World Refugee Day: U.S Address Impacts of Climate Change on Migration and Displacement
The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Announces New Approach to Address the Impacts of Climate Change on Migration and Displacement
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
FACT SHEET
June 21, 2023
The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration Announces New Approach to Address the Impacts of Climate Change on Migration and Displacement
As the world seeks to tackle the the climate crisis, it is vital that we develop smart, humane policies to address the impacts of climate change on migration and displacement within countries and across borders. Climate change increasingly drives mobility and exacerbates existing vulnerabilities, requiring greater support for those on the move and their host communities. The 2021 White House Report on the Impact of Climate Change on Migration recognizes migration as an important form of adaptation to the impacts of climate change and in some cases, an essential response to climate and environmental based threats to livelihoods and wellbeing. The impacts of climate change are increasing the need to strengthen safe, orderly, humane, and regular migration management and to expand access to protection for displaced populations, stateless persons, and migrants in situations of vulnerability, with particular attention to accessibility, child protection, disability rights, gender equity, indigenous rights, and the needs of members of marginalized or underrepresented groups. Building on the White House report, the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) is expanding its efforts to address the impacts of climate change on migration and displacement. PRM’s climate change approach includes four principal objectives:
Protection: Strengthen and expand protection of refugees, conflict victims, internally displaced persons (IDPs), stateless persons, and migrants in situations of vulnerability affected by climate change, including through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Partnerships: Enhance existing climate action by key humanitarian partners, including through regular dialogue with international and non-governmental organizations, and through engagement with affected populations. Promote the inclusion of refugees, conflict victims, IDPs, stateless persons, and migrants in situations of vulnerability in adaptation planning and programming.
Multilateral Engagement: Expand U.S. multilateral diplomacy and leadership to address the impacts of climate change on migration and displacement in international fora.
Coordination: Strengthen coordination between migration, humanitarian, development, environmental, and other technical agencies to advance U.S. policy and programming, including relevant data, in support of solutions for refugees, migrants in situations of vulnerability, conflict victims, and stateless persons affected by climate change.
Photo by Markus Spiske @markusspiske
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Permanent Forum on People of African Descent Ends 2nd Session in New York
Statement by the High Commissioner - Permanent Forum on People of African Descent: As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of generations of human rights activists who have advanced equality and non-discrimination.
Statement by the High Commissioner - Permanent Forum on People of African Descent
June 3, 2023
Madam Chair,
Members of the Permanent Forum,
Delegates and participants,
Excellencies,
As we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of generations of human rights activists who have advanced equality and non-discrimination.
Today's activists and civil society representatives are present in large numbers at this Forum. Many of you have been vital to the continuing efforts of global anti-racism movements, including protests in 2020 that, among other things, helped to expedite the establishment of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.
I pay tribute to your efforts.
The creation of this broad-based consultative Forum will facilitate the participation of many people who have been marginalized by racism and generations of oppression. It is very much in line with the Secretary-General’s Common Agenda, which calls for new approaches to advance participation. The Permanent Forum on People of African Descent brings numerous important actors together – States, intergovernmental organizations, the UN system, and civil society – in a shared struggle to end racial discrimination against people of African descent.
As Coordinator of the International Decade for People of African Descent, I will support the work of the Permanent Forum to advance recognition, justice, and development for people of African Descent. Well beyond 2024, these essential human rights goals will continue to have my strong support.
For far too long, racial discrimination has been treated as a social issue, instead of a severe human rights violation. For far too long, the need to confront the past in order to address the present human rights issues of people of African descent has been denied. It is urgent that we both hold individuals accountable for acts of racism and racial discrimination, and also consider more profoundly the role of structures and systems of discrimination and oppression that replicate and nurture racial hierarchies.
Many of these viciously unjust mindsets originated during enslavement and colonialism – but while enslavement and colonialism have largely been ended, these underlying attitudes are still very much alive.
Madam Chair,
I commend the Permanent Forum for its commitment to broad-based discussions of many human rights issues that impact people of African descent. These include reparatory justice, transnational migration, Pan-Africanism, the need for disaggregated data collection, and key issues of health and well-being for people of African descent.
Your recommendations can serve as an essential guide for Governments in fulfilling their human rights obligations towards people of African descent.
The outcomes of your discussions at this session will be important to much ongoing work to address legacies of the past, and to counter racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in the present.
And they will contribute to the elaboration of a United Nations declaration on the promotion, protection and full respect of the human rights of people of African descent.
I wish you a fruitful session.
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Tradition, Oh My Love - Art Therapy at El Borinquen Residence
If you are looking for a prime example of how art can be used as therapy in the healing of both mind and body, look no further than the El Borinquen Residence located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx.
