Pool Reports by Zolan Kanno-Youngs, The New York Times
| Sent: | Reports: |
| March 27, 2023 09:52 GMT |
VP supplemental pool #1 bilat arrival Hello all! Zolan Kanno-Youngs here reporting for pool duty. Hope all is well. The VP's motorcade rolled out of the RON at 9:41 am. We arrived at the Jubilee House for the Vice president's bilateral meeting at 9:49 am. Below you'll find the vice president's schedule for the day: At 11:15 AM GMT, the Vice President will participate in a restricted bilateral meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana. This meeting at Jubilee House will be closed press. At 11:25 AM GMT, the Vice President will participate in an expanded bilateral meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana. This bilateral meeting at Jubilee House will have a pool spray at the top. At 12:40 PM GMT, the Vice President and President Akufo-Addo will hold a joint press conference. This joint press conference at Jubilee House will be open to pre-credentialed media. At 3:10 PM GMT, the Vice President will visit the Freedom Skate Park and Vibrate Space – a co-working space and community recording studio – to meet with local artists and entertainers. The tour of Vibrate Skate Park will be covered by an expanded pool and the engagement at Vibrate Space will have a pool spray at the top. At 7:30 PM GMT, the Vice President and Second Gentleman will attend a State Banquet hosted by President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo of Ghana. The arrival at the State Banquet at the Jubilee House will be pooled press. The State Banquet will have a pool spray at the top. And here's background from the White House: ON BACKGROUND FROM A WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL BILATERAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO OF GHANA The Vice President and President Akufo-Addo will discuss a range of global and regional issues including: democracy, good governance, and human rights; regional security; long-term economic growth and macroeconomic stability; and our work together on the UN Security Council. On democracy, good governance, and human rights, they will discuss efforts to stand up for democratic principles on the continent and our shared opposition to recent democratic backsliding. On regional security, they will discuss the Sahel and efforts to promote stability, including through new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts. On debt, the Vice President will re-affirm the U.S. position that all bilateral creditors should provide meaningful debt reduction and express support for Ghana's engagement with the IMF. They will also discuss efforts to support long term economic growth and increase U.S. private sector investment. The Vice President will thank President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in strengthening ties between Africa and the African Diaspora. VISIT TO VIBRATE SPACE Vibrate opened in 2022 in partnership with Kendrick Lamar's company pgLang, Spotify, and local sports NGO Surf Ghana. Vibrate aims to empower young people by equipping aspiring music entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to compete in the global music market. Additional background on Vibrate Space and Ghanian music industry:
STATE BANQUET |
| March 27, 2023 10:04 GMT |
VP supplemental pool 2 note correx Correction on the last pool note. The pool was brought to the Jubilee House at 9:49 am in advance of the VP. The VP is scheduled to arrive at 11:15 am. |
| March 27, 2023 12:05 GMT |
VP supplemental #3 bilat Vice President Harris' motorcade arrived at the Jubilee House compound at 11:01 am. As her motorcade parked, President Akufo-Addo came to the entrance of the building and said hello to his staffers. The VP's motorcade pulled up to a gate outside, where a red carpet stretched to the front door of the building. On either side of the red carpet stood what appeared to be an honor guard dressed in either red or blue formal uniforms, some playing drums and the US national anthem. Harris took time to shake the hands of members of the guard. Your pooler, in the press area just inside the entrance of the building, only had partial visibility of the ceremony outside. As President Akufo-Addo waited for Harris, a reporter asked what his message would be to the VP. He said they would talk about "all kinds of things." Asked if he thought the US was a good partner, he said "absolutely." He said he was looking forward to strengthening "those relations." The Vice President entered and walked passed gathered press at 11:12 and posed for photographs with the president. "And here I am," the Vice president said to President Akufo-Addo. "Very nice to meet you," the VP said to the First Lady of Ghana. Both the president of Ghana and the VP then shook hands with Ghanian and American staffers before entering their restricted bilat at 11:18. At 11:43 am, the VP and president of Ghana entered their extended bilateral. President Akufo-Addo spoke first. "We're delighted to have you here with us in Ghana," he said. He said Ghana values it's relationship with the United States. "We're looking forward to using this visit of yours as a springboard to renew these relationships and expand them" he said. He said they both need to collaborate on recovering from the pandemic and the effects of the "war in Europe." He also said the region suffered from security issues. "West Africa has become an area of instability," he said, specifically noting threats in Mali. On American investment, he said, "We always thought somehow or other we don't feature too strongly in the area of private investment in America. More and more American companies are interested in Ghana and we want that to be accepted," he said. Harris had shorter remarks. She said President Akufo-Addo had been "courageous about standing for democratic principles." "I thank you for the friendship you have offered to the United States," she said. Akufo-Addo did not answer a shouted question about the Wagner group in Burkina Faso. Otter below: Akufo-Addo: https://otter.ai/u/fsZcVzlbwGq98DwAPSAtQz5axXc Harris: |
