MOAA/GMU African Diaspora Demographic Survey
On behalf of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs and the George Mason University, you are cordially invited to participate in the African diaspora demographic survey. The purpose of the survey will address the critical gaps in information and capture much needed demographic data such as age, employment, education, and language proficiency. Further, the survey will help facilitate the work of the service providers, government agencies in connecting policy with the needs of the African immigrants communities in the Washington metropolitan area. The survey seeks to highlight the types of barriers faced by African immigrants, such as brain waste, language barriers, and access to services.
The research will culminate in a jointly-issued report with George Mason University designed to communicate the important findings of the survey and address the critical gap in information, policy recommendations, and support the design and implementation of targeted outreach programs for the African community in the District
Please click here to complete the survey.
Thank you for your participation in this important project.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs at 202.727.5634 or email us at oaa@dc.gov
MOAA's Diaspora in Dialogues Film Project
Diaspora in Dialogue: A Profile of Africans in DC is a documentary film project produced by the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) to raise the visibility of the growing community of African immigrants in Washington, DC, and to share their personal and professional experiences living and working in the nation’s capital.
The six participants interviewed come from all walks of life, and represent the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Africans that call the District home. As community leaders, service providers, business owners, local government officers, artists, and professionals, African immigrants are active and dynamic participants of the communities they live in. Diaspora in Dialogue tells the story of Africans contributing to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of city life.
Click here to watch the trailer for the film project.
 Click on the image to view the video
MOAA Hosted its First Young African ConneXions Annual Summit and Mandela Day of Service 2015
 On Friday, July 17, 2015, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA), launched its first-ever Young African ConneXions Annual Summit titled African Youth Leadership and Linkages at the Howard University School of Business Auditorium.
The summit was attended by over 200 participants and was organized in partnership with President Obama’s Washington Mandela Fellows and Howard University. Speakers and panel discussants engaged audience members in dialogue on topics such as youth leadership, public service, technology, community advocacy, and the importance of creating sustained linkages.
Following the historical Young African ConneXions Annual Summit, MOAA held a Mandela Day of Service with a street clean-up at Good Hope Marketplace in Ward 8. Over 80 volunteers and DC Agency staff members participated.
Learn more
See more pictures of the events here
Video Message from H.E. Mninwa Mahlangu to Participants of Young African ConneXions Annual Summit
H.E. Mninwa Mahlangu, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the United States, offers a special keynote address via video for MOAA's Young African ConneXions Annual Summit. In the video, he not only highlights the need for African diaspora youth to become involved in public service, but also recalls the meaning of International Nelson Mandela Day, and salutes the legacy of the late South African leader.
Click here to watch the video.
 Click on the image to view the video
MOAA Fall Internships (August-December, 2015)
MOAA is accepting applications for Fall 2015! If you are interested in public service and working with African Diaspora communities in the District of Columbia, you are invited to submit an application. Bi-lingual (Amharic and French) interns are especially encouraged to apply. Internships are unpaid and require a minimum requirement of 32-hours per week.
Learn more
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 3,000 likes!
Like OAA’s Facebook page to help us get to 3,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We have over 1,000 likes and we need your help to reach our new goal!
Also, follow us on Twitter!
OAA’s FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL!
Interested in being the first to hear about grant opportunities, business development services, DC government resources, networking events, and Africa-related news and events?
Click here
National Night Out with the Executive Office of the Mayor and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia
Join neighbors and friends on Tuesday, August 4th for the 32nd Anniversary of National Night Out, America’s Night Out Against Crime. The event will focus on “Bridging the Gap” between youth and seniors with a theme of “Healthy Safe Summer.”
Come out to meet city officials and enjoy entertainment from local bands. There will also be food, a moon bounce, face painting, drone and K-9 demonstrations, and outreach tables about neighborhood and city services.
Click here to see the list of events and learn more
Representatives from the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs will be present at the event in District 3D at Bruce Monroe Park, click here to learn more.
Bowser Administration Announces Emergency Response Reforms; Releases Tenleytown Incident Report
On Tuesday, July 28, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced reforms at the DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) and the Office of Unified Communications (OUC) that will improve emergency response times and quality of care for residents and visitors to the District. The reforms come as FEMS released an investigative report on the delayed emergency response that occurred March 13, 2015 in Tenleytown. That day, at approximately 8:36 am, OUC received a 911 call for a one year old male in distress. Paramedics arrived on scene at 8:47 am and provided advanced life support care, but unfortunately the child subsequently died.
“My top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our residents,” said Mayor Bowser. “I appreciate the thorough investigation conducted by Chief Gregory Dean and Director Chris Geldart to uncover the issues surrounding the tragedy on March 13. They have developed an action plan and I will hold my agencies accountable for following through and delivering for residents and visitors.”
