Press Releases 2008

U.S. Consulate General Celebrates Diversity with “African-American Utsav”

February 19, 2008

Mumbai -- U.S. Consular Chief Glen Keiser inaugurated the U.S. Consulate General’s “African-American Utsav” this evening at the American Center in Mumbai.  Highlights of the evening included the opening of the Navroze Contractor Jazz Photograph Exhibition, a jazz performance by Rhys Sebastian D’Souza, and a screening of “Eyes on the Prize”. 

February is Black History Month in the United States and the U.S. Consulate General, in cooperation with the Katha Centre for Film Studies, is honoring this celebration with an “African-American Utsav” at the American Center from February 19-26.  Highlights of the Utsav include film screenings, dramatic readings, slide shows, and discussions. 

Like Black History Month, the American Center’s “African-American Utsav” is intended to honor the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles – slavery, prejudice, poverty – as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life. 

“During Black History Month, the United States celebrates the many contributions African Americans have made, while being reminded of their courage in their struggle to change the hearts and minds of our citizens.  While much progress has been made, Americans continue to work together to achieve the promise and vision of the United States,” Keiser said during his remarks.

Carter G. Woodson, a noted scholar and historian, instituted Negro History Week, the forerunner to Black History Month, in 1926. He chose the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.  This year’s theme, “Carter G. Woodson and the Origins of Multiculturalism," relates directly to Woodson.  In doing so, an educator who taught his fellow citizens about the traditions and contributions of African Americans is honored.  The U.S. is now stronger and more hopeful because generations of leaders like him have worked to help the United States lives up to its promise of equality. 

All “African-American Utsav” events are free and open to the public, and a schedule can be found on mumbai.usconsulate.gov.