By Oyiza Adaba
Photo: Africa-Related
If you are looking for a prime example of how art can be used as therapy in the healing of both mind and body, look no further than the El Borinquen Residence located in the Morrisania neighborhood of the Bronx. The colorful facade of the newly constructed 148-apartment building stands out, in sharp contrast to standard aesthetics of the South Bronx. Added to that are brightly painted murals in the hallways by artists Aurelio del Muro and Martha Blain, which give the feel of walking through an aquarium of culture.
“Tradition, Oh My Love”, an exhibition that just wrapped featured artists whose works were based on or influenced by folk art. Blanka Amezkua, a New York City based contemporary artist who herself combines diverse fusions in her art, curated the art space in the lobby of the building to be just as colorful visually and mentally.
From February to May, 2023, artists of Latin American descent with deep roots in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, Dominican Republic and Mexico, presented works that establish the connection of color, rhythm and emotion. The group include Tanya Torres, Diego Espalliat, Gabriel García Román, Mercedes Molina, Julio Rodríguez, Itzy Ramírez, Matilde Merced María Nasio, Yoloxochilt Marcelino Cano, Quito/Ecuador, Michael Vásquez.
Beyond aesthetics, El Borinquen serves a higher purpose, as a refuge offering supportive services to New York City’s homeless and mentally ill population. At the 2021 opening, New York City Mayor Eric Adams described it as the blueprint to treating “homelessness as a housing problem”. Further stating, "With the completion of the El Borinquen Residence, more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and mental illness will have a place they can call home.”
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TPS For African Countries: Advocates Call On Biden Administration In "WEEK OF ACTION"
The Nigerian Center in Washington DC is calling for "Week of Action" for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for African immigrants. The event aims to raise awareness and advocate for TPS protection for several African countries.
Africa-Related New York
Home and abroad, TPS may impact us more than we think?
The Nigerian Center in Washington DC is calling for "Week of Action" for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for African immigrants. The event aims to raise awareness and advocate for TPS protection for several African countries.
Advocates from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Sudan will make their cases at an in-person Community Roundtable event scheduled for Thursday, May 25th at 1:30pm EDT.
In a statement signed by event organizer, Mr. Gbenga Ogunjimi, Founder and CEO of The Nigeria Center, a DC-based Immigrant & Cultural Center, "The roundtable will provide an opportunity for community members to learn more about TPS, ask questions, and join the various campaigns advocating for TPS."
Register here
In-person attendance (limited seating)
A pre-event press conference will be held on the same day at 11:00-11:45 am EDT in the U.S. Capitol's House Triangle, where movement leaders and members of Congress will address the gathering.
What does TPS mean?
Home and abroad, TPS may impact us more than we think? According to The Pew, under the Biden administration, an estimated 670,000 individuals from 16 countries are either currently registered for TPS or newly eligible for it.
Extract from USCIS.GOV
The Secretary may designate a country for TPS due to the following temporary conditions in the country:
Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
An environmental disaster (such as earthquake or hurricane), or an epidemic
Other extraordinary and temporary conditions
During a designated period, individuals who are TPS beneficiaries or who are found preliminarily eligible for TPS upon initial review of their cases (prima facie eligible):
Are not removable from the United States
Can obtain an employment authorization document (EAD)
May be granted travel authorization
Learn more here
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Attack on U.S. Convoy in Nigeria
Unknown assailants yesterday attacked a convoy of two U.S. government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. The convoy was carrying nine Nigerian nationals: five employees of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
May 17, 2023
Unknown assailants yesterday attacked a convoy of two U.S. government vehicles in the Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state, Nigeria. The convoy was carrying nine Nigerian nationals: five employees of the U.S. Mission to Nigeria and four members of the Nigeria Police Force. They were traveling in advance of a planned visit by U.S. Mission personnel to a U.S.-funded flood response project in Anambra.
We do not yet know the motive for the attack, but we have no indications at this time that it was targeted against our Mission. The assailants killed at least four members of the convoy, and U.S. Mission personnel are working urgently with Nigerian counterparts to ascertain the location and condition of the members of the convoy who are unaccounted for.
We condemn in the strongest terms this attack. We will work closely with our Nigerian law enforcement colleagues in seeking to bring those responsible to justice.
The United States has no greater priority than the safety and security of our personnel. We express our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, and pledge to do everything possible to safely recover those who remain missing. We deeply value our relationship with our Locally Employed Staff and our partnership with Nigeria.
The United States reaffirms its commitment to the people of Nigeria to assist in the fight against violence and insecurity.
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Secretary Blinken’s Call with Nigerian President-elect Tinubu
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke this morning with Nigerian President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emphasize his continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
May 16, 2023
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke this morning with Nigerian President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to emphasize his continued commitment to further strengthening the U.S.-Nigeria relationship with the incoming administration. The Secretary noted that the U.S.-Nigeria partnership is built on shared interests and strong people-to-people ties and that those links should continue to strengthen under President-elect Tinubu’s tenure. Secretary Blinken and President-elect Tinubu discussed the importance of inclusive leadership that represents all Nigerians, continued comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms to support economic growth.
