Riga, February 1, 2007. – The United States Embassy in Latvia is organizing various events throughout the month of February to tell the story and introduce the culture of African-Americans to the Latvian public. Black History Month will start with the opening of an African American authors’ book exhibit at the National Library of Latvia. The U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Catherine Todd Bailey will open the exhibit on February 5, at 11:00 a.m. The books on display will be donated to the National Library. The exhibit will be displayed throughout February and can be viewed at the library’s 3rd floor Novelty reading room.

February in the United States is known as Black History Month, and it has become a tradition to remember and honor the history of Americans of African descent. Black History Month again this year in Latvia as well with a series of educational and cultural events. This year, the theme is “Multiculturalism”.

The U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Catherine Todd Bailey is pleased to announce Black History. The Ambassador noted, “Each year, the theme of Black History Month is different, and this year our theme is multiculturalism. This year we honor the diversity that is America - Native American, African-American, Caucasian, Asian, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian and Jew.

The United States is a nation of immigrants, and its diversity and multiculturalism are what has made America what it is. Multiculturalism defines America.”

In mid February, Dr. Zahid H. Bukhari, Director of the American Muslim Studies Program at the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University, in Washington, DC. will be visiting Latvia and presenting several lectures on the topic “Muslim Roots in America”. This will be Dr. Bukhari’s first visit to Latvia during which he will conduct lectures at the University of Latvia and Riga Stradins University. He will also have a meeting with members of AfroLat, scholars of Islam and Eastern studies, and representatives of Muslim community in Latvia.

During Black History Month, Latvians will be introduced to African American authors and some well known films and performances. In cooperation with Daile Theater, the Embassy is organizing a stage reading in Latvian of the play “A Raisin in the Sun” by renowned African American playwright Lorraine Hansberry. The performance will take place at Daile Theater on February 23.

In cooperation with the non-governmental organization AfroLat the Embassy is organizing several Black History Month events outside of Riga. The Embassy’s Public Affairs Officer Raymond Stephens and AfroLat member George Steele will talk to students at Vainode and Dobele Secondary schools about racial integration and how the integration process has developed in the U.S. Both presenters will share their personal perspective on racial integration in two contrasting regions of America: in the South and in the North.

Other activities outside of Riga will take place at American Centers in Liepaja and Daugavpils. On February 7, Daugavpils American Center will present the lecture “From Slavery to Freedom” supported by a video demonstration and distribution of Black History Month related materials. On February 28, Liepaja American Center will organize a lecture dedicated to the jazz legend Louis Armstrong.

The Embassy also wants to draw students’ attention to what The Black History month is, how it has influenced the history of America, what is its impact on minorities issue and multiculturalism. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy in cooperation with Education USA Center has announced an essay competition for 9th-12th grade students in schools all over Latvia. Students will write an essay on the theme: “Why the Black History Month has to be celebrated in Latvia”. The winners will be announced at the end of the month during its closing event - screening of the Oscar winning film Mississippi Burning at the cinema Riga.

The screening of Mississippi Burning on February 26 will be co-hosted by Foreign Minister Artis Pabriks and will be the culmination of the Black History Month celebration. The film's principal characters are two FBI investigators sent to fictional Jessup County, Miss. to look into the disappearance of three civil-rights volunteers in early 1960s. The film is based on a true story.

U.S. Embassy, Riga, Public Affairs Section
Smilsu iela 7
Riga, LV 1050
Phone: 371 750-9022, 371 750-9037
Internet: http://riga.usembassy.gov
Media specialist's e-mail: dilanes@state.gov, abolad@state.gov