CROSSROADS April/May 2019 | Page 16

Black History Month February 25 | UNILAG Radio Radio Appearance Public Affairs Officer Russell Brooks was a guest on UNILAG Radio 103.1FM on Monday, February 25, as part of Consulate General Lagos’ activities to commemorate 2019 Black History Month (BHM). A two-week program was organized in partnership with the University of Lagos to celebrate the BHM. During the interview, PAO Brooks emphasized the continued importance of Black History Month, not only for continental and diaspora Africans, noting that “people need to learn a lot more about the contributions of people of African descent to the development of modern civilization”. PAO Russell Brooks granting an interview at UNILAG FM to discuss the activities lined up for Black History Month February 28 | U.S. Embassy, Abuja Interactive Panel Discussion To support its Mission goals of building stronger ties between Nigeria and the United States, the U.S Embassy Abuja on February 28, celebrated Black History Month featuring an interactive discussion themed “Building Bridges between Africa and the African Diaspora”. The discussants Ms. Tanya Hill- U.S Embassy, Professor Abubakar Aliyu Liman, Dr. Rashidah Liman- ABU Zaria, and Professor Mabel Evwierhoma - University of Abuja spoke on topics which highlighted the sacrifice and contributions of Africans.  March 4 | University of Lagos Panel Discussion The Institute for African and Diaspora Studies at the University of Lagos continued its Black History Month programming into March with a program befitting of Women’s History Month, Black Feminism: Real or Imagined. The topic produced a riveting discussion in front of a capacity crowd on the role of African women in their societies and the challenges they face. Representing the Consulate, PAO Brooks highlighted the similarities to present-day debates in the USA. L-R: Panel members, Dr. Irene Osemeka, Dr. Franca Attoh, Dr. P. A. Akin-Otiko and 2011/2012 alumni of the Fulbright Scholar-In-Residence program, Professor Osita Ezenwanebe during the event March 8 | U.S. Consulate General, Lagos Quiz Competition In commemoration of Women’s History Month, EducationUSA Lagos organized a quiz competition for four secondary schools located in Lagos and Ogun states. The event was opened by the Acting Consul General, Alice Seddon who delivered keynote remarks which noted various female trailblazers who have impacted positively on the world. The participating schools include: Corolla Secondary School Agbara, Greenspring School Lekki, Meadow Hall Lekki and Dowen College Lekki. Contributors: Grace Lamon, Bella Ndubuisi, 16 CROSSROADS | April/May 2019 Chibuike Ohieri, Malate-Ann Atajiri, Olaoluwa Aworinde Ms. Tanya Hill drives home a point while other panelists look on Acting Consul General, Alice Seddon poses for a photo with the participating students