The Constituency for Africa will host a reception welcoming the African Union to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, April 20, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the National Museum of African Art on the occasion of the second annual United States -African Union High Level Bilateral Meetings.
The reception, according to Melvin P. Foote, President and CEO of the Constituency for Africa, "will provide a social space for visiting members of the African Union delegation to engage key members of the Diaspora community and other leaders with an interest in the well-being and growth of the African continent. We are particularly pleased to be able to host our guests at the National Museum of African Art where they will be surrounded by works of art showcasing the beauty, power and diversity of African culture," continued Foote.
Distinguished guests attending the event will include Dr. Jean Ping, Chair of the African Union Commission and Ambassador Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs. Dr. Ping and Ambassador Ron Kirk, U.S. Trade Representative, will receive awards and be honored for their commitment to advancing the positive promotion of a vibrant relationship between the people of Africa and the people of the United States.
About the African Union
The African Union is an intergovernmental organization consisting of 53 African states and representing over 1 billion African citizens. The AU was formed in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity and coordinates Africa's response to complex transnational issues.
About the Constituency for Africa
The Constituency for Africa is a more than 20 year old non-profit organization committed to educating Americans about critical challenges affecting Africa and to encouraging strong public private partnerships that address issues and concerns on the African continent.
About the National Museum of African Art
The National Museum of African Art is America's only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art.
The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines.
Note to editors: To attend the awards presentation from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., contact Eddie Burke at (202)-633-4660 or BurkeE@si.edu