The African Beat: MOAA News, Events, & Announcements, Friday, August 14, 2015

August 14, 2015

gh

2000 14th Street NW,
Suite 400 North
Washington, D.C., 20009

202.727.5634
www.oaa.dc.gov

Thank you for signing up to receive the Office on African Affairs' bi-monthly newsletter! 

Please add dcdocs@dc.gov to your address book, email safe senders list, or contact list to ensure that our emails reach you!

fbtwyt

Mission:

The mission of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) is to ensure that the full range of health, education, employment, social services, safety, business and economic development information, services and opportunities are accessible to the District’s African immigrant communities. 

By serving as the liaison between the District’s African immigrant communities, District government agencies and the Mayor, MOAA aims to:  Improve the quality of life of the District’s diverse African- born constituencies and their children; Increase civic and public engagement in the District’s African immigrant communities; and Support community development.

In This Issue:

  • OAA Frontpage
  • What's New with Your Mayor?
  • Newsworthy
  • Business Square
  • Non-Profit Niche
  • Health & Wellness
  • Rolling in Resources
  • Act! Speak Up! 
  • You Should Go
  • Get Hired 
=============
SSS
=============

*UPCOMING EVENTS*

=============
Headshot

Business Networking & Headshot Event

Headshots are important to expanding your network and growing your business. Join The Paparrazzi “for hire” Photography for their networking and headshots event. In between getting your photo taken, you will have the opportunity to network with business owner, artists and other professionals from the DC Metropolitan area. 

When: Monday August 17, 2015| 7:00 PM-10:00 PM

Where: 14504 Greenview Drive, Suite 201| Laurel, MD | 20708

Learn more

=============
BloodDrive

Serve DC Blood Drive

Giving blood is one of the most simple yet impactful ways to give back to the community. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help save lives. Join Serve DC for their upcoming blood drive.

When: Wednesday, August 19, 2015 | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

Where: Wilson Building | 1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW | Washington, DC | 20004

=============
Choice

Washington DC Career Fair

Many companies have several openings and are eager to hire qualified people immediately .This job fair will provide face-to-face time with hiring decision-makers and feature some of the area’s top employers. There will be interviews being conducted throughout the event, so come prepared with several resumes.

When: Thursday August 20, 2015|11:00 AM- 2:00 PM 

Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn |1900 N Fort Myer Dr. | Arlington, VA | 22209

Learn more

=============
afropolitan

Afropolitan-Bmore(3­rd Thurdays Afro-Caribbean Mixer)

DrumPulse is proud to bring to Baltimore our largest and most diverse Afro-Caribbean mixer in DC and NYC. Highly anticipated, Afropolitan is a monthly Afrocentric international happy-hour mixer where diaspora professionals in the baltimore area can unwind, connect and enjoy the best selection of African and other international hits at one of Baltimore's finest lounges - Oxygen Ultra Lounge

When: Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 6:00 PM-10:00 PM

Where: Oxygen | 10 S Calvert St | Baltimore, MD | 21202

Learn more

=============
Community Day

Community Day Festival 2015

DCTV's Community Day Festival is back! This outdoor celebration will feature live music and local eats. Performances include Black Alley, violinist Chelsey Green, reggae band Stryker's Posse, and many more live acts. This will be a family friendly event so bring the whole family for some outdoor fun!

When: Saturday, August 22, 2015 |1:00 PM-6:00 PM

Where: DCTV |901 Newton St NE | Washington, DC | 20017

Learn more

=============
southern

Southern African Reunion 2015

The Southern African Community USa is hosting its 3rd annual Southern African Reunion Weekend. it consists of a 2-day event where Southern Africans and Friends of Southern Africa come together for a weekend of unity, community, culture and fun. The event includes activities such a Southern African Fashion Show, After Party,  and picnic (Braai).

When: Friday, August 28, 2015 | 6:00pm - Saturday, August 29, 2015 | 4:00am

Where: Princess Mhoon Dance Studio |926 Philadelphia Ave. | Silver Spring, MD | 20910

Learn more

=============
kokoran

KanKouran's 32nd Annual African Dance and Drum Conference

Hundreds of participants from across the country will visit the nation’s capitol to partake in three days of intense workshops in traditional African dance and drum, taught by master dancers and drummers from Mali, Senegal, Liberia, and Guinea.

