Johannesburg, 8 August 2022 (TDI): The US Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken started his trip to the African continent starting with South Africa on Sunday.
Our relationships across the African continent are absolutely central to meeting global challenges. That’s why I’m on a trip to South Africa, the DRC, and Rwanda. We’re strengthening our partnerships to build a better future for our people. https://t.co/qjTwWXK5Ao
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 7, 2022
While announcing this trip, Secretary Blinken highlighted the importance of the African continent. He said that the continent was very important in addressing global challenges.
Consequently, he announced that his visit to the state of South Africa, Rwanda, and the Republic of Congo was also to strengthen America’s partnership with these states.
Visit to Hector Pieterson Memorial
Blinken started his tour by visiting the museum that pays a tribute to black youth of Africa who fought racial oppression. His visit was followed by recent tours of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The Hector Pieterson Museum is living history – it reminds us of the power of young people to make change in society. Thank you, Antionette, for sharing your story in the fight for equality with us. pic.twitter.com/lJmyQvkRvU
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 8, 2022
He visited the Hector Pieterson memorial honoring the students killed in the protest against racial oppression and apartheid. While visiting the memorial, he greeted Antoinette Sithole, the sister of the late Hector Pieterson in Soweto, South Africa.
Countless peaceful young Africans were shot down 30 years ago in an attack that showed the world, a brutal regime in Africa. It brought societal change and equality.
Visit to Victoria Yards
The Secretary of State also toured Victoria Yards, an urban complex that is a social development and commercial enterprise in South Africa.
He interacted with the artists and makers. Secretary Blinken emphasized that art is a powerful tool that connects cultures and promotes diversity.
Enjoyed touring @OfficialYards and connecting with talented artists in Johannesburg. The arts can be a powerful diplomacy tool, and I applaud the dynamic work of this urban complex to create a space for dialogue and cross-cultural understanding. pic.twitter.com/hKQKbqHVUF
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) August 8, 2022
He said that these artifacts made in the Yards represented African struggle and sacrifices. The cultural engagements and Blinken’s participation in the art galleries ensured the Biden administration’s support in Africa and cultural connectedness.
Africanism
African art and culture have lost their strength in Africa. Africanism, African woodcraft is the only memory left of African culture in the West. Reasons behind this decline are racism and African slavery.
But the African-American art culture can be revived by cross-cultural interactions, visits, and urban complexes. Blinken assured South Africa about continuous support in partnership and developmental projects.
The Secretary of State said it was an honor for him to visit Hector’s memorial and Urban Complex. To him, art is a tool for diplomacy. Additionally, he said it creates a space for the exchange of ideas and cross-cultural understanding.
