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Quito, Ecuador - The celebration of Africa Day in Quito, Ecuador was held on May 28 at Peace Embassy in Quito. It was a good start for forging fraternal relationships among friends of Afro-Ecuadorians. In fact, there is still much misunderstanding, racial discrimination, and ignorance about the culture and real situation of Afro-Ecuadorians in present-day Ecuador. Therefore, this day was a good opportunity for participants to share from their hearts.

The honorary consul of the Republic of South Africa to Ecuador, Dr. René Genaro Ortiz, gave a presentation about the history and highlights of the African Union and African society, including clear information both about the development and the hardships of African nations.

Lic. Catherine Cholá Angulo, a delegate of the National Secretariat of Peoples, Social Movements and Citizenship of the Cabinet of the Republic of Ecuador, gave a message about the social challenges faced by Afro-Ecuadorians. She encouraged everyone to make efforts to eliminate discrimination against those people and to share African culture with all Ecuadorians. She expressed hope that Africa Day will become known by all the people of Ecuador.

The Foundation for the Social and Cultural Development of Afro-Ecuadorians, AZUCAR, performed Afro-Ecuadorian music.

Pastor Cástulo Leiton, an Ambassador for Peace, gave a celebratory message. Other speakers included:

• Mrs. Lucia Salamea-Palacios, Representing UN Women of Ecuador and Colombia, Director of the Andean Region
• Dr. Celia Riera, Representing the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization in Ecuador
• Hon. Zobeida Gudiño Menas, a National Assemblywoman of the Republic of Ecuador