Harnessing the Power  of 
Continental Africa Diaspora
Saturday February 22, 2014: 7:00pm to 11pm
Dine and Wine with the Lyta Boys Performance

Venue: Nyumburu Cultural Center, University of Maryland
By Organizational and Patron Sponsorship
Catered Buffet Dinner: Only $10.00
Dear Continental African Leaders, Group Representatives  and Supporters of African Self-Empowerment.
 
The Legacy Kick-Off

Y
ou
 are invited to the unprecedented initiative to define the and shape developments that affect the quality of life of Continental Africa Diasporans and their vital contributions toward the development of Africa through hometown, alumni associations, African organizations, and professional expertise.
  
 

The African Union, World Bank and other global, external institutions recognize the power of Continental Africa Diaspora. The polices and legacy projects, which the African Union created with foreign partners are hardly known in the Continental African community. However, the the legacy projects are mostly based on the laudable contributions and commitment of the transnational Continental Africa Diaspora community that maintains unbroken ties in Africa.
 
Your leadership presence and participations will help to redress: 1) the exclusion of Continental Africa Diaspora in the decision-making process; 2)  harness the unique power of Continental Africa Diaspora in order to shape and implement self-reliant solutions; 3) create mutual partnerships to facilitate working  relationship with the African Union and respective African nations, and also with global institutions on African development and advocacy.

Improved macroeconomic policies across Africa
Improved macroeconomic policies across Africa
 
Home-town, cultural, alumni associations, indigenous African organizations and professional experts and networks are contributing to improve growth and opportunities in Africa. 
 
The contributions and priority on African expertise (brain gain and circulation) over foreign dependencies are not yet reflected in policies and the decision-making process by African Union governments and global institutions. Information on  Continental Africa Diaspora contributions is also vital UN Millennium Goals.
 
 
The agenda on February 22, 2014 will showcase the unique role of Continental Africa Diaspora through:
 
1) Model programs undertaken by indigenous organizations, which include 
education, health, youth, women/Girl Child, and macroeconomic projects.
2) Exemplary brain gain and circulation by inclusive African organizations.
3) Working Dual Citizenship for Self-Reliant Africa.
4) The Transnational Continental African Identity in the Diaspora and its global, cultural influence.
5) The Banking Remittance Question: How to Proceed with Continental Africa Diaspora's Monies.
 
 
The model programs and African solutions are  prototypes that will be presented to the African Union in initiating working partnerships.
 
In Conversation With Richard Cambridge, Head of Diaspora Relations, Africa Region | The World Bank
In Conversation With Richard Cambridge, Head of Diaspora Relations, Africa Region | The World Bank
While the  theoretical concept of Africa Diaspora includes all black people living outside Africa, it has proved to be an impractical definition  for stakeholder development and from realistic perspectives. 
 
The African Union approach is now specific with a focus on its emigre community, which clarifies obvious confusionBut this does not undermine the interests and support of African American leadership organizations or generic black groups without immigrant ties. The Partnerships are complementary in economic exchange and  advocacy directed at the US Congress, the World Bank and other global institutions. 
 
African Regional groups are also reaching out. For example, the ECOWAS Region held its 2nd Annual ECOWAS Diaspora Forum in October 2013 with ECOWAS Ambassadors in the US and the ECOWAS Commissioner, Mr. Kadre Desire Ouedraogo (from Benin). The event took place at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, DC.
 
This eNewsletter gives you ample information to help in understanding the perspectives.
Through the features highlighted, including video clips, we explore various themes. 
 
There are also fun elements like the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, Africa has Musical Genes, etc. Yes, you will have the essence of the Tribute to Madiba. And don't you love the civic courage of the Africans in Israel?
 
Finally, we are happy to note that the Continental African community is coming together as a population to be reckoned with.

Tap the African Community Bootstrap

The phrase "Pull by the Bootstrap" describes self-determining efforts. The Continental African population in the US constitutes a new and emerging American community that is hardly funded compared to the assistance received by other transnational, immigrant communities like the Hispanic, Asians and Jews.
African Institute for Remittances
African Institute for Remittances

In February 2014, the African Union voted to launch the AIR in 2015 to be hosted in Kenya.

The Question on the Agenda:
 How is AIR manage? Can Continental Africa Diaspora Africa Manage Remittances and how can the African Union facilitate without dependencies on external institutions?

 
The transnational population with unbroken ties to the Continent contributes an estimated $120 billion in annual resources in Africa, which surpasses foreign aid. 
 
The $53 -60 billion in remittances through known entities like Money Gram, Western Union, which the World Bank uses in its reporting  is only half the story, which researchers admit. In July 2013, the Chairperson of the African Union indicated that 17% of foreign project investments come from Africans to Africa....surprise, surprise! Recently, the African Diaspora Bond for Africa's development is being explored with case studies. 
 
