Embassy Celebrates Black History Month With Lectures and Paper Shows

February 19, 2009

Philip Gale delivers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.´s "I Have a Dream" speech (StateDept)

In celebration of Black History Month, the Embassy organized two lectures at Haybusak University on February 12 and 19. On February 12, Philip Gale received enthusiastic applause when he delivered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. He subsequently led an active discussion which focused on African-American history and the role of Black Americans in American art and culture. On February 19, George Zarycky, Director of the Democracy & Governance Office of USAID in Armenia, drew on his personal experiences in giving a talk entitled “The American Civil Rights Movement: An Overview.”

More than 50 students and faculty members learned about the struggle for change in American society in the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s. In conjunction with the lectures, a paper show on the “Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.” was installed at the University. It was also shown in the Consular Section waiting room. In addition to the more than two hundred students and faculty members attending the lectures, Armnews TV interviewed Gale and aired the entire event.