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Bronx Council on the Arts - Grants Award Celebration Show How Philanthropy Supports Community Art
The BCA is a non-profit organization. Just like all the other art cooperatives in New York City's five boroughs, it raises money and provides a venue for the borough's resident artists to flourish. On May 9th, more than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding.
By Oyiza Adaba with Fortune EhiwayAs
Photo: Africa-Related
The Bronx Council on the Arts is a place where community arts and philanthropy connect
The BCA is a non-profit organization. Just like all the other art cooperatives in New York City's five boroughs, it raises money and provides a venue for the borough's resident artists to flourish. The Council’s calendar of activities is a clear testament to the residents artistics resources.
On May 9th more than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding at an in-person celebration that was held at the BCA headquarters in the Bronx's East Tremont district. Amid light refreshments and a performance by a Japanese American artist who combined American culture with Japanese art; grantees, jury members, and officials from the art financing and community art space also took the opportunity to network.
Programs Manager, Dionne Dauxy, presented 45 awards totaling about 60,000 USD to selected candidates. They include individuals and groups who support art in a variety of disciplines, such as music, visual arts, art education/promotion, film, poetry, etc.
BCA Executive Director Viviana Bianci spoke on the value of the council's work in raising finances and public awareness while decrying the ongoing financial cuts to the arts. Jazz saxophonist and jury member Mr. Tyrone Brikett described the ceremony as "a rewarding experience for any artist".
A number of the grant recipients that Africa-Related spoke with commended the initiative and the impact of the funds. Blanka Amezkua, a Mexican-American contemporary artist who runs AAA3A believes artists in the Bronx are the most overlooked. Her grant money will ensure she continues her home-based artist-run project which offers food, dialogue, workshops and art.
More than 50 people gathered to witness artists and community leaders receive grant funding at the BCA headquarters in the Bronx's East Tremont district.
During the 2023 edition of iRep, the annual documentary festival in Nigeria, which had its focus on documenting underserved stories, filmmakers and art promoters alike all cited the lack of funding as the major challenge in any art space.
Because of this, many projects fizzle out or get stuck for a very long time. Organizations like the Bronx Council on the Art have fantastic models to follow in a time when creators must manage their business affairs while maintaining their creative abilities.
For more information, visit bronxarts.org
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VIDEO - Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At NYAFF On Film Xalé
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
Africa-Related New York
““We need to change the way we educate...””
Q & A With Moussa Sène Absa At 30th New York African Film Festival On Women-focused Film Xalé. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video by Africa-Related
The New York African Film Festival is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker.
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TAKING STEPS TO IMPOSE VISA RESTRICTIONS ON INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED IN UNDERMINING NIGERIA'S DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process During Nigeria’s 2023 Elections Cycle
Press Statement by Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Taking Steps to Impose Visa Restrictions on Individuals Involved in Undermining the Democratic Process During Nigeria’s 2023 Elections Cycle
The United States is committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing that we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process during Nigeria’s 2023 elections cycle. These actions are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria as a whole.
Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be subject to restrictions on visas to the United States under a policy covering those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy. These individuals have been involved in intimidation of voters through threats and physical violence, the manipulation of vote results, and other activity that undermines Nigeria’s democratic process.
The decision to take steps to impose visa restrictions reflects the continued commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to strengthen democracy and the rule of law.
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Xalé Opens The 30th New York African Film Festival
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
By Oyiza Adaba, Africa-Related New York
Photo by Africa-Related
““Culture Is Like A Strong Army””
The New York African Film Festival (NYAFF) is one of the longest running film festivals in the United States. For Opening Night and to celebrate its 30th anniversary, the NYAFF in partnership with The Film at Lincoln Center (FLC) premiered Xalé, the third film in Senegalese Director Moussa Sène Absa’s trilogy.
For movie lovers, it is a real treat, as the week-long festival ending on June 1st is hosting an incredible lineup of events showcasing African films at various landmarks locations in the city including FLC, Maysles Documentary Center, and Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The festival’s roster is graced with directors and producers representing 50 films from 25 countries. All week long, fans can count on enjoying close proximity to the talented African film industry names like Guy Kazadi, Ery Claver, Tunde Kelani, Nolitha Mkulisi, Yeelen Cohen, Ifeyinwa Arinze, Florence Ayisi, Fatou Cisse, Alex Rappoport, and a host of others
Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated the Q & A with director Moussa Sène Absa. Photo by Africa-Related
Following the screening of Xalé, a drama focused on women, Prof. Mamadou Diouf of Columbia University moderated a Q & A that got director Moussa Sène Absa discussing the qualities that make him an outstanding filmmaker. He spoke in detail about his production process, inspirations, music scoring, managing budgets, community engagement, storytelling techniques, his overall love for Africa, and how it all plays into the final output.
