A Boost in Biotech Crops

Posted on 28 February 2011 by Scott Orr

President Obama says it is time for Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi to go. Rescuers continue to search for survivors of the New Zealand earthquake, though hope is dimming. An American blogger digitally speaks with students in Palestine’s West Bank about social media as a means for social change. February is Black History Month in the United States. And studies show large gains in the production of biotech crops.

Obama Backs Qadhafi Ouster
(mobile version)
President Obama calls on Libya’s leader, Muammar Qadhafi, to leave power now, saying that he and his government must be held accountable for violating the human rights and brutalization of the Libyan people. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton further amplifies the president’s position, saying that it is clear the Libyan people want Qadhafi out of power.

Kiwi Quake’s Deadly Toll
(mobile version)
A U.S. Search and Recovery team is on the scene in Christchurch, New Zealand hoping more survivors can be pulled from the city’s rubble. New Zealand Police put the death toll at 113 late February 25, while 70 survivors have been found alive in the days since the 6.3 magnitude quake. More than 200 people are still thought to be missing.

Social Media, Social Change
(mobile version)
Blogger Zerlina Maxwell spoke with 25 students in the Palestinian Territories’ West Bank via digital video conference for a State Department dialogue on “Promoting Social Media as a Means for Change.” Speaking about Hosni Mubarak’s resignation as president of Egypt, Maxwell said, “I think that social media allowed me, someone who is sitting in New Jersey with a computer, to experience that moment as if I were there.”

Biotech Boosts Small Farm Yield
(mobile version)
Between 1996 and 2010, the production of crops genetically modified to increase yield rose 87-fold, surpassing 1 billion hectares, according to new statistics from the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications. Of the 15.4 million farmers planting such biotech crops, 90 percent are small, resource-poor farmers in developing countries. Developing countries produce 48 percent of global biotech crops. Above, a farmer tends to genetically enhance papayas in Hawaii.

Clinton on Afghanistan/ A New U.S. Representative to Afghanistan, Pakistan / America I AM

Posted on 18 February 2011 by Sara Lichterman

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton outlines a three-point plan for Afghanistan. Veteran diplomat Marc Grossman will be President Obama’s new special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, succeeding the late Richard Holbrooke. In the U.S., the time might be just right for wind power. Volcanoes are currently a hot topic for the U.S. and Russia. And learn about American I AM, an exhibit showcasing the contributions of African Americans to life in the U.S.

In Afghanistan, a 3-Part Plan
(mobile version)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the United States is following a three-part strategy to support transition in Afghanistan, a process through which Afghans will “take responsibility for their own future.” The plan, she says, includes a military offensive against al-Qaida terrorists and Taliban insurgents, a civilian campaign to bolster democratic institutions in Afghanistan and Pakistan and an intensified diplomatic push.

Grossman is New U.S. Af-Pak Rep
(mobile version)
Veteran diplomat Marc Grossman will be President Obama’s new special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, succeeding Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, who died in December. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says Grossman “knows our allies and understands how to mobilize common action to meet shared challenges.”

Time for Wind Power
(mobile version)
The U.S. government is pushing for large-scale wind power development, and a recent study says that costs for electricity generated by onshore wind are now on par with costs for coal-generated power. President Obama has called for 80 percent of U.S. energy to come from renewable sources, such as wind power, by 2035.

A Hot Topic for U.S., Russia
(mobile version)
Russian and U.S. scientists are planning research on a 4,000-kilometer long arc stretching from the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East across the Aleutian Islands chain to mainland Alaska where volcanoes and other geological event have occurred. Dr. John Eichelberger, program coordinator of the U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards Program, says that ongoing cooperative research between the United States and Russia in this field is vital.

Purple guitar America I AM
(mobile version)
The exhibit America I AM: The African American Imprint looks at the contributions of African Americans to life in the United States and recently came to the National Geographic Museum in Washington for Black History Month. The exhibition presents multimedia displays and more than 200 historical and cultural artifacts, including the guitar at right, which the musician Prince played at the Super Bowl.

Clinton on Civil Society / World Food Prices / Color in Freedom

Posted on 16 February 2011 by Sara Lichterman

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls for enhanced engagement between civil society groups and the United States. Food prices are up by 29% worldwide. President Obama’s Global Health Initiative will turn its focus to solutions for the poorest, most rural areas around the world. A top diplomat discusses President Obama’s Western Hemisphere policy. Some effortless fixes can reduce greenhouse gases. Finally, meet African-American artist Joseph Holston.

