Over 400 Attendees Celebrate African Heritage Month at MOAA’s 6th Annual DC Africa Festival
 
As part of its city-wide celebration of African Heritage Month and its Multicultural Awareness and Development Program, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) hosted its 6th Annual DC Africa Festival on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 12 pm to 6 pm. Over 400 attendees joined the Mayor’s Community Affairs Director Charon Hines for the festivities that were held indoors in the Atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
Director Hines commented on the diversity of languages and cultures among the African Diaspora community.
“We are truly an international city that celebrates and values the cultures of its residents,” she noted.
Each year, the Mayor’s Annual Africa Festival celebrates diverse communities of the District’s African diaspora through art, culture, cuisine, history, and music. Since its inception in 2010, the Festival has fast become one of the District’s most anticipated cultural events drawing thousands of attendees.
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Save the Date COAA/MOAA Community Forum
MOAA/GMU African Diaspora Demographic Survey
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. The project will culminate in a jointly-issued research 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 as support for targeted outreach efforts of service providers and government agencies in connecting policy decisions 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 Fall Internships (October-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. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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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
Ward 4 Walk for Billion Steps Challenge
 Ward 4 residents and community members are invited to join Mayor Bowser, DC Department of Health
Director
Dr. Nesbitt, DC Department of Parks and
Recreation Director Keith Anderson and Ward 4 Fit DC
Coach, Carrye Brown, for healthy food demos and to help DC log steps for the
#BillionStepsChallenge.
When: Saturday, October 10, 2015 | 9:00am
Where: Takoma Community Center
300 Van Buren Street, NW
RSVP here
District Strikes Deal to Move Skyland Center Forward
On Wednesday, October 7, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner announced that a deal had been reached to remove a long-standing covenant with Safeway at Skyland Town Center at 2650 Naylor Road, SE. The agreement now makes way for highly-anticipated economic and job growth on this catalytic Ward 7 development.
The $265 million Skyland Town Center, as originally envisioned by residents years ago, will create a high-quality, destination retail town center in the heart of Wards 7 and 8 that will feature a new urban-format Walmart, neighborhood retailers and restaurants, and hundreds of jobs for District residents.
“We have finally cleared a path for a transformative Ward 7 project,” said Mayor Bowser. “With this agreement, we will bring much-needed amenities to an area that has long been underserved, put hundreds of District residents to work, and create more pathways to the middle class.”
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Mayor Bowser Announces Negotiated Settlement for Pepco Exelon Merger
On Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the District of Columbia has reached a settlement in the Exelon-Pepco merger negotiations. The agreement delivers on the Mayor’s commitment to improve affordability, reliability, and sustainability for ratepayers in the District.
After the Public Service Commission denied the proposed merger in August 2015, the Bowser Administration negotiated (with the support of the Office of the People’s Counsel, Attorney General and additional signatories) to reach an agreement. As a direct result of those negotiations, Exelon made significant improvements from the original proposal. The new agreement increases Exelon’s originally proposed investment in the District from $14 million to $78 million.
“The District deserves a healthy utility company that guarantees affordability, reliability and sustainability for residents and ratepayers,” said Mayor Bowser. “We kept the conversations with Pepco and Exelon alive, because we knew we had to do better for the District. My team negotiated a deal that puts District residents and ratepayers first – by delivering a public utility that is cost-effective, dependable and environmentally sound.”
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Pledge to End Homelessness in DC
Please support the District’s bold effort to end homelessness by taking the Pledge to End Homeless in DC.
Far too many men, women, and children live on our streets and in our shelters. This is unacceptable, because homelessness is a problem we know how to solve. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser and the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness released HomewardDC, a comprehensive five-year plan to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. In her first Budget, Mayor Bowser is making historic investments in Homeward DC and in the solutions we know work to end homelessness. Now, Mayor Bowser is announcing a set of legislative and administrative measures to ensure these investments make the biggest impact on the lives of DC residents experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
The Bowser Administration has a plan to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. To achieve this goal Mayor Bowser is announcing an all eight ward strategy that includes legislative and administrative measures to improve the District’s homelessness crisis response system for families. Mayor Bowser asks you to join the effort to end homelessness in DC. Our entire community must be a part of the solution. Every neighborhood, and every resident, has a stake in ending homelessness.
