Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton There’s no question that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s hands are more than full these days with the war in Afghanistan, military tension between the two Koreas, relationship-building with China, and of course the revolution in Egypt. Nevertheless: Secretary Clinton took time out of her demanding schedule earlier this week to post a video message in support of the 2011 International Year for People of African Descent and Black History Month celebrations. In her message, Clinton described this milestone event as “an opportunity for all of us around the globe to celebrate the diversity of our societies and to honor the contributions that our fellow citizens of African descent make every day to the economic, social and political fabrics of our communities.” As it apparently did many others, the United Nations and the Organization of American States’ Resolution 64/169 proclaiming the year 2011 as the International Year for People of Af

Nkechi Madubuko photo by Bodo Ganswidt With the International Year for People of African Descent getting underway in January and Black History Month 2011 launching this week, Afro-descendants throughout the Global Village are assessing, celebrating, and documenting their experiences in diverse communities. Please click the link below to continue reading: Report on 2011 International Year part 3: In the land of Afro-Germans - National African-American Art | Examiner.com

Author and activist Patrick Lozes Recently writing in his blog about the dedication of a city square in honor of Raphael Eliza ––who became in 1929 the first Afro-descendant from mainland France elected to the office of mayor–– author and human rights activist Patrick Lozes stated he is often asked why he campaigns to have such public spaces as streets, squares, and buildings in France named after members of diverse populations. He answered included the observation that, “Skin color should no longer make you a stranger in your own country.” Continue reading on Examiner.com: Report on 2011 International Year part 2: Report on 2011 International Year part 2: the French quest of Patrick Lozes - National African-American Art | Examiner.com

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon In observance of Black History Month and the International Year for People of African Descent, the National African-American Art Examiner in 2011 will report on and explore a variety of issues pertaining to these subjects. Reports will include profiles of contemporary figures, trending developments, and teachable historic moments. The series begins now: Please Continue reading on Examiner.com: Black History Month enhanced by International Year for People of African Descent

Cover the NUL's annual State of the Black Union publication . Please click here for the complete story: Countdown of 10 great moments in 2010 (part 7): Barack Obama and The NUL - National African-American Art | Examiner.com

The late great jazz composer and actress Abbey Lincoln . For the full story please click the link: Countdown of 10 great moments in 2010 (part 6): The new ancestors - National African-American Art | Examiner.com