Learn more
Mayor Bowser Led FitDC Walk in Ward 2
On Saturday, July 25, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with Dr. LaQuandra Nesbitt, Director of the DC Department of Health (DOH), Keith Anderson, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Ward 2 FitDC Coach Aimee Stoltz, rallied Ward 2 residents at the Jelleff Recreation Center to participate in a 1.5 mile walk through the Georgetown neighborhood as part of the FitDC health and wellness initiative. This effort was part of the Mayor’s commitment to a fresh start to health and wellness in the District of Columbia and aims to encourage residents to live healthier lifestyles by linking them to nutrition and physical fitness resources in their communities, including FitDC coaches who can offer guidance on making healthy lifestyle choices.
Click here to learn more about fitDC
The Right Choice Campaign
On Friday, July 10, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law emergency legislation aimed at preventing the sale of synthetic drugs in the District of Columbia. The law authorizes the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), and District government as a whole to take swifter and stronger action against businesses who sell these illegal products.
District business owners are encouraged to participate in the Mayor’s #WePledgeDC campaign by signing a pledge not to participate in the sale of any form of synthetic drugs. More than 150 businesses across the District have already signed the pledge promising that they will not sell synthetic drugs. Look for the sticker below in participating stores and businesses.
Learn more
President Obama Travels to Kenya and Ethiopia
Last week President Obama traveled to Kenya and Ethiopia to attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit and to meet with leaders from government, business, and civil society. The President's trip was made of many highlights.
Learn more
Displaced by Genocide, Mason Student Plans to Help Other Refugees
Claudine Kuradusenge has few clear memories of her native Rwanda, but what she remembers the most is the refugee camp. “I remember the smells of blood, the screams, and the agonizing feeling of loss,” she said. “But I can’t remember my mother’s face.” She was six years old in 1994 when her family fled the ruthless government-led genocide that killed between 500,000 and one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in a 100-day span.
Learn more
Diaspora Africans Seek to Maintain Their Heritage
The debate over Western influence on African culture dates back to the late 19th century. But with the advent of the internet, social media and increased travel, that debate is becoming less relevant. Cultures today intermingle at a level not seen before. And technological advances appear to accelerate their interaction all around the world.
Learn more
Daniel Teklehaimanot: 'I'm proud to be an Eritrean riding the Tour de France'
Daniel Teklehaimanot has a lot of firsts weighing on his shoulders. He became the first African rider to wear the coveted King of the Mountains jersey in the Tour de France, racing as part of the first African team to compete in it, MTN-Qhubeka. For weeks now, the term “making history” has been following this impossibly tall, softly spoken Eritrean cyclist around.
Learn more
10th Edition Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum
The Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum is a business conference which annually discusses business and investment matters relevant to the Ethiopian Diaspora community both in the United States and Ethiopia. This year’s theme is “Exploring Opportunities in Ethiopia’s Untapped Healthcare Industry.”
When: Saturday, August 1, 2015 | 1:30pm-6:30pm
Where: Jack Morton Auditorium | The George Washington University | 800 21st Street NW | Washington, DC | 20052
Learn more
DCSBDC Presents: The Business Planning Process
Business planning is essential to starting a new organization, venture, product or project. The District of Columbia Small Business Development Center (DCSBDC) is offering a seminar on the overview of the thought process and steps behind the development of a business plan, as well as an in depth discussion on the importance of planning.
When: Saturday, August 08, 2015 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: SouthWest Library | 900 Wesley Place SW | Washington, DC | 20024
Learn more
Washington DC Customer Service Leaders Academy
The Customer Service Leaders Academy is an event series that brings support leaders together to learn, network, and share the latest strategies in customer engagement. It will feature a roundtable discussion around supporting multiple channels, building a great support team, and maintaining a balance between customer and agent satisfaction.
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 | 9:00 am-1:15pm
Where: The Loft | 600 F Street NW|Washington, DC | 20004
Learn more
Great Streets Retail Small Business Reimbursement Grants
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) invites the submission of applications for the Great Streets Retail Small Business Reimbursement Grants.
Eligibility: Business must be located within a Great Streets or H Street NE corridor, be a registered business in Good Standing, retain site control of the business property, provide proof that the business’ average annual revenue for the first three years “in business” does not exceed $1 million
Contact: LaToyia Hampton | dmpedgrants@dc.gov | 202.724.7648
Deadline: Monday, September 14, 2015
Learn more
Information, Education and Outreach for Victims of Domestic Violence (DHS)
Department of Human Services announces funds to provide information, education and outreach services required for the prevention of family violence.
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations and community-based organizations Deadline: Saturday, August 8, 2015
Contact: Dr. Sheila Y. Jones | (202) 299-2155 | sheilay.jones@dc.gov
Learn more
Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant
The Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Health (DOH), Community Health Administration (CHA) is soliciting applications from qualified applicants for funding under the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Title V Block Grant Program (BO4MC28090).
Eligibility: not-for profit, public and private organizations located and licensed to conduct business within the District of Columbia and experienced in providing maternal and child health services.
