The US is acknowledged globally as the epitome of freedom, democracy and equality. Thousands of people seek for Green Cards to migrate to America as they flee war and oppression in their countries or simply in search of the famous ‘American Dream.’ The election and re-election of President Obama is often cited as the embodiment of the possibility for success and fulfillment for every American’s dream irrespective of race, religion, color or creed.

Women empowerment in America is wanting

Despite this, women have not fared well in the US for many years. For example, less than 20% of American women are CEOs of established companies. America also has never had a female president; the future does not seem to be favorable for this prospect either. Single motherhood has become the norm in a country that was renowned for its stable families decades ago. Women are yet to gain the prominence they deserve in American society.

The Obama regime and women empowerment

The Obama government has been taking some steps towards women empowerment since it came into power. For example, in September 2012, it entered into a partnership with other nations in what was called Equal Futures, an initiative for empowering women and girls. In 2012, President Obama had addressed the UN General Assembly and challenged nations to “break down economic and political barriers that stand in the way of women and girls.”  Equal Futures was meant to increase the prospects of girls and women in science, technology, engineering and math and support women to engage in entrepreneurship as well as participate in civic and public leadership.

In 2013, President Obama made this statement:

“When women succeed, nations are more safe, more secure, and more prosperous. Over the last year, we’ve seen women and girls inspiring communities and entire countries to stand up for freedom and justice, and I’m proud of my Administration’s efforts to promote gender equality worldwide.

This was in tandem with the following measures, among many that his government has taken to empower women:

Making the US National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security operational in 2011 to enhance participation of female Americans in pertinent decision making.

Launching the Women’s Entrepreneurship in the Americas initiative to boost women’s participation in business.

Boosting women’s access to financial services

Expanding employment opportunities for women and instituting measures to protect them from harassment.

Instituting measures to curb gender-based violence.

Although the battle is not yet won, this is a step in the right direction for women empowerment.

©EthLeen

The post Obama’s New Vision to Empower Women appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. In his younger years he was a choir leader and accomplished organist in many churches, accompanied by his mother. At that time I am sure he never realized that he would be “singing the praises” of the civil rights movement. He became a pivotal figure in the nonviolent civil rights movement. During the 1950s and 1960s, his ultimate mission was to improve race relations and overturn discrimination in the American society. He may be best known for his powerful speeches, in which he hoped to make his dream a reality.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Nelson Mandela is considered one of the most admired political leaders of the 20th and 21st century. He was a South African political activist who spent over 20 years in prison for his opposition to the apartheid regime, released in 1990 and, in 1994. He was later elected the first leader of a democratic South Africa. In 1993, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (jointly with F.W. de Klerk) for his work in helping to end racial segregation in South Africa. He is widely admired for his ability to bring together a nation that was previously divided by apartheid. He has changed the world for Africans in Africa and the United States. Desmond Tutu, who is also a component of the apartheid, continued to speak strongly and unequivocally against it, often comparing it to Fascist regimes.

Frederick Douglass (1818-18950)

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in Talbot County, Maryland. At the age of seven, after the death of his mother, he was brought up by his grandmother and then sent to the home to be a slave to another family. He was taught to read by his Master. It is believed that learning to read accelerated his desire to be free. He eventually escaped slavery and became a powerful public speaker regarding anti-slavery. He wrote three autobiographies describing his experiences as a slave and then gaining his freedom. His writings and speeches became powerful testimonies to support the abolition of slavery. Douglass was the most influential African-American leader of the 19th century.

Barack Obama (1961 – )

Barack Obama was born in Hawaii. He is the first U.S. President of African origin. Obama has served two terms as President and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009 for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples. The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

This is just a small example of Africans who have changed the world in a very significant way.

©EthLeen

The post Famous Black Men Who Changed the World appeared first on Alaafia African Family Resource Center.