
· USUN spearheaded the passage of the first Security Council product addressing food insecurity in over five years, a Security Council Presidential Statement condemning the use of food as a weapon of war.
· In concert with USUN’s work on combatting food insecurity in the Security Council, nearly 100 UN Member States from around the world signed on to a U.S.-drafted communique on ending the use of food as a weapon of war.
· In response to Russia’s attacks on critical food infrastructure in Ukraine, the United States catalyzed multiple UN Security Council meetings to draw attention to the global impacts of such attacks and Russia’s threats against maritime security in the Black Sea. USUN also worked to continue diplomatic efforts to secure Black Sea routes to keep Ukraine’s grain flowing to food-insecure regions around the globe.
· In addition to USUN’s work in the Security Council and other UN fora, USUN brought this message to the world, including during travel to Mogadishu, Somalia, where Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield implored the international community to step up to avert famine in the Horn of Africa while announcing millions in new funding from the United States for Somalia.
Advanced Progress on Global Development and the Sustainable Development Goals
· The United States helped bring sustainable development to the top of the multilateral agenda, with USUN highlighting the importance of and commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals throughout the year at engagements around the world and country: from spotlighting the role of local actors at the Cities Summit in March, to outlining the impact of U.S. leadership in the development space at the Council on Foreign Relations in September.
· Ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals Summit in September 2023, USUN demonstrated the United States’ commitment to the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs, at home and abroad. In the two years leading up to the Summit alone, the United States invested over $100 billion in Official Development Assistance. At the Summit, the United States joined the SDG Political Declaration to reinvigorate progress toward the SDGs, and Secretary Blinken articulated the U.S. commitment to leaving no one behind at the SDG Summit.
· During the UN General Assembly’s High-Level Week, the United States spearheaded efforts to include strong language across three General Assembly Political Declarations on health: pandemic preparedness and response, universal health coverage, and the fight against tuberculosis.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, along with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, co-led the U.S. delegation to the 2023 United Nations Water Conference that included 125 delegates. During the conference, the United States announced a $49 billion investment in the domestic and international water sector, which accelerates progress on Sustainable Development Goal Six: universal clean, safe, and affordable water and sanitation.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN took the case for sustainable development around the world. In November, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. delegation to the Pacific Islands Forum hosted by the Cook Islands to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the region and engaged with Pacific region leaders and stakeholders to galvanize further international cooperation on climate change and sustainable development. And in December, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield led the U.S. Delegation to the 10th Conference of the States Parties of the UN Convention against Corruption, held in Atlanta, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to anti-corruption efforts in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Put Human Rights at the Core of the International System
· USUN made defending human rights a signature priority during its Security Council presidency – making clear that the Security Council is a key multilateral venue to address human rights violations by highlighting ongoing violations of human rights in conflict zones with numerous civil society briefings and thematic events.
· In April, the Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution that called for the full, equal, meaningful, and safe participation of women and girls in Afghanistan. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield called for this resolution in January and USUN worked closely with Japan and the United Arab Emirates on its adoption, which also called on the Taliban to swiftly reverse its policies and practices restricting women and girls’ enjoyment of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including those related to their access to education, employment, freedom of movement and participation in public life.
· Throughout the year, USUN repeatedly shined a light on the DPRK’s violation of human rights. In March, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the issue with two events focused on exposing the human rights situation in the DPRK, first by meeting with women defectors and then by cosponsoring and co-leading a DPRK Arria Formula meeting with Albania. During the United States’ August presidency of the UN Security Council, the United States held the first open briefing in more than five years on the human rights situation in the DPRK.
· As antisemitism rose across the country and world, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield hosted leaders at the UN to support practical global efforts to combat antisemitism. The event featured keynote remarks by Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff. Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield frequently met with representatives of the Jewish and Muslim communities to discuss ways to counter both antisemitism and Islamophobia domestically and internationally.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield advanced the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to strengthening the dialogue between U.S. officials and people of African descent by leading the U.S. delegation to the 2nd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. In addition, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield traveled to Brazil to underscore U.S. support for reinvigorating the U.S.-Brazil Joint Action Plan to Eliminate Racial Discrimination and Promote Equality – marking the first cabinet-level official visit to Salvador since the JAPER was signed by then-Secretary Condoleezza Rice.
· USUN has consistently and continuously called for the release of hostages and political prisoners. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield invited Elizabeth Whelan – the sister of Paul Whelan, who is wrongfully detained in Russia – to attend a Security Council meeting presided over by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to highlight Paul’s lengthy and unjust detention. The Ambassador and the family of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich spoke to UN correspondents about Evan’s arbitrary detention in Russia. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield advocated for McClatchy reporter Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria, World Press Freedom prize recipient Niloofar Hamedi who is still wrongfully detained in Iran, and former U.S. Embassy personnel who are being held in Yemen. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also met with family members of individuals held hostage by Hamas and other groups in the wake of the October 7th attacks.
· Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield used her travels to reaffirm the United States’s commitment to prioritizing global human rights issues. That included delivering a keynote speech in Costa Rica on strengthening democracy and human rights as part of President Biden’s Summit for Democracy.
· To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, highlighted the United States’ commitment to the document at multiple UDHR anniversary events in New York, and celebrated the rededication of the Eleanor Roosevelt memorial the UN grounds.
Bolstered Key Humanitarian Programs in Africa
· Both at the United Nations and in visits to member states, Ambassador Thomas Greenfield reaffirmed the United States support for humanitarian initiatives in Africa – from health and nutrition to gender equality and refugee support.
· During Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield’s January visit to Somalia to review the humanitarian, economic, and security situation, she announced that the United States would provide $40 million in additional funding to address extreme food gaps, treat severe malnutrition in women and children, and combat the current outbreak of deadly diseases like measles and cholera.
