Harnessing the Power of Continental Africa Diaspora for African Solutions with Continental African African Network Diaspora Organizations.

Saturday March 29, 2014: 4:00pm to 9pm

Venue: Courtesy the Embassy of Nigeria

"The Giant of Africa"

3519 International Drive, NW, Washington, DC 2008

H.E. Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador

Musical Concert by Lyta Boys

Registration with Catered African Buffet: $11.24

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Dear Leaders and Members of the

Five Regions in Africa:

ECOWAS
(West) EAC (East); SADC (South); CEMAC (Central); Maghreb (North) and Supporters of African Self-Empowerment:

The first of its kind, you are invited to the LEGACY Kick-off: Harnessing the Power of Continental Africa Diaspora. The question is not how to contribute because Continental Africa Diaspora is contributing in more ways than officially known. This maiden program will demonstrate the vital contributions Continental Africa Diaspora has made and lay effective foundations for continued, pivotal engagements. The outcomes will be shared with the African Union Commission to foster Africa's self-reliance.

Background of the Program

African Union, World Bank and other global institutions recognize the enormous contributions and potentials of Continental Africa Diaspora in African Development. Information on Remittances and other estimates were used to create the

African Union - Diaspora

L

egacy Projects. However, the primary stakeholder producing community, Continental Africa Diaspora, was not informed of the process. There is no systemic approach to prioritize of expertise of African professionals and indigenous organizations in African Development.

The articulated goals of the program are: 1) highlight the unique strengths and contributions of Continental Africa in African development, which surpass foreign aid; 2) provide critical information to community stakeholders on the AU - Diaspora Legacy Projects and their impacts; 3) develop proactive and constructive working relationships between Continental Africa Diaspora and the Office of the African Union Ambassador to the United States, African Embassies, and African Union; 4) create sustainable foundations for partnerships.

The impact objectives: 1) identify indigenous networks to enhance communication and collaboration among organizations in order to maximize resources for common outcomes; 2) enhance community knowledge on the five AU - Diaspora Legacy Projects; 3) improve reliable avenues to a) inform African governments and the African Union Commission on available African expertise, accomplishments of hometown, alumni and professional groups in order to leverage the resourcefulness for African development b) receive timely information from African governments and the African Union, c) facilitate mutual engagements between the African Union Commission, the five inter-governmental regions and their members in the Diaspora.

See the action for solutions agenda below:

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 Defining Innovative and Interactive Agenda

1) Your Money in Remittances - Inform the Producer Hour:

Dr. Chika Onyeani, the former Chairperson of the African Union Diaspora Task Team and a host of African experts on money and banking will provide an interactive insights on one of the five Legacy Projects: African Institute for Remittances.

African Institute for Remittances (AIR)
To be Launched in 2015 and hosted in Kenya.

What is AIR? How did it come about? What are the concerns and confusion? How can any drawback be redressed? How can Africa self-manage the process and leverage the cited benefits? You can download the official African Union is document attached. Click

If you an African expert on the money, you can't miss to share and enhance knowledge for the benefit of all stakeholders with a Way Forward. Click on the Agenda: Click

2)Africa's Secret Weapon, the Power and Potentials of Continental Africa Diaspora.

A Brand concept, this Showcase Model by hometown, alumni and professional network will capture, reflect and project the Power and Potentials of Continental Africa - from Education,

Health, Youth, Women and the Girl Child, Social infrastructures to Macroeconomic projects. How can the resources be leveraged and included in African growth index?

International organizations may be interested in partnerships with indigenous, African organizations. Come on board.

3) The Benefits of Dual Citizenship / Voting Rights for Self-Reliant Africa:

Dual Citizen is an issue shared across Continental African populations. Some African nations allow dual citizenship while others do not, just as in the case of voting rights.

Obtaining the citizenship in the country where Continental Africans live is a product of migration and Africa benefits from her emigre population. Losing citizenship robs Africa of her talents. The presentation summarizes the benefits of retaining the citizenship of the country of origin and initiates collaborative platforms to advance the cause.

4) Transnational Continental African Identity:

Population identity provides the rationales for specific outcomes and the prioritized involvement of the stakeholder community producing the resources.

Twenty-five years ago, African immigrants constituted a largely F-1 student population with neither public self-representation nor voice on African agendas.

Today's growing multi-disciplinary, multi-generational Continental populations, with families and natural obligations in Africa and also special challenges abroad, have given rise to new and

emerging and Continental African communities in various countries abroad. The members are contributing to Africa's growth in specific ways.

This session brings you to the tapestry of the five regions that make up Continental Africa Diaspora. The colorful presentations will inform participants of the current policies of regional, inter-governmental developments. For examples, CEMAC Diasporans have a common passport; EAC proposes same with common currency; ECOWAS held its Diaspora outreach in the US in October 2013.

Keeping abreast with AU as well as regional developments will facilitate outreach and engagements.

6) Special Presentation Hour and Networking:

Harnessing the Power of Continental Africa Diaspora is inclusive and comprehensive. Organized entities with a special focus are invited to spotlight their African programs. For example, the Youths are thrilling with a sense of Africa's future. Businesses and organizations can bring flyers in neat packages to distribute.

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 confusion. But 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.

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.

The transnational population with unbroken ties to the Continent contributes an estimated $120 billion in annual resources in Africa, which surpasses foreign aid.

The estimated 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

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.

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.

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

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

Continental African Services Website: Click

Diverse participation from Indigenous Continental African Network Diaspora Organizations (I CAN DO) will set the trend. The Outcomes will be published and shared with stakeholders and policy -making governments and institutions.

The information in this eNewsletter and corresponding links provide information that captures the dynamics and diversity of the African values from Cape to Cairo.

The world knows more about the woes but Africa has more... bountiful and beautiful that the media portrays. We hope you will learn something new from the information.

The African Union Ambassador to the United States: Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali presenting her credentials for former US President George W. Bush.

Inform America; Promote Africa

Click

Her Excellency Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma
Chairperson of the African Union Commission
Save Date: March 15: World-Wide Conference Call Discussion
Africa Vision 2063: Click

His Excellency Mohamed Ould Aziz of Mauritania, Chairperson of the African Union.
A United and Strong Africa
Click

Anthem of the African Union (English version)

The minds behind Medical Missions to Africa

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.

Click

Le Main Tendue: Providing Equal Opportunities to Orphans; Future Prep Program, Help Build a Future for 12,00 school children.
Click

Click the Prototype Presentation by

Bali Cultural Association, USA on

Micro-enterprise: March 29

Click

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

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

There are Silver Linings.

Africa's Growth is Ahead of other Regions: Read

Dr. Chika Oyeani
Former Chairperson, African Union Diaspora Task Team.

Dr. Oyeani is the convener of the March 15, 2014 World-Wide Conference Call on the Africa Vision 2063 by the African Union. Please, you can visit the link associated with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

Dr. Oyeani is the Publisher of the
African Sun Times and Host of Straight Talk.

African Women are compelling leaders of outcomes.

Visit International Congress of African omen: Femmes Performants determined to create an African Women Bank: Click

There are creatives in Africa!

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.

Aneth and Davis

Gaga and Davis

Davis on Muzina
Where is Davis now?
Connect with on: Facebook

Would Lyta Boys Top That on March 29 in the Diaspora
Lyta Boys "We go represent" dance

Some Land Mark Dates in

Community Vision 2014

September is

African Heritage Month - Going National

Honorary Chair: His Royal Highness

King Tossoh Gbaguidi X111
At the Mandela-King Award Banquet.

Join the State Committees

Learn More: Click

ObamaCare Outreach Continues. We began in Oct. 2013 at the Ghana Embassy: Click

African Liberation Day Celebrations

May 23-25

Tell us about your activities, we publish.

Day of the African Child

June 16

Share your Special Programming for the African Child

Learn the Origin of the Day of the African Child, Inspire and Be Inspired.

The Second Mandela-King Banquet Awards

Saturday, October 11

The First Annual Mandela-King
Awards Banquet

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.

Reach us at africanservices@aol.com

Continental African organizations are encouraged to meet and chat over Coffee
Patronize Coffee, the African Brand!

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!

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 including enabling Africans to own their own lands.

" 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

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.

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
Read

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

President Barack Obama will hold an African leaders summit in Washington this summer.

The White House says the summit will focus on strengthening economic and

trade

ties with leaders from one of the world's fastest-growing regions. The gathering will also focus on security issues and democracy development on the African continent.

The White House says the summit aims to build on progress made during Obama's three-country trip to Africa last year.

On Obama's Town hall Meeting with Young African Leaders in Africa in 2013

Click