As the Director of the Mayor’s Office on African
Affairs, I have already taken the pledge to end Homelessness in DC and I
ask that you join me by also taking the Pledge. Our goal is to get 500 African residents to take this Pledge and we need your support to reach our goal.
You can take the Pledge by signing and returning it to us via email at oaa@dc.gov or you can do so directly by visiting http://dcforms.dc.gov/webform/pledge-end-homelessness-dc.
If you prefer to do it online, please email us back to let us know that you’ve done so.
Please follow the link to learn more about the Mayor’s plan to end homelessness
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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.
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Sowing Self-Sufficiency in Africa with Anacostia-based ‘Hello Tractor’
Jehiel Oliver runs a small Anacostia-based company, with a plan to solve a big agriculture problem half a world away. Oliver’s novel idea, a “Smart Tractor” that can be delivered with the tap of a cellphone, has the attention of far-reaching international development organizations. He has African governments looking to invest in his farming product. Even President Obama gave pause when Oliver pitched his sprouting business, called Hello Tractor, at a global summit. He devised a business in which farmers send a text to Hello Tractor’s U.S.-based dispatchers, who locate the nearest GPS-embedded Smart Tractor and ping the service provider. The tractors typically arrive within three days.
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U.S Higher Education Enrollment: Nigeria Rated 1st in Africa, 18th in the World
Nigeria was rated first in Sub-Saharan Africa and eighteenth in the World for International U.S higher education enrollment. The U.S Education Advisory Supervisor, Folashade Adebayo made this known in Abuja during the 16th Annual College and Career fair organized by the U.S. mission in Nigeria.
Adebayo also said that for the 2015/2016 academic year, Education USA members received financial aid of over four million U.S dollars in scholarship for Nigeria students.
She said, “According to Institute of International Education`s Open Door, Nigeria Students’ enrollment in the U.S has increased by more than 25 percent in the past 5 years."
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Are Pop-Ups the Best Way for African Firms to Start Out?
The two-foot-high jar of strawberry tequila is rapidly emptying, while harried looking Ethiopian waiters scurry from the bar with trays of colourful drinks.
For the Craft Cocktail Group, more accustomed to a slow Wednesday evening of mixing and shaking at the local jazz club, hosting a bar at an Addis Ababa hotel's Ethiopian New Year celebration in September means a much busier night than normal.
But for the new cocktail business in the Ethiopian capital, the chance for further exposure and business - even with just a few days' notice - was irresistible.
"The idea was a bar first, but we talked about it [and decided] to start and continue as a pop-up while getting a feel for Addis, the market and proof of concept," says Hamere Taye, who spent 15 years working in Washington, D.C., before returning to Ethiopia this year to join fellow founders Effeson Hailemichael and Sam Rosmarin.
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African Diaspora Pitch Workshop for Small & Medium Businesses
The U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce and the Young African Professionals (YAP) Network have partnered to host the African Diaspora SME Pitch Workshop, as part of Global Diaspora Week.
The workshop will provide information, opportunities to practice, and feedback on how to effectively present your pitch to investors, businesses, and other key stakeholders. This is a great opportunity to learn more about starting and growing your business as well as networking with like minded individuals.
When: Thursday, October 15, 2015 |6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Where: Impact Hub DC | 419 7th Street NW (3rd Floor) | Washington, DC 20004
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Let’s Put Washington DC on the Map with Google
The “Let’s Put Washington DC on the Map” program is a partnership with global technology company Google, Inc. and the Department of Small and Local Business Development designed to increase the web presence of DC’s local companies to support their growth and development. This event will feature workshops where participants can learn how to build their own free website as well as learn of other tools to expand their online presence.