· At the UN’s High-Level Pledging Event for the Horn of Africa in May, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield announced that the United States would provide $524 million in additional funding to mitigate the impacts of the record-setting drought in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield visited eastern Chad in September to draw international attention to and support for the humanitarian crisis along the border with Sudan. During the visit, the Ambassador announced that the United States would provide an additional $163 million in humanitarian assistance to support the people of Sudan and its refugees in neighboring countries. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also announced U.S. sanctions against officials accused of violating human rights in Sudan.
Held Russia Accountable for its Unprovoked Invasion of Ukraine
· In the Security Council, the United States continued to hold Russia accountable for its aggression against Ukraine through meetings on Russia’s forced deportation of Ukrainian children, Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law, and Russia’s weaponization of the global food system. In the General Assembly, USUN led the overwhelming passage of a resolution on the first anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, outlining the principles underlying a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the region.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield cultivated domestic and global coalitions, including on a bipartisan basis alongside the U.S. Congress, to rally the global community to sustain support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s war.
· Throughout the year, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN addressed head-on the dangerous and destabilizing activities of the Wagner Group and other Russian proxies in Africa, including their abuses and massacres of civilians, their role in driving extremist recruitment, and the threat they pose to the safety and security of UN peacekeepers. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield raised awareness of Wagner’s activities during Security Council meetings, in discussions with African leaders, and by pressing the United Nations to report publicly on Wagner's human rights violations. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also engaged the African publics, particularly youth, on actions of these groups to extract wealth and foment political instability that undermines peace and prosperity on the continent.
Championed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Principles
· Recognizing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility as a hallmark of the Biden Administration and essential to truly advancing U.S. foreign policy, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield prioritized and delivered outreach campaigns to engage young Americans, especially from underrepresented communities and universities, to urge them to consider careers in diplomacy or public service. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield participated in dozens of briefings and meetings with students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, local high schools, and Model UN groups on U.S. foreign policy priorities, the UN, and multilateral organizations. USUN amplified the work of and collaborated with the UNA-USA Youth Observer to build a network of public servants that advance democratic values and the relevance of the UN in addressing global challenges. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield also spoke at the William & Mary Charter Day Ceremony, where she encouraged students to pursue careers in public service.
· USUN emphasized representation with its Security Council Presidency programming, proudly bringing 12 civil society members to brief the Council, with more than two-thirds of those briefers being women.
· The Mission reflected the diversity of the United States in many of its events with the UN diplomatic and broader New York Community, including by hosting the Mission’s first Black History Month concert at the United Nations, a reception in honor of Indigenous Leaders at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, an LGBTI+ Pride Month celebration, its first Diwali dinner, and its first music diplomacy event at which it featured U.S. Arts Envoy Matthew Whitaker.
· At the UN, the United States continued to lead efforts to advocate for LGBTQI+ issues. In the Economic and Social Council, the United States worked to preserve language on sexual orientation and gender identity in the text for a resolution on elections; more than 80 percent of the UN members voted in favor of the resolution during the December General Assembly plenary.
· USUN played a critical role in the first-ever official meeting on access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) for persons with disabilities during the 2023 Conference of States Parties for the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), USUN played a critical role in securing a reference to SRH in the biannual resolution, which was adopted by consensus.
· As co-chair of the UN Accessibility Steering Committee, USUN improved physical and digital accessibility at the UN for persons with disabilities and elevated the concerns of UN staff who face employment barriers due to their disabilities. USUN continues to hold the UN accountable for their accessibility shortcomings at UNHQ, including pushing for a rostrum lift, to make the UN General Assembly stage accessible to all.
Spearheaded UN Modernization and Reform Efforts to Make the UN More Effective, Representative, and Efficient
· Nearly eight decades since the founding of the United Nations, USUN has worked to ensure that the organization is built, staffed, and run to meet the current moment.
· USUN spearheaded efforts in the UN system on responsible use of Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing the need to protect human rights.
· Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN led successful high-level campaigns for Americans to elected positions in the UN including Sarah Cleveland’s campaign for the International Court of Justice, and Amy Pope for Director General for the International Organization for Migration.
· As part of efforts to reform the UN Security Council, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield and USUN leadership have continued to hold wide-ranging consultations with intergovernmental negotiation chairs, regional blocs, groups of Member States, individual Member States, and civil society to ensure all stakeholders are heard and involved in the process of Security Council reform.
· USUN led the way on peacekeeping reform, paving the way towards an agreement to provide assessed funding for the Peacebuilding Fund to prevent conflicts before they begin, a proven approach to identifying and addressing the root causes of conflicts will save lives and money.
· Following reports of fraud and mismanagement at the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), USUN led efforts to improve oversight of UN funds and programs and strengthen audit and ethics offices.
· During December’s UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Accra, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield pledged millions of dollars to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping efforts and helped launch a first-of-its-kind women's body armor pilot project in partnership with Ghana and Zambia. This innovation is an investment in female peacekeepers – and in turn, an investment in the communities they protect.
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BOBI WINE Meets Omoyele SOWORE
Two political activists and Presidential candidates, Bobi Wine of Uganda and Nigeria's Omoyele Sowore met online recently during an interview with Africa-Related Report.
Africa-Related, New York
MEETING
Two political activists and Presidential candidates, Bobi Wine of Uganda and Nigeria's Omoyele Sowore met online recently during an interview with Africa-Related Report.
