PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

"Building Democratic Institutions in An Emerging Democracy"

By State Senator Hillman Terome Frazier from Mississippi
Held on Wednesday, February 22, 2006, at American Corner, Abuja

PAS Abuja organized a panel discussion at the American Corner in Abuja on “Building Democratic Institutions in An Emerging Democracy,” to mark this year’s African American History Month. The keynote speaker, State Senator Hillman Terome Frazier from Mississippi, traced the history of civil rights movements in the U.S. and underscored the role played by Rosa Parks and identified key challenges facing all emerging democracies worldwide, and ways of facing those challenges. Below are the photos taken at the event

 

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Commemoration Program To Celebrate
African-American History Month

"Building Democratic Institutions in an Emerging Democracy"

Opening Remarks by

Cultural Affairs Officer, Shirley Lisenby

Date: February 22, 2006
Venue: American Corner, Abuja

Good afternoon Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted that so many of you have accepted our invitation and took time from you busy schedules to be with us. We bring warm greetings from Ambassador John Campbell and colleagues from the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

In commemoration of African-American History Month, The Public Affairs Sections, both in Abuja and Lagos have been hosting a series of events to commemorate the contributions of African-Americans, covering such issues as civic engagement, constitutional rights, rule of law, democracy, good governance and transparency, health and education, and economic development. Several cultural, media events and other outreach activities targeting different audiences are being held in various locations to strategically educate different age and vocational groups throughout this month.

Before introducing our guest today, let me briefly provide some background about African-American History Month.

In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard PhD who 11 years earlier had founded the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History, initiated Negro History Week. This name change focused on the new thinking by Black Americans and indicated both the new recognition of African background and the Black person's appreciation of himself as an individual, a citizen, and a contributor to the American scene. It was Dr. Woodson's hope that through this special observance, all Americans would be reminded of their ethnic roots, and that togetherness in the United States' racial groups would develop out of a mutual respect. In 1976, as part of the nation's bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month.

Each year, the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History designates the annual theme for African-American History Month. The theme for February 2006 is "Celebrating Community: A Tribute to Black Fraternal, Social and Civic Institutions." These organizations believe in the potential and worth of every person, and they have worked to help all Americans receive a quality education, to feed the hungry and house the homeless, to encourage youth to make healthy choices and to reach out to others in need.

What does African-American History Month mean to Nigerians? One of the most important rights fought for - and one that WEB Dubois mentioned often - the right to VOTE! It is one of those unalienable rights - along with life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, which comes with democracy and good governance.

Now, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce our guest speaker today, the Honorable Senator Hillman Terome Frazier. (Highlighted portions of biography).

Thank you.