When: Friday, October 16, 2015| 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center| 2730 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.|Washington, D.C. 20032
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Project
Preparation in Africa: Essential Elements for Project Development
The Project Preparation seminar is
an introduction to the project development process, walking participants through
the key elements, activities, and processes. It is particularly helpful for
projects that are just an idea or in the early stages. Participants also
receive tools and resources.
When: Monday, October 19, 215 : 8:30
am-5:00 pm
Where: Nixon Peabody | 799 Ninth
Street NW | Suite 500 | Washington, DC | 20001
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more
MWAA/DSLBD Joint Certification Pilot Program Launch and Outreach Event
The Metropolitan Washington/Airport Authority (MWAA) and the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) launch the Joint Certification Pilot Program. Participants will learn how CBE certification can aid in doing business with MWAA. Representatives will review the requirements for certification programs, concessions, and current business opportunities and answer questions to strategically position you for success. The event is open to all CBEs and DC based small businesses seeking to grow their business through MWAA opportunities. Registration is required.
When: Friday, October 23, 2015 | 9:30 am-12:00 pm
Where: Old Council Chambers | 441 Fourth Street, NW | (Lobby Level South) | Washington, DC | 20001 .
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The Office of Partnerships and Grant Services, Grant Information Resource Center
The Grant Information Resource Center (GIRC) provides technical assistance and information about resources that improve community services in the District of Columbia for its “customers” - District government, nonprofit, and faith-based representatives. The primary focus is to assist customers who either lack computer access or the knowledge to best use their existing computer technology to strengthen their organizations.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 10:00 am-12:00 pm and 2:00 pm-4:00 pm, by appointment only.
Contact: 202.727.8900. Please click here to schedule an appointment.
DC Main Streets
The Department of Small and Local
Business Development is soliciting applications from qualified non-profit
organizations that are incorporated in the District of Columbia to operate a
DC Main Streets programs for the Congress Heights commercial corridor in
Ward 8.
The
designated DC Main Streets program (organization) will receive $100,000
in grant funding and technical assistance to support a commercial
revitalization initiative. This organization will develop programs and services
to: (1) assist with the retention, expansion and attraction of
neighborhood-serving businesses; and (2) unify and strengthen the commercial
corridor.
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations
Deadline:
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
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HIV/AIDS Care Grant Program
Department of Health and Human Services announces the provision of funds to reduce HIV incidence, increase access to care and optimize health outcomes, and reduce HIV-related health disparities.
Eligibility: City or township governments, county governments, state governments, and DC government agencies.
Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2015
Contact: Heather Hauck, (301) 443 6745, hhauck@hrsa.gov
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Improve Education Environments for Children Living in Poverty
The Brady Education Foundation announces funds to support innovative projects that bring researchers and service providers together to prove and improve the effectiveness of education environments for children at risk for poor school outcomes due to environmental factors associated with living in poverty.
Eligibility: Non- profit organizations.
Deadline: Wednesday, December 15, 2015
Contact: Brady Education Foundation. applications@bradyeducationfoundation.org.
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Book-it-to-Health: Turkey Pumpkin Chili
Participants will sample a healthy turkey and pumpkin chili at this Book-it-to-Health Seminar. Book-it-to-Health presents live instruction, simple, delicious, healthy recipes and nutrition information by trained nutrition specialists and chefs, and a raffle for free groceries.
When: Sunday, October 18, 2015 | 1:30 pm
Where: Woodbridge Library | 1790 Douglas St. NE | Washington, D.C. | 20018
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Quality Health Africa Summit 2015
The 2015 Quality Health Africa Summit is a flagship program that will strive to target ways to strengthen and sustain Africa’s vulnerable health system. This two day program held in the United States and Africa will focus on current developments and international relations through lectures, workshops, and discussions. The theme for this year's Summit is "Innovation in Combating the Health System Disparities in Africa".