BOBI WINE - The People's President
Full Film
Official Trailer
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BOBI WINE Documentary Screens at The Whitby New York
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and North American debut at the Telluride Film Festival, Bobi Wine: The People’s President screened to a select audience at The Whitby in New York City
Following its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and North American debut at the Telluride Film Festival, Bobi Wine: The People’s President screened to a select audience at The Whitby in New York City
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Bobi Wine taking a bow
Full House at Bobi Wine Screening. Moderator David Fear of Rolling Stone Magazine, Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi, Barbara ‘Barbie’ Kyagulanyi, co-Director Moses Bwayo.
Multiple award winning documentary film Bobi Wine - The People's President screened at The Whitby New York on December 6, 2023. The screening was hosted by National Geographic and featured the famed musician turned-politician Robert ‘Bobi Wine’ Kyagulanyi, his wife Barbara ‘Barbie’ Kyagulanyi, co-Director Moses Bwayo; with the Q&A moderated by David Fear of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Oscar-winner John Battsek produced, while Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp directed the documentary which was among the 17 feature-length documentaries shortlisted for this year’s 39th IDA Documentary Awards. It won the prestigious best feature award on December 12, 2023.
Q & A Session of a story democracy, freedom and love. Video: Africa-Related
The film, which was acquired by National Geographic Documentary Films, is now streaming on Hulu and Disney+, and is free on Youtube for people living on the African continent. In a chat with AR Report, Nat Geo said the move was necessary in order bring equal viewing access to underserved communities globally. It further reaffirms its commitment to “bringing the world premium documentaries that cover timely, provocative and globally relevant stories from the very best documentary filmmakers in the world.”
Photos by Africa-Related
SUDAN: SAF & RSF GUILTY of War Crimes and Ethnic Cleansing, Says U.S
Africa Regional Media Hub held a digital press briefing with the U.S. Department of State’s Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, to discuss war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing in the “needless and unconscionable conflict” in Sudan.
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Effects and devastation of war. File Photo:Levi Meir Clancy @levimeirclancy
SUDAN
“10,000 Killed
Over 6.8 million Displaced”
December 14, 2023
Africa Regional Media Hub held a digital press briefing with the U.S. Department of State’s Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice, Beth Van Schaack, to discuss war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing in the “needless and unconscionable conflict” in Sudan.
Last week, U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken made the determination that members of the fighting groups Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) “have unleashed horrific violence, death, and destruction across Sudan. Civilians have borne the brunt of this needless conflict.” Below are the links to the audio and video recordings of the briefing.
“The atrocities today are an ominous reminder of the prior genocide ”
Highlights
A needless and unconscionable conflict by the same perpetrators, the same communities being targeted in the same patterns of criminality
Human Rights Concerns and abuses:
Gender-based Violence: The war has also been waged on the bodies of women and girls who have been terrorized by deliberate systemic sexual violence
U.S has provided nearly $895 million in total humanitarian assistance in fiscal year 2023 through USAID, the Department of State's Bureau of Population Refugees and Migration and other sources;
U.S to rally the international community to help in the violence, address the humanitarian crisis, and promote justice for survivors and victims
The Human Rights Council in Geneva planned an independent investigation committee that was rejected by the Sudanese government
ICC does not have a mandate to work in the current conflict
Audio/Soundcloud Link
Watch full video here
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A "Record-Setting" One Year After U.S. Africa Leaders Summit
The progress made over the last year in implementing the achievements of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and how these efforts highlight the U.S. commitment to the African continent, were discussed at this briefing.
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Screen-grab U.S Dept of State Photo.
“President Biden has been clear that African voices belong at the table in every forum where global challenges are discussed”
UPDATE
DECEMBER 12, 2023
The progress made over the last year in implementing the achievements of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and how these efforts highlight the U.S. commitment to the African continent, were discussed at this briefing.
The digital press briefing with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Jonathan Pratt, National Security Council Senior Director for African Affairs, Judd Devermont, and Prosper Africa Coordinator, British Robinson, to discuss the progress made over the last year in implementing the achievements of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and how these efforts highlight the U.S. commitment to the African continent. Q&A with participating journalists followed.
HIGHLIGHTS
Commitment: $55 billion to Africa over three years and over 40 percent achievement in year one;
The mobilization of more than $8 billion in public and private sector investments in climate and food security, women’s empowerment, and digital inclusion across Africa;
An “unprecedented pace” of Africa Visits: All together, 17 senior U.S. Government officials have visited 26 countries in Africa.
Advocating for a third seat for sub-Saharan Africa on the IMF board, and for permanent representation for Africa at the UN Security Council.
$600 billion for a flagship economic corridor called Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, PGII, initiative.
White House meeting with President Lourenço of Angola in November and the investment of more than $1.5 billion in the Lobito Corridor for transportation, digital access, agriculture, and clean energy infrastructure projects like solar projects and the bridge infrastructure in Angola and commercial aircraft in Ethiopia.
Digital Transformation with Africa initiative is a flagship effort to expand digital access in Africa is aligned with the priorities outlined in the African Union’s digital transformation strategy;
Rally private sector interest in supporting DTA - a $350 million target
with $82 million already invested;
USTDA has funded 12 digital infrastructure activities across Africa and launched the Africa Data Centers in Ghana and Kenya';
Vice President Harris in March launched the Women in Digital Economy Fund to accelerate the closing of the gender gap with $30 million of initial funding from USAID and the Bill and Melinda Gates.
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UGANDA: U.S Takes Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions for Undermining Democracy
Following the “flawed” 2021 elections. the United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on some citizens of Uganda for Repression and for Undermining Democracy And for Repression in Uganda
Africa-related, New York
Flag of The Federal Republic of Uganda
PRESS STATEMENT
ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE
December 4, 2023
Following the “flawed” 2021 elections. the United States has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on some citizens of Uganda for Repression and for Undermining Democracy And for Repression in Uganda
After Uganda’s flawed 2021 presidential elections, I announced a visa restriction policy targeting those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda. At that time, I implored the Government of Uganda to significantly improve its record and hold accountable those responsible for flawed electoral processes, violence, and intimidation.
