We are delighted to welcome representatives from the AAIDN, Lenwood (Leni) Sloan and Christian Bolden, to mark Black History Month, and to discuss their work with us. Leni was here last July with Mick Moloney, discussing the exchanges and interactions between Black and Irish Americans in music and dance. Tonight’s conversation will touch on Black history, Irish and Black interactions, and the future of the broader community here and in Ireland.
Lenwood Sloan is well known across the U.S. as a catalytic agent, animator, and facilitator of cultural and heritage programs. For the past 40 years, Mr. Sloan has provided inspiration, leadership and technical assistance both in the public and private sector. Currently, Mr. Sloan serves as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Monument Project which preserves, conserves, and rededicates historic and cultural monuments throughout the state.
Christian Bolden, originally from New Orleans, is a member of Washington, D.C.'s Urban League "Young Professionals" chapter, a graduate of the University of Mobile (AL.) and obtained his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) at Syracuse University during which time he visited Dublin and Cork, Ireland as a student. A former Professional Staff Member in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bolden is now a small business owner in the information technology and project management space.