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Press Advisory


OAS and United Nations Recognize Legacy and Contributions of People of African Descent

  October 16, 2017

In recognition of the International Decade for People of African Descent, the Organization of American States (OAS) will partner with the United Nations (UN) to host the premiere screening of the film, “Familiar Faces / Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora," on October 18, 2017, at OAS Headquarters in Washington, DC.

Produced by cultural anthropologist and Executive Director of Afrodiaspora Inc., Dr. Sheila S. Walker, the documentary highlights the legacy and contributions of people of African Descent. The event is jointly organized by the Office of the OAS Assistant Secretary General, Nestor Mendez, the UN Department of Public Information under the mandate of the Department’s Remember Slavery Program, and Afrodiaspora Inc.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by the OAS Secretary for Access to Rights and Equity, Mauricio Rands. Panelists will include:

  • Dr. Sheila S. Walker; Omyma David, Focal Point of the United Nations Remember Slavery Program
  • Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, Museum Curator of the National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Dr. Betilde Muñoz-Pogossian, Director of the OAS Department of Social Inclusion.

An exhibit produced by the United Nations entitled, “Remember Slavery: Recognition, Justice and Development” to mark the Programme’s tenth anniversary, will also be on display from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Interested persons can register for this event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/premiere-screening-tickets-38038737889

A full video of this event will be posted shortly afterwards.
Press Contact: Mónica Reyes ([email protected])

WHAT: Film Premiere, “Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora

WHEN: October 18, 2017
               14:00 - 16:00 EDT (18:00 - 20:00 GMT)

WHERE: Hall of the Americas, Organization of American States,
    17th St. & Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C 20006.

Reference: AVI-144/17