The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
 
Invites you to the event
 
Afro-Venezuelans and the Struggle for Equality in Venezuela
 
Featuring
Congressman Modesto Ruiz 
 
In Venezuela, the month of May is designated as Africa Month, while the national day of Afro-Venezuelaniety, which was created by the National Assembly in 2005, is celebrated on May 10. In honor of these important celebrations, we are pleased to invite you to a special discussion with Venezuelan Congressman Modesto Ruiz Espinoza, President of the Subcommittee on Legislation, Participation, Warranties, Duties and Rights of African Descendants in the National Assembly of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
 
Modesto Ruiz has been a deputy from the state of Miranda, which encompasses the historically Afro-Venezuelan region of the country known as Barlovento, since 2006.  In 2009 he became the President of the Subcommittee on Legislation, Participation, Warranties, Duties and Rights of African descendants. In that capacity, he was recently responsible for the drafting of a national law against racial discrimination and intolerance that is expected to be passed this May. He has also been involved in the move to include recognition of Afro-Venezuelans as a distinct group for the purposes of the 2011 Census in Venezuela and has been a member of the Network of Afro-Venezuelan Organizations since 2007.
 
Deputy Ruiz will discuss the advancements as well as the problems in the struggle for racial justice and social inclusion in Venezuela.