ONE Partners with the CBC

Oct 1st, 2008 2:23 PM UTC
By Ranna Lanagan

As part of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Annual Legislative Conference, last Thursday, ONE partnered with the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art and several senior members of the Congressional Black Caucus to host hundreds of people at the Museum to ‘Celebrate Successes in U.S.-Africa Partnership.’ It was particularly fitting that we celebrate the best of Africa’s achievements at the Museum because, everyday, the Museum works to showcase the best of Africa’s art and culture.

Members of Congress, congressional staff, diplomats, academics, faith leaders, non-profit workers, professionals and students—took time out of their national convention to come and meet with ONE staff, volunteers and interns and listen to the Grammy-winning musician and African-born artist, Angelique Kidjo.

ONE welcomed the crowd and took the opportunity to educate potential new members about ONE and our mission, against a back drop of African Art and Music. We made the case that Africa had proven skeptics wrong- with targeted aid and a true partnership in their own development, African countries have over the last several years made great strides in democracy, economic development, and the provision of healthcare and education.

Congressman Donald Payne (Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health) shared with the crowd, examples legislative initiatives, which ONE members, like you, have been pushing, that have contributed to progress throughout the continent, through programs like PEPFAR, MCA and debt relief. He also pointed out that while much progress has been made towards improving conditions of extreme poverty, we still have a long way to go. The CBC, he noted and the American public can play an important role. He also acknowledged the very helpful role that ONE members played in building bi-partisan support in Congress for the PEPFAR reauthorization and expressed his desire to continue to work with us on future legislation.

Angelique gave an inspiring speech about how important education is for improving quality of life for Africans, especially the importance of girls’ education in Africa. She presented herself as an example of what is possible when families and nations are able to invest in their girls. Today Angelique is a successful international artist and philantropist, a wife and mother, who is giving back to her community and continent through music, advocacy and educational opportunities. She also gave an electrifying performance of her a selection of her hits, inspired by her African roots and experiences.

In sum, the evening was informative, inspiring and fun and has delivered new ONE members and partners.

-Ranna Lanagan

TAGS: ONE