Join us on May 28th for dinner and an in-depth conversation with Mr. Tom Perriello, former US Special Envoy to Africa, the region of Sudan, and global affairs expert, as he unpacks the complex dynamics shaping Africa today, from shifting political landscapes to economic challenges and opportunities. Perriello will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the critical work of Special Envoys in conflict resolution, diplomacy, and peace-building efforts around the world. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain insight from someone who has been on the front lines of international diplomacy.
The dinner and presentation event will be held once again at The Literary Club, 500 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, America’s oldest continuously operating literary club. Doors will open at 5:30PM, dinner at 6PM, and event program from 7-8PM. NOTE: Seats are Limited – Prior Registrations are Required!
OUR EVENT SPEAKER
Through diplomacy, advocacy, politics, and philanthropy, Tom Perriello has devoted three decades to advancing justice, peace and inclusive democracy in the United States and around the world. Most recently, Tom served as the U.S. Special Envoy for Sudan, appointed by President Biden on February 26, 2024, having supported previous peace processes in 2004-2005 and 2011 and co-founded darfurgenocide.org. During previous diplomatic tours, Tom served as President Obama’s Special Envoy for the African Great Lakes Region and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and ran the second Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review for Sec. John Kerry. He has supported transitional justice and peace processes in a dozen countries and served as the Special Advisor to the Prosecutor of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.
In 2008, Tom Perriello was elected to the US Congress, representing the people of Virginia’s Fifth District, serving on the Veterans Affairs Committee, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the National Security Working Group. Tom has co-founded advocacy and faith-based organizations and served as CEO of Center for American Progress Action and Executive Director of the Open Society for the United States. Mr. Perriello is a graduate of Yale College and Law School and has taught at the University of Sierra Leone and University of Virginia School of Law.
The highlight of the evening was a compelling conversation featuring esteemed University of Cincinnati Professors Willard Sunderland and Ivan Ivanov. Professor Sunderland, an expert in Russian history, and Professor Ivanov, specializing in European and Russian politics, offered deep insights into the complexities of current geopolitical tensions involving Russia, Ukraine, NATO, and the evolving dynamics of long-standing alliances.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Literary Club of Cincinnati for graciously opening their doors to us. The club’s storied past and intellectual ambiance added immeasurable value to the evening, reminding us of the enduring power of thoughtful discourse in shaping our understanding of the world.
Patrick Loch Otieno (PLO) Lumumba is a Kenyan born, renowned international public speaker, a high-profile civil servant, an eloquent lawyer and a staunch Pan-Africanist. PLO has delivered several powerful speeches alluding to or about African solutions to African problems.
Wendy Cutler is Vice President at the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) and the managing director of the Washington, D.C. office. In these roles, she focuses on building ASPI’s presence in the nation’s capital and on leading initiatives that address challenges related to trade, investment and innovation, as well as women’s empowerment in Asia.