St. John’s, Antigua – US actor Anthony Mackie trekked to Mount Obama today (March 17) as part of a cultural expedition designed to bring worldwide recognition to Antigua and Barbuda through the unearthing of modern, historical and cultural attractions that are rooted in African traditions and customs.
During his journey to this landmark, renamed to honor the historic election of Barack Obama as the first black President of the United States, Mackie left his mark in the twin island nation by planting a “black mango tree” at the foot of the mountain, future site of the Mount Obama National Park and Monument.
The US actor joined Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer in this tree planting exercise to symbolize the preservation of the legacy of African descendants. The official opening of the park is slated for August 4, 2011, President Obama’s 50th Birthday. Developed as an Eco Park, this landmark will become a marker of Excellence and highlight the need for sustainability through the preservation of the environment and prudent use of resources. Several niche markets including eco-tourism, agro-tourism, health and wellness and community tourism will be developed to diversify the tourism product.
During the observance of Black History Month in February, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer kicked off a year long program to celebrate IYPAD in Antigua and Barbuda. In welcoming the actor to the destination PM Spencer said, “We are honored to have Anthony as our guest as we commemorate the International Year of People of African Descent and I believe that he can play a major role in bringing African American and Caribbean people together. I also believe that he can help promote our tourism product that has many undiscovered cultural elements that will appeal to African American visitors.”
In his response to PM Spencer, Anthony Mackie indicated “I am honored to be a part of this cultural promotion. It was very smart of Antigua and Barbuda to recognize the election of the first Black president in the United States through this historic landmark. This is more than just an American event, it is a global event. For me, Antigua and Barbuda is more than just a gem in the Caribbean; it is a maturing nation that is helping to bring global recognition to this historic accomplishment.”
Anthony Mackie leaving his mark on Mount Obama.
Mackie is the first among several personalities of African descent who will visit the destination as part of a cultural showcase, leading up to Antigua and Barbuda’s Pearl Independence Jubilee on November 1, 2011. This outreach program launched by the US Tourism office, aims to increase visitor arrivals among people of color. African and Caribbean Americans in the Diaspora will be targeted through a diversified tourism strategy that will feature cultural offerings that connect all modern descendants of Africa.
Mackie’s widely acclaimed role in the newly released movie Adjustment Bureau, opposite actors Matt Damon and Emily Blunt has helped to solidify his image as one of today’s burgeoning African American actors and makes him a relevant voice in reuniting African descendants during this important celebration year . Several webisodes developed by Travelista TV, an internet television featured on BET.com, will chronicle the actor’s unique experiences in sampling the muisc, art, cuisine, and folklore of the twin island destination.