Video: Highlights of the 30th New York African Film Festival at Film at Lincoln Center. Video by Africa-Related
Mahen Bonetti, Executive Director NY African Film Festival. Photo by Oluwaseye Olusa
The New York African Film Festival was founded “to reflect on the myriad ways African and diaspora filmmakers have used the moving image to tell complex nuanced stories of cultural and aesthetic significance”.
In a chat with Africa-Related, Executive Director Mahen Bonetti attributed the festival’s growth over the years to collaborations and comradeship between creatives, which shows Africa’s deep-rooted stories are yet to be fully explored.
Opening Night: Photo Gallery
Films showing include Hyperlink, Employee of the Month, Cordelia, Ota Benga, A Daughter’s Tribute To Her Father, Den Muso, Know Your Place, Our Lady Of The Chinese Shop, and others. Ticket are available here
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Decolonizing African Royalty - The Art of Erasmus Onyishi
Marcos de Castro is a New York-based photographer who enjoys capturing cultural and natural elements in his works. His images put the viewer right in the midst of real people, places and experiences he is capturing.
by africa-related
Photos by Artist
Erasmus ONYISHI is a former student of the world renowned professor of Sculptor El Anatsui. He graduated from the University of Nigeria Nsukka and is the recipient of several awards including the Nigerian Breweries sponsored National Art Competition (NCA) in 2014. Like his artistic mentor, Onyishi continues to voice through his arts that nothing is neither waste nor to be wasted..
Decolonizing African Royalty by Erasmus Onyishi
AFRICAN MUSICIANS - Through the Lens of MARCOS DE CASTRO
Marcos de Castro is a New York-based photographer who enjoys capturing cultural and natural elements in his works. His images put the viewer right in the midst of real people, places and experiences he is capturing.
photos by Marcos de Castro
In this series, Africa-Related is given a rare opportunity to explore and publish from the archives of journalists, photographers and media colleagues across the world.
Marcos de Castro is a New York-based photographer who enjoys capturing cultural and natural elements in his works. His images put the viewer right in the midst of real people, places and experiences he is capturing. De Castro has photographed the Bahia Carnival in Brazil, Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Marcos describes his photography as "a truly fantastic journey and an amazing experience".
AFRICAN MUSICIANS - Through the Lens of MARCOS DE CASTRO
The photographs in this collection are of various performances across New York City featuring artists from Africa such as the late 'Queen' Of Saharan Song Khaira Arby, Vieux Farka Touré Malian guitarist and songwriter and son of the legendary Ali Farka Touré; the iconic Zimbabwean musician Oliver Mtukudzi who passed in 2019; the Grammy Award-winning Malian Wassoulou musician Oumou Sangare; and Seun Kuti, Afrobeat musician and son of Fela Anikulakpo-Kuti.
© Marcos de Castro
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REMARKS: World Press Freedom Day
On the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day, the United States extends our deep gratitude to the remarkable journalists and media professionals around the world whose work ensures the flow of information and ideas that form the lifeblood of free and open societies. Today we also reflect on the tremendous sacrifice paid by so many journalists in performing this noble vocation.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
REMARKS: World Press Freedom Day
May 3, 2023
On the 30th annual World Press Freedom Day, the United States extends our deep gratitude to the remarkable journalists and media professionals around the world whose work ensures the flow of information and ideas that form the lifeblood of free and open societies. Today we also reflect on the tremendous sacrifice paid by so many journalists in performing this noble vocation.
Far too many governments use repression to silence free expression, including through reprisals against journalists for simply doing their jobs. We again call on Russian authorities to immediately release Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and all other journalists held for exercising freedom of expression.
Imprisonment is not the only threat reporters face. Journalists covering violent conflict and corruption are subjected to intimidation and abduction, often perpetrated with impunity. Elsewhere, journalists face discrimination, censorship, and weaponized justice systems. Governments around the world have used various tools of repression to force media outlets to close.
On this World Press Freedom Day, we rededicate ourselves to protecting press freedom at home and promoting it across the globe.
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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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Samantha Power Travels to New York For UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary Event
On May 2, Administrator Samantha Power will travel to New York to attend the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary event at the UN General Assembly Hall.
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Press Relations
MEDIA ADVISORY
Administrator Samantha Power Travels to New York For UNESCO’s World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary Event
April 27, 2023
On May 2, Administrator Samantha Power will travel to New York to attend the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Press Freedom Day 30th Anniversary event at the UN General Assembly Hall.