The direct remittances sustain families and redress poverty. What have not been researched and sensitized are project-based contributions undertaken by home-based cultural organizations, alumni and student associations that range from education, including scholarships; social infrastructure developments such as clean water; health facilities  to micro enterprises. 
 
What Africa must do 2 claim d 21st Century
What Africa must do to claim the 21st Century
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigerian Minister of Finance and  Coordinating Minister of Economic Development, Former Managing Director, World Bank.  
She is a pioneer! Here she talks about the other Africa, the one neglected by the global media. 
 
Want to help Africa? Do business here - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Want to help Africa? Do business here - Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
 
Last year, the accomplished Africanist concluded that Rebuilding Africa  cannot be dependent on donors: Read.

We hope we have given you enough information in this Edition of The VIGOR eNewletter  on the Whys and Whats. We trust you, the organizations and leaders, can provide the empowering Hows for the African Renaissance.
 

The Vibrancy of the Community

Continental Africans constitute the most educated American population based on US Census. Even though local public jurisdictions are yet to level the playing field with equitable resources, the cultural  assets and resilience explain the brilliance of social cohesion and networks in the Continental African community. You have to be a participant observer to get it! Social Service people call it "hard to reach."  But it is within reach by population.

Mutual aid associations serve as safety nets and social spring. Most are hometown, alumni and students associations. Recently, the Southern African community championed a  new pattern in regional formations. 
 
Hey, let's have some fun with the Southern African Community
 inside the Beltway in Washington Metro Area.....say hello:

Southern African Community U.S.A.
Southern African Community U.S.A.

The most common groups are memberships entities. The mistake often made by public officials is that a national group covers everyone. They represents various segments of a national population.

Below is Tamrat Medhin of Little Ethiopia. Tamrat won the PanAfricanist Award bestowed by the DC Mayor's Office on African Affairs in 2013.
v009
Tamrat, introduced by Ms Evelyn Joe,  known as "MsJoe" at the Mandela-King Banquet on Oct. 11, 2013.


From grade schools to colleges, African immigrant students and students whose parents or family trace the origin to migration from Africa are proudly upholding the culture and unbroken connection to Africa. They are members of African Students Associations or Clubs.  Let us use these examples:

University of West Virginia:
Visit with African Student Association in UWV: Enter



University of Maryland, College Park: Enter
                             Baltimore Campus: Enter

With the growing population, community-based organizations are addressing quality of life necessities such as health and social services, economic and civic developments that cannot be feasibly done by national, cultural, alumni or student groups. Community-based organizations are new and few. It takes daily operational expenses needed to execute a community-based program. Let's learn from the African Immigrant and Refugee Foundation.

Local Students Attend African Immigrant and Refugee Conference
Local Students Attend African Immigrant and Refugee Conference

We hope you had some fun and proud moments with samples of organizations that shape the dynamics and social networks in the Continental African community.

Yes, the Better Africa that the Media Don't Tell. 

Not all is doom and gloom in Africa. You name it, African will show you. Africa  ranks its best cities and you may comment: 10 Best Livable Cities in Africa

Just like beauty queens winners are not necessarily the most beautiful,  Africa has lots of cities that can make the tops and people are arguing about the finest....that were not mentioned. 




Africa can compete.....Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, South Africa puts any in its genre around the world to distant seconds. Go to Africa's  Kingdom of Pleasure: Enter


In this e-Newsletter
The Billion Dollar Call: The Remittance and African Bootstrapism
Vibrancy: The Thriving Social Cohesion and Networks in the Community
The Africa the Media Don't Tell
Mandela Lives: Honoring His Life and Legacy in Pictures
White House US-Africa Summit
Quick Links


Lyta boys
Lyta boys
"We go represent" dance'
Yes, meet Lyta Boys on
February 22 for the Legacy


Presenting
 Vote of Thanks
Mandela Lives! 
Through His Legacy
Mrs Eunice Urama of Exclusive Ladies of Enugu State Association Walks to the Podium: December 22, 2013






His Royal Highness 
King Tossoh Gbaguidi X111
of Benin presided at the Mandela-King Award Banquet.
v007
African organizations and African volunteers are partnering for Medical Missions to various parts of Africa
The minds behind Medical Missions to Africa
The minds behind Medical Missions to Africa



Relindis Oyebog Moffor with Angels of Mercy: Press


Africa's Secret Weapon: The Diaspora

"African Development Project (ADP) of the World Bank seeks to further enable and enhance the human and financial capital contributions of African Diasporas to the economic development of their home countries. 

