The Consulate General in New York is leading another diaspora outreach initiative as part of its ongoing thrust to strengthen ties with first and second generation Antiguans and Barbudans living in the United States.

This will be the second in a series of activities that the Consulate has organized. This one will take the form of an evening of spoken word called Wadadli Speaks – Louder than Words. The event takes place this Sunday August 16th at CUP 1107 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn.

It will showcase the literary and creative talents of young Antiguans and Barbudans. The occasion promises to be an evening of inspiring poetry, storytelling and spoken word performances drawing on the very cultural and human experiences of the talented artists.

It’s the vision of Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Walton Webson to foster a deeper connection with Antiguans and Barbudans in the diaspora and as such build new personal and professional networks across generations. The outreach initiatives therefore have been welcomed as useful and meaningful opportunities to achieve his objectives.

The first one, which took the form of a Diaspora Mixer in March, was deemed a success as it created a platform for the older members of the diaspora to engage with the new generation of Antiguans and Barbudans.

“We are hoping to build something positive from these activities,” noted Consular Officer Michelle Lightfoot, who has been spearheading the arrangements on behalf of the New York Offices.

“Our nationals overseas are an integral part of our story. By creating opportunities for people to come together, share experiences and celebrate their heritage, we are strengthening the bonds that unite us all as Antiguans and Barbudans,” Lightfoot noted. As the US’ Diaspora Liaison, Dave Ray, is also working in tandem with Lightfoot and the Consulate to help ensure the success of these events.

Wadadli Speaks is also timely as it comes only a few months before the celebration of Art Week from November 11 – 18 in Antigua and Barbuda. “Knowing that our artistic impression plays a fundamental role in shaping and preserving our identity, this could be an opportunity to identify some of our talents to showcase their creativity in events like Art Week back home,” Lightfoot continued.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: New York Offices’ second outreach initiative taps into literary talents in the US.