Celebration of People of African Descent in the Americas

The Organization of American States (OAS) on Tuesday began the celebration of a week commemorating the contributions of persons of African descent to the social, economic, political and cultural development of the Americas, including the Caribbean.

The OAS said it will celebrate the Inter-American Week for People of African Descent in the Americas, planned to be an annual event, with a number of activities “aimed at promoting greater awareness and respect for the diversity of the heritage and culture of people of African descent and their contribution to the development of societies in the Western Hemisphere.”

The OAS said its Permanent Council will hold a special meeting on March 23, at its headquarters in Washington, D.C., to mark the International Day of Remembrance for Victims of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and Slavery under the theme, “Remember Slavery: Triumphs and struggles for freedom and equality in the Americas.”

The special meeting will include a panel discussion intended to highlight the personal stories and gains of African descendants in the movement towards freedom and equality in the Americas, the OAS said.