When: Friday, September 4, 2015 to Sunday, September 6, 2015 | 10:00pm

Where: Embassy Suites (Georgetown) |1250 22nd Street NW | Washington, DC | 20037

Learn more

=============
king and queen

Kings & Queens Of Africa: Lifestyle & Arts Vendo Expo

After over 12 years serving behind-the-scenes, Chef Marie Joe is ready to present the Kings & Queens of Africa: A Heritage Festival. This festival will feature Art, Lifestyle/Fashion, Culinary Art, and Performers in the Washington, DC area. The event celebrates heritage and culture and you are invited to join in this celebration.

When: Sunday, September 13, 2015 |10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Where: Howard University |2400 6th St NW | Washington, DC | 20059

Learn More

=============
AApi

AAPI ACTION FORUM

The purpose of this forum is to examine how we can work more collaboratively across different cultures and ethnic backgrounds and to create implementable strategies for MOAPIA to work on over the next few years.

When: Saturday, September 12, 2015|9:30 AM- 2:30 PM

Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center | West Salon G/H |801 Mt. Vernon Place NW| Washington, DC| 20001

Learn more

=============
ge
=============

Project Coordinator:
University Research Co., LLC (URC)

URC is seeking for a project coordinatorThe candidate will be responsible for carrying out financial and administrative tasks at the Bethesda headquarters office and backstopping activities for the Mawa, PIN and CH2MHill projects. S/he will serve as the primary liaison between the field offices and URC headquarters and coordinates communication with subcontractors or subgrantees, partner organizations, and donor agencies. Fluency in French required.

Learn more

=============

Intern/Project Assistant: Middle East and North Africa

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking an undergraduate student or candidate with a Bachelor’s degree to work in Washington, DC as an intern/project assistant for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Division's programs. The intern/project assistant will be responsible for conducting research on country specific programs in the MENA region; attending meetings and seminars on regional affairs; and providing administrative support on country projects.

Learn more

=============

Health Specialist – International Rescue Committee

The IRC’s Public Health Program provides medical case management, health education and patient advocacy services for refugees and asylees resettled by the Suburban Washington Resettlement Center (SWRC). The Health Specialist will work in close coordination with the case management teams, refugee clients, and local healthcare providers to advocate for the healthcare and preventative health needs of refugee and asylee clients of SWRC.

Learn more

=============

Human Rights SME – The Celestar Corporation

The Celestar Corporation has an immediate need to identify a human rights subject matter expert for an upcoming proposed effort, who will be seated in Africa.

Learn More

=============

Sierra Leone Program Manager – AmeriCares

AmeriCares is seeking s Sierra Leone Program Manager. This position is responsible for growing AmeriCares’ programs in Sierra Leone, coordinating and overseeing our global health activities and medical commodity distribution there and representing AmeriCares on the national level with relevant stakeholders.

Learn more

=============

Principal Engagement Manager - ONE

The Principal Engagement Manager will be responsible for providing support to principal engagement with ONE's work. She/he must be able to represent the Principal Management Team effectively and appropriately, both internally and externally. The Principal Engagement Manager will work directly with ONE Team Leads, Executive Management Team, and teams across ONE staff.  This position reports to the Director of Principal Engagement and will be based in Washington, DC.

Learn more

MOAA Frontpage
=============

MOAA/GMU African Diaspora Demographic Survey

MOAA GM

On behalf of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs and the George Mason University, you are invited to participate in the African Diaspora Demographic Survey. The survey will address critical gaps in information and capture much needed demographic data such as age, employment, education, and language proficiency.  This research will culminate in a jointly-issued report with important policy recommendations and analyses of issues facing the African diaspora community, namely underemployment, cultural and linguistic language barriers, and lack of access to services. 

Once completed, the survey will serve as a resource for researchers and serve as support for targeted outreach efforts of service providers and government agencies in connecting policy with the needs of African immigrants communities in the Washington metropolitan area.

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.

Diaspora in dialogue
Click on the image to view the video
=============
MOAA Internship
=============

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!

guj
=============

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

f
=============
Whats new with mayor
=============

Bowser Administration 6 Months Progress Report

Report
Click on the image to view the report

Mayor Bowser has released her 6-month progress report.  Take a look at the report to read about the Bowser Administration’s successes to date.

