Africa Sister Cities Conference here through May 28
By Bernie Hayes
For the St. Louis American
From now through Saturday, May 28, the U.S. Africa Sister Cities Conference will be held in St. Louis and will include community leaders, business executives, educators and diplomats from across Africa, the U.S. and other nations.
“This is a significant conference for municipal leaders, politicians, business executives and royalty who will convene in St. Louis to address African trade development, healthcare, cultural exchange and humanitarian issues,” said Robert R. Heuermann Jr., executive director of the St. Louis Center for International Relations.
“It will be meaningful for all who attend and open doors to new economic exchange opportunities.”
“We expect the U.S. Africa Sister Cities Conference to attract substantial interest regionally and globally,” said Dr. John Wright, conference chairman and chairman of the St. Louis-Senegal Sister Cities Committee and of the African Heritage Association in St. Louis.
“Pro-active involvement by African leaders working to address crucial issues such as trade, economic development and the AIDs crisis, and participation by leaders from other nations addressing similar issues, will distinguish this event.”
An International Business Summit with officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. Department of Commerce also will be featured.
St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley hosted the May 25 opening reception at the Missouri Historical Society, featuring the museum’s Captive Passage exhibit and the debut of the art show Great Kings & Queens of Africa.
St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay will host a reception and African Arts Festival Show at 7 p.m. Friday, May 27 at the Saint Louis Art Museum. The U.S. Africa Sister Cities Luncheon will be at noon Saturday, May 28, with the Conference Closing Reception that night at 7 p.m.
The conference coincides with the St. Louis African Arts Festival, a popular annual event showcasing a variety of cultural, educational and musical activities to be held in Forest Park, May 28-30.
For more information, visit www.USAfricaSisterCities.org. For the Arts Festival, call (314) 935-9676.