To commemorate African-American History Month, the
on Thursday unveiled a mural at its headquarters in Lima's Surco district, highlighting the life and contributions of artists Victoria Santa Cruz and Aretha Franklin.
Santa Cruz and Franklin are prominent figures who defended the rights of the Afro-descendant population in Peru and the U.S., as well as promoted peace, tolerance, inclusion, and the fight against racial discrimination.
Victoria Santa Cruz —an influential figure in Peruvian history— led the resurgence of Afro-Peruvian arts domestically and internationally.
Between the 1980s and 1999, she taught at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In turn, Aretha Franklin —recognized as the Queen of Soul in the United States— connected people with their deepest feelings through her music.
She was an activist during the civil rights era in the North American country.
Art and activism
"With this mural we celebrate their art and their activism," said the diplomatic mission in a press release.
The mural highlights Peruvian and U.S. female leaders who left a significant mark and is the outcome of the exceptional work by artist Nadir Alzamora Manosalva, winner of the competition launched by the Embassy in 2023.
The new mural is located next to the one dedicated to Yma Sumac, with the aim of highlighting the work of empowered women artists, celebrating their contributions to the culture and society of the United States, in addition to valuing the cultural diversity of both countries.
Editor's note: Information provided by the U.S. Embassy in Peru.
(END) NDP/MVB