A delegation of 11 cultural experts participated in the Public Diplomacy International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) titled: Cultural Heritage and the African Diaspora funded by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs. The IVLP began in Washington, DC, with a visit to the Department of State to meet with Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Arturo Valenzuela, Deputy Assistant Secretaries Julissa Reynoso and Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli, among others. Assistant Secretary Valenzuela highlighted the U.S. government's strong commitment to recognizing the contributions of African descendants in our region and encouraged the group to engage in a constructive discussion on how to honor and preserve cultural traditions. After their visit to Washington, the group will travel to Virginia, New York, Florida, and Louisiana to exchange views with local communities and institutions.