Deadline: Friday, September 4, 2015
Contact: Bryan Cheseman |(202) 442-9339
Learn more
FY 2015 Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP)
Fair Housing Initiative Programs (HUD). Department of Housing and Urban Development announces funds to carry out enforcement activities to prevent or eliminate discriminatory housing practices and inform individuals of their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act.
Eligibility: nonprofit organizations, faith-based organization, community-based organization, and DC government Agencies
Deadline: Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Contact: Myron Newry | myron.p.newry@hud.gov
Learn more
Community Health Fair
The goal of the day is to offer informative information to the community to learn about healthy living, fitness, with resources that addresses a variety of health issues including family primary health care, getting health insurance coverage, obesity, heart health, diabetes, cancer, injury prevention, home health, CPR, HIV, Domestic Violence, Rehabilitation Services, family planning, legal services, educational services, GED, job readiness and training, financial and physical fitness, eating healthy and a balanced meals, mental health and rehabilitation services, disease prevention and promoting healthy families and Communities.
When: Saturday, August 1, 2015 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Where: Speak To My Heart Ministries | 3309 W Belvedere Ave | Baltimore, MD | 21215
Learn more
FitDC Ward Walk at Fort Stanton Recreation Center in Ward 8
As part of Mayor Bowser’s Administration's FitDC initiative, and its 1 Billion Steps Challenge, local residents will be getting together for great neighborhood walks all over the District. Friends and neighbors will gather for this walk in Ward 8, along with representatives from the Department of Health, who will also be there to provide free healthy food demos.
When: Saturday, August 8, 2015 | 9:00am - 12:00pm
Where: Fort Stanton Recreation Center | 1812 Erie Street SE | Washington, DC | 20020
Learn more
Yoga @ The Library
The DC Library Benning Branch hosts adult yoga classes taught by Yoga Activist every Saturday morning. Classes are open to the public, and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing, and bring a mat.However yoga mats are available for use during the class.
When: Every Saturday | 10:00am-11:00am
Where: Benning Library | 3935 Benning Rd. NE | Washington, DC | 20019
Learn more
 Click on the image to learn more
 Click on the image to learn more
Free IT (CompTIA’s A+) Certificate in 8 weeks for DC residents
Per Scholas helps the unemployed residents of the National Capital Region break into the booming tech hub of the Washington, D.C. area with its tuition-free IT-Ready job training courses. High quality, hands-on technical skills training led by certified and experienced instructors, with a curriculum designed to help students pass professional certification exams in an accelerated and thorough format.
Learn more
Free CPR, AED and First Aid Training for African Immigrants
CitiWide Pre-Vocational Center is offering Free CPR AED and First Aid Training to African Immigrants who live in Washington, D.C. The training will be done by a Registered Nurse who is licensed and certified by the American Heart Association. The training will also prepare individuals to respond to emergencies. Preregistration is required.
When: Beginning Saturday, July 25, 2015 | Offered every other Saturday | 10am-2:00pm
Where: 1818 New York Avenue, NE | Suite 116 | Washington, D.C. | 20002
Contact: akutta@mycitiwide.com or info@mycitiwide.com | or call (703) 304-8108 or (202) 667-3719
 Click on the picture to learn more
Free Community College Workforce Training
The UDC Community College Division of Workforce Development and Lifelong Learning (WDLL) provides District of Columbia residents with job skills training leading to employment. The industries focused on are those where jobs are available in the District and in the metropolitan area.
Contact: workforce@udc.edu | 202-274-7181
Learn more
Jobseekers Drop-in Clinic and Computer Basics
Every Tuesday morning the DC Library Woodbridge branch provides computer access and help with:
creating email accounts, refining your resume, completing job applications online, understanding the importance of using social media sites, finding and using free online continuing education classes, and providing networking opportunities with other jobseekers.
When: Every Tuesday | 10:00am-12:00pm
Where: Woodbridge Library | 1790 Douglas Street NE | Washington, DC | 20018
Learn more
National Night Out Event
 Click on the picture to find out more
On Tuesday, August 4, thousands of DC residents will join with their neighbors, police officers and other community leaders to celebrate National Night Out. From community cookouts to open houses – block parties, candlelight vigils and athletic events – DC is gearing up for the 32nd annual celebration of “America’s Night Out Against Crime.” In addition to the numerous activities at the kickoff event, communities across DC – in all seven police districts – scheduled NNO events during the late afternoon and evening hours.
Learn more
International Fund Lifeline Presents: Bottom Up Activism in the Non-Profit Sector
International Lifeline Fund will be discussing the future of building skills locally through community networks in developing countries to help create sustainable businesses. Participants learn how to collaborate with young leaders and gain the tools to empower grassroots organizations in Africa.
When: Thursday, August 6, 2015 | 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where: International Lifeline Fund | 1616 P Street NW | 7th Fl. | Terrace Conf. Room 3 | Washington, DC | 20036
Learn more
Want Your Event Featured in the African Beat?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 7,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like your event to be featured in our calendar, please submit the following details: what, when & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to (oaa@dc.gov).
|