Clinton on Civil Society
(mobile version)
Speaking at the inaugural Strategic Dialogue with Civil Society, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls for more interaction between civil society groups and U.S. officials. At right, Clinton meets with Azeri civil society leaders in 2010 and emphasizes the importance of engaging with groups outside government that work to improve their countries.

Food Prices up 29% Worldwide
(mobile version)
The World Bank says global food prices have risen 29 percent from a year ago, driven by a combination of weather shocks and food export bans, which are forcing millions more people into extreme poverty. “This is (a) serious cause for concern,” says World Bank President Robert Zoellick.

Health Care for the World’s Most Needy
(mobile version)
President Obama’s Global Health Initiative will turn its focus to community-based approaches and health care solutions for the poorest, most rural areas around the world, says Dr. Rajiv Shah, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). “That is our battleground, and I’m proud to say that is where USAID will try to lead the fight,” he says.

U.S. Western Hemisphere Policy “Informed,” “Optimistic”
(mobile version)
President Obama’s Western Hemisphere policy is “informed, engaged, dynamic, collaborative and optimistic,” says Arturo Valenzuela, Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs.

Energy Conservation Targets
(mobile version)
Energy efficiency programs target relatively inexpensive and effortless fixes that can have a big effect on greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, many U.S. states are pushing ahead with energy-saving targets for power companies. Together, these states will help the United States reduce emissions in a significant way.

Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad
(mobile version)
Artist Joseph Holston creates art based on African-American subjects, saying he feels that African Americans should have “a voice through art.” His series Color in Freedom: Journey Along the Underground Railroad, which is currently touring the U.S., goes beyond the conventional understanding of the Underground Railroad as a historical episode and instead conveys a broader narrative about the African American experience. At right, the final movement of Color in Freedom shows the fruition of the struggle for freedom.

Obama on Mideast Unrest / Clinton on Internet Freedom / African American Visionaries

Posted on 15 February 2011 by Scott Orr

President Obama urges Middle East governments to respect the aspirations of their people. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton returns to the subject of Internet freedom. The United States and Ukraine agree on human trafficking and other issues. Finally, explore a photo gallery of some African American “visionaries.”

Obama Urges Mideast Reform
(mobile version)
The political unrest that has spread from Tunisia to Egypt and elsewhere in the region comes as young people are seeking greater opportunities and ways of improving their lives, President Obama says. Obama urges governments in the region to “get out ahead of change,” and respond to their peoples’ aspirations in a manner that doesn’t lead to violence. “You can’t maintain power through coercion. At some level in any society, there has to be consent,” he says.

Secretary Clinton on Internet Freedom
(mobile version)
An open, secure Internet that is accessible to all is crucial to economic prosperity, says Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in a speech at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. The struggle for Internet freedom is a struggle for human rights, human freedom and human dignity, says Clinton.

Wide Ranging U.S.-Ukraine Talks
(mobile version)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko sign a new cooperative plan to combat human trafficking in the Ukraine, and a plan to strengthen the East European nation’s energy security. Also discussed during their meeting: cooperation on nuclear proliferation, Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its democracy, food security, HIV/AIDS, and ways for Ukraine to develop domestic energy resources and attract greater private investment.

Visionaries: African Americans Tell Their Stories
(mobile version)
For nearly a decade, the nonprofit National Visionary Leadership Project collected the oral histories of extraordinary African-Americans who helped shape America’s culture and history. This photo gallery takes a look at some of them. At left, the late civil rights activist Dorothy Height.

The People of Egypt Have Spoken / Cricket in America / Henrietta Lacks

Posted on 11 February 2011 by Sara Lichterman

“The people of Egypt have spoken,” says President Barack Obama after Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak steps down. Iranian-American writers switch between English and Persian. In the U.S., South Asia Centers provide unique opportunities for students. As the 10th Cricket World Cup approaches, the popularity of cricket in the U.S. remains a well-kept sporting secret. And finally, learn why the cells of Henrietta Lacks are immortal.

In Egypt, the Power of Human Dignity
(mobile version)
President Obama says the Egyptian people have inspired the world through their nonviolent struggle to change their country’s government and the United States stands ready to provide any assistance the country needs as it transitions to a more democratic future. “The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard, and Egypt will never be the same,” Obama, right, says February 11 after the resignation of former President Hosni Mubarak.

