1. Short title This Act may be cited as the African Descent Affairs Act of 2017 . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) The struggle to end discrimination against people of African descent is a global challenge, and one that is central to the United States commitment to human rights. (2) Targeted exclusion, violence, and discrimination against people of African descent continues around the world. (3) Issues range from the fight for ancestral lands in Latin America, hate crimes resulting in injury and death in Europe, to profiling and excessive use of force by law enforcement in the United States, and continuing global disparities in health, education, employment, housing, and other sectors. (4) It is imperative that the world actively address the vestiges of slavery and colonialism that have long hindered racial equality and justice and prevented the recognition of the important contributions of people of African descent to the world. (5) The International Decade for People of African Descent, from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2025, offers an opportunity to address these issues domestically and globally through coordinated government and civil society strategies, that include the private sector. 3. Activities of the Department of State (a) Office of global african descent affairs Title I of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 ( 22 U.S.C. 2651a et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 64. Office of Global African Descent Affairs (a) Establishment of office Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of State shall establish within the Department of State an Office of Global African Descent Affairs (in this section referred to as the Office ) in the Bureau of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. (b) Head of office (1) In general The head of the Office shall be the Director and Special Advisor to the Secretary on Global African Descent Affairs (in this section referred to as the Special Advisor ). (2) Appointment The