During the event, Administrator Power will deliver a keynote address that will focus on ways to protect journalists from the increased safety, financial, and legal threats they face today and how USAID is working to support and protect free press around the world.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 2 at 4:30 p.m. EDT
WHERE: UN General Assembly Hall, Headquarters of the United Nations, 46th St & 1st Ave, New York, NY 10017
WATCH: A livestream of the remarks will be available here.
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CULTURAL EXCHANGE At The New York French American Charter School
Storytelling and weaving lessons from Nigeria to New York. Africa-Related visited the The New York French American Charter School, a tuition free bilingual charter school located in an iconic 120th Street neighborhood in Harlem, New York.
OYIZA ADABA Africa-Related, NEW YORK
and Rosemary Onubaiye, Okene nigeria
Storytelling and Weaving Lessons from Nigeria to New York
Africa-Related visited the The New York French American Charter School, a tuition free bilingual charter school located in an iconic 120th Street neighborhood in Harlem, New York.
The 6:30 am calm in the quiet street and hallways before the bustle of drop offs was quite evident, The hallways filled up quickly, and by 8:00 AM, children from different parts of the world - every continent easily represented from pre kindergarten through to eighth grade - were seated in class.
The NYFACS, which operates with semi-public semi-private status (Charter School) fosters a culture of inclusion and through its rigorous curriculum, students are provided the skills and learning experiences for both academic and life achievements.
Oyiza Adaba reading TITINKORI FOLKTALES FROM EBIRALAND to the second graders at NYFACS
Art teacher, musician and friend Mr. Daniel Villeneuve invited me to spend a morning with the second graders as part of a cultural exchange initiative to promote art, education and artistic children. I was honored to teach about two distinct cultures in Ebiraland -TITINKORI storytelling and ITINOCHI - cloth weaving. and our work with fellow students at St. John Bosco Comprehensive Secondary School, Okene Kogi State. Nigeria
After attentively listening to The Tortoise and The Hare, we exchanged ideas on lessons and morals, then proceeded to learn more about weaving of the Ebira woven cloth, which they happily modelled. The drawings and illustrations from participating schools will be published in an upcoming book, with part proceeds going to charities.
Mr. Bertrand Tchoumi, the ever-welcoming director said the school is continuously expanding and in 2022 its second location at 2108-2118 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard, close to the legendary Apollo Theatre. The famous building known as Alhambra Hall, was a historical ballroom that hosted great jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith.
The school prides itself with ensuring that its work reflects in the full diversity of the district community school district, and providing the students with added opportunities for learning from each other.
Students are taught subjects like visual arts, music appreciation, talent development, PE, life skills etc in French and English.
‘Titinkori’ Project
This is a new Story/Picture/Audio Book is a collection of stories about the Ebira people located in Okene Kogi State, central Nigeria curated by Oyiza Adaba. The project features a selection of over 20 folktales, stories, songs, parables etc told by a respected crop of elders and storytellers from Ebiraland. They include Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkadir Ogirima, Mr. Sanni Aminu Atima (Ohida) and HRH Samuel Adai Onimisi (Obobanyi of Ihima). Some of the stories are Adeji (The Hare), The Farmer and the Bird (Okasime), The Farmer and his Disobedient Son, The Poor Widow, Her Son and The Hunter etc. Learn more about 'Titinkori' here
Students at St. John Bosco Comprehensive Secondary School, Okene Kogi State Nigeria during a story-telling class delivered by Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkadir Ogirima. Photo: Africa-Related
Historian: Son of late Yusuf Utohu, a male weaver in Ebiraland
The project is seeking young Onabolus and Antubams globally schools and art classes, to accompany each story with their drawings and illustrations. The artistically gifted children are selected from schools in Okene, Lagos, Abuja, and New York.
The final work products include a published book, audiobook, music, and exhibitions to showcase artworks, publicity/launch events, community service and charity donations.
This project's objectives are documenting and preserving tradition, teaching history, encouraging young artistic talent and giving back to the community;and is made possible by Africa-Related in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Tom Adaba Legacy Project.
Learn more about 'Titinkori' here:
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Public Art Competition Offers Global Artists €750,000
Berlin Global Village is offering a mouth watering figure to artists for ideas for a Decolonial Memorial, as part of a Public Art Contest that started in March. Registration closes on May 7, 2023
by Africa-Related, NEW YORK
€750,000 Euros is up for grabs in the "Decolonial Memorial" Art Competition.
Berlin Global Village is offering a mouth watering figure to artists for ideas for a Decolonial Memorial, as part of a Public Art Contest that started in March.
Registration closes on May 7, 2023
Watch the video to learn how to submit your application
Founder and Director Michael Küppers-Adebisi says the competition is open to multi-media artists that have “an idea that is beyond the western concept of nation” and one that will “illuminate the spiritual being”.
Twenty artists will be selected from the global entries to receive 4000 Euros each, to turn their ideas into project proposals. Following this, one winner will be chosen. The winning project will be transferred into the actual Decolonial Monument, and installed in between building's headquarters in Berlin.
