(SLENA, 4th June, 2022).At the intersection of Harlem and Museum Mile at Fifth Avenue, 110th Street, Manhattan, New York City, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Dr. Memunatu Pratt reiterated the importance of showcasing the successes of the African Culture, and at the same time raising awareness on the preservation of the African Identity.
The Africa Center’s purpose is to embody the dynamism and diversity of Africa and its diaspora in the heart of New York City. The Africa Center has diverse offerings and programs.
“We host performances, installations, talks, readings, book signings, film screenings and a restaurant. As an experimental inclusive institution fostering business, and cultural exchange locally and globally, we also provide a gate way for engagement with contemporary Africa, transforming the world understanding about Africa, its diaspora, and the role of people of African descent”, said Allana Francis de Govia, Chief Officer of Programs and Experiences at the Africa Center.
She further informed that the Africa Center served as the hub for the exchange of ideas related to the African Continent in the spirit of collaboration with individuals and institutions who share the same values.
Dr Memunatu Pratt dilated on the link between the Africa Center and Sierra Leone. “ I want to establish a Museum in Sierra Leone under the Tourism and Culture Ministry. It will entail an Art Gallery, Cultural Display, Youth Development, and an overview of Slavery and Slave Trade. Huge number of African-Americans who have traced their roots to Sierra Leone are currently in businesses, while others are in teaching after going through the ceremonial process of acknowledgment “, Dr Pratt said. She further appealed to the US Africa Center to help re – orientate about Sierra Leone, and to make new connections with their roots.
“It will be prudent to do a joint proposal and mobilize resources for the construction of Tourism and Culture Museum in Sierra Leone where the diaspora will focus on trade and exhibitions so as to have a platform for engagement and protection of the African culture, and to maintain the African legacy”, DrPrattt concluded.
The Chief Officer of Programs and Experiences at the Africa Center thanked Dr. Memunata Pratt for visiting the Africa Center.
“Together, we will protect our African culture, archives, and monuments “. Alana Francis de Govia said.
In the Minister’s delegation were MsRakieMacarthy, Head of Chancery, Embassy of Sierra Leone, Washington, DC, Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Columbia University, and Gordon Tapper, President of the United African Congress.
