2008 Press Releases

U.S. Ambassador Perry hosts film show in honor of Black History Month at Kissy Library

Freetown
February 4, 2008
Contact: PAO Danna Van Brandt
Tel: 076-515-000

In honor of Black History Month, United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone June Carter Perry hosted a film showing and discussion on Monday, February 4 at Kissy Library.  The film, “African American Lives,” was written by the eminent African-American scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, and the showing was open to the public.

In her introductory remarks, Ambassador Perry remembered her own involvement in the civil rights movement in Chicago and around the United States, including her work with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the leader of the non-violent civil rights movement in the United States and an advocate for human rights around the world.  His vision of all people working together in harmony was recognized when he became the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1964.

February in the United States is Black History Month, during which school children and adults alike learn about and remember the contributions of African Americans to history and our society as a whole.

Ambassador Perry emphasized the importance of respect for human rights and civil rights, but also discussed the significance of the non-violent means by which the American civil rights movement found success.

“The way to see real change in a society is through nonviolent, rational resistance against unjust laws and unjust leaders through an on-going dialogue between all parties.  The principles of non-violence were central to the success of the civil rights movement in the United States, and should be at the core of any civil rights movement that intends to succeed.  It is with that in mind that we celebrate the achievements of the civil rights movement in the United States and of African Americans in general.”

In addition to the showing at Kissy Library, the film was screened at the Embassy for invited students and for the University community at Fourah Bay College.  The American Embassy’s Black History Month program will culminate with a program at the end of February involving University-level students of African and American history and drama as well as Raymond DeSouza George of the Fourah Bay College.