English or Persian?
(mobile version)
Many Iranian-American writers count themselves as bilingual, but most choose one language or the other as their primary tool, taking into account the different literary customs of the two languages. Poet Sheema Kalbasi, who writes in both languages, says, “I find English a more precise language than Persian. Poetry thrives in vagueness and metaphor and so does the Persian language!”

South Asia Centers in the U.S.
(mobile version)
Students in the United States can participate in a version of an authentic Indian experience through Hindi and Urdu language education programs hosted by one of nine South Asia National Resource Centers. Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the centers seek to bolster American universities’ capacities to educate on global cultures and affairs.

Cricket in America
(mobile version)
Cricket fans around the world — including millions of fans and thousands of players in the United States — are awaiting the February 19 start of the 10th Cricket World Cup. People have played cricket in the U.S. since the country was still a British colony, says Rohit Kulkarni, director of a new documentary, “Pitch of Dreams: Cricket in America.”

Henrietta Lacks’ Immortal Cells
(mobile version)
Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman who died of cancer in 1951, became the source of a cell line that has contributed to cancer research and medical milestones such as polio vaccine, cloning, genetic testing and in-vitro fertilization. Today, HeLa cells, named after Lacks, at left with her husband David, are the most commonly used cells in research labs all around the world. Lacks’ story also raises questions about economic justice and scientific ethics.

The Future of Egypt / U.S., China Work Toward Nuclear Security / Black History Month

Posted on 8 February 2011 by Scott Orr

The White House says only Egyptians can shape their country’s future. An arms control scholar discusses the newly enacted START treaty. The U.S. and China are working together on nuclear security. President Obama congratulates the people of South Sudan. February is black history month in the United States.

Egypt Must Shape its Own Future
(mobile version)
The White House continues to champion self-determination for the Egyptian people and to condemn the use of violence to achieve political ends. “Who leads Egypt…is a determination that can only be made by the Egyptians,” says White House press secretary Robert Gibbs.

START: A Treaty that “Makes Sense”
(mobile version)
The START nuclear arms reduction treaty signed recently by Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is a win for both countries, a Washington arms control scholar says. Tom Collina, research director of the Washington-based Arms Control Association, says the treaty “benefits both sides” and “makes sense from every perspective.”

A Pledge on Nuclear Security
(mobile version)
The United States and China pledge to cooperate on combating nuclear proliferation and to establish a Center of Excellence on Nuclear Security in China. The collaboration will facilitate exchange of information and best practices, creation of training courses and technical collaboration to improve nuclear security throughout Asia.

Recognizing South Sudan
(mobile version)
The Obama administration says it intends to recognize the new, independent south Sudanese state in July and it is beginning the process of withdrawing Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. “After decades of conflict, the images of millions of southern Sudanese voters deciding their own future was an inspiration to the world and another step forward in Africa’s long journey toward justice and democracy,” President Obama says.

Black History Month
(mobile version)
Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens and their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life. February was chosen because it includes the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass. At right, Carter G. Woodson, founder of Black History Month.

Clinton on Violence in Egypt / Clinton in Security Talks / Black History Month

Posted on 3 February 2011 by Sara Lichterman

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls for both sides to move toward a peaceful transition of power in Egypt. Next, Clinton is heading to Munich for international security talks. An intellectual property lawyer talks about how counterfeiting is stealing. And February is Black History Month.

Clinton Calls for Talks in Egypt
(mobile version)
The Obama administration condemns continued violence in Egypt and government officials and opposition groups to immediately come together in serious negotiations for a credible political transition. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, right, said that attacks on reporters are, “a violation of international norms that guarantee freedom of the press” and “unacceptable under any circumstances.”

Security Talks in Munich
(mobile version)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will meet with more than 350 top-level decision makers from across the globe at the 47^th Munich Security Conference February 4-6. Clinton, above, is expected to make a major speech on security issues and Clinton and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will exchange instruments of ratification for the New START Treaty.

Intellectual Property Rights
(mobile version)
Zayd Alathari, an attorney who practices intellectual property rights law in Washington, D.C., says the ramifications of buying illegally manufactured goods are vast. “Counterfeiting is stealing,” says Alathari.

