Dr. Frazier Speaks to Students in Latvia
February
Democracy and Diversity: From Slave Ships to the White House
Riga, Latvia
Michael Frazier, Ph.D., Howard University, Washington, D.C.
With
George Steel, Afro-Lat
February 14
As part of U.S. Embassy Riga’s Black History Month celebration, Dr. Michael Frazier travelled to Estonia and Latvia to give presentations. He visited Daugavpils State Polish Gymnasium, named after J. Pilsudski, where the professor, along with human rights activist George Steele from Latvia discussed the history of Black History Month, its origins, and the importance of democracy, equality and human rights in diverse society.
Dr. Frazier and Mr. Steele also hosted an essay contest in Daugavpils. The top 3 students were Veronika Gaveiko from Daugavpils City Center gymnasium, Tatjana Cornija from Daugavpils Music High school and Anna Jegorava from Daugavpils Secondary School #15.
They also gave a presentation at Valmiera State Gymnasium, explaining that ‘’Hope, Optimism and Inclusion are the only way that difficult problems can be addressed and resolved in times of crises in diverse multicultural societies.”
They also gave a presentation at Valmiera State Gymnasium, explaining that ‘’Hope, Optimism and Inclusion are the only way that difficult problems can be addressed and resolved in times of crises in diverse multicultural societies.”
The conclusion of the program was Dr. Frazier’s and George Steele’s round table discussion at the Embassy with several NGO representatives, journalists and youth activists from around Latvia, who shared their experiences about democracy in Latvia, and minority issues they face in everyday life, and how that can be eventually resolved.