US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA5735

UNCLAS BOGOTA 005735 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT. FOR ECA/PE/C/CU - SANDY ROUSE; WHA/PDA 
 
E.O. 12958 N/A 
TAGS: OEXC, SCUL, KPAO, CO 
SUBJECT:  AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD 
 
REF: A) STATE 102369; B) BOGOTA 5534 
 
1. In response to Ref A, Bogota enthusiastically wishes to 
participate in the 2005 American Music Abroad program.  In 
particular, we hope to receive a hip-hop group.  We request 
four programming days at any time during the week other than 
Sunday.  We would plan to take the group to two cities with 
large Afro-Colombian populations. 
 
2. The American Music Abroad Program in Colombia would support 
the MPP theme of strengthening democracy by increasing Embassy 
engagement with the Afro-Colombian community.  Colombians of 
African descent constitutes one quarter of the country's 
population, yet some 90% percent of Afro-Colombians live in 
poverty and they have remained socially and economically 
excluded from the main currents of Colombian life.  They have 
also suffered considerably from the country's long internal 
conflict, and many Afro-Colombians have been displaced from 
rural areas to cities, where they lack basic services. 
Democratic stability will require addressing the problem of 
economic development and social integration for Afro- 
Colombians. 
 
3. In recognition of this challenge, the Embassy has just 
embarked on a major outreach initiative to increase ties with 
Afro-Colombians.  The initiative was sparked in part by a 
groundbreaking U.S. Speaker program (Ref B) that brought 
Spelman College professor of anthropology Sheila Walker to 
Colombia in early May for meetings with Afro-Colombian leaders 
and students. Prospective outreach elements include a lunch 
hosted by the Ambassador, followed by a Voluntary Visitor 
Program, for Afro-Colombian leaders; English language 
scholarships for Afro-Colombian students; and the formation of 
an Embassy advisory committee on Afro-Colombian issues. 
 
4. A program with an American hip-hop group would provide a 
unique opportunity to engage Afro-Colombians, particularly 
young people.  We have, in fact, already established a 
connection between Afro-Colombian youth and hip-hop.  Two 
current U.S. Fulbright graduate students are conducting 
research on the impact of American hip-hop on Afro-Colombian 
music and culture.  Through their work, we know that music 
influenced by hip-hop has become an important source of 
political expression among young Afro-Colombians.  We also 
know that live performances and workshops with an American hip- 
hop group would find a large and enthusiastic audience in 
Colombia.  We also believe that such a program would result in 
a continuing dialogue between Afro-Colombians and the Embassy, 
and indeed between Afro-Colombians and their fellow citizens, 
about diversity, social inclusiveness, and democracy. 
 
5.  While security is a concern in many areas of Colombia, we 
do not believe security would inhibit interaction between a 
hip-hop group and the public in cities planned for this 
program. Wood