Lament and Hope: A Pan African Quad-Centennial Devotional Guide - Flipbook - Page 4
PREFACE
Greetings from the African Union Representational Mission to the United States of America.
We are the first bilateral diplomatic mission of the African Union, officially launched on July 11,
2007 in Washington, D.C. Our mandate is to undertake, develop, and maintain constructive and
productive institutional relationships between the African Union and the executive and legislative
branches of the United States government, the African Diplomatic Corps, Africans in the
Diaspora, and the Bretton Woods institutions.
We mobilize support for Africa’s development and adopt common positions on key issues; build,
sustain, and nurture the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the African Union; establish
working relationships with the World Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund, and the
Organization of American States; and build constituencies for Africa, including Diaspora engagement.
African Union Ambassador
Arikana Chihombori-Quao
The Vision of the African Union is to become an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa,
driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the international arena. Our Aspirations from Agenda 2063:
The Africa We Want strategic framework are:
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A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance.
An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
A peaceful and secure Africa.
An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics.
An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women, youth,
and children.
7. Africa as a strong, united, resilient and influential global player and partner.
Africa’s Diaspora, the Sixth Region of the AU, whether displaced through slavery and colonialism or part of modern-day
migration are part of Africa’s history and future. The African Diaspora has a reservoir of skills, resources and passion that
must be harnessed and integrated into our Pan-African movement (African Union, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want).
Therefore, I am pleased to see this book of meditations and devotions centered on this 2019 Quad-Centennial moment that
is one of the historic links of the African Union to the African Diaspora in the United States. The hopes, dreams, aspirations,
challenges, and opportunities for the vast international Pan-African community are intimately tied together.
The 2019 Quad-Centennial is another season to demonstrate our unity against racism, inequitable domestic and global laws,
hunger and poverty. This devotional captures this moment of lament and hope for all of us. Our story is the story of not only
the U.S. but of all Africans, the African Diaspora and the world.
This devotional allows us to hear our story anew and implores us to act against the consequences of the legacy of slavery of
African peoples, racism, hunger, and poverty today.
Her Excellency (H.E.) Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao is the African Union ambassador and permanent representative to the United States.
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LAMENT and HOPE: A Pan-African Devotional Guide