 

The program was launched in September 2007 and focuses on strengthening policy, financial, and human capital development in Africa through a portfolio of activities and support in partnership with the African Union (AU), partner countries, partner donors, and African Diaspora Professional Networks and Hometown Associations."

 

We have to revisit the conversation to truly include the larger segment of Hometown Associations that have no idea of the ADP.

 




Breast Cancer Awareness
African Women Cancer Awareness is undertaking missions to Africa

 
 
Read More on African Union Outreach: Click
 
Read More on African Institute of Remittances: Click

 

Beyond Remittances, governments  have been discussing the Africa Diaspora n Bond: Click
 
 

 

  Binta Terrier of PLAD brings sense and sensibility to the issues: Energy and Land.
Click: Binta
 
 
AFRICAN YOUTH CONFERENCE LAUNCHED IN ACCRA x264
AFRICAN YOUTH CONFERENCE LAUNCHED IN ACCRA 2013


 African African Agriculture Needs Trade; Not Aid

 Read

 

Dambisa Moyo on why aid to Africa has been a disaster.  full
Dambisa Moyo on why aid to Africa has been a disaster
 
 
There are Silver Linings. 
Africa's Growth is Ahead of other Regions: Read
 
 
 
Anthem of the African Union (English version)
Anthem of the African Union (English version)
 
 
Whats Brewing  


 
Organic & African Coffee
 For Your Taste and Toast!



Got Musical and Showmanship Genes?
East Africans on the Continent are up to it with a hilt. The Tucker Project Fame is in its  6th season. We randomly chose the Fourth Season with winner Davis Ntare from Uganda. He won the season after an electric performance: Muzina by Tabu Ley Rochereau
in the last video.

TPF4 duets Aneth&Davis-closer i get to you.wmv
Aneth and Davis
TPF4 duets Davis&Gaga-am your angel.wmv
Gaga and Davis
Davis with Muzina in TPF4
Davis on Muzina 
Where is Davis now?
Connect with on: Facebook


  

Some Land Mark Dates in Vision 2014

 

International Women's Month. 
Conference and Gala 
 
Theme: 
The Essence of Holistic Education in the Global Age.
 Friday March 28 and Saturday March 28
Heard of Educational Mission to Africa?
 
Usher in Summer with the Socially Responsible Philanthropic Entrepreneurs:
Bob and Yvonne Takusi
Kelly Weddings & Decor 2012 Showcase
Kelly Weddings & Decor
 June  7, 2014
  
African Liberation Day:
Saluting the Founders' Symposium and
Dinner:  Saturday May 24

Day of the African Child
June 16
 
Rock the African Land Concert:
 Papa's Land is not for Grab
Saturday, September 27

The Second Mandela-King Banquet Awards
Saturday, October 11

September is 
African Heritage Month

Special thanks to Christophe Hazoume

of the USDiaspora Media who has proved to be a socially responsible and  reliable source of African news coverage. Click 
About You, Tell Us 

Send information about the accomplishments, sometimes over coffee.





Patronize African Brand



 Send information to 
 

In Pictures: Honoring the Life and Legacy of the
 Iconic Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

He Lives!

When We Exemplify His Ideals In Community Empowerment 



 

We bring you cross sections of participants at the Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Iconic Mandela by the members of Continental African Community on December 22, 2013. The event was coordinated by Caslight. 


The delicious dinner in the splendor of the dining room downstairs was sponsored by community leaders. Let me just mention the African men: The Vice President of Urban Parking Management and Ethiopian Markets: Mohammed Mohammed (yes that is the name) provided bud tempting Ethiopian Cuisine and Soda. Check the recipe for Ethiopian Ambasha


 The mouth watering Dabo Kolo requires all self-respecting African women to do cookery to keep the continent healthy and happy. SMILE.

The Master of Ceremonies, Athanis Kadjemes, President of a branch of the Nde Association in the Cameroon community rose above the call of hospitality and sponsored the program with  food from Central and West Africa. 

After a delicious super, participants moved upstairs for the program, which opened with an uplifting prayer eloquently delivered by Pastor Theresa Ofong from Sierra Leone. Not everyone was captured in the cameras and we certainly cannot post all the pictures. However, the few pictures will do.
 
Many lessons were drawn from the inspiring life of the Icon. Presenters recalled that African nations supported Mandela and the ANC, including providing passports as they traveled and evaded detection. This African solidarity was highlighted by Tanzanian President Kikwete at the funeral of Madiba on December 15 2013 in South Africa.Watch the video below. This explains why Madiba remains the Father to all Africa and why Africa Diaspora members, as an inclusive community,  came together with Friends of Africa to celebrate Mandela's virtues on December 22, 2013.
 
Thanks to the "African without Barriers" who, within 10 days, organized and/or attended and rendered a substantive and successful program in honor of the Icon.  You came and the rest is Legacy!
Kikwete pays tribute to Madiba
President Kikwete pays tribute to Madiba
 
 
Brother Cliff, Director of the Sixth Region Caucus, Maryland, gave a thematic, timeline power  presentation that took the rapt audience through Mandela's legacies.  
 
In Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom we continue the walk by overcoming challenges to freedom. Africa is not free if her lands are being grabbed. Binta Terrier, a native of Guinea and founder of Partnership League for Africa's Development, called for action. The sensitizing concert is on September 27, 2014 at the Constitutional Hall in Washington, DC.
 

     

" His Day is Done. "
Members of the Exclusive Ladies of Enugu State Association (ELOSEA) recited the 
 Poem  by Maya Angelou in Tribute to Nelson Mandela.

His Day is Done - A Tribute Poem for Nelson Mandela by Dr. Maya Angelou
His Day is Done - A Tribute Poem for Nelson Mandela by Dr. Maya Angelou
Portrait of Leadership: African Men
 In hat is the personal body guard of Emperor Haile Selasie bringing enriching history to the program.


Reverend Lennox Abrigo, President, National Action Network (NAN) Washington, DC Chapter gave a a resounding and interactive Keynote address on today's lesson from Mandela's virtues. 
In appreciative moods, participants looked into the eyes of the next person, promising to "have their back" in other words. MsJoe (right and sitting) listening and nodding.
The Reverend Al Sharpton is the Founder and National President of the National Action Network. 
Mr. Jesse Morrow Human Rights Director of the Church of Scientology, called attention to proven  community-based programs that improve quality of life in communities and cited  

the work of Nelson Mandela in promoting an equitable society. 

 
 Marie Mimko from the Gabonese Community delivered a call to equality in development, as exemplified by Madiba.
 

 Ethiopian Sister cheers on!
 
Dr. Stanley Onye (right), Candidate for the Prince George's District 25 for Delegate to the Maryland House of Assembly called for civic awakening in upholding Mandela's legacy.
Russ Campell, Chairman, Human Rights Commission, Montgomery County, was back! He gave a rousing introduction of the Honorable George Leventhal,Vice President of Montgomery County Council and Chairperson of the Heath and Human Service Committee.
 
 The Honorable George Leventhal gave the Keynote Response to the Community, calling on engagements between the community and policy makers in order to improve conditions for all.
 
 Mrs. Eunice Urama, President Emeritus of ELOSEA 
 Mrs Urama aka Ada Jesus gave the Vote of Thanks and a passionate call to promote Mandela's passion for Education as exemplified by ELOSEA's program.
 
 Councilman Edouard Haba, the first elected public officer of African immigrant background in the Washington Metropolitan area. 
Councilman Haba, City of Hyattsville, Maryland gave the closing remarks. Yes, Public Service enables the Long Walk to Freedom as we celebrate the Live and Legacy of Iconic Mandela.

bbbbbbb
Flash Back: Mr. Edwin Udenkwo, first elected President of the Multicultural Alliance of Prince George's County introduced Councilman Edouard Haba who received the Valor Award at the Mandela-King Banquet from HRH King Tossoh Gbaguidi X111of  Benin.
Yes, Mr. Udenkwo and the Prince George's Delegation were back on December 22, 2013 to honor the Life and Legacy of Mandela.

 

 
The stylish presence and substantive content of Exclusive Ladies of Enugu State Association, Inc (ELOSEA) captured the versality of the African Woman. The Iconic Mandela called equity for the African Woman.

From left sitting: Evelyn Joe (invited to the pic)  the Vice President of ELOSEA,  Mrs.  Ngozi Eze;  President Emeritus Mrs. Eunice Urama; and Mr. Tamrat Medhin of Little Ethiopia (could not miss out, smile); and Madam Secretary, Mrs Iffy Amadi-Davis.
 
From Left to Right (Standing): Chief Emmanuel Osakwe,. Mrs. Helen Nnadi,. Mrs. Mary Madu, Hon. Mrs. Ada Nora Aninta, Hon. Mrs. Theresa Orah(ELOESA President), The Honorable George Leventhal of Montgomery County, Dr. Mrs. Felicia Edoga,  Hon. Mrs. Nkechi Osakwe, Hon. Stella Attah.




Madam Vice President Ngozi: The megawatt smile says it all:
The inclusive Continental African Tribute to the Life and Legacy of the Iconic Nelson Mandela was a befitting success. This landmark event  testifies to the unifying glory of 
Madiba: A Son of Africa and Leader Without Borders.

Africans in the Diaspora are coming to terms with the loss of Mandela

The US - African Summit on August 5 and 6, 2014: Read

 

  Thank You for Reading this Edition of The Vigor, a researched medium for your reading and entertaining pleasures
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