Recognizing Angola's Ambassador to the U.S., Joaquim Do Espirito Santo, for His Visit to Atlanta
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Angola's Ambassador to the United States, Joaquim do Espirito Santo, for coming to the City of Atlanta to celebrate our native son, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.
Angolans arrived in the American South 400 years ago as the first African slaves brought to the colonies that would become the United States. Atlanta was incorporated in 1845, and by 1850, Atlanta's population was roughly 20 percent African slaves, mostly from Western Africa and what is now Angola. Angola and the City of Atlanta have a long shared history, and Ambassador Joaquim do Espirito Santo's recent visit honors the relationship between Angola and Atlanta.
While in Atlanta, Ambassador Joaquim do Espirito Santo joined the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day service alongside me at Ebenezer Baptist Church, one of the most powerful modern institutions of the Civil Rights movement. A guest of Dr. Bernice King, Ambassador Joaquim do Espirito Santo attended the service on behalf of Angolan President Joao Lourenco,
While in town, Ambassador Espirito Santo further built ties with Atlanta's thriving businesses and organizations. By meeting with Atlanta's Mayor, City Council, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Ambassador Espirito Santo has laid the groundwork for continued cooperation and partnership between Atlanta and Angola. Similarly, the Ambassador met with the Atlanta-based Carter Center to thank them for their excellent work eliminating Guinea Worm Disease in Angola.
Recognizing Atlanta's shared past and exciting future with Angola, the Atlanta City Council officially proclaimed January 17, MLK Day, as ``Angola Day'' in Atlanta. In the words of the City Council, ``this growing partnership between Atlanta and Angola is a story that has come nearly full circle, from tragedy and injustice to opportunity and hope.''
I join the City of Atlanta in congratulating the Ambassador on his timely visit and look forward to the blossoming cultural and economic relationship between Atlanta and Angola.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source