When: Friday, October 23, 2015 |9:00 am -4:00 pm
Where: US House of Representatives, Rayburn House | 200 D St SW | Washington, DC 20024 | Rm B340 | Washington, DC | 20003
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Health & Hip Hop
Black AIDS Institute and the Maryland Department of Mental Health and Hygiene Prevention and Health Promotion Administration in conjunction with Morgan State University School of Community Health and Policy present “ Health and HipHop ”. An event addressing sex, sexuality, and HIV in 2015. Discussions will focus on addressing risky sexual behavior, identifying those most at risk for HIV, and how to improve overall sexual health.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2015| 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Where: Morgan State University| 1700 E Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21251
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2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship Call for Applications
The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship program of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, and a key part of the U.S. commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
Beginning in 2016, the fellowship will bring together 1,000 young African leaders across three tracks—business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management—for a six-week, in-depth academic and leadership training at 20 top American universities. Eligible candidates should be between the ages of 25 and 35 and have a demonstrated track record of leadership in a public, private, or civic organization, and a commitment to contributing their skills and talents to build and serve their communities.
Application deadline is November 11, 2015.
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Wi$eUp, Financial Planning Online Program for Generation X & Y Women
Wi$eUp is a financial education program for Generation X & Y women. It promotes financial security through online education. The Wi$eUp course offers help with straightening your files and records, analyzing your spending and setting financial goals, building a realistic budget, credit and the evaluation of a credit report, creating an emergency fund and set aside account, Investing 101, getting to know your retirement plan, and developing a comprehensive financial plan. The online course has eight components. Registration is free and gives you access to the entire course. After logging in, you may complete the chapters using as much time as needed and in any order.
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Community Outreach Job Fair
All Nation's Baptist Church (ANBC) is hosting a Community Outreach Job Fair to help people in the community land jobs. The Community Outreach Job Fair will feature several employers including staffing agencies, franchises, small businesses and large private organizations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn what it takes to get hired and the chance to receive free resume review and resume writing tips.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2015 | 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Where: All Nations Baptist Church | 2001 North Capitol Street NE | Washington, DC | 20002
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Free Home Internet for Low-income DC Families
Connect.DC, the District’s digital inclusion program, is partnering with EveryoneOn, Byte Back, and the United Planning Organization will provide six months of free home Internet service ($60.00 value) to 500 DC families with school-aged children. This project is designed to help low income children use technology to succeed in school.
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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
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English Conversation Circle
The English Conversation Circle at the Georgetown Neighborhood resumes the Fall session from September 9 to December 2, 2015 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Volunteer facilitators from The Washington English Center will lead the classes.
Contact The Washington English Center at 202-387-2222 or The Georgetown Neighborhood Library at 202-727-9232.
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CPR/First Aid/AED Training For The Professional Rescuer
CPR/First Aid/AED (Automated External Defibrillator) for the Professional Rescuer is designed to teach professionals with a duty to act the skills needed to respond appropriately to breathing and cardiac emergencies, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to care for a victim of cardiac arrest.
When: Saturday, October 24, 2015 | 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Where: Teach for America | 1805 7th Street NW | 6th Floor | Washington, DC | 20001
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Global Diaspora Week
Global Diaspora Week (GDW)—October 11 – 17, 2015—is a week dedicated to diaspora communities and their contributions to global development. GDW is intended to create awareness, enable collaboration and enhance learning amongst those working with diaspora communities in different locations around the world.
GDW enables an inclusive and focused series of events – events that are self-driven and self-organized by diaspora communities and other interested groups. With diaspora communities and organizations at the reins, GDW spotlights the organizations and initiatives themselves, the work they do and the issues that they feel are important.
Click here to access the map of events, and find one near you.
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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, October 21, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to (oaa@dc.gov).
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