Prominent Artist/Art historian Chika Okeke-Agulu and Walter Mignolo Argentine semiotician and professor at Duke University are slated to be competition judges.
Berlin Global Village is a body made up of 50 global non-governmental organizations that work to bring together diverse approaches on making societal changes. It supports small structures and initiative spaces and fosters discourse on Decolonial and other topics.
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Ozioma Onuzulike Expo Chicago Booth 374
Kó is pleased to debut at Expo Chicago, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, in Chicago, Illinois. This presentation will showcase seven new ceramic artworks by Ozioma Onuzulike, featured in the Exposure section.
Ozioma Onuzulike Expo Chicago Booth 374
April 13-16, 2023
By AFRICA-RELATED
VIP Preview: April 13, 12-9 PM
Opening Night: April 13, 6-9 PM
* By Invitation
Public Days:
Friday, April 14, 11 AM-7 PM
Saturday, April 15, 11 AM-7 PM
Sunday, April 16, 11 AM-6 PM
Navy Pier, Festival Hall, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, Illinois
Kó is pleased to debut at Expo Chicago, the international exposition of contemporary and modern art, in Chicago, Illinois. This presentation will showcase seven new ceramic artworks by Ozioma Onuzulike, featured in the Exposure section.
Ozioma Onuzulike (b. 1972, Achi, Enugu State, Nigeria) creates large-scale ceramic installations that hang like tapestries, formed from thousands of ceramic palm kernel beads, terracotta, copper rings, and natural shells. He explores the aesthetic, symbolic and metaphorical nature of the clay working process – pounding, crushing, hammering, wedging, grinding, cutting, pinching, punching, perforating, burning, and firing. His recent work is inspired by yam tubers, palm kernel shells and honeycombs which he mass-produces in terracotta and weaves together in often laborious processes. He configures a multiplicity of the individual units in ways that call attention to pressing socio-political and environmental issues, such as reckless politics, bad governance, imperialism, terrorism and climate change. Adopting the laborious process of firing the materials through multiple kilns, each firing creates unique colors and textures in transforming the clay, oxides, glazes and recycled glass.
Hailing from Nigeria’s prestigious Nsukka School in Southeastern Nigeria, his work has become synonymous with Nsukka’s experimental art department which he has led, known for its conceptual and material processes. An important center for art education in Nigeria, the art department at Nsukka has been spearheaded by luminaries such as Nigerian modernists Uche Okeke and Chike Aniakor in the early 1970s, and has subsequently been led by pioneering artists including Obiora Udechukwu and El Anatsui, stressing the exploration of ideas, materials and forms sourced from the environment.
Ozioma Onuzulike graduated First Class from the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he now serves as Director of the Institute of African Studies. His solo exhibition, Seed Yams of Our Land, was held at the Centre for Contemporary Art (CCA), Lagos, Nigeria, in 2019, along with a presentation of his poetry collection of the same title also published by the CCA. kó presented Onuzulike’s exhibition, The Way We Are, in 2021. His works were included in [Re:]Entanglements: Colonial Collections in Decolonial Times at the Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge, UK. His exhibition, Strings the Length of Our Palm’s Seal, was held at Chertlüdde, Berlin, in 2022. His work has been included in recent presentations at The Armory Show, 1-54 London, Artgenève and Zonamaco. Onuzulike is a fellow of the Civitella Ranieri Centre, Umbertide, Perugia, Italy, where he undertook a residency under the UNESCO-ASCHBERG Bursary for Artists, and an alumnus of the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, Maine, USA. His work is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Anthropology and Archeology, University of Cambridge, Princeton University Art Museum, Hudson Valley Museum of Contemporary Art, New York, and the Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art, Lagos.
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Chibok Girls: 9 Years On
As we approach the tragic ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State – April 14, 2014 – our hearts remain broken at the failure to close this shameful chapter in our country’s history as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to the nation in 2015 and various times subsequently.
Image credit: MPAC Nigeria
Chibok Girls: 9 Years On
April 13, 2023
By AFRICA-RELATED
““O God of creation, direct our noble cause. Guide our leaders right; help our youth the truth to know.””
#BringBackOurGirls Demands Action & Accountability as Buhari's Administration Ends
““We can not claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.””
As we approach the tragic ninth anniversary of the abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Government Secondary School, Chibok in Borno State – April 14, 2014 – our hearts remain broken at the failure to close this shameful chapter in our country’s history as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address to the nation in 2015 and various times subsequently.
