Barack Obama with Shakira in Colombia

Barack Obama checking out Shakira’s butt

Obama in Colombia:

Before leaving Colombia, President Obama spent some time with the people of Cartagena, participating in a cultural event to recognize the historically marginalized Afro-Colombian communities and to grant the descendents of slaves the formal title to their land.

“This a historic day, decades, even centuries in the making,” Obama said. “For generations many of you have lived on these lands, toiled these lands, raised your families on these lands and now, from this day forward, you will at long-last hold title to this land.”

Standing alongside President Santos of Colombia and singer Shakira in the Plaza de San Pedro, Obama reflected on his own ancestry.

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The United States has allocated $61 million to improve the quality of life in predominantly indigenous communities and provide support to Colombia’s land restitution efforts.

“Giving you and so many Afro-Colombian communities title to this land is part of ending this nation’s long conflict,” Obama explained. “It gives you a new stake in a new Colombia. Not far from here your ancestors were brought and sold. Going forward, Colombia can realize its full potential by empowering all of its people, no matter what you like or where you come from.”

Shakira, who has a foundation that runs early childhood programs in the communities, introduced the event, but did not showcase her famous singing voice. The president spoke before a group of rather rambunctious children enrolled in her program, but praised their patience nonetheless.

“I am especially thankful to all the children because they are sitting very still and well-behaved and I want to get lessons for my own children from the parents and teachers,” he said, as the children continued to squirm.

Obama/Shakira 2012

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