Obama on Egypt / The Way Ahead in Iraq / Meet Ursula Burns

Posted on 1 February 2011 by Sara Lichterman

President Obama tells Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak that change in Egypt “must begin now” and U.S. congressional leaders are echoing Obama’s call for a peaceful transition to reform in Egypt. The two top American leaders in Iraq outline the way ahead. The White House has launched the Startup America Partnership in order to meet President Obama’s innovation goal. And finally, learn about Xerox’s Ursula Burns, the only black female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

Obama on Egypt
(mobile version)
A peaceful, meaningful and orderly political transition in Egypt “must begin now,” President Obama says. After speaking with President Hosni Mubarak, Obama says, “it is not the role of any other country to determine Egypt’s leaders. Only the Egyptian people can do that.”

Congress Supports Egypt Reform
(mobile version)
U.S. congressional leaders are echoing President Obama’s call for a peaceful transition to democratic, economic and social reforms in Egypt. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry urged the Egyptian government and security forces “to exercise restraint in dealing with protesters and to respect the human rights of its citizens to seek greater participation in their own government.” At right, protesters gather in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt.

The Way Ahead in Iraq
(mobile version)
The two top American leaders in Iraq told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the U.S. transition from a military mission to a civilian mission in Iraq has been progressing on schedule and with the full cooperation of the Iraqi government and security forces.

Startup America
(mobile version)
Last week in his State of the Union address, President Obama emphasized the need for investment and innovation to drive America’s continued economic recovery. Therefore, the White House and several senior cabinet members are joining some of the country’s leading entrepreneurs to launch the Startup America Partnership to help achieve Obama’s goal.

Ursula Burns’ Path to Success
(mobile version)
Ursula Burns of Xerox Corporation has the distinction of being the only black female to serve as the chief executive of a Fortune 500 company. While Burns, right, singles out her mother as the predominant role model in her personal development, she gives the example of Vernon Jordan — the lawyer, civil rights activist, and former presidential adviser — as a role model in her professional life. To learn more about Burns, watch this video clip of her opening remarks at the YWCA Third Annual Empowering Women Luncheon.

Democracy in Egypt / Clinton in Haiti / Black History Month

Posted on 31 January 2011 by Sara Lichterman

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urges an orderly and peaceful transition to democratic and economic reforms in Egypt. On a visit to Haiti, Secretary Clinton reaffirmed U.S. support for Haiti’s people through its reconstruction. Iranian film festivals in the U.S. are a big hit. Meet Adeeb Khalid, a Pakistani American scholar who is working on a history of Central Asia. And February is Black History Month.

Democracy in Egypt
(mobile version)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton urges an orderly and peaceful transition to democratic and economic reforms in Egypt, but also acknowledges that it will take considerable time. In a series of television news interviews, Clinton, above, said that violence, looting or criminal acts will not move the political process forward in a productive way that will be satisfying for the Egyptian people.

Clinton in Haiti
(mobile version)
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton reaffirmed continued U.S. support for Haiti’s people through its reconstruction, redevelopment and humanitarian assistance and urged Haiti to move forward with the second round of its presidential election. Speaking in Port-au-Prince, Clinton said, “we are here to reassert our commitment. We are impatient; we are determined to work with the people of Haiti to accelerate the progress.”

Iranian Film Festivals in U.S.
(mobile version)
Several U.S. cities are holding Iranian film festivals this winter, allowing Americans to see what Iranian filmmakers have to say about their country.

The Future of Central Asia
(mobile version)
Adeeb Khalid, a Pakistani American and a professor of history at Carleton College in Minnesota, is currently a visiting scholar at the Kluge Center of the Library of Congress. Khalid is working on a history of Central Asia in the first 15 years of Soviet rule, a pivotal period he describes as one of nationalistic and idealistic hope turning to disappointment and fear.

Carter Woodson Black History Month
(mobile version)
Each February, Black History Month honors the struggles and triumphs of millions of American citizens over the most devastating obstacles — slavery, prejudice, poverty — as well as their contributions to the nation’s cultural and political life. It was the inspiration of Carter G. Woodson, right, a noted scholar and historian. February was chosen because it includes the birthdays of President Abraham Lincoln and the abolitionist Frederick Douglass.

America.gov Blogs

…to Blogs at America.gov, where you can join in conversation with topic experts and writers in several important fields.

Tag Archives: Black History Month