2011 International Woman of Courage honoree Eva Abu Halaweh at dinner hospitality with GCIV trustees Ginny Johansmeier and Jessica Lewis, GCIV executive director Shell Stuart, and State Department Interpreter Ellen Wingo.

In March GCIV hosted 2011 International Woman of Courage honoree Eva Abu Halaweh. The prestigious Secretary of State's award annually recognizes women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for women's rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk. It is the only Department of State award that pays tribute to women activists worldwide.

Eva Abu Halaweh has dedicated her career to advocating for the vulnerable people of Jordan. As executive director of the Mizan Law Group for Human Rights, she developed a legal team that provides free legal advice and counseling, often the only option for those seeking justice. She has taken on sensitive issues, including action against what many human rights activists term a "culture of torture and abuse" within Jordan's prison system and police stations resulting in deaths. Halaweh's work has influenced the government's actions to prevent torture and prosecute such violations. Her advocacy opposing the government's use of administrative detention to "protect" women at risk of so-called "honor crimes" has changed lives. She has secured the release of more than 24 women from prison, some detained for more than ten years, through mediation with families and the authorities. Undeterred and refusing to back down, she continues her work to prevent torture and police abuse and to help save the lives of women.

The 2011 Global Health and Humanitarian Summit is a free event that brings together local, national, and international humanitarians doing work throughout the world and those who wish to join the movement for the purpose of sharing stories, information, and networking. The summit includes dynamic and legendary speakers, panel discussions, exhibitions, and cultural performances. For more information, visit www.imvc.org.

Saturday, April 2nd, 8:00 PM 

Zakir Hussain, Béla Fleck, and Edgar Meyer

Meeting of the Maestros

Both in the field of percussion and the music world at large,
international phenomenon Zakir Hussain is considered a chief architect of the contemporary world music movement, offering audiences a unique opportunity to experience the many aspects of India's rich and ancient musical heritage. Composer and master of the double bass Edgar Meyer, famed for his work with the likes of Yo Yo Ma and Chris Thile, infuses his classical sound with a strong bluegrass influence, while banjo-player Béla Fleck-whose sound is steeped in jazz, funk, and bluegrass-embraces everything from Bach to West African griot incantations. More than a trio, this grouping represents a meeting of musical minds. Tickets start at $42. Concert is at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. For more information, call 404-413-9TIX or visit www.rialtocenter.org. 

Friday, April 8th 

Symposium on Asia-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO)

Kennesaw State University's Asian Studies program presents a new global interdisciplinary conference, a symposium on Asia-USA Partnership Opportunities (SAUPO). SAUPO offers a platform of five-way dialogue among diplomats, policymakers, corporate managers, non-profit practitioners, and scholars. The conference will highlight partnership opportunities between the U.S. and various Asian countries, particularly China, India, Japan, and Korea. The overall goal is to attract Asian investment into the U.S., with an emphasis on Georgia. For more information, visit www.kennesaw.edu/saupo. 

Saturday, April 9th, 8:00 PM

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas  

Rumberos from Cuba

For more than 50 years, the musicians and dancers of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas have been recognized as some of the most vital and dynamic proponents of rumba and the African roots of Cuban culture. Over the years, the troupe has added ritual and religious music and stories to its repertoire-including some of the oldest African forms existing in Cuba today as well as the newest. It is said that "without rumba, there is no Cuba, and without Cuba, there is no rumba." And without Los Muñequitos, the musical world would be missing a part of its soul. Tickets start at $28. Concert is at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. For more information, call 404-413-9TIX or visit www.rialtocenter.org.

The 75th annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers visitors a sort of global stay-cation with the expansion of its International Village. Featuring the International Stage filled with entertainment from around the world; La Fête, a Friday night international wine tasting event; and the edutainment booths where cultural history comes to life, the International Village celebrates the many communities that make up Atlanta. For more information, visit www.dogwood.org.

Monday, April 18th, 10:00 - 11:30 AM

Making Monetary Policy in a Globalized World

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta presents this free presentation by Richard Fisher, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, with Dennis Lockhart, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The event is in the Speakers Auditorium of the Student Center at Georgia State University, 44 Courtland Street, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Click here to RSVP and for more information. 

Thursday, April 21st, 7:30 - 9:30 AM

Connected Capitalism 

The World Affairs Council of Atlanta presents a breakfast conversation about Connected Capitalism, the imperative for collaboration between business, government, and civil society. Featured guests include The Honorable Lawrence Summers, former White House National Economic Council director, Neville Isdell, former Coca-Cola Company chairman and CEO, and Dr. Helene Gayle, CARE USA president and CEO. The event is in the Grand Ballroom at the Ritz Carlton - Downtown, 181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. $45 for WAC members, $55 for non WAC members. Preregistration required by April 19. Click here to RSVP and for more information.

Saturday, April 30th, 8:00 PM   

Big 3 Palladium Orchestra:  The Music of Machito, Tito Rodríguez, & Tito Puente Latin Jazz featuring Mario "Machito Jr." Grillo & Tito Rodríguez Jr.

In 1950s New York, the Palladium Ballroom was the place for Latin
music. There, the legendary Mambo Kings-Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodríguez-kept the crowds moving to the sounds of mambo, cha cha, and rumba. While the Ballroom is no longer, the music that made it famous is going strong, thanks to the Big 3 Palladium Orchestra, which features the sons of both Machito and Rodríguez.  The Orchestra is recognized as one of the finest Latin jazz ensembles in the world, and its music pays remarkable and lively tribute to the legacy of those three original bandleaders. Tickets start at $38. Concert is at the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University. For more information, call 404-413-9TIX or visit www.rialtocenter.org.

May 13-14, 2011 

Brazilian Music Festival

Viver Magazine, in partnership with Radio Brazilis, is pleased to announce the first Brazilian music festival in Atlanta. With the aim of encouraging and valuing the many Brazilians artists spread across the U.S., composers, musicians, and interpreters will have the opportunity to have their talents recognized by the large Brazilian community present in Atlanta. In addition, the top three performers will receive cash prizes. The festival will be at the Gala Room, 2854 Delk Road, Marietta, Georgia 30067. For more information, email Viver Magazine.