The last report we received on the status of the Chibok Girls in October 2022 is as follows:
● 276 Abducted
● 57 Escaped
● 107 Released
● 16 Rescued (by the Military)
● 96 Still Missing
We are equally distressed to learn that after a successful campaign by our gallant military in the last two years when they liberated thousands of people including over 12 girls – now women – and handed them over to the Borno State Government, our daughters and sisters remain in the custody of the State and have not been properly reunited with their families or back in control of their lives now that they are out of the hands of the terrorists. Have our girls escaped one form of captivity only to spend 6 months to one and a half years in a different form of captivity? What crime have they committed? Why are survivors of unimaginable trauma being treated this way?
We appeal and demand that the President fulfils his promise to his daughters from Chibok, to Leah Sharibu, his daughter from Dapchi and other victims of insurgency, bandits and kidnappers and rescue them before his term of office ends on May 29, 2023. The rescue and rehabilitation of our daughters whose education was interrupted and the restoration of peace in their communities will be an undeniable legacy of President Buhari’s administration.
Our Nine Demands at 9 years
1. Bring back our girls before May 29, 2023. A push to finally defeat Boko Haram, ISWAP, and liberate all our citizens
2. Accountability from the Borno State Government. A full report and debriefing for the parents on the status, academic plans and wishes of the rescued girls, women and children in their custody.
3. Provide closure for parents on the fate of their daughters who they have reason to believe are dead.
4. Psycho-social support for Chibok and other conflict-affected families of abducted students to address the trauma to families; equipping and completion of their education, shelter, and empowerment to earn a living.
5. Equip and motivate the police and armed forces and see to their welfare and proper care for the families of officers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.
6. Reinvest in the Victims Support Fund (VSF) to care for the practical needs of all returned and rescued girls, siblings and family members of girls. The federal government has seemingly abandoned VSF to the management of one generous citizen.
7. Public statement on the Missing Persons Register and immediate reopening of a properly resourced and staffed Missing Persons Desk at the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
8. Report on the coordinated provision of security for schools – primary, secondary, and higher education at local, state and federal levels.
9. Status report on the Safe Schools Initiative and adequate financing to ensure its effectiveness.
BBOG will commemorate 9 years since the abduction as follows:
Friday 14th April, 4:30pm – 5:30pm WAT, Unity Fountain, Abuja
Chibok Community (KADA) Media Conference
Saturday 15th April, 12:00pm – 2:00pm WAT | Falomo Roundabout, Ikoyi, Lagos
Engagement with representatives
Global Voices of BBOG, Interfaith Prayers & Roll Call of the Missing
#BringBackOurGirls | #9YearsTooLong | #UntilAllAreFree | #HopeEndures
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List of National Museums in Nigeria
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is an offshoot of a department in the then Federal Ministry of Works that was established in 1953. It was transferred to the Federal Ministry of information as the Department of Antiquities by ordinance 17 of the Colonial Government of 1953.
The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) is Nigeria’s governing body that was “stablished to manage the collection, documentation, conservation and presentation of the National cultural properties to the public for the purposes of education, enlightenment and entertainment”.
By AFRICA-RELATED
List of National Museums in Nigeria
How many have you visited?
1
National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Abuja
Office of Head of Service,
Federal Secretariat Complex,
Block C, First Floor, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja FCT.
PMB, 171, Garki – Abuja
2
National Museum of Colonial History, Aba
No. 6 Ikot Ekpene Road
P.M.B. 7116 Aba,
Abia State.
3
National Museum, Abakaliki
No. 6 St. Patrick Road,
Kiriri, Abakaliki
Ebonyi State.
4
National Museum,
Abeokuta
Baptist Girls College, Idi-Aba, P.M.B. 2004 Abeokuta
Ogun State
5
National Museum,
Akure
Opposite Post Office
Oba Adesida Road, P.M.B 444
Akure, Ondo
6
National Museum,
Asaba
Mungo House Park,
P.M.B 95071
Asaba, Delta State.
7
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Mausoleum, Bauchi
Kofar Ran Road
Bauchi, Bauchi State
8
National Museum, Benin
Ring Road, Benin City
P.M.B. 1115, Benin City
Edo State
9
Rock Art Interpretive Centre, Birnin- Kudu
Kano-Bauchi Road
Birnin Kudu, Jigawa State
10
National Museum,
Calabar
Ekpo Eyo Drive, P.M.B. 1180, Calabar, Cross River State
11
Slave History Museum, Calabar
Marina Resort,
P.M.B. 1180 Calabar, CRS
12
National Museum, Damaturu
Opposite Ben Kadio Housing Estate, Behind Cultural Centre, Maiduguri Road
Damaturu, Yobe State
13
National Museum of Unity, Enugu
65 Abakaliki Road
P.M.B. 1285, G.R.A, Enugu
14
National Museum,
Esie
P.M.B. 301, Esie
Kwara State
15
National Museum Gombe
Gombe Federal Secretariat Complex,
Room 289-294 2nd Floor,
Gombe City Centre, Gombe State.