=============

District of Columbia Receives National Small Business Award

Mayor blue

On Tuesday, August 4, 2015, the White House selected the District of Columbia as a winner in the 2015 Startup in a Day – Start Small Model prize competition. The District received a $50,000 prize to help build a portal that will streamline the business licensing process.

The winners are located in 19 states and the District of Columbia, and were announced at White House Demo Day, an event highlighting the Obama Administration’s focus, accomplishments and efforts surrounding the American entrepreneurial and innovation engine.

“This award demonstrates that Washington, DC is open for business,” said Mayor Bowser. “The District’s business community is diverse and growing, with entrepreneurs starting up businesses and creating jobs. My Administration is focused on creating an environment where small businesses can thrive, and this initiative will help us do even more to make that goal a reality.”

=============

Mayor Bowser's Statement on Anniversary of Voting Rights Act

Voting right 2
=============

The Right Choice Campaign

Pledge

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

=============
newsworthy
=============

Ethiopians Put Down Roots in Washington to Build Their Largest U.S. Community

When Johannes Argay decided to open a small market selling food and spices from his native Ethiopia, he wasn’t intimidated by all the competition at Build America Plaza in Falls Church, Virginia, where dozens of shops bear orange-and-brown signs in English and Amharic.

“It depends on the quality,” says Argay, who formerly owned a restaurant in New York City. Opening a cooler case, he adds, “This fresh injera especially, we get every morning from Dulles Airport, direct from home. This is the best injera in the city.”

Learn more

=============

‘Noirlinians’ Fashion Bloggers Say New Orleans Is “The Most African U.S. City”

The “AfroFashion” blog Noirlinians is the brainchild of two friends interested in exploring the complex relationship between culture and identity throughout the African diaspora.

Learn more

=============

Sixteen New Facts About Africa’s Population 

The world’s population is currently estimated to be 7.3 billion—with one billion of these added in just the last 12 years. Sixteen per cent, or 1.2 billion of those people live in Africa, while the vast majority of 4.4 billion, or 60% are in Asia. This gap will be steadily and determinedly chipped at this century.

Learn more

=============

Africa: World Must Invest in New Sustainable Development Agenda, UN Official Stresses

It is vital that countries make the necessary investments to carry out the new sustainable development agenda that will be formally adopted next month, says a senior United Nations official, warning that the world can ill afford the costs of not doing so.

Learn more

=============
aaaa
=============
job fair
Click on the image to learn more

This year’s job fair is expected to feature over 100 employers with opportunities for federal, state, local and private-sector jobs. Norton’s office will release more details on the day’s activities and employers shortly. The job fair is open to D.C. residents only. Job-seekers must bring a photo ID, utility bill, or other proof of District residency.

=============

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

=============

Coffee and Conversation

Join the Rockville Team for their monthly roundtable & networking event for business professionals. There will be a discussion centered around identifying challenges not being met by the technology industry as well as exploring potential solutions. Complimentary refreshments and a light breakfast will be provided.

When: Monday, August 17, 2015 | 7:00 PM-10:00 PM

Where: 14504 Greenview Drive, Suite 201| Laurel, MD| 20708

Learn more

=============

Bethesda Business Networking Event

Join the TipClub for their business-to-business networking event. Attendees can expect to make new connections, get tips on how to effectively grow their business, and learn of new technologies that can help expand their network. 

When: Tuesday, August 18, 2015 | 7:30 AM- 9:00 AM

Where: Hyatt Regency Bethesda| 1 Bethesda Metro Center| Bethesda, MD| 20814

Learn more

=============

TLWCM & Wells Fargo Present: 4 Weeks to Financial Literacy

One of the biggest sources of discomfort for Americans comes from lack of control over their finances. TLWCM has partnered with Wells Fargo to host a four week financial literacy event to better educate attendees on necessary elements for financial health. Come learn tips on how best to resolve financial issues and regain confidence in your finances.

