All articles tagged with #african diaspora
US singer Ciara has been granted citizenship of Benin under a new law that offers nationality to descendants of slaves, as part of Benin's initiative to reconnect with the African diaspora and promote cultural tourism. The law, called My Afro Origins, aims to return roots to those affected by the transatlantic slave trade, with Ciara expressing honor and gratitude for the gesture.
The Ghanaian government's "Year of Return" initiative, launched in 2019, aimed to encourage people of African descent to move to Ghana by offering free land. However, this has sparked controversy as some locals claim their farmland was taken to accommodate these new settlements, raising questions about the legality and ethics of the land transfers.
Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, has been awarded the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize for pushing the boundaries of art, contributing to social change, and paving the way for the next generation. The annual prize comes with a $250,000 cash award and recognizes Golden's work in expanding opportunities for artists, particularly those of African descent. As a curator, she has helped develop the careers of artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Njideka Akunyili Crosby. Golden expressed her surprise and gratitude for the recognition, stating that it will allow her to dream and pursue new ideas.
Hibiscus drinks have a significant history in Africa, particularly among the African diaspora. The flower, believed to have originated in West Africa, was used for various drinks and had medicinal properties. It symbolized survival and strength during slavery and helped African slaves maintain their cultural identity. Today, African-inspired hibiscus drinks are gaining popularity, with a range of styles and flavors incorporating the flower. The cultural significance, medicinal benefits, and culinary prowess of hibiscus continue to be celebrated.
Howard University has appointed Ben Vinson III, a historian specializing in studies of the African diaspora, as its new university president. Vinson will take over from the retiring Wayne Frederick on Sept. 1. Howard is enjoying a season of plenty, with high-profile alumni, major funding boosts, and headline-grabbing faculty members. Vinson called the Howard position, “the honor of a lifetime.”
Howard University, one of the most prominent historically Black institutions in the US, has named Ben Vinson III, a historian of the African diaspora in Latin America and provost at Case Western Reserve University, as its 18th president. Vinson will take over from Wayne A.I. Frederick on 1 September. Howard has seen a surge in demand in recent years, with enrolment growing more than 40% since 2018. It is among a group of historically Black colleges and universities that have become magnets for students, faculty and philanthropic donations amid intensifying movements for racial and social justice.
Vice President Kamala Harris was warmly welcomed during her weeklong trip to Africa, where she fostered enduring connections between the African diaspora in the United States and Africans themselves. Harris' itinerary was aimed at portraying Africa as young, dynamic, innovative, and primed for American business opportunities, particularly with leaders from the diaspora. Although her historic status has led to extreme scrutiny and extraordinary expectations in Washington, it was a source of excitement over the past week.
Vice President Kamala Harris was warmly welcomed during her weeklong trip to Africa, where she fostered enduring connections between the African diaspora in the United States and Africans themselves. Harris' itinerary was aimed at portraying Africa as young, dynamic, innovative, and primed for American business opportunities, particularly with leaders from the diaspora. Although her historic status has led to extreme scrutiny and extraordinary expectations in Washington, it was a source of excitement over the past week.