Luanda: The Vice-President of Angola, Esperan§a da Costa, engaged in discussions on Thursday with members of the Tucker family regarding strategies to fortify cooperation in education, tourism, and environmental sectors. The meeting, held in Luanda, focused on enhancing the relationship between Angola and the Tucker family, with particular emphasis on ancestral tourism.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Wanda Tucker, the spokesperson for the Tucker family, highlighted the potential collaboration with Hampton University in Virginia. They explored avenues to promote Angola's rich biodiversity as a tourist attraction and discussed cooperation in higher education, focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The exchange of courses between continents to better understand and disseminate the history of both regions was also on the agenda.
The meeting also addressed the partnership between Angola and the State of Virginia, which is marking its 250th anniversary. Wanda Tucker emphasized the importance of sharing common historical ground, noting that Angolans were among the first Africans to arrive in Virginia in 1619. An invitation was extended to the Angolan Vice President to attend the 250th-anniversary celebration of Virginia.
In education, the possibility of exchanging university curricula, particularly in the field of History, was discussed to foster partnerships between Angola and Virginia. "We are visiting the same places, but no trip is ever the same," Wanda Tucker said, highlighting their expansion into tourism opportunities in Lubango, Hula.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Augusto Kaliquemala, described the Tucker family's initiative as a cultural reconnection, allowing families historically separated to reconnect with their roots. He emphasized the potential benefits for Angola, including increased tourism and strengthened ties with Virginia.
Kaliquemala outlined plans for exchange programs, facilitating scholarships for Hampton University students to study in Angola and for Angolan students to explore African American history in the United States. This growing relationship aims to promote ancestral tourism and historical education.
Scott Martin, the Virginia State Tourism Councilor, announced the upcoming inauguration of a monument honoring Ant³nio and Isabella Tucker, the first Angolans in Virginia. This monument symbolizes the enduring connection between Angola and the USA, marking a significant step in the ongoing cultural and historical exchange.