16
National Museum,
Hong
Local Govt. Secretariat Complex, P.M.B. 2262,
Hong, Adamawa State
17
Institute of Archaeology & Museum Studies (I.A.M.S)
Opposite Central Bank Parking Space,
P.M.B 2031
Jos, Plateau State.
18
National Museum of Unity, Ibadan
Alesinloye Area, P.M.B. 5524,
Ibadan, Oyo State
19
National Museum ICT Centre, Oko Surulere
National Museum, Oko Surulere, Oko
P.O.Box 1706
Oko, Ogbomosho
Oyo State.
20
National Museum,
Igbo-Ukwu
Km. 4, Umudege Ezinifite Road,
Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata LGA, Anambra
21
National Museum,
Ile-Ife
Enuwa Square, P.M.B. 5515,
Enuwa Ile-Ife, Osun State
22
National Museum,
Ilorin
14 Abdulkadri Road, P.M.B. 1549,
GRA Ilorin, Kwara State
23
National Museum, Jalingo
Besides Taraba State Ministry of Culture and Tourism,
Opposite Governor’s Office, Jalingo
24
National Museum,
Jos
P.M.B. 2013,
Jos, Plateau State
25
National Museum, Kanta
Kanta Museum
P.M.B. 1001
Argungu
Kebbi State.
26
Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture (MOTNA), Jos
Opposite High Court
P.M.B. 2931, JosPlateau State
27
Zoological Garden, Jos
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013, Jos Plateau State
28
Centre for Earth Construction Technology (CECTECH)
Opposite Jos Museum,
P.M.B. 2013 Jos, Plateau State
29
National Museum, Kaduna
No. 33, Ali Akilu Road
P.M.B. 2127, Kaduna, Kaduna State
30
Gidan Makama, Museum, Kano
Opposite Emir’s Palace, Kano city,
P.M.B. 2023, Kano State.
31
National Museum, Katsina
Kofa Uku, along Mohamadu Dikko Road,
P.M.B. 409, Katsina State.
32
National Museum, Koko
Nana Living Spring Museum,
Koko, Delta State
33
National Museum, Lafia
Behind Deputy Governor’s Office, Shendam Road,
P.M.B. 127, Lafia, Nasarawa State
34
National Museum, Lagos
King George V. Road, Onikan,
P.M.B. 12556, Lagos State.
35
National Museum of Colonial History, Lokoja
P.M.B. 1022, Lokoja,
Kogi State.
36
National Museum, Maiduguri
Custom Area, Maiduguri, P.M.B. 1029,
Maiduguri, Borno State
37
National Museum, Makurdi
GP 4, Ahmadu Bello, Opp. Deputy Governor’s Office,
P.M.B. 102294,
Makurdi,
Benue State.
38
National Museum, Minna
Federal Secretariat Complex, Minna,
P.M.B. 538, Minna, Niger State
39
National Museum, Nok
Kwoi-Jaba LGA, Kwoi,
P.M.B. 0006,
Kaduna State.
40
National Museum, Ogbomosho
No. 3 Museum Street
Off, Sunsun Road
P. O. Box 1602, Ogbomoso
Oyo State.
41
National Museum, Oron
P.M.B. 1004, Oron,
Akwa Ibom State
42
National Museum, Oshogbo
Ataoja’s Palace, P.M.B. 4376, Oshogbo
Osun State.
43
National Museum, Owerri
B65 Shell Camp, Off Orlu Road,
P.M.B. 1585, Owerri Imo State.
44
National Museum, Owo
Olowo’s Palace, Owo,
P.M.B. 1003, Owo,
Ondo State
45
National Museum, Oyo
No.1 Palace Road,
Aafin Oyo,
Oyo State
46
National Museum, Port Harcourt
Near No. 2 Hairle Street, Old GRA, Opp Delta Hotel,
P.M.B. 5766, Port Harcourt,
Rivers State.
47
National Museum, Sokoto
Federal Secretariat Complex, Sokoto,
P.M.B. 2367, Sokoto, Sokoto State.
48
Interpretation Centre, Sukur
Mubi-Maiduguri Road, Sukur,
P.M.B. 06, Madagali Local Government,
Adamawa State.
49
National War Museum, Umuahia
War Museum Road, Ebite-Amafor, Isingwu by Ugwunchara,
P.M.B. 7074, Umuahia, Abia State.
50
National Museum, Uyo
Ring Road II, Aka Offot (Behind Ibom Hall), P.M.B. 1109,
Uyo,
Akwa Ibom State.
51
National Museum, Yenagoa
Ijaw House
Sani Abacha Express Way,
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
52
National Museum, Yola
No. 2 Mohammed, Tukur Road, Off Ahmadu Bello Way (Opposite Army Command Primary School), Jimeta, P.M.B. 2262, Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State.