US embassy cable - 05LIMA5039

UNCLAS LIMA 005039 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA (CBARONE), INFO WHA/PDA (MDCONNERS/GADAMS/ 
SLEBENS), WHA/PD (GGALLEGOS), STATE FOR IIP/T/SV 
 
E.O.12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, PE 
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR A U.S. SPEAKER FOR CONMEMORATION OF BLACK 
HISTORY MONTH 
 
 
1. Program description: Post requests a speaker to commemorate 
Black History Month and to promote African American and African 
Peruvian identity and culture among adolescents in Lima, and the 
provincial cities of Ica and Lambayeque.  The program would 
consist of a series of artistic workshops to help raise issues of 
African American and African Peruvian self image and identity 
among young people through art, theater and/or music.  Workshops 
will focus on African American pride, self-esteem and cultural 
recognition as experienced in U.S. history and could be 
complimented with video sessions.  Post will work with the city 
halls, local civil associations, and NGO's in the historically 
African Peruvian districts of La Victoria, Zana, Canete and 
Chincha. End Summary. 
 
2. Time frame:  February 19-25.  FY06 2Q; (2 travel days, and 5 
working days). 
 
3. Program Objectives: 
--Raise awareness among African Peruvian children and adolescents 
of the African American experience, 
--Explore similarities between US and African Peruvian identities 
evident in through artistic expression, 
--Analyze cultural similarities and differences between African 
Americans and African Peruvian cultures through different art 
forms, 
--Provide information on African American history, culture and 
values to serve as an example to African Peruvians. 
 
4. MPP goal: Democratic Systems and Practices: Civil liberties. 
 
5. Justification: African Peruvians have long suffered from an 
identity crisis.  Although it is estimated that approximately 10% 
of Peruvians are of African descent, few recognize and celebrate 
their heritage.  Through this program, Post seeks to use the 
African American experience to encourage African Peruvian 
children to recognize and celebrate their roots.  Post will work 
in close coordination with the municipal government, local civil 
associations (such as parent's associations), and African 
American NGOs to help raise awareness on the importance of 
developing strong African Peruvian identity among young people, 
and preserving cultural ties with their communities.  Post will 
also coordinate with local schools in December, since summer 
holidays run from January to March. 
 
6. Audience: Participants will include children from the age of 
10 to 15, teachers and members of the press. 
 
7. Proposed topics to be addressed by speaker and type of event: 
U.S. speaker would address the African American identity and 
pride, issues related to children's self esteem, creative 
thinking, and support for cultural diversity.  Speaker would 
direct artistic workshops to address these issues through 
corporal expressions, theater, painting and/or music. 
 
8. Supporting materials:  Post will provide all artistic 
materials requested by speaker, and would appreciate any printed 
and audiovisual material in Spanish related to the program to be 
sent via APO prior to the program. 
 
9. Funding: FY06 I bucks. 
 
10. Name of Program Officer and contact information: Program 
Officer is ACAO Abigail Gonzalez, office phone (51-1) 618-2634, 
fax 434-1299 or 434-0100. Program coordinator is Vanessa Wagner 
de Reyna, 618-2080. Thanks and regards. 
 
STRUBLE