Passport to Africa: Honoring Ambassador William Lacy Swing

Passport to Africa: Honoring Ambassador William Lacy Swing

Come join us at the Coral Gables Museum for an unforgettable evening celebrating the remarkable contributions of Ambassador William Lacy Swing. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Africa through music, dance, and cuisine. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember as we honor Ambassador Swing's dedication to fostering international relations. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of Africa right here in Coral Gables!

Over four decades, William Lacy Swing (1934-2021) served in six United States Ambassadorial postings, in Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria, Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo before retiring from the US Foreign Service in 2001 and embarking on a second career with the United Nations (UN). Mr. Swing served as UN Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in Western Sahara (2001-2003) and the DRC (2003-2008). He was elected Director General of International Organization for Migration (IOM) in 2008, steering this organization for the next decade through its greatest period of expansion since its foundation in 1951. Under Mr. Swing’s stewardship, IOM grew into an agency with an annual operating budget of an estimated USD1.5 billion and more than 10,000 staff working in over 150 countries worldwide.

Ambassador Swing collected African and Haitian Art, both traditional and contemporary. His widow, Mrs. Yuen Swing has generously donated a selection of masks and passports from the Swing Collection to Coral Gables Museum. These precious objects inaugurate the African art Collection in our Permanent Collection.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Coral Gables Museum, 285 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, United States