Today, I am announcing the expansion of the visa restriction policy to include current or former Ugandan officials or others who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Uganda or for policies or actions aimed at repressing members of marginalized or vulnerable populations. These groups include, but are not limited to, environmental activists, human rights defenders, journalists, LGBTQI+ persons, and civil society organizers. The immediate family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
The United States stands by the Ugandan people and remains committed to working together to advance democracy, human rights, public health, and mutual prosperity. I once again strongly encourage the Government of Uganda to make concerted efforts to uphold democracy and to respect and protect human rights so that we may sustain the decades-long partnership between our countries that has benefited Americans and Ugandans alike.
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and expands upon the policy Secretary Blinken approved in 2021.
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PAPERLESS VISA: U.S. Announces 2024 Visa Improvements
Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, Consular Affairs, discusses updates in visa processing worldwide that include state-side visa renewals, paperless visas, and record-setting wait times.
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Julie Stufft, DAS for Visa Services, Consular Affairs, discusses updates in visa processing worldwide. This briefing is in-person and on-the-record. Nov. 28, 2023. Photo by State Dept./FPC/Sherry L Brukbacher.
UPDATE
NOVEMBER 28, 2023
Update on U.S. Visa Processing Worldwide by Julie Stufft, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services, Consular Affairs, discusses updates in visa processing worldwide.
U.S Visas Worldwide Issue
2019 Pre-pandemic processing - 8.5 million U.S. visas issued
2023 Fiscal Year - 10.5 million U.S. visas issued
The press briefing gave updates on the U.S. visa processing at overseas posts for the 2023 Fiscal Year, ending in October. The 10.5 million visas issued at overseas missions is said to have almost hit the highest level ever done in any year.
According to Stufft, “More people who are seeking to visit the United States today can visit the United States immediately than ever before in the past; that is, there are more people who hold U.S. visas that are valid or can travel without visa status to the U.S. tomorrow if they board a flight than at any time in our history.”
The department is still working on reducing wait time, at a '“handful” of countries that still have very high wait times, some exceeding a year still for one category of visa - first-time visitors. All other categories are said to have reduced long wait times globally.
US Visa Wait Time
2022 - 200 Days
2023 - Close to 140 Days
2024 will introduce the option of domestic renewal of visas to applicants starting with a pilot run in January. This means that people who are living and working in the United States on a long-term work visa do not have to leave the United States to apply for their next visa or to renew their visa. They would be able to send their applications to Washington and have it renewed without leaving the country.
This state-side option which was discontinued after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, will start with small with a pilot of 20,000 visas to be issued between December and February, with more categories of workers living in the United States in the rest of 2024.
Visa interviews specifically for prior travelers are out and Paperless visas are in. This means that the visa application process is the same, but there is a – there’s no physical visa in someone’s passport. These changes may take up to 18 months to have widespread use.
Readers are invited to share their U.S. experience with a comment below.
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Join Brenda Nwagwu in THE ART Of PERSUASION
Brenda Nwagwu (FNIMN), the Principal Communications Consultant/CEO at QVT Media | Disney StarLife TV, Exclusive Media Sales Rep. Nigeria and Ghana, will lead this webinar on mastering negotiation techniques
Brenda Nwagwu (FNIMN), the Principal Communications Consultant/CEO at QVT Media | Disney StarLife TV, Exclusive Media Sales Rep. Nigeria and Ghana, will lead this webinar on mastering negotiation techniques
A WEBINAR
Join Brenda Nwagwu in
THE ART Of PERSUASION
September 9, 2023
Hey there! I'm Brenda, the CEO of QVT Media. I'm excited to invite you to my upcoming webinar that could really boost your success through the amazing power of negotiation.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, I've got something great for you. Imagine turning every negotiation into a win-win situation where both sides feel satisfied and empowered. That's exactly what we'll explore in my upcoming webinar.
I won't just give you strategies and techniques; I want to have an open, honest conversation about how negotiation can foster cooperation and shared success.
This isn't about rigid corporate tactics; it's about practical strategies that work in any situation. Whether you're dealing with a complex business deal or finding common ground in everyday interactions, these skills are incredibly valuable.
Join me on Sept 9 for an insightful and educational session. Reserve your spot now by clicking this registration link or scanning the QR code provided.
Feel free to share this with anyone who could benefit.
Looking forward to having you there!
#webinar #persuasion #negotiation #educational #success #strategies #techniques #skills #media #advertising #communications
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Reflections: "The Mask & The Cross" and Bruce Onobrakpeya at 91
Months before his 91st birthday on August 30, 2023, The High Museum of Art Atlanta hosted Bruce Onobrakpeya, the wood-carver’s son who’s life-long artistic journey sought to find a meeting point between The Mask & The Cross
By OYIZA ADABA
Africa-Related New York
The High Museum of Art Atlanta
The Mask & The Cross by Bruce Onobrakpeya
April 7-July 30, 2023
By Mudiare Onobrakpeya
"The Mask and the Cross" are artworks created by Bruce Onobrakpeya, set in the final days of colonial Nigeria and shortly after its independence. These works offer a unique African perspective, delving into the underlying teachings, principles, and lessons derived from the life of Christ and the Resurrection of Christ.
The artist refers to these pieces as "New Masks" because they represent his endeavor to reconstruct and reimagine artworks using ideas from old masks, many of which were discarded and burned by early Christian missionaries.
The New Masks by Onobrakpeya retain the aesthetic potency of the original masks, now manifested in various media such as paintings, plastocasts, low relief sculptures, and other techniques that he has developed and innovated throughout his nearly 65-year artistic career.
