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Voice and Valor
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Awards-Dinner and
Appreciation of Black History Month 2015
Civic Engagement and Community Development
The picturesque and cross sections of the milestone program reflect a rare diversity of Continental Africans from all the five regions in the African Union, the American civil and human rights community, public officials, faith-based community, professional constituencies, representatives from educational institution of higher learning, Latino and Jewish partners.
Each Honoree brings a lesson on civic engagement and community development. Their accomplishments have inspired programs that will be implemented in 2015. It was more than an Award.
In order to highlight the significance of Selma, which captures the epic of the Civil Rights Movement, we have included videos and complementary reflections, and credited the source.
For an insightful reading, please click on their respective links.
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Delivering the Keynote: Senator Jamie Raskin,
Maryland House of Assembly from District 20.
Mr. Tebabu Assefa, from the Ethiopian community and owner of Blessed Coffee,
introduced Senator Jamie Raskin. Mr. Assefa is a member of the Maryland Governor's Commission on African Affairs.
Senator Jamie Raskin delivered a rousing Keynote that is generating new reflections and ways to implement and embrace community change constituents as the agents that make the difference. Time to shake off apathy and indifference because the results affect you, your family or community.
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| Voice and Valor:
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Awards-Dinner and Appreciation of Black History Month:
February 28, 2015 at the University of Maryland, Nyumburu Cultural Center
Evelyn Joe, Convener and Founder of Continental African Services, delivering the Opening Remarks |
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Dear Distinguished Builders and Esteemed Patrons:
Greetings and welcome to this milestone Voice and Valor: Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Awards-Dinner and Appreciation of Black History Month 2015.
Tonight we reflect the ideal that makes us stronger as a nation of diverse people united in a common quest to answer, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, "one of life's most persistent and urgent question: what are you doing for others?"
We are glad to note that our friends are not silent; they respond. From the Keynote Speaker to all the Honorees, we are blessed to have your voice for a just, fair and inclusive America.
The Honorees are Builders who dared beyond the limitation of tradition and convenience to exemplify what builds, nurtures, and revitalizes the civic bedrock of democratic and humane societies. Their passion to lift up the left out; compassion to speak for the disenfranchised; and vision to build bridges and partnerships where non existed is a voice of valor. We come to patronize their legacies.
On this last day of Black History Month 2015, we recognize and celebrate the Century of Black Life, History and Culture, and the compelling role of African Americans in the making of American history.
To all whose hearts and hands, counsel and commitment made this program a way forward in collaborative developments, many would be inspired because you made the sacrifice for a better day.
Thank You.
God Bless America
God Bless Africa
Evelyn Joe
Convener and Founder,
Continental African Services
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Outcome Programs for 2015
The African Policy and Development Institute.
The African Gastronomy: African Market, Cooking, Cuisine and Sustainability. with University of the District of Columbia.
African Community Health Fair led by MedGuinea.
Africa Diaspora -Jewish Roundtable.
Understanding the Rights: Stepping in with Selma With The Man in His Time Russ Campbell Sr.
Continental African Community Legislative Dialogue and Exchange with the President of Montgomery County, Md.
Continental African and Latino Communities Partnership and Appreciation Day.
Grace - The African Woman In Development.
The Casablanca: The PanAfrican Connection.
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This complementary picture reminds you of the Day of the African Child:
Tuesday June 16, 2015
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The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award Dinner and Appreciation of Black History Month began with a tribute from faith-based outreach department of the Christian Missionary Fellowship International. The Church has been a force for social justice that improves vital living for all residents and uplift lives from the disrepair of injustice. Martin Luther King, a Baptist Minister, understood so from a non-violent approach.
Fifty years ago, learn about Selma on March 7, 1965.
This is a complementary inclusion to improve the depth and breadth of the Civil Rights Movement.
Please, you can share with your children or have a dinner conversation on Selma.
The President spoke on Saturday March 7, 2015 on the 50th anniversary of 'Bloody Sunday'
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| | President Obama Delivers Remarks on the 50th Anniversary of the Selma Marches |
You many also download the hard copy: Click
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Mr. Dada Ganiyu.
Honorary Chairperson of the Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Awards Dinner and Black History Month Appreciation 2015, Mr. Ganiyu was instrumental in meeting the goal of the program: Educate, Enlighten, Engage for Constituent Empowerment.
Mr. Ganiyu is President Emeritus of Nigeria In the Diaspora Organization - Americans (NIDO-A). A philanthropist and businessman, he is the President and CEO of Kofa International.
Mr. Ganiyu focused on US-Africa relations, which, by implications, address Africa Diaspora capacities.
One of the key lessons of policies and development is that they work best when designed from indigenous perspectives and implemented with the active involvement of stakeholders who are impacted by the outcomes.