| March 27, 2023 13:55 GMY |
VP Supplemental Pool #4 press briefing VP Harris and President Akufo-Addo entered the hall for their news conference at 1 PM. The press briefing was streamed on Cspan. It lasted 36 minutes. Note that the VP in her opening remarks announced a $100 million investment to support conflict prevention and stabilization efforts in Coastal West Africa. VP was first asked about the economic toll of war in Ukraine on U.S. -VP was then asked about why this visit about was more than competing with China. President Akufo-Addo was then asked what assurances the VP gave that made him feel this visit was about more than China. -VP was then asked about the responsibility powerful nations have to combat climate change. -VP was then asked what she has said to the president and what she will say to other African leaders about anti-gay legislation proposals or laws? -President Akufo-Addo was asked what more he needs to combat the Wagner group and if Al Qaeda is already operating in Ghana. The time on the briefing was 36 minutes. Here's a quote I didn't include in the last report from Akufo-Addo's opening remarks in the bilat (before the press briefing) on terrorists threats in the region: He went on to say a portion of Burkina Faso is "run by terrorists." It sounds like he said the north of the country but tough to hear the exact quote. Below you will also find background information from the bilateral: BILATERAL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO OF GHANA The Vice President and President Akufo-Addo will discuss a range of global and regional issues including: democracy, good governance, and human rights; regional security; long-term economic growth and macroeconomic stability; and our work together on the UN Security Council. On democracy, good governance, and human rights, they will discuss efforts to stand up for democratic principles on the continent and our shared opposition to recent democratic backsliding. On regional security, they will discuss the Sahel and efforts to promote stability, including through new U.S. funding for stabilization efforts. On debt, the Vice President will re-affirm the U.S. position that all bilateral creditors should provide meaningful debt reduction and express support for Ghana's engagement with the IMF. They will also discuss efforts to support long term economic growth and increase U.S. private sector investment. The Vice President will thank President Akufo-Addo for his leadership in strengthening ties between Africa and the African Diaspora. Updates:
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| March 27, 2023 16:16 GMT |
VP supplemental pool #5 skate park Vice President Harris left the RON at approximately 2:50 PM for her visit to the Freedom Skatepark. At 3:12 PM, Harris entered the park with the actor Sheryl Lee Ralph. A group of skateboarders rode in the park directly to their left. Harris was shown the art designs on the outside wall of Vibrate Space, a community recording studio for young creatives. Your pooler was then brought inside the indoor skate room of the Vibrate Space. A couple members of the center sat playing UNO. Harris then walked in with Ralph, as well as the actor Idris Alba. "They are working at the skate park everyday," one staff member told Harris. "So it's also an opportunity to create job opportunities." The staff member added the teenagers also learn accounting at the center. "We are all learning from scratch," the staff member told Harris. "Let us hope for the next generation in here." "Yes," Harris responded. Alba also nodded. Pool was then rushed out of the room and brought to the main area of Vibrate Space. Each of the Ghanaian artists in the room introduced themselves. Harris then began speaking. "For me to be able to come here during this trip on my first full day really is symbolic of the connection that we have as people and a nation," she said. "But the creative work that is happening on this continent, as represented by the work happening in Ghana, is extraordinary," she said. "What is happening here is changing the way people kind of enjoy themselves," a smiling Harris said as she gave a slight jig of the shoulders. "There is so much about our ability to receive music that is about receiving universal language," Harris said. "The work that's happening here is influencing and bringing joy to people around the world," she said. Harris then turned to Ralph, who sang "Endangered Species" to the room. "You must invest in yourself, in your art first," she then said. "And then you put it out into the world." Idris Alba then praised the local artists and the work in the center. We were then hustled out. We got to the RON at roughly 3:50 PM. Passing along background on the visit: Vice President Harris will visit Vibrate Space, a community recording studio for young creatives located at Freedom Skatepark in Accra, as part of her effort to engage directly with young people and highlight the dynamism and creativity taking place across the continent. There, she will tour the facility and meet with a group of musicians including up-and-coming artists that represent the new generation of West African entertainers. Her visit will spotlight the growing creative economy and underscore the strong links between our nation's artistic and diaspora communities. The Vice President will be joined by Actors Idris Elba and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Vibrate opened in 2022 in partnership with Kendrick Lamar's company pgLang, Spotify, and local sports NGO Surf Ghana. Vibrate aims to empower young people by equipping aspiring music entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to compete in the global music market. Additional background on Vibrate Space and Ghanian music industry:
UPDATE
Additional information on the artists the Vice President will meet: Black Sherif (Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong) is a Ghanaian singer and rapper. Black Sherif was born and raised in Konongo-Zongo, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. His nomadic lifestyle exposed him to multiple influences and different cultures at a very early age—including attending Islamic School growing up. He is a former student of the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) and is currently studying at the University of Ghana. Black Sherif began his career in 2019 and his breakthrough came in March 2022, with his single "Kwaku the Traveller". He then won the Best Hip Hop award at the Soundcity MVP Awards in February 2023 in Lagos. Sherif's music is a blend of highlife, reggae, and hip-hop, specifically UK drill. Amaarae (Ama Serwah Genfi) is a Ghanaian singer known for her work around representation of gender and race in music. In 2021 her song "Sad Girlz Luv Money" was remixed with a feature from Kali Uchis, and became a popular song on social media, streaming platforms, and charted globally. Amaarae was named one of Apple Music Africa's Favourite New Artists in April 2018 and later that year became an Apple Music Beats 1 featured artist for her debut project "Passionfruit Summers". She has also been acknowledged for her sense of style and featured in Vogue Magazine. Amaarae was born in Accra, Ghana but was raised in between the US and Ghana. Moses Sumney is a Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter. He was born in California and raised by pastor parents. Moving back and forth Ghana and the US, He described his childhood as "Americanized" and had difficulty adjusting to the culture of Ghana—in which he grew up in a rural goat farm. He attended the University of California, Los Angeles and majored in creative writing, studying poetry. When he broke in the LA music scene, labels tried to conform him into a certain image he did not agree with. His first full album, Aromanticism (2017) was names one of the best albums of 2017 and received acclaim from Rolling Stone, The Guardian, and The NYT. Several songs from the album have been featured in the soundtracks of various television shows. Sumney himself has played in different shows and appeared in the movie "Creed"—working on the soundtrack as well. Baaba J is a recent Ghanian artist and started making professional music 3 years ago. She performs in English, Pidgin, and Ga, weaving messages that celebrate individuality, originality, and freedom. She wants to show people that they can be "unconventional but still reach their goals". She has written music about police brutality—a problem she mentions is placing the whole world: Africa, US, and the UK and her experiences growing up in Ghana. She has performed at Accra Indie Film Festival, The Crusade, and The MiM Life Concert. She grew up in Tema—a small city in Ghana. Mensa Ansah, better known as M3NSA is a British Ghanaian producer, composer, rapper, singer and filmmaker. M3NSA's career began as a member of The Lifeline Family, a rap group he founded. Known for his recognizable sound and instinctual storytelling, he has grown into an international sensation through the years because of his ability to navigate different languages, cultures, and art expressions. As a music artist, M3NSA has toured with musicians such as the Wu-Tang Clan, and The Roots. He has also served as a producer for various Ghanaian musicians, some of which include Samini, KK Fosu, Obour and Tic Tac. Joey B (Darryl Bannerman-Martin), is an award winning Ghanaian musician who has been active in the music industry for over a decade. He is well known for his fusion of hip-hop and highlife, which has established him as one of the leading voices on the Ghanaian music scene. Born in Cape Coast, Ghana, he began writing music at the age of six. He has collaborated with artists such as Sarkodie, EL, Fuse ODG, Edem, and produced many hit songs such as "Tong", "Pinch mah Nips", and "Strawberry". He was nominated the Hip-life/Hiphop Artist of the Year at the 2021 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. Ria Boss (Maria Emmanuelle Grace Bossman-Damiba) is a Ghanaian-Burkinabe R&B/Soul female vocalist and songwriter who was born in London and raised in Ghana. She was "self-made" in 2012 and releasing songs actively since 2017. When she was younger, she took piano lessons and started singing later in Harlem, NYC—influenced by neo-soul sounds. Her songs encourage uncovering emotional honesty and her one song "Find Your Free" was an open love letter to African women. THE MASKED DJ (TMSKD DJ or Michelle Nana Adwoa Agyakomah Yeboah) is an electronic/African dance music DJ based in Accra, Ghana. She is one of the few disc jockeys in Ghana and has a versatile skill set of introducing and fusing alternative sounds in her live performances. She decided to wear a mask in 2015 to highlight her craft as a DJ because most audiences focus on her gender rather than her skills. Her platform FEMME VIBES BRAND showcases female DJs every year during Women's Month. Poetra (Ama Asantewa Diaka) is a young Ghanian artist living between Ghana and the United States. She defines herself as a "storyteller" and is known to the media as a "creative powerhouse". Her debut collection of poems in her anthology/book "Woman, Eat Me Whole" explores womanhood, the body—and perceptions of beauty, metal