These artworks are infused with the same esoteric meanings, conveying a narrative that transcends geographical and chronological boundaries, making them accessible to people of any culture.
"The Cross and the Mask" serve as narratives that reinterpret the universal essence of goodness by focusing on the core values that should foster a deeper understanding of the Christian message. In these artworks, Jesus Christ and other religious figures are depicted as universal symbols, emphasizing the essence of Christianity rather than being bound by the geographical and anatomical contexts of the Jewish and Roman people.
2nd June 2023
Postscript
The Solo exhibition by Onobrakpeya which was extremely well received at the prestigious High Museum in Atlanta, came to a close, at the end of July. "The Mask and tne Cross" is now billed to travel to The Smithsonian Museum, Washington D.C., in the second quarter of 2024 and the National Museum of Montreal, Canada shortly after.
3rd Sept 2023
ARTIST TALK: The celebrated artist Bruce Onobrakpeya was joined in an in-depth conversation on opening night by renowned art historian and critic Dele Jegede , with keynote delivered by his daughter Kabari Onobrakpeya.
ARTIST TALK: Bruce Onobrakpeya and Dele Jegede with renowned art critic, with keynote by Kabari Onobrakpeya. Video Source: The High Museum
“Art is something which I think has proved to be a pattern of working as well as playing; and so I don't stop playing, I don't stop enjoying using my hands. And also I don't stop thinking.
- Bruce Onobrakpeya -
HAPPY 91st BIRTHDAY!
From us @ Africa-Related
To see and do this at 91, is the prayer…Sir Bruce at the Onobrakpeya's Art Center in Agbarha-Otoh Delta State, Nigeria Video courtesy of Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
Photos of high museum opening by Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
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The FILM FESTIVAL MASTERY Class Is Every Filmmaker's Guide
It's common knowledge that the success of an indie film can be heavily influenced by whether or not a film has a successful festival run. This FREE webinar by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings teaches how to navigate the circuit AND how to advance your career.
By Africa-Related New York
The Film Festival Mastery
Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald
Filmmaker Justin Giddings
If you missed the FREE webinar titled The Film Festival Mastery by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings, here is a replay for you!
WATCH THE REPLAY
Here’s what was covered:
How to get into the festivals that will advance your career and the goal(s) of your film.
How to ensure your film has the highest chance of being seen by the actual programmers (instead of the interns)
One simple trick on saving $1,000+ on submission fees without begging programmers for freebies or handouts
How to create a custom strategy based on your film and goals to ensure your film gets into the right festivals
...and a kick-ass Q+A with some GREAT questions!
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Two Community Giants Come Together to ENVISION THE IDEAL BRONX
The Word of Life International and The Bronx Community Foundation are both focused on building an equitable and inclusive Bronx. The two parties came together to host a lunch meeting for community members, organizations, and individuals representing various fields in the borogh. The agenda was to create an envisioned image of the ideal Bronx, that will become a near-future reality.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
“What does your ideal Bronx look like?” The Bronx Community Foundation is asking. Photo by Africa-Related
CHANGE is what happens when you put two community giants together in a room.
The Word of Life International is a 20-year old Bronx-based non-profit which aims to sustain lives and empower communities by providing short and long term services to foster stable and independent living. Founded in 2017 by long-time Bronxites twin brothers Derrick and Desmon Lewis, as the first and only Community Foundation dedicated to The Bronx, The Bronx Community Foundation is focused on building an equitable and inclusive community.
The two parties recently came together to host a lunch meeting for community members, small business owners, faith-based organizations, and individuals representing various fields in the borough. The agenda was a first hand account of the root causes of the challenges; and to create an envisioned image of the ideal Bronx that is achievable within the near-future.
Stakeholders expressed various concerns and agreed in general that more needs to be done in the areas of food insecurity, housing, environmental justice, safety and security, small business support, communication breakdown, immigration etc. Participants took part in exercises that involved creating vision boards from colorful paper cuts, photos, ideas etc.
The Word of Life International is run by Rev. (Dr.) John Udo-Okon along with his wife Rev. Felicia Udo-Okon and for the past 20 years, they both have devotedly worked with their community to fight hunger and poverty in New York City. Its weekly feeding program supports an average of 8,000 household members monthly, and it envisions strong communities and individuals without the immediate threat of hunger, homelessness, and unemployment .
The Bronx Community Foundation is under the leadership of its inaugural President and CEO, Dr. Meisha Porter who is a former NYC Department of Education Chancellor. With her wealth of experience from managing the largest school system in the nation, it may be safe to assume that The Bronx is in good hands.
The Community
Making life-changing decisions for the community
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HIGHLIGHTS: 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program brought together the most unique and diverse voices of women; and proved a unique opportunity to start conversations on life-changing projects.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New YoRk
The New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), a body which connects, educates and advocates for equality for women in the media, recently held its 2023 NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit. The three-day hybrid program gathered together "the most unique and diverse voices of women" to establish forward-moving strategies to create change.
Day 1: Award-winning Aerospace Engineer, Tiera Fletcher delivering her keynote
The keynote was delivered by Tiera Fletcher, an award-winning Aerospace Engineer who spoke on inspiring the next generation of women aerospace engineers. Her story of persistence in setting and achieving her goals while operating as a minority in her field, left many truly inspired.
Other panel discussions held explored the intersections of filmmaking, with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through films like “The Human Trial” and “Aftershock”, filmmakers like Lisa Hepner and Paula Eislet brought attention to pertinent issues like diabetes and maternal mortality; while Dr. Marc Schiffman and Dr. Tamatha Fenster humanized the medical field with their groundbreaking studies with ICU and Fibroid patients. William Kenworthey, an urban designer and architect at HOK brought a visual perspective to climate change and the rising sea levels; Catlin Saks explained content strategies behind science-based channels like NOVA.
