During the last decade, Afro-Venezuelan communities, historically marginalized and forgotten in Venezuela, have increasingly begun to organize themselves and effectively impact progressive policy measures. The Institute for Policy Studies’ Foreign Policy in Focus project invites you to a brown bag discussion with Venezuelan Deputy Modesto Ruiz Espinoza, President of the Subcommittee on Legislation, Participation, Warranties, Duties and Rights of African descendants in the Venezuelan National Assembly.

Deputy Modesto Ruiz has been a congressman for more than 5 years and in public service for most of his career. He will discuss recent anti-discrimination legislation proposed in the Venezuelan National Assembly, likely to be passed during May — Afro Venezuelan Month — as well as the overall status of Afro-Venezuelans in the country. He will also discuss the current political situation in Venezuela’s National Assembly and the look ahead to the 2012 presidential elections.

Also join us again on May 19th for another Afro-Venezuelan Month event, when two dynamic students visiting from Venezuela do a lunch time and an evening discussion about Afro-Venezuelan culture, education and social movements in Venezuela, particularly among the country’s youth.