When: Saturday, August 29, 2015 | 10:00 AM-12:30 PM

Where: The Living Word Christian Ministries | 9925 Bunker Hill Road | Waldorf, MD | 20603

Learn more

=============
Niche
=============

Autism Speaks Local Grant Application

Autism Speaks places a significant focus on the end product or deliverable of each proposal that will benefit the autism community beyond those participating in the program. Deliverables include videos, manuals and curricula will be shared on the Autism Speaks website for the broader community. In addition, Autism Speaks seeks to ensure proposals provide opportunities for individuals with varying functioning levels.

Eligibility: For profits and nonprofits community organizations.  

Contact person: Serena Selkin| sselkin@autismspeaks.org.

When: Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Deadline: Monday, September 28, 2015 | 5:00 pm

Learn more

=============

Taproot Training Summit - Advance your mission

The Taproot Foundation makes grants of professional consulting services. Every Service Grant is delivered pro bono by a team of 5-6 business professionals who volunteer their time and expertise. Our projects provide high potential nonprofits in the Washington, D.C. metro areas with the tools and services you need to strengthen your organizations. We guarantee that our teams deliver excellent services, customized to meet your specific objectives and help you advance your mission.

Eligibility: Non Profit Organizations

When: Now

Deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2015 | 5:00 pm

Learn more

=============

Free Home Internet for Low-income DC Families.

Connect.DC, the District’s digital inclusion program, is partnering with Everyone On, Byte Back, and the United Planning Organization to provide six months of free home Internet service ($60 value) to 500 DC families with school-aged children. This project is designed to help low-income children use technology to succeed in school.

Eligibility: DC resident

When: Now

Deadline: Ongoing

Learn more

=============

Service Area Competition (HHS).

Department of Health and Human Services announces funds to provide primary and preventive health care services to the medically underserved.

Eligibility: Public, Nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations

Contact person:  Beth Hatmayer 
Tel: 301-594-4300
Email: bphcsac@hrsa.gov

When: Now

Deadline: Friday, September 28, 2015 | 5:00 pm

Learn more

=============
Health
=============

No Shots No School

Shots
Click on the image to learn more

The DC Department of Health (DOH) reminds all parents and guardians to make sure their child’s immunizations are up-to-date prior to the start of the 2015-2016 school year. Well-child exams, including routine dental exams, and immunization requirements ensure the overall health and wellness of the entire school community. Visit DOH's website to get information on how to get your child immunized.

=============

Zoca Dance with Zocanista

Inspired by the colorful carnivals of the Caribbean and the new boom in African pop music, Zoca is a highly effective and exhilarating workout aimed at not only improving strength, muscle tone and endurance but confidence and body image as well.

When: Saturday, August 15, 2015 |12:30 PM-1:30 PM

Where : 905 U Street Northwest | Washington,DC | 20001

Learn more

=============

Prenatal Session for Expecting Parents Children First Pediatrics

We offer prenatal sessions monthly for you to meet one of our providers and answer your questions. We are here to help ease your concerns about the upcoming arrival of your newborn. This is also a great opportunity for your to learn about our practice and see our office. These are evening sessions for your convenience. We offer breastfeeding, CPR, First Aid, and other classes.  

When: Monday, August 17, 2015 | 5:00 PM- 6:00 PM

Where: 10301 Georgia Ave | Suite 106 | Silver Spring, MD | 20902

Learn more

=============

DD214 Upgrade Clinics & Benefits and Entitlements Clinics

The District of Columbia Mayor’s Office of Veterans Affairs in partnership with Paralyzed Veterans of America will be hosting a Benefits and Entitlements: Disability and Compensation Clinic in order to assist veterans with filing claims for disability compensation with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

When: Wednesday, August 26, 2015 |6:30PM

Where: DC Office of Veterans Affairs|441 4th Street NW | Suite 1112 North

=============
Rolling
=============

USCIS Citizenship and Naturalization Drop-In Clinic

USCIS Citizenship and Naturalization Drop-In Clinic
=============

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

=============

Educational Grant for Women from Developing Countries

The Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund awards education grants on a competitive basis to exceptional women from developing countries who have financial need and are committed to working to empower women and children. Applications are made online at the MMMF website during periods indicated for each program cycle (US/Canada, South Africa and Latin America).


Deadline for US/Canada program: Tuesday, September 15, 2015

 

Learn more

=============
Free dc meal
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 the following: 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

=============
act
=============

Serve DC Volunteer Recruitment Fair

Volunteer
=============

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 26, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to (oaa@dc.gov).

=============