NYWIFT Board President Leslie Fields-Cruz in a conversation with Filmmaker Lisa Hepner
NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez with Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, at a luncheon by NYWIFT
During a private luncheon, NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez held a 20-minute Q&A with another keynote, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa - the first Hispanic woman in space in 1993. Now retired, after logging nearly 1,000 hours in space over the course of four missions between 1999 and 2002, Dr. Ochoa brought new insights on the A-Z of space travel with an assimilating video presentation.
Participants at luncheon during NYWIFT STEM Summit
The STEM Creative Summit proved a unique opportunity to rub minds and start conversations on how to translate these great ideas into life-changing projects in the near future.
With over 2,500 members and as many as 50 productions each year, the New York Women in Film & Television NYWIFT continues to energize and illuminate the achievements of its members. The prestigious association is led by multi award-winning media strategist Cynthia Lopez, and has Leslie Fields-Cruz, CEO of Black Public Media as its sitting Board President.
NYWIFT is open to new members and donors. Learn more here.
PHOTOS BY AFRICA-RELATED
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BOLD AND BRAZEN - The Jaw-Dropping Art of WANGECHI MUTU
I finally made it to the last day of the ”Intertwined” exhibition by Wangenchi Mutu, the Kenyan born American visual artist, painter and sculptor, whose thirty year body of work showed at The New Museum in the Bowery district of New York from March to June 4, 2023.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
Wangechi Mutu “Intertwined” at The New Museum. Photo by Africa-Related
“I went to a Catholic school and we were all girls. I was surrounded by women, women teachers, women students, the Virgin Mary - all kinds of feminine energy.”
I finally made it to the last day of the ”Intertwined” exhibition by Wangechi Mutu, the Kenyan born American visual artist, painter and sculptor, whose thirty-year body of work showed at The New Museum in the Bowery district of New York, from March to June 4, 2023. I was left with a mixture of shock, strength, pride, fascination and inspiration. Never have I seen mud, clay and feathers look this good.
On Woman
“It's an eternal source of inspiration for me. The way we worship the image of the woman but denigrate the actual human being of woman - that schism bothers me” - Wangechi Mutu
Fifty year-old Mutu, whose art career started in the mid-90s with painting and collages, later became known for her works in sculpture, film, performance arts. She often shuttles between her studios in Nairobi and New York, from where she draws two different types of creative energies.
Crocodylus
The magnificent 6 ft.1 half-woman-reptile bronze sculpture influenced by the artist's memories of the Kenyan wilds. Photo by Africa-Related
Crocodylus
In August 2022, The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) announced the acquisition of Crocodylus, the magnificent 6 ft.1 half-woman-reptile bronze sculpture influenced by the artist's memories of the Kenyan wilds. While critics challenge her for ‘objectifying women’ in her works, Mutu credits her creativity to anatomy images she read in her mother's science books growing up; combining her love for nature and plants and animals, insects and sci-fi in thematic works - where the female character, form or subject “remains central”. She continues to use the feminine form to highlight social issues around casualties of war, harmful practices, rape, and the environment.
The Sentinels
The Sentinels
“The Sentinels is sort of this regal figure who is standing representing a female Divine Feminine. I want to make sure that she is absolutely stable and that she's able to stand… guarding.”
The Sentinels
Guarding Regal Figures
The Sentinels
“I want to make sure that she is absolutely stable and that she's able to stand… “
It has been a fantastic ride since Wangechi Mutu’s first solo exhibition in the U.S at the National Museum of Art in 2013. Her works have shown at notable spaces from the Tate Modern, Art Studio Museum and MoMA, Modern Art Contemporary Austin and the Art Museum Gallery of Ontario, Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, and has participated in the Venice Biennale. Mutu also founded the Africa Out organization, a Brooklyn-based nonprofit that supports artists around Africa.
Stay tuned: Wangechi Mutu upcoming episode on Messengers Season 3.
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GHANAIAN SCULPTOR EL ANATSUI HONORED AT TIME100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE GALA IN NEW YORK
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
By Oyiza Adaba, New York
April 28, 2023
“Trust has never been more important, and it speaks to both our legacy and our future”
Adoring fans lined the streets leading up to the Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Time Magazine was hosting a gala in honor of Time100 Most Influential People.
Notable names were included in this year’s list of categories, which were: Artists, Icons, Pioneers, Leaders, Titans and Innovators. .Actress Jessica Collidge hosted and joked, "Think of how many followers you could get", while calling for further collaboration among honorees. American rapper and “pioneer” honoree, Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, aka Doja Cat, thrilled the 300 plus guests with her performance.
Among the prominent names at the event were Salma Hayek Pinault, Michael B. Jordan, Keegan-Michael Key, Austin Butler and Angela Bassett. Veteran Director Steven Spielberg received the Impact Award, and credited Time Magazine's longevity - since the first issue on March 3, 1923 - to keeping up with current issues. The plaque was presented to him by two former child stars from his films, Drew Barrymore and Ke Huy Quan
Africa was well represented on the list with Ghanaian sculptor, El Anatsui - one of the most respected, international contemporary artists - leading the way. Other game changers from the continent were Wangira Mathai, a Kenyan environmentalist and activist, VP/Regional Director World Resources Institute; Dimie Ogoina, a Nigerian infectious disease, physician-scientist at Niger Delta University and President of the Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society; Nigerian politician and President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Tanzanian biodiversity leader and Cameroonian soccer player, Kylian Mbappé.
In an interview with El Anatsui, an Emeritus Professor of Sculpture, he fondly recalled the early years of his career, when he was questioned about what he could possibly do in art. He described this year’s recognition from Time magazine as "quite significant, indicating that I have been able to make an impact and do something with my art”.
