Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) and the US embassy in Qatar recently hosted a panel discussion, titled ‘Be the Change’, in celebration of the US Black History Month.
The panellists shared their personal experiences in academia, government, business and volunteer organisations, and discussed best practices in local and global efforts to promote education, improve health and access to medical services, and foster more diverse and inclusive communities.
Under the banner of ‘Be the Change’, the event encouraged students to look for opportunities to be positive examples and contribute their time and talents to their local communities.
Participants in the panel included Dr Rogaia Abusharaf, professor, Georgetown University in Qatar; Ameera al-Ishaq, head of the Psychology Unit at Hamad Medical Corporation; Amal al-Shammari, CEO of Embrace Doha; and Essa al-Mannai, executive director of Reach Out to Asia.
Speaking on behalf of the US embassy was Carissa Gonzalez, Public Affairs officer, who said: “We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr, one of America’s greatest agents for positive change, and to partner with VCUarts Qatar during the US Black History Month to both honour our past and look towards the future. We are excited to support, in any way we can, the efforts of our local partners and of Qatar’s youth to build up their communities and make a difference.”
Valerie Jeremijenko, VCUarts Qatar’s assistant dean for Student Affairs, thanked the US mission for partnering with the university, saying: “VCUarts Qatar is proud to partner with the US embassy in Qatar to commemorate the US Black History Month. As an avid supporter of intercultural communications, it’s important to raise awareness and encourage global exchange of knowledge and skills as it allows us to learn more about other cultures and ways of thinking about the world.”
For more information about the VCUarts Qatar programme, one can visit http://www.qatar.vcu.edu
Officials at the event.
