Forum/Discussions

Human rights expert Nicole C. Lee will present a talk drawing parallels between Martin Luther King Jr. andNelson Mandela. Lee is the first female to lead TransAfrica, a human rights organization initially formed by the Congressional Black Caucus to advocate against apartheid in South Africa. At TransAfrica, Lee has informed and influenced U.S. policy toward Africa and the diaspora through strategic campaigns and initiatives and has led investigations and U.S. missions documenting human rights violations. Among her many recognitions, she has received the 2008 Running Start's Women to Watch Award and has appeared on national and international media.   

Sylvia Hill will have a discussion with Lee after her remarks. The Lesole's Dance Project will perform, and a former student of the Anacostia Community Museum Academy Program will recite her original poem on Mandela.

This year's program complements the museum's current main gallery exhibition, "Ubuhle Women: Beadwork and the Art of Independence" about South African women artists.

WHEN:           Tuesday, Jan. 14 
                      6:40 p.m.:   Media check-in
                      7–9 p.m.:    Program

WHERE:        Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History Baird Auditorium
                     10th Street and Constitution Avenue N.W.                                     
                     Use Constitution Avenue entrance.

WHO:            Wayne Clough, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution
                     Camille Giraud Akeju, director, Anacostia Community Museum
                     Nicole C. Lee, president, TransAfrica
                     Sylvia Hill, professor of criminal justice, University of the District of Columbia,         
                            and TransAfrica board member 

SOURCE Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum