Mayor Gray Signs Historic Sister City Agreement between Addis Ababa and the District of Columbia
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Mayor Diriba Kuma of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia today signed a Sister City Agreement between Addis Ababa and the District. The agreement will facilitate cultural and educational exchanges for the benefit of residents in both cities as well as provide an opportunity for the District and Addis Ababa to share information and collaborate on mutual priorities in many areas, including economic development, public health, urban planning, transportation and youth engagement. This agreement will be in force for a period of five years.
“Inspired by the District’s vibrant Ethiopian community, the largest African diaspora in the District, I am proud to call Addis Ababa the District’s newest Sister City,” said Mayor Gray. “I am deeply grateful to the members of the Ethiopian community for their contributions to the District and view the partnership of our two cities as an opportunity for the residents of these two great capital cities to enrich each other culturally, educationally, economically and in quality of life.”
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Mayor Gray Mourns Passing of Former South African President Nelson Mandela: Joins D.C. Office on African Affairs in Recognizing Nobel Laureate's Legacy of Peace
 Mayor Gray expressed condolences and praised the historic achievements of former South African President Nelson Mandela upon learning of his passing on December 5th at the age of 95.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the family of President Mandela and the nation of South Africa,” said Mayor Gray. “His astute diplomacy, his tireless dedication to justice and his deep commitment to non-violent resistance and reconciliation laid the foundation for countless leaders worldwide. Nelson Mandela’s profound legacy will forever inspire all who fight for human rights and peace around the globe.”
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Mayor Gray and Mayor Marino Reaffirm Sister City Agreement between the District and Rome: Agreement Extends and Builds on Previous Exchanges
 Mayor Gray and Rome Mayor Ignazio Marino met on Thursday to sign a document reaffirming the Sister City Agreement between the District and the Italian capital city. This agreement will build on previous government-to-government exchanges while placing a new focus on youth and educational exchanges as well as social-media outreach and other forms of electronic communication. Emphasis will be placed on promoting tourism, economic development, and the continuation of art and cultural exchanges. This agreement will be in force for a period of five years.
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District Breaks Ground on Fire Station and Hyatt Place Hotel in Southwest: Mixed-Use Building Will Include Community Space and Retail
 Mayor Gray, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice Paul Quander, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe, Department of General Services Director Brian Hanlon and members of the E Street Development Group gathered to break ground for a new mixed-use building at 400 E Street SW.
The site will be the future home for the District’s second Hyatt Place Hotel and a new, state-of-the-art fire station that will replace Engine Company 13, now located at 450 6th Street SW.
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Washington Capitals and Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis Writes About Doing Business the “DMV” Way
“Washington was a one-industry town, with the federal government driving the economy almost exclusively, through employing so many area residents -- with many of the rest working for businesses that sold to the government. Washington was not a technology capital; Washington wasn't a hub of business activity; Washington certainly wasn't a start-up magnet. AOL played a big part in changing that, as it brought people, ideas, and capital to the region. Most of us involved in the early days at AOL have moved on, but many of us have also stayed in the DMV area. As a result -- and thanks to other early tech leaders that emerged at that time -- the Washington area is now a thriving, leading center of entrepreneurial growth and activity.” Read More
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Remembering and Paying Tribute to Former South African President Nelson Mandela
 OAA Director Ngozi Nmezi signs Nelson Mandela condolence book at the Embassy of South Africa on Friday, December 6th.
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Nelson Mandela, South Africa's Liberator as Prisoner and President, Dies at 95
Nelson Mandela, who led the emancipation of South Africa from white minority rule and served as his country’s first black president, becoming an international emblem of dignity and forbearance, died Thursday night. He was 95.
Mr. Mandela’s quest for freedom took him from the court of tribal royalty to the liberation underground to a prison rock quarry to the presidential suite of Africa’s richest country. And then, when his first term of office was up, unlike so many of the successful revolutionaries he regarded as kindred spirits, he declined a second term and cheerfully handed over power to an elected successor, the country still gnawed by crime, poverty, corruption and disease but a democracy, respected in the world and remarkably at peace.
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Kenya at 50
As Kenya celebrates 50 years of independence, we team up with Kenyan professor Fredrick O. Wanyama to look at the events that have shaped the country over the last half century.
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Young Africans Optimistic for the Future
With the passing of Nelson Mandela it might be timely to put aside out-of-date and ill-informed views of Africa, and see it the way Africans seem to: With a high level of optimism.
Two-thirds of respondents to a CNN survey of more than 9,000 people across South Africa and 19 other African countries say they feel more confident about the future than when Mandela came to power.
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DMPED announced the Capital Improvement Grants & Great Streets Grant
The purpose of the H Street NE Small Business Capital Improvement Grants (the “Program”) is to support existing small businesses, attract new small businesses, increase the District’s tax base, and create new jobs for District residents.
The purpose of the Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants (the “Program”) is to support existing small businesses, attract new small businesses, increase the District’s tax base, and create new jobs for District residents.
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ABRA Orientation Class for New ABC Licensees Holders
 ABRA invites New ABC Licensees and the public to attend orientation trainings on a variety of topics including recent changes to the law, settlement agreements, how to work effectively with you community, expectations of an ABC Licensee, and noise abatement and sound management.There are four dates left. Requests for an interpreter must be received by the RSVP date. The upcoming orientation will be:
When: Thursday|January 23, 2014| 02:00 - 05:00 pm|
RSVP by Friday|January 17, 2014|
Where: 2000 14th Street, NW| Suite 400 South (4th Floor| Washington, DC 20009|
RSVP Here or call (202) 397-3971
IBM Digital Marketing for Business Growth
The success of every company lies in its customer base. This workshop will teach you to generate excellent content to attract your ideal customers, understand what impact your marketing activities are having on your business through analytics and optimize your digital marketing strategy for maximum effectiveness and growth. The focus of the class is on the theory of "why" your business would do certain things and less on the technical "how" of doing them. This workshop is aimed at marketers and business owners looking to acquire new users while also engaging their current customer base.
When: Saturday|Januaray 25, 2014|10:00 am - 05:30 pm|
Where: GA @ 1776|1133 15th St NW|Washington, DC 20005|
Register Here
DC Women’s Business Center: Orientation for Free Business Counseling
In order to be eligible for free one-on-one business counseling’s with a Business Development Specialist at the DC WBC, clients must attend an Orientation. Counseling is an engaging, focused and personalized resource. Prospective clients will learn about the Center's services and resources and how the DC WBC can help you achieve your goals. Whether you have been in business for years and are looking to expand or whether you're just starting your business, come find out what the DC Women’s Business Center can do for you!
When: Tuesday|February 18, 2014| 06:30-08:30 pm|
Where: NCRC Building|727 15th St NW|
Washington, DC 20005|
Register Here
OPGS Funding Alert
Subscribe to the Mayor's Office of Partnerships and Grant Services' Funding Alert. You may view the new edition of Funding Alert by clicking here.
Adult Training Program Grant (DOES)
The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) Office of Workforce Development is seeking grant applications for high quality, structured, occupational training and/or post secondary education focused workforce development programs as part of the 2014 Adult Training Program for District of Columbia (District) residents at least 18 years of age. This grant is intended to fund projects that will serve unemployed and underemployed adults at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent who may face barriers to successful employment.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2014| 02:00 pm
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Media Project Grant
National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) announces funds to support interactive digital media, film and television projects, and radio projects. Interactive digital media may be websites, games, mobile applications, virtual environments. There will be $1,000,000 in funds available to city or township governments, county governments, special district governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, nonprofit organizations and private institutions of higher education to be allocated on a competitive basis.
Application Deadline: January 8, 2014
Contact: Crissy Cortina at (202) 606-8269 or ccortina@neh.gov or www.grants.gov GD5275
The Big Read
Arts Midwest announces funds to develop community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences including activities such as author readings, book discussions, art exhibits, lectures, film series, and music or dance events. Funds available between $2,500 and $20,000 in 75 awards to state governments and nonprofit organizations.
Application Deadline: January 28, 2014
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Unexpected Short Term Financial Needs - Junior League of Washington
Junior League of Washington announces funds to support organizations that need unexpected short-term financial needs related to their mission and/or operations. Three awards of up to $1,000 are available to nonprofit organizations and community based organizations.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2014
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The Consumer Health Foundation's 16th Annual Meeting
 Save the Date! The Consumer Health Foundations 16th Annual Meeting will be about Health and Racial Equity in Turbulant Times featuring Keynote Speaker John Powell, Speaker Carlee Beth Hawkins, and Moderator Brian Smedley.
When: Thursday|March 20, 2014| 02:00 - 04:00 pm|
Where: Public Wellness Foundation| 1200 U Street NW| Washington, DC|
DC Health Link Releases Data for October 1 - December 10
The DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority today released new data covering the period of October 1 to December 10 regarding activity at DCHealthLink.com, the District of Columbia’s new online health insurance marketplace for individuals, families, and small businesses. Since October 1, 133,973 unique visitors have visited the site. The data indicate continued strong interest in shopping, comparing, and choosing quality, affordable health insurance.
Residents have until December 23, 2013, to choose a health plan in order to have benefits effective January 1, 2014. Open enrollment for individuals and families will continue through March 31, 2014. Small business owners can choose to purchase coverage and enroll their employees at any time.
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Health centers to help uninsured Americans gain affordable health insurance coverage
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced $58 million in grants to 1,157 health centers across the nation currently working to enroll uninsured Americans in new health insurance coverage options made available by the Affordable Care Act. With these funds, health centers can expand their enrollment assistance efforts as more Americans enroll in affordable health insurance coverage.
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Color blind care: improving health literacy among minority population
According to a recent Health Affairs report, "In the United States, life expectancy and other health status measures vary dramatically depending on factors such as race, gender, educational attainment, and ZIP code." Groups at greatest risk of being left behind are Asian-American adults, who are much likely to have stomach and liver cancer, and African Americans, who are 40% more likely to suffer from hypertension.
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President Obama's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Washington Fellowship
The Washington Fellowship is a new program under President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) which will provide leadership training, professional development, and mentoring to 500 accomplished young leaders each year, beginning in 2014, for leadership training, academic coursework, and mentoring, and will create unique opportunities in Africa to put those new skills to practical use in propelling economic growth and prosperity and strengthening democratic institutions.
Applications must be submitted by January 27, 2014
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Online Courses Project
This project is a free and comprehensive resource that is a collection of open college courses that spans videos, audio lectures, and notes given by professors at Harvard, Princeton and MIT. We offer highly relevant courses such as iPhone Application Development from Stanford and Cyber Humor from Oxford. This is something I believe would be a wonderful resource for those looking to explore additional educational topics and to see what a college level course has to offer.
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DCHR Writing Resumes & Job Interview Techniques Course
The Writing Resumes & Jo Interview Techniques course will help participants to construct a resume that makes an effective and dynamic first impression. Participants will also gain insight into strategies that today's interviewers use when making their selection.
When: Every Tuesday | 10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Where: One Judiciary Square| 441 4th Street NW| The South Lobby| Washington, DC 20001|
DCHR Writing Ranking Factors & Completing the Application Process Course
The Ranking Factors course will provide tips & strategies to write effective Ranking Factors. Ranking Factors should be written in a personal, yet professional style, to highlight your knowledge, skills and abilities to the hiring manager. In the same class, we will also support participants to get a strong understanding on the importance of properly filling out the DC2000.
When: Every Thursday| 10:00 am - 12:00 pm|
Where