2008 Bo American Corner Reports

Program Reports

Black History Month Program (February 20 -22, 2008)

On February 21, 2008, the Information Resource Center (IRC) Director, James B. Taylor in collaboration with the staff of the Bo Regional Library (American Corner) celebrated Black History Month with a film show.  The film, “African-American Lives” by Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a two-part series lasting four hours was screened, with two hour showings apart in the morning and afternoon.  About 35 participants including high school students and the general public attended the program. Each screening was followed by a lively question and answer session during which some viewers received book prizes for their contributions.  Viewers commented on the clarity and sequential presentation of the films which left an impression on their minds.

The program was very successful and viewers expressed interest in viewing a sequel, if available, to complement what they have already learned.  The program was covered by the media which presented a full program on the celebration on radio.  One of the viewers remarked, “If African-Americans can reconcile with Whites after the bitter experience of slavery, then we as Sierra Leoneans can learn from that to live peaceably after our ten-year civil war.”

The previous day, the Embassy’s Educational Advisor, Mrs. Avril Rowe conducted an open educational advising session about studying in the United States.  More than 80 students turned up for the 90-minute session which was very educative.  For most of them it was their first window through which they viewed opportunities about studying in the United States of America.

The IRC donated monthly periodicals, magazines and books about African American history to the Bo library American Corner.