It begins with principles and values, then translating ideas to action
In Spring 2015, a multi-disciplinary team of public intellectuals, scholars, professional entities and civil society advocates will launch the African Policy and Development Institute (APDI), a think tank project dedicated to promoting self-reliant African communities through critical inquiry, research, policy discourse, and publications that articulate the strengthening of indigenous know-how.
APDI aims to change outdated ideas and public perceptions about African development and increase participation by primary stakeholders with new and informed voices in the policy arena and by developing local-global linkages that facilitate articulated outcomes.
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| | Issiagha Daffe, MD. Dr. Daffe is a member of the Executive Bureau of MedGuinea, the Association of medical doctors from Guinea residing in the US. |
Dr. Daffe made an insightful presentation on the need for self-reliant development, using MedGuinea as an example of Africa Diaspora brain gain and transfer. MedGuinea, which is representative of other groups in the US, helped in sensitizing awareness, education, and prevention of the Ebola Virus Disease, especially in hard to reach regions where the level of literacy is low.
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| | Members of the MedGuinea delegation. |
Heeding to the call from the President of Montgomery, Maryland County Council, Councilman Leventhal (D-At-Large) to engage in local developments, MedGuinea has stepped up to the plate to lead the first comprehensive all-Africa Health Fair to improve health awareness in the Continental African community.
Watch out for Save the Date and Dance for Health with MedGuinea.
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Honoree: Artists With One Voice
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Prior to Dr. Daffe and MedGuinea's presentation, a thrilling performance by Honoree, Artists With One Voice, captured the unique role of music in changing societies.
Read the Pace-Setting Mission of Artists With One Voice: Click
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award
To
Artists With One Voice
For charitable, artistic contributions in promoting a humane, livable world through music.
Mrs. Elizabeth Darko, the Secretary of the African Catholic Community, captured this compelling and appealing performance on her cell phone. Hope you will enjoy the zeal of one.
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| | Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Awards Dinner: Honoree Artists With One Voice |
We will post the video by the professional video-grapher in the next eNewsletter
To learn more about Artists With One Voice: Click
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The Setting by Kelly Wedding and Decor owned by Social Entrepreneurs and Continental African Small Business Owners: Yvonne and Bob Takusi.
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| | Martinsburg Pediatrics Guests |
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| | Miss Angola 2015: Michaela Pinto |
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| | Mr. Yao Afantchao, Ethnic Crop Specialist, University of the District of Columbia |
Vital Cultural Institution: African Food - Growing and Cooking
During dinner, Mr. Yao Afantchao (from Togo ) and Ethnic Crop Specialist with the University of the District of Columbia College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences made a "taste delighting" power-point presentation on African food, demand, marketability and cooking. He distributed the brochures. This presentation took place during dinner.
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Mr. John Manikariza, organizer in the Burundi community
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Ethnic cuisine is a medium to promote cross-cultural education and understanding. Demographic groups maintain, express and transmit their cultural identity to the next generation and foster unbroken connections to homeland through ethnic cuisines among other dynamics.
Mr. John Manirakiza, a leader in the Burundi, who introduced Mr. Afantchao used the Burundi community example to explain the dynamics between food and culture ( African Gastronomy).
Ethic food, cooking and eating pattern is also understood by scholars as a primary way to address social, economic and ecological issues. This hopeful trend has implications on niche markets and demand for African food products, which can be categorized, evaluated, and appropriately addressed in nutrition and dietetics curriculums.
The marketability, cooking and eating of African by multicultural America is a boost to the economy.
Try these examples of African vegetable cooking and the nutrients.
Look forward to Save the Date:
The African Gastronomy: African Market,
Cooking, Cuisine and Sustainability.
with
The University of the District of Columbia College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences.
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Mr. Olatoundji Yessoufou, Vice President of Benin in the Diaspora led his delegation. Save the Date: August 1, 2015 for the Benin Independence.
Gate of No Return with a Return and Reconnect Celebration.
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 Members of the Ekpe Society from Manyu, Southwest Region in Cameroon. A member is formally addressed as: Sessekou.
African Cultural institutions play anchoring, stabilizing and enabling roles in society, which may be formal or informal. The Ekpe Society has a rich history and is specifically in the Cross River Region of Southeastern Nigeria and Southwestern Cameroon. There are transfigurations in Cuban (Abakua society) that shape aspects of the social, political, and metaphysical traditions of urban life.
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The GEEBAMU Delegation.
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| | Some members of the new Executives of Liberian Association of Maryland. |
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The Honoree: American Jewish Committee
Eliseo Neuman, Director of American Jewish Committee, Africa Institute accepted the Award via video and out of state.