Jazz at Lincoln Center is a prestigious upscale venue in New York City that has hosted Jazz and Blues greats, such as Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, BB King, Charles Mingus, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughn.
Time100 is a yearly event that selects and brings together prominent, history-making, global figures. The final list of these influential individuals is exclusively chosen by Time’s editors, with nominations coming from the Time 100 alumni and the magazine's international writing staff. The ceremony has been held annually since 2004.
Photo Highlights: Photos: Africa-Related/elanatsui.art
See complete list: Time100 Most Influential People 2023
ARTISTS
• Michael B. Jordan
• Drew Barrymore
• Ali Wong
• Austin Butler
• Aubrey Plaza
• Rian Johnson
• Salma Hayek Pinault
• Zoe Saldaña
• Judy Blume
• Colin Farrell
• Lea Michele
• Simone Leigh
• Wolfgang Tillmans
• Suzan-Lori Parks
• Neil Gaiman
• Shervin Hajipour
• El Anatsui
• Colleen Hoover
• Steve Lacy
ICONS
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Ke Huy Quan
• Sara Mardini and Yusra Mardini
• Shah Rukh Khan
• Pedro Pascal
• Brittney Griner
• King Charles
• Salman Rushdie
• RowVaughn Wells
• Tracie D. Hall
• Peng Lifa
• Shannon Watts
• Haluk Levent
• Imara Jones
• Yvon Chouinard
PIONEERS
• Doja Cat
• Mikaela Shiffrin
• Bella Hadid
• Sam Altman
• Niloofar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi
• Thom Browne
• S.S. Rajamouli
• MrBeast
• Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
• Britney Schmidt and Peter Davis
• Sam Rivera
• Robin Zeng
• Edward Reynolds
• Margaret Mitchell
LEADERS
• Olena Zelenska
• Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
• Hakeem Jeffries
• Evan Gershkovich
• Janet Yellen
• Sherry Rehman
• Mitch McConnell
• Anthony Albanese
• Margrethe Vestager
• Joe Biden
• Samuel Alito
• Gustavo Petro
• Gina Raimondo
• Oleksandra Matviichuk
• Fumio Kishida
• Cindy McCain
• María Herrera Magdaleno
• Olaf Scholz
• Bola Ahmed Tinubu
• Min Aung Hlaing
TITANS
• Angela Bassett
• Laurene Powell Jobs
• Lionel Messi
• Padma Lakshmi
• Johan Rockstrom
• Beyoncé
• Patrick Mahomes II
• Elon Musk
• Gina Prince-Bythewood
• Karen Lynch
• Shou Zi Chew
• Ozlem Tureci and Ugur Sahin
• Deborah Lipstadt
INNOVATORS
• Bob Iger
• Sarah Kate Ellis
• Kylian Mbappé
• Natasha Lyonne
• Monica Simpson
• Nathan Fielder
• Wanjira Mathai
• Hidetaka Miyazaki
• Jerrod Carmichael
• Catherine Coleman Flowers
• Sean Sherman
• Iga Swiatek
• Kate Orff
• Dimie Ogoina
• Andrea Kritcher
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EBIRA WOMEN Are Changing The Face of Protests
The general dissatisfaction with the results of the recently concluded elections in Nigeria was has led to a slew of court cases and pockets of protests across the country where women’s voices are taking center stage.
By AFRICA-RELATED, Nigeria
Women protest in support of politician Natasha- Akpoti-Uduaghan in Ihima, Kogi State. Photo by Bayo Oluwaseyi
Women-Led Protests
March 28, 2023
The general dissatisfaction with the results of the recently concluded elections in Nigeria has led to a slew of court cases and pockets of protests across the country where women’s voices are taking center stage.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Kogi Central Senatorial District in Kogi State who has rejected the results and petitioned INEC over the outcome of the Kogi Central senatorial elections held on February 25, 2023.
Photos by Bayo Oluwaseyi
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U.S VP Harris holds BiLat w/Ghana President, Visits Recording Studio and Attends State Banquet
On Monday, March 26th, Vice President Harris will have her first full day in Ghana, which will include a bilateral meeting with President Akufo-Addo. She will then visit Vibrate studio, a community recording studio for young creatives in Accra. And finally, she will attend a State Banquet hosted by President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
U.S. OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
By Oyiza Adaba
On Monday, March 26th, Vice President Harris will have her first full day in Ghana, which will include a bilateral meeting with President Akufo-Addo. She will then visit Vibrate studio, a community recording studio for young creatives in Accra. And finally, she will attend a State Banquet hosted by President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo.
BILATERAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO OF GHANA
Vice President Kamala Harris will meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana at Jubilee House and affirm the strength of our bilateral relationship, and the long-standing ties between the American and Ghanaian people.
The Vice President and President Akufo-Addo will discuss a range of global and regional issues including: democracy, good governance, and human rights; regional security; long-term economic growth and macroeconomic stability; and our work together on the UN Security Council.
On democracy, good governance, and human rights, they will discuss efforts to stand up for democratic principles on the continent and our shared opposition to recent democratic backsliding.
On regional security, they will discuss the Sahel and efforts to promote stability, including through new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts.
On debt, the Vice President will re-affirm the U.S. position that all bilateral creditors should provide meaningful debt reduction and express support for Ghana’s engagement with the IMF. They will also discuss efforts to support long term economic growth and increase U.S. private sector investment.
The Vice President will thank President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in strengthening ties between Africa and the African Diaspora.
