Honouring Afro-Indigenous Women Through Art: A Celebration of Heritage, Memory and Diplomacy

In celebration of Women's History Month, the Embassy of Colombia in the United States joined the Afro-Latin Institute of Washington D.C. for an evening of tribute, dialogue, and artistic reflection.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic corps, artists, and cultural practitioners to recognise the profound legacy of Afro-Indigenous women in Colombia and across the Americas.

The programme opened with a drum performance by El Llamado, followed by remarks by the Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, Andrea Jiménez. Deputy Chief Jiménez highlighted the rich and intertwined histories of Indigenous and African heritage in Colombia, acknowledging the contributions of Afro-Indigenous women to Colombia's social and cultural fabric as bearers of artistic and spiritual traditions that continue to inspire generations.

The evening's centrepiece was The Sankofa Series by Colombian-Jamaican artist Mila Fields-Zayas—an exhibition of clay masks rooted in the concept of "Sankofa," an Akan term meaning "to return to the past to move forward." Her work, both intimate and political, offered a poignant reflection on identity and resilience, inviting attendees to explore shared histories through visual narrative. Also, a panel alongside Merari Hall Fortún, Co-founder of the Global Music Exchange Programme and Andrea Lloreda from the Embassy.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise Colombia's broader diplomatic efforts to elevate Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities within its foreign policy framework. Under the leadership of President Gustavo Petro and Vice President Francia Márquez, Colombia has launched the Africa Strategy to strengthen South-South cooperation and deepen cultural and political ties with the African continent.

The evening closed with reflections from Celestino Barrera, Director of the Afro-Latin Institute, and a guided tour of the exhibition.