Black History Month 2021
Black History Month 2021 is being celebrated virtually not only here in Washington, DC, but also at Swiss representations around the United States, and we’re inviting you to join us! Below, you’ll find a welcome message from Ambassador and Mrs. Pitteloud, as well as information about upcoming events and exciting content from around the network that will be available throughout the month.
Embassy of Switzerland in the USA, Washington DC
WeTalk. Pop Culture. Swiss-Made
Available on our social media channels
KT Gorique is an artist of Ivorian and Italian origins, who has lived in Switzerland since the age of 11. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast she was first inspired by the sounds of reggae, soul, blues, and R&B. KT Gorique was attracted to dance from a young age, which led her to discover Hip Hop culture, and, ultimately, the power of words and the universe of rap. In 2012, she was the first Swiss, first female, and youngest ever contestant to win the New York-based, international freestyle rap competition, “End Of The Weak.” This led to the 2016 release of her first album “Tentative de Survie” (“Survival Attempt”). Full of energy and emotion, she also took her talents to film when she starred in the 2016 Cannes Film Festival selection, “Brooklyn.”
- Dancing Across Cultures: A Conversation
Friday, February 19, 2021–3:00pm ET
On Friday, February 19, 2021, Monica Stephenson — Head of School, SE Campus at The Washington School of Ballet — will moderate a discussion with Alanna Archibald — dancer with Béjart Ballet in Lausanne, Switzerland — and Tatiana Desardouin, of Passion Fruit Dance Company in New York City. The dancers will speak about their training, pursuit of professional careers abroad, experiences as Black women in dance, and the power of dance as a medium for protest and social change. Videos showcasing each dancer’s work will also be integrated into the discussion. The discussion will be broadcast live.
- Virtual Black History Month Concert with Mibsy
Thursday, February 28, 2021 on YouTube
This year, our Black History Month concert is going virtual. We are proud and excited to share the work and talent of Swiss Musician Mibsy.
Born in Switzerland, Mibsy spent many summers in Africa. This exposure to various cultures and perspectives helped define the person she is today. Her passion for music goes back to her childhood, when her uncle gave her a CD, which results in her spending her days singing Mariah Carey and Beyoncé “lost in [her] own little world. Her music career began by posting videos to Instagram. A couple of years later, Mibsy released “Mon Chéri” (“My Sweetheart”), saying that she wanted people to dance and sing in their bedrooms and to forget the world around them.
Join us on our YouTube channel on Thursday, February 28, to check out her exclusive performance for the Embassy of Switzerland in the United States!
Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco
- Swiss Film & Talks: I Am Not Your Negro
Thursday, February 25 (12:01 AM PT) to Sunday, February 28 (11:59 PM PT) (On-Demand)
I Am Not Your Negro directed by Raoul Peck, written by James Baldwin
France, USA, Belgium, Switzerland, 2016, 93 min.
Filmmaker Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished, Remember This House. The result is a radical, up-to-the-minute examination of race in America, using Baldwin’s original words and a flood of rich archival material. I Am Not Your Negro is a journey into black history that connects the past of the Civil Rights movement to the present of #BlackLivesMatter.
In celebration of Black History Month, the Consulate General of Switzerland in San Francisco will present this masterpiece, which will be followed by a discussion. The talk will be hosted by Consul General Benedikt Wechsler. Film and discussion will be aired on four consecutive days.
Consulate General of Switzerland in Chicago
- Sunnyland Slim: A Conversation with Swiss-American Musician Sam Burckhardt
In celebration of Black History Month in Chicago, Deputy Consul General Joerg Oberschmied sat down with Swiss-American musician Sam Burckhardt to reflect on the life of Blues music legend Sunnyland Slim. Sam was a member of Sunnyland Slim’s band for over a decade and a close friend.
