Greetings and Good Cheer: African Union -Africa Diaspora LEGACY Projects Harnessing the Power of Continental Africa Diaspora
This is a historic rise to the moment with value and valor. Please, you may click on the links or videos for more insights. Be informed by the volume of researched information and knowledge gained, appreciate the cultural flavor, and enjoy the entertainment.
Hope you have a better understanding of Continental Africa Diaspora's contributions to Africa's
growth and evolution to self-reliance.
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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 Court, NW, Washington, DC 2008
H.E. Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador
Reservation and dinner is just $11.24: RESERVE
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Dear Member of the
Five Regions in Africa:
ECOWAS
(West) EAC (East); SADC (South); CEMAC (Central); Maghreb (North) in the Diaspora and the AU's Sixth Region
Dear Supporters of African Self-Empowerment.
Greetings: This is the first of its kind. The program is made for documentary to sensitize the community on the five African Union - Africa Diaspora LEGACY Projects and Role of Stakeholders. Further, the program educates the the African Union, the World Bank, International agencies on the unique and vital contributions of Continental Africa Diaspora's hometown, alumni and professional networks, and the value of indigenous expertise for a self-reliant Africa.
Let us begin:
Continental Africans constitute the most educated population in the United States. This fact is backed by by research and the US Census Bureau.
 | Africans highest achievers in US universities.wmv |
By using
Prototype Presentations, this maiden program
demonstrates the competencies of indigenous Continental African organizations and lay effective foundations that support the building of capacities and engaging the African Union, African governments at regional, national and local levels, and international institutions in promoting endogenous development. Endogenous development includes the stakeholders' visions, material resources, social capital and spiritual aspects of the people.
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.
Continental Africa Diaspora ( hometown organizations and professional networks) were not engaged or consulted in the development of the African Union -Africa Diaspora Legacy Projects, which were hosted by the World Bank: Click
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 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) On Your Money: The African Remittances:
Welcome the Gentleman Elder: 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 benefits? How can any drawback be redressed? How can Africa self-manage the process and use the reduced fees to implement developments? To be prepared, you may download the official African Union document on AIR: Click
Continental Africans contribute 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 used in its reporting, is only half the story as the researchers admit. The direct remittances sustain families and redress poverty.
This insightful exchange takes your voice to African governments, the World Bank, the European Union on the African Remittances. Without you, there is no Money. Therefore, bring your solutions on how your money can be managed. The compiled information will be presented to the African Union Commission on the Ways Forward. Click
2)Africa's Secret Weapon, the Power and Potentials of Continental Africa Diaspora. The Contributions of Indigenous Organizations toward African Development
Branding Indigenous Expertise.
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.
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
Welcome to the Prototype Showcase, which demonstrates the structural knowledge and competitive advantages of hometown and professional networks and how they are engaged in improving African societies: From Micro-economic projects,
Health, Education, to Social infrastructure development. These proven models of self-reliant developments can be replicated locally, regionally and continent-wide.
The Segment will educate and sensitize policy makers and international partners with empirical evidence of why and how the harnessed contributions and potentials of Continental Africa Diaspora should be factored in polices and reflected in development.
The inclusions require the need to recognize and prioritize the capacities of indigenous Continental Africa Diaspora organizations by African governments, the World Bank, and other international agencies in the decision making process as well as in the management of developments and accountability. Africa cannot be self-reliant through dependency is the guiding approach.
Indigenous groups are encouraged to send information on their organizations with documentation of accomplishments to I CAN DO - Indigenous Continental African Network - Diaspora Organizations. Please send your email and attachments to africanservices@aol.com
3) Engaging African Union and Africa Governments on the Brain Gained and Circulation.
Home-based and professional Networks in the Diaspora experience official barriers "red tapes" in providing solutions to development in Africa. The barriers range from inaccessible officials to cost prohibitive measures that hinder non-profit services, investments or any business development.
The Segment highlights the need to remove disincentives in order to reverse brain drain to brain drain" that is available. The conscious, concerted, and committed efforts of the African Union and African governments are highly desirable in promoting the flow and circulation of intellectual capital, transforming socioeconomic resourcefulness to applied solutions, and creating mutual avenues for collaborations.
4) The Benefits of Dual Citizenship / Voting Rights for Self-Reliant Africa:
Dual Citizen and Voting Rights are issues shared across Continental African populations. Some African nations allow Dual citizenship and/or Voting Rights while others do not.
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.
5) Transnational Continental African Identity: The Regions:
Strength through Identification is a welcoming manifestation and cultural resilience is a critical factor in development.
This Segment is significant in demonstrating the inherent, direct and unbroken ties that African immigrants maintain in Africa, which naturally account for stakeholder obligations and loyalties beyond interests in development. Other transnational communities that are influenced by daily migrations and related issues, such as the Jews, Hispanics and Asians, effectively address the obligations.
The Segment realistically offers solutions to constructive outreach and collaboration between the African Union and the Diaspora. All stakeholders should be included without unnecessary and arbitrary contradictions that hinder progress by ignoring realities.
