USA Africa Dialogue Series - Celebrate Cultural Diversity, Celebrate Life!

African Views 

A FRAMEWORK  FOR GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE ON AFRICAN AFFAIRS
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen,
 
The term Cultural diversity is geared to convey the value of our cultural differences, showcase each in its unique forms, and highlight the strength of cultural synergy in the society. The term is also a driving force of development, not only in respect of economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling performance, intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. Foundation for Cultural Diversity has been collaborating with African Views and various organizations to celebrate cultural diversity day in various scales since UNESCO proclaimed 21 May the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development at the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity on November 2001.
 
We believe that by celebrating our differences we can become more tolerant and gain a deeper appreciation of our fellow human beings. When we share with others our own different heritages and ways of life in a respectful, cohesive and constructive way, we take one step closer towards a more equal and fair society. Today there are still people who are selectively victimized based on their gender, race, religious beliefs, social class, sexuality, age and nationality.  Intolerance does not just go away, but is passed on from generation to generation through ignorance and fear.  Celebrate Diversity aims to educate people, foster positive inter-cultural exchange, shed light on differences in order to highlight our similarities, and to bring about a future in which no one comes to harm because of where they come from. 
 
There are many ways to approach rapprochement of cultures and social fairness. For us at African Views we make two simultaneous attempts towards resolution. On one end, we celebrate our diversity through various entertainment incorporated with empowerment programs. On the other end, we do cultural exchange programs for children through a scalable program beginning from 5 years old to tertiary level. See some of our programs and event on the African Views framework's photo journal section: www.africanviews.org . Some of our pride is connecting classrooms here in the US with classrooms in Africa with children of the same age group in real time.  You can observe wonders as the kids connect and talk to each other freely, asking direct questions, and sharing ideas. One could think nothing else but that the world will be a better place for them because they have touched each others. It is a beautiful thing.
 
 
When it comes to African people, diversity is an inherent understanding within our community. We love our individuality, we enjoy our uniqueness. It is clear that our strength is this individuality. But one thing we love even more than our individuality is the opportunity to come together and showcase that uniqueness. FESTAC 77, like none other was able to provide an multicultural exhibition  that is unrivaled anywhere else in the world. Many who have recently witnessed FESMAN may understand the potential of the African cultural strength. But something was wrong, with FESTAC, 1 & 2 as well as with the FESMAN. We have still not been able to build those cross-cultural sustainable development institutions.   One thing is for sure, when western powers do not support a trend, it does not hold for long. And it was clear that FESTAC 77, with all the effort, and money that went into it, still produced little effect to the African development.
 
Why is this? Please visit: this link and share your thoughts
http://www.africanviews.org/pundits/2012/05/22/world-celebration-of-african-diversity-festac-77/
Please be candid and thoughtful in your answers (have no fear to dig deeper)
 
 
Celebrate diversity, celebrate life!
 
Happy cultural diversity day,
 
African Views