Diplomacy of the People: Elevating Afro-Colombian Traditions in the U.S.

August 31, 2024

In a powerful alliance with Washington DC’s Mayor’s Office, the Embassy of Colombia in the United States commemorated the International Day for People of African Descent by championing the principles of "Diplomacy of the People."

Central to Washington DC’s Afro-Latino Festival was the presentation of the Fogón del Ubuntu Strategy, an initiative of Colombia’s National Center for Historical Memory. This strategy honors Afro-Colombian victims in exile through the preservation of ancestral culinary traditions and a poignant reminder of their enduring connection to their homeland, wherever they may be.

Ambassador Daniel García-Peña, addressing the audience, remarked, "The Fogón del Ubuntu is more than a celebration of culinary heritage; it is a profound call to identity and a powerful affirmation of the unbreakable bond that Afro-Colombians share with their ancestral roots. By embracing these traditions, we not only honor our past but also strengthen the very fabric of our nation’s identity."

This event showcased Colombia's dedication to fostering an inclusive society that values and promotes the cultural heritage of its diverse communities, both within the country and across the globe.