NEW YORK – American and Hollywood Actress/Singer Mary Millben will perform virtually for the 2021 Chinese New Year Celebration hosted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States. Millben will share formal greetings to China and the Chinese people, followed by a special performance Wednesday, February 10th, 2021 at 8PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
“I send my warmth and greetings to His Excellency, President Xi Jinping and First Lady Peng Liyuan. I want to thank my good friend His Excellency, Ambassador Cui Tiankai for the thoughtful and warm invitation to be a part of this year’s Chinese New Year Celebration – the Year of the Ox! A new year brings the energy of spring, joy, hope, and love of friendship. From studying abroad and living in China during college, to performing the Chinese National Anthem several years ago in celebration of U.S.-China relations, to now with you today – I have called China and the Chinese people my friends for many years. And how much I love the rich culture of China.
Friendship through culture is beautiful and a proven approach to peace building. The more we understand the culture, history, religion and overall essence of a person and community, the more peace can exist. Our times call for us to all be ambassadors of peace and patient with each other as we learn to navigate through the challenges of our new year. As we celebrate this new year of the Ox, I look to the strength in the partnership and friendship the U.S. and China have shared over decades. May this celebration remind us of our commonalities, the values we share, and our mutual hope for better days ahead.
Niu Nian Da Ji - best luck in the new year of the Ox! May God continue to bless you and your family in this New Year. May God bless my beloved United States of America, and may God bless your homeland forever,” Millben shares.
Mary Millben is one of the world’s new celebrated voices having performed for three consecutive U.S. Presidents (President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, and President Donald Trump), international royalty, and world leaders. In addition, Millben has been featured at The White House, the United States Congress, the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), 2016 RIO Olympic Ceremony for Team USA Fencing, Off-Broadway, and in concert halls worldwide. A career rooted in cultural diplomacy, Mary has become a global voice in promoting peace and friendship through cultural engagement, and using music as a tool to unite and heal the world.
In 2019, Millben made history performing for the 40th Anniversary of U.S.-China Student Exchanges at The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Washington, D.C. - becoming the first American and African-American artist to perform the American National Anthem and the Chinese National Anthem (in Chinese) at The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in D.C. Hosted by The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in coordination with The U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Student exchanges opened a new chapter for the U.S.-China relationship, and its relationship deepened through student exchange and cultural understanding. Millben values student exchanges having personally studied in China - Xian University, Yunnan University (Kunming), Peking University (Beijing), and Fudan University (Shanghai) - as a part of the University of Oklahoma (OU) Journey to China 2006 summer exchange program.
“China has a special place in my heart. I have such fond memories studying in China as an exchange student. It was a life-changing experience and a key contributor to why I advocate for students to study abroad today. Student exchanges and investing in such programs will birth generations who value global citizenry. Now as an American artist, I value the unique and significant role I can play in strengthening international relationships with a global platform. I understand the important relationship shared between the U.S and China - through my experiences in American politics and having lived briefly in China. I thank His Excellency, Ambassador Cui for the kind invitation to perform. I look forward to supporting President Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken in helping strengthen U.S.-China ties through the avenue of cultural diplomacy,” Millben shares.
Millben is a former White House presidential appointee to President George W. Bush and Global Ambassador for Education Africa.