VISIT TO VIBRATE SPACE
Vice President Harris will visit Vibrate Space, a community recording studio for young creatives located at Freedom Skatepark in Accra, as part of her effort to engage directly with young people and highlight the dynamism and creativity taking place across the continent. There, she will tour the facility and meet with a group of musicians including up-and-coming artists that represent the new generation of Ghanaian and Ghanaian-American entertainers. Her visit will spotlight the growing creative economy and underscore the strong links between our nation’s artistic and diaspora communities. The Vice President will be joined by Actors Idris Elba and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Vibrate opened in 2022 in partnership with Kendrick Lamar’s company pgLang, Spotify, and local sports NGO Surf Ghana. Vibrate aims to empower young people by equipping aspiring music entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to compete in the global music market.
Additional background on Vibrate Space and Ghanian music industry:
Vibrate runs a music business educational program that includes public workshops (called “masterclasses”) dedicated to acquiring hands-on skills like recording, mixing, mastering, and DJing to cater to the diverse needs of Ghana’s dynamic music industry. Previous masterclasses have attracted more than 200 people at each session to learn about live performances, songwriting, and producing from musicians from Nigeria, South Africa, and other parts of the continent.
Vibrate is located at Freedom Skatepark, Ghana’s first fully functioning skateboard park, which uses action sports as a driver for creative self-expression, social inclusion, and female empowerment.
Accra has developed a reputation as a music destination after attracting huge crowds to the Global Citizen Festival, Afronation, Afrochella, and the Black Star Line Festival between September 2022 and January 2023.
Kendrick Lamar chose to release his latest album in May 2022 while in Accra. Freedom Skatepark has drawn visits from well-known American artists traveling to Ghana, including Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, and Pharrell Williams, as well as partnerships with the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh and Vans.
STATE BANQUET
President Akufo-Addo will be a hosting a State Banquet in honor of the Vice President and Second Gentleman’s visit to Accra, Ghana. Approximately 300 guests, invited by the Ghanian government, will attend, including several dozen prominent members of the African Diaspora in the United States. Additional information on the guest list will be forthcoming.
____________________
Ernesto ‘Ernie’ Apreza
Office of the Vice President
Deputy Press Secretary
c: 202.881.8800 | e: ernesto.apreza@ovp.eop.gov
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US VP Kamala Harris Delivers Speech at Blackstar Gate in Accra, Ghana
Information about the Vice President’s speech at Blackstar Gate tomorrow, including excerpts, are below.
U.S. OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT
africa-related new york
Information about the Vice President’s speech at Blackstar Gate, including excerpts, are below.
On background attributed to a White House Official:
Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver remarks to thousands of young people at Blackstar Gate in Accra, Ghana on Tuesday, March 27.
The Vice President will express her optimism about the future of Africa, and by extension, the world, because of the ingenuity, and creativity that is prevalent across the continent, especially in young people.
The speech centers around the theme of innovation—and she will argue that alongside our African partners, we all must invest in innovation on the continent, which will unlock growth and opportunity and provide global benefits.
She will highlight innovative developments taking place across the continent and make clear that they are benefitting the entire world—from tech, agriculture, clean energy, and science. The Vice President is using her platform to call more global attention to the dynamism and entrepreneurship across the continent.
The Vice President will also outline three areas in particular that are a focus for her trip and moving forward—areas where she believes we must make progress to unlock even more innovation: the empowerment of women, digital inclusion, and good governance and democracy.
On the empowerment of women, the Vice President will argue that women around the world must be able to full participate in economic, political, and social life, that they must be able to participate equally, including in leadership roles. She will make the case that this is key to maximizing global growth and opportunity, and will call for progress in addressing gender disparities.
On digital inclusion, the Vice President will make clear that digital services are essential to 21st century economies, and while there are places on the continent of Africa that lead the world in digital solutions, other parts of the continent lag behind. She will make the case that we must expand access to the internet and ensure African people fully benefit from connectivity, whether that is access to education, access to information, or access to financial services. She will commit to work the private sector to unleash growth and opportunity and increase digital inclusion on the continent.
On good governance and democracy, the Vice President will argue that alongside our African partners, we must support and invest in good governance and democracy. She will outline the benefits of good governance for investments. She will underscore the desires of African people for democracy, which we share, and outline the benefits, including freedom and opportunity.
In addition, the Vice President will outline our approach to partnership with African nations and African people, building on President Biden’s statement at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in December 2022 that “we’re all in on Africa.”
The Vice President will make clear that our Administration will strengthen partnerships across the continent—with governments, the private sector, civil society, and young people.
Excerpts
Quotes Attributed to Vice President Kamala Harris:
“So, then what does it mean that the United States of America is All In.
“That means the United States is committed to strengthen our partnerships across the continent of Africa—partnerships with governments, the private sector, civil society and all of you, partnerships based on openness, inclusiveness, candor, shared interests, and mutual benefits.
“And to be clear, America will be guided not by what we can do FOR our African partners, but what we can do WITH our African partners.
“Together, we will address the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead. And today I will speak about one particular area of opportunity: Investment in innovation.
“Together, we will address the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead. And today I will speak about one particular area of opportunity: Investment in innovation.
“Innovation is the pursuit of what can be, unburdened by what has been.
“Innovation results in one’s ability not only to see but do things differently: new methods, new products, new approaches, new ideas.
“We innovate to be more effective and to solve problems. From the invention of new technology,
to the origin of social movements, innovation has come about by challenging the premise, questioning the status quo, and bold thinking.
“And to the young leaders here today, you by your very nature are dreamers and innovators. And to you I say, it is your spark, your creativity, and your determination that will drive the future.
“And with that African ideas and innovations will shape the future of the world, and so we must invest
in African ingenuity and creativity, which will unlock incredible economic growth and opportunities-- not only for the people of the 54 countries that make up this diverse continent, but also for the American people and people around the world.
“So, the Biden-Harris Administration and the American people stand ready to partner with you to help accelerate the innovation and entrepreneurship that is already underway.”