2007 Events

February 28, 2007

U.S. Embassy Presents Black History Month to Tobagonians

Dr. Michelle Jones with students of Signal Hill Secondary Comprehensive School.  Full Size

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy visited Tobago during February for Black History Month. Dr. Michelle Jones, the Public Affairs Officer of the Embassy, presented “Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement” to audiences throughout the island, from Signal Hill to the Ambassador’s Pan Tent in Canaan. The presentation was also held at the Charlotteville Public Library and Bishop's High School.

In Canaan the event, which included performances by drummers, calypsonians and dancers, was recorded for local television’s celebration of Black History Month. Dr. Jones’ presentation was a slide show focusing on young civil rights figures, including 8-year-old Linda Brown, the central figure of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education. The presentation also featured information on the Freedom Riders, and the Little Rock Nine.

In its presentation on the Freedom Riders, Dr. Jones noted one Stokeley Carmichael, a native Trinidadian who immigrated to the United States and fought for suffrage for African-Americans. The presentations were well received by their Tobagonian hosts, 90% of whom have African heritage.

The presentation at the Charlotteville Public Library marked the first ever visit of a U.S. official to the facility. In the four Black History Month presentations, over 400 students learned about the American Civil Rights Movement and African-American history.