Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Advances People-to-People Diplomacy

Posted by Talley Sergent / January 27, 2012


Building on his efforts to engage youth, U.S. Global Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar went "wheels up" from the heart of Afro-Brazil in Salvador to Rio de Janeiro.

"So far, I've really enjoyed Rio. I think it's a great city," Abdul-Jabbar said.

In Rio, Abdul-Jabbar started the day meeting with young people at the Rio em Forma Olimpico Project. While there, Abdul-Jabbar shared how education and English-language learning can propel young people to success.

"I had a wonderful time here today. I met a lot of really nice kids. They're very warm and open. I left them with a message and that is that education opens the door for opportunity," Abdul-Jabbar said.

From the Rio em Forma Olimpico Project, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar met with young people in the community of Alemao. With leaders from the NGO "CUFA" -- who work within the favelas… more »

Posted under: Western Hemisphere

View Comments (1)

Cultural Ambassador Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Touts Education in Brazil

Posted by Talley Sergent / January 25, 2012


Today, Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar kicked off his service as a Global Cultural Ambassador for the U.S. Department of State in Salvador, Brazil.

"I didn't expect to see such a big city here in this part of Brazil. I heard about Rio de Janeiro and I've been to Sao Paulo on my first trip to Brazil. But I didn't know they had big cities out here on the coast. It's quite a place," said Abdul-Jabbar.

Meeting in a community center in the recently pacified favela, Nordeste de Amaralina, Abdul-Jabbar stressed the importance of education as a means of empowerment both within Brazil and beyond.

"It was very rewarding for me today to talk to the young people about their education because a lot of them didn't understand how important it is. So I was happy to remind them that their education will supplement everything that they try to… more »

Posted under: Western Hemisphere

View Comments (5)

Page 1 of 1 pages