Consulate News & Events
U.S. Consulate Celebrates Black History Month with Meninos do Morumbi
São Paulo | February 18, 2011
Consul General Kelly dances with Meninos do Morumbi
In celebration of Black History Month, the Meninos do Morumbi welcomed Consul General Thomas Kelly and thirty Consulate colleagues to the center with a floor-shaking series of dances that incorporated the rhythms of Africa, the source of a major part of the diversity that strengthens both Brazil and the United States. The Consul General responded to this stirring introduction with a short talk on how Black History month brings Americans together to increase their understanding of their many ethnic sources and the great contributions of African Americans to our modern society. The personal family story of consular officer Deneyse Kirkpatrick of determination and triumph in the face of social challenges captivated the kids. In telling the story of her father’s rise through education and her own experience at one of America’s historically black colleges, Howard University, Deneyse provided the youngsters with examples they could live with and for: that their success, like that of African Americans and Afro-Brazilians before them, was based on their own spirit of determination. “Black History Month,” she explained, “is a time to remember what can be achieved despite how people treat you or where you may come from.”
The Meninos then had their turn to ask questions of the Consul General and Deneyse about the United States, the anticipated visit of President Obama and the importance of education in opening up new worlds of understanding between peoples and nations. To close the event, the Meninos broke into a samba and pulled the consulate officers onto the floor to join in the rhythms – percussive and social -- that set the tone for modern Brazil. Flavio Pimenta, the director and founder of Meninos do Morumbi, then led everyone downstairs for refreshments and impromptu dance lessons for Consulate staff. While the visit was intended to give the Meninos a taste of America, it was the consulate staff who came away with a greater appreciation not only of Brazil but of one of the many social programs that take kids off the streets to learn on many levels.