illness, and what it means to move between cultures. These themes of self-acceptance and mental health are also found in her music and other poetry. She is the founder and director of the NGO Black Girls Glow— "an initiative to foster collaborations among women artists and explore ways that art can build community." She completed her undergraduate degree in Business information Systems and working in the corporate technology business which informed her transition into the arts. All My Cousins All My Cousins is a group of six creatives, including singers, a DJ, photographer, filmmaker, and a producer. The group is about friends or "cousins" coming together to discuss, connect, and co-create, supporting each other in individual and group artistic endeavors. The group recently worked with U.S. hat brand New Era to produce the short documentary on Vibrate Studio. Three music-focused members of the collective– Ansah Live, Narah, and Cozy, will attend on behalf of the group. |
| March 27, 2023 16:24 GMT |
Vp supplemental pool #6 Idris ELBA To make up for spelling Idris Elba's name incorrectly in the previous pool report, here is an otter of a gaggle he did with the pool. "Of course," he said when asked if VP would make a good president. |
| March 27, 2023 19:31 GMT |
VP supplemental pool #7 state dinner arrival The Vice President and Second Gentleman walked into the Jubilee House at 7:12 PM for the State Banquet. Wearing a white dress, Ms. Harris shook hands with President Akufo-Addo and told him she noticed the red, white and blue decorations outside. SG Doug Emhoff told the First Lady of Ghana it was "good to see you again." As VP Harris and President Akufo-Addo walked to the dinner, your pooler overheard her tell the president, "it's a beautiful evening." Pool is now holding. Below find background on the banquet: Additional information on the dinner tonight below, including the full expected guest list. On background from a White House Official: Tonight, the Vice President and Second Gentleman will attend a State Banquet hosted by President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo of Ghana. The banquet will bring together prominent members of the African diaspora and individuals from Ghana. This banquet advances the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to strengthen ties between our people in recognition of our longstanding bonds. ++++ This evening, Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman will attend a State Banquet hosted by President Akufo-Addo and First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo of Ghana. |
| March 27, 2023 21:39 GMY |
VP supplemental pool #8 state banquet toast and comment on Tennessee The state banquet was held under a tent on the grounds of the Jubilee House. White curtains draped the sides of the hall. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Guests in tuxedos, traditional attire and gowns sat on white chairs at long dining tables stretched across the room. A band played at the back of the room. At the front, a head table was behind a lectern. Officials in suits and traditional attire sat behind the candlelit table. At 8 PM, many of the vice presidents staffers entered the hall, along with Black American civil rights leaders, activists and celebrities. At 8:08 PM, the Vice President and President Akufo-Addo entered the state banquet. They were trailed by the Second Gentleman and First Lady of Ghana. The leaders took their seats and were introduced by a moderator. President Akufo-Addo was the first to speak. He stepped to the lectern and welcomed the VP and her staff. "She was elected the vice president of the United States of America," he said. "The first female and the first person of African and Asian descent to occupy that office." The crowd broke in applause. "My hope is that our two nations and peoples will continue to deepen the bonds of friendship and collaboration between us," the president said, adding that both Ghana and the United States were committed to democratic values and human rights. He then tacked through the history of U.S. politicians and civil rights leaders who visited Ghana, including Martin Luther King Jr. He talked about how President Clinton visited in 1998, President Bush visited in 2008 and President Obama. He also noted President Trump's "failure" to visit, prompting laughs from the crowd. He said he hoped President Biden would resume the tradition. "We're encouraged by the fact more United States companies are looking to invest in Ghana," he said. He also said the VP's honorary Ghanaian name would be "Abena," meaning one who is born on Tuesday. He spoke for roughly 20 minutes. The VP then gave her toast. She began by commenting on the shooting in Tennessee. "We don't have all the details yet," Harris said. "We do know that because of this terrible act of violence, parents have lost children, families have lost loved ones and this community has been changed forever. To the people of Nashville, please know we are thinking of you. You are in our prayers." Shen then moved on to her toast. She spoke for about 10 minutes. "You take great joy in reminding us all that where we come from should always bid a glorious vision of where ultimately can be," Harris said. She said members of the diaspora from all over the world have traveled to Ghana to learn about their history and the legacy of slavery. "President Joe Biden and I are committed to celebrating and strengthening the longstanding ties that connect our people and our nation. These ties are a source of pride," she said. She said it's been an honor to work with Afuko-Addo. We were led out at roughly 8:45 PM. |
Kamala Harris, Vice Presidential Pool Reports of March 27, 2023 Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/360364