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award: 2015
Continental African Services
To
American Jewish Committee, Africa Institute
For pioneering institutional leadership in promoting mutual partnerships between Jewish and African communities in the Diaspora.
For more on AJC Africa Institute: Click
Stay tuned for the Africa Diaspora -Jewish Roundtable with AJC, Africa Institute.
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The Honoree: Russell Campbell Sr.
Russell Campbell Sr., Chairman, Human Rights Committee, Montgomery County and Inductee, Hall of Fame
"I was there on the Mall in 1963 at the March on Washington when a black man spoke of his dream and
I was there on the Mall in 2009 to see a black man become President of the United States of America.
LONG LIVES THE REVOLUTION FOR IT IS NOT OVER."
Russ Campbell Sr.
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award: 2015
Continental African Services
For distinctive and steadfast humanitarian leadership in fostering peace and social justice through personal examples beyond the call of duty.
Stay Tuned for
The Man in His Time:
Stepping into Selma with Russ Campbell Sr.
To learn more and about Russ: Click
Please find a complementary reflection of Selma by the Office of Partnership, Interfaith Committee, Montgomery County, Md: Read
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International Designer, Afua Sam, from Ghana, resident of Montgomery County, Md and Owner and creative Director of
D-Maxsi Designs
Introducing
Honoree and President of Montgomery County Council, Md,
Councilman George Leventhal.
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International Designer, Afua Sam, from Ghana, resident of Montgomery County, Md and Owner of Maxis Studios introducing Honoree and President of Montgomery County Council, Md, Councilman George Leventhal.
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award: 2015
Continental African Services
To
Councilman George Leventhal
For distinguished services in building an inclusive, accountable and equitable society for new and emerging communities.
On December 2, 2014, Councilmember Leventhal was elected to serve as Council President of the 18th Montgomery County Council. He invited Continental African constituents to engage him on issues vital to the community. Councilman Leventhal's call inspired a novel idea of a Legislative Dialogue and Exchange between Continental African community organizers/residents and the Legislation branch of government. Keep in touch for the date and sensitize the opportunity to improve mutual understanding and relations between the community and law makers.
For more on Councilman Leventhal: Click
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Honoree: Casa de Maryland,
African Alliance Representatives
Roberto Francisco Asprilla and Jamila Ball
Roberto, MsJoe and Jamila
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award: 2015
Continental African Services
To
For unparalleled championship of the rights of immigrant communities and for ideals that build a Better America.
On March 2, 2015, Seņora Roberto Asprilla sent his feedback on behalf CASA de Maryland. Estimada Ms. Joe, "On behalf of our Executive Director-Gustavo Torres, CASA's African Heritage Alliance and the entire CASA family, we would like to extend our gratitude for the gracious invitation by the organizers of the Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Dinner-Awards. This was a great opportunity to learn more about the opportunities and challenges faced by the Continental African Community. And most importantly it was an exceptional opportunity for us to continue building on the partnership between the Continental African Community and the Latino Community." Thank You Seņora Robertio, Gustavo Torres who called, Seņorita Jamila, and Boardmember Henry Hailstock. Stay Tuned for Continental African and Latino Communities Partnership and Appreciation Day With Casa de Maryland For more championship work on behalf of immigrant communities by Casa de Maryland: Click
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The Vice President of Tanzanian Community in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Metropolitan Virginia -
Mrs. Harriet Shangarai
introducing
Honoree Mrs Teresa Akpan-Ofong.
From centuries ago, African women have pioneered standards of excellence in their diverse callings. Even though relatively unsung, the dynamics and extent of African women's contributions to development have made indelible change from the home, business discipline, classrooms to board rooms.
Grace -Getting Result Advances Community Equity - is inspired by the accomplishments as well as the barriers faced by African women in their personal and career advancement. The mission of GRACE is to generate resources and and network of support for the African woman to achieve.
The Martin Luther King Builder and Patron Award: 2015
Continental African Services
To
For trailblazing commitment to the under-served by actions that rekindle hope, inspire compassion and revitalize the foundation of society.
To follow up with Pastor Teresa Akpan Ofong: Click
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Mrs. Paulette Mpouma, Founder, African Memory Games
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Mrs. Stella Onouha, Entrepreneur
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The Ekpe Society exalted the Black History Month. Sessekou Joe Mbu speaking on shared history and values.
Sessekou John Njang on cultural cohesiveness and tribute to Black History Month.
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| | The Ekpe Society of Manyu, Southwest Region, Cameroon |
The Sessekous posed with two members of the African Alliance, Robert Francisco Asprilla and Jamila Ball of Casa de Maryland.
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Farewell Ceremony by the Ekpe Society
Stay Tuned for the PanAfricanConnection
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