Each February in the U.S. Americans observe Black History Month to honour the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty – as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life.
According to a press release from the United States Embassy on Tuesday, this year the U.S. Embassy would present a documentary film at the American Corner in the Gambia National Library in Banjul to share some stories of those struggles and triumphs. The Embassy, the release states, will show two episodes of the documentary “African American Lives,” one episode on Tuesday, February 13 and the other on Thursday, February 15.

“African American Lives,” hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., W.E.B. Du Bois, professor of the Humanities and chair of African and African American Studies at Harvard University, first aired in the U.S. in 2006.
The documentary uses genealogy, oral history, family stories and DNA analysis to trace the lineage through American history and back to Africa of a group of highly accomplished African-Americans, including neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson, astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, comedian Chris Tucker, and musician Quincy Jones.

The documentary will air at 3:00 p.m. on each of the two days, February 13 and February 15. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. For reservations, please contact Janko Fofana at the U.S. Embassy at 991-9058.