A Trans Africa Forum delegation currently visiting Venezuela has praised the Venezuelan government for its education and social programs in favor of the poorer sectors of society. 

• The USA African-American delegation headed by Bill Fletcher Jr. has inaugurated a Bolivarian School in Veroes (Yaracuy)  to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. 

Speaking at the Andresote Community Center where President Hugo Chavez Frias held his Sunday radio address, Fletcher reminded the President that Martin Luther King caused problems and conflicts in the USA and felt more comfortable among the poor than the rich. 

• Venezuelan African slave, Andresote led the first rebellion consisting of Africans, indians and mestizos against Spanish rule in the early years of the colonial period. 

Actor Danny Glover says it has been an honor to be in Venezuela, to get to know Venezuelans and to be hosted by black Education, Culture & Sports (MECD)  Minister, Aristobulo Isturiz, who recalled the many times he has been politically insulted in racial terms. 

Making a connection, Glover says Martin Luther King understood the importance of education and is happy that the Bolivarian school will be named after the great man ... "we have to fight for the poor in the entire world whether they be black, white or any color." 

The Black Americans' visit to Venezuela has raised controversy and created a somewhat irrational response among opposition sectors that deny the existence of racism in Venezuela, accusing the Venezuelan President of artificially whipping up non-existent racial tensions and hatred. 

Analysts suggest that it is time for Afro-Venezuelans ... such as Barlovento-based and Unesco-sponsored, Jesus Chucho Garcia ... and other domestic black experts to speak out on the matter and place the debate on a more equal footing.