Given the fact that Africa has five geographical regions, members of the Diaspora from the regions are directly associated with, and contributing to, their zones. Moreover, the policies of the respective regions and member states of the AU have direct impacts on their Diaspora members.
It is, therefore, practical to acknowledge the patterns, orientations and identities of different stakeholders, which influence priorities. The practical approach to developments maximizes opportunities and help stakeholders to actualize their potentials.
For examples: 1) CEMAC Diasporans have a common passport; 2) EAC proposes same with common currency; 3)
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 Southern African Community (SADC Region) will share teachable lessons on how Continental Africa Diaspora maintains its regional identity within the five regions.
The Sixth Region is a commendable inclusion of all people of African descent and anyone who calls Africa home with Africa at heart. This, logically, goes beyond the color lines because there are White Africans and other races in Africa.
Creating synergies and partnerships among stakeholders to meet common aspirations and goals is a win-win proposition. Therefore, recognizing distinctive orientations and appreciating the tapestry of diversity are not divisive in nature.
5) Civic Awareness and Community Collaboration for Community Empowerment.
How does Continental Africa Diaspora influence and improve outcomes? No community can be a force to be reckoned with without its ability to address issues that affect the community. Therefore, civic engagement is key to bring about desired change. The combined
knowledge, skills, motivation and community collaboration on common interests are crucial in building capacities to promote quality of life developments in the community through political and non-political processes.
This Segment is a call to leadership and membership, to those who are morally responsible with the civic virtues to recognize that people with common goals are members of a larger social fabric and therefore common problems and community welfare are considered concern affronts.
Those who make a difference beyond the self are aware of the moral and civic dimensions of issues and need to make and justify informed moral and civic judgments, and to take principled actions when appropriate. The civic power determines the capacity for community representation on issues in the US and on matters relating to Africa. For more on the Segment:
 | In Conversation With Richard Cambridge, The then Head of Diaspora Relations, Africa Region | The World Bank |
While the Program is focused on the vital role of Continental Africa Diaspora in African development, which is overlooked.
However, Participatory Partnership is a critical dimensional in development.
Specific collaboration, from technical assistance, sponsorship, funding to advocacy, can promote self-reliant development. Internal dynamics and the assets of the indigenous stakeholders can be complemented by the competencies that partners bring to implement solutions.
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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 used in its reporting is only half the story as the researchers admit.
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.
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
 | 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.
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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.
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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
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.
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
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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
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) |
African Remittances is higher than IMF-World Bank Cash flow: Click African Remittance is Better Than Aid
 | Effects of remittances to be greater |
 | 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.

The Micro-Enterprise Capacity: Demonstrated by Bali Cultural Association, USA: Teach to Fish, Not Giving the Fish. To see is to believe: CLICK
Scholarships with Focus on Higher Education Exclusive Ladies of Enugu State Association
Le Main Tendue: Providing Equal Opportunities to Orphans; Future Prep Program, Help Build a Future for 12,00 school children.
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Read More on African Union Outreach: Click
Read More on African Institute of Remittances: Click
Beyond Remittances: Africa Diaspora Bond
Ethiopia and Nigeria are the first to approve the Bond
 | AFRICAN YOUTH CONFERENCE LAUNCHED IN ACCRA 2013
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African African Agriculture Needs Trade; Not Aid:
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Dambisa Moyo on why aid to Africa has been a disaster
There are Silver Linings.
Africa's Growth is Ahead of other Regions: Read
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 | Flag of CEMAC |
 | Flag of EAC |
 | SADC |
 | Flag of the Maghreb (North)
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Edouard Haba (right became the first elected Continental African in the State of Maryland, USA. He represents District 4 in the City of Hyattsville. On the left is
King Tossoh Gbaguidi X111 of Benin presenting the 2013 Mandela-King Valor Award to Mr Haba
 | Colorado African Organization's Citizenship Program |
The Elder Gentleman: Dr. Chika Oyeani
Former Chairperson, African Union Diaspora Task Team will present and address the African Institute for Remittances and the LEGACY Projects.
You need to hear it from the Versatile and Dynamite Lena Prince Nchako from
Constituency For Africa. Delivering the Address to the African World from Mel Foote, founder and President of Constituency For Africa, Lena brings insight and foresight to the table on the Essence of Partnerships. For this Segment and the ensuring contributions of Constituency for Africa, linking the US to Africa:
CLICK
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Africa Has It!
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 |  Niveau Suivant Presents the Lyta Boys:
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Some Land Mark Dates in
2014
African Heritage Month - Going National
Honorary Chair: His Royal Highness
King Tossoh Gbaguidi X111
At the Mandela-King Award Banquet.
Join the State Committees
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
To Learn of the Origin of June 16
Share your Special Programming for the African Child wherever you live.
Inspire an African Child and Be Inspired.
Papa's Land:
Want to Know Owns the Land from Cape to Cairo
Learn your Voice Stop Land Grab
 | The new way of colonialism in Africa |
Join the
Growing Coalition to Sensitize the Globe on Stopping Land Grab that displaces and dis-empowers. Mark September 6: Community Rock the Land Concert.
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
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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