Black History Month

February 10, 2012

U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Eric Heyden greets students before the start of "Akeelah and the Bee" movie

In recognition of February as Black History Month, the U.S. Embassy hosted a movie day at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development.

Approximately 60 students from Kuxlin Ha Government School and St. Martin Government School viewed “Akeelah and the Bee,” which tells the story of Akeelah Anderson, an 11-year-old girl who participates in the Scripps National Spelling Bee and also explores issues of education in a low socioeconomic African-American community. As an introduction to the movie, Embassy staff Bea Weiss and Eric Heyden talked with the students about the history of Black History Month and how it is celebrated in the United States.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions and achievements of African-Americans to the United States. Though challenges continue, their story is one of resilience and perseverance. We are pleased to be able to celebrate Black History Month with Belizeans”, said U.S. Ambassador Vinai Thummalapally.

A Black History Month Poster Show is on display at the George Price Centre for Peace and Development in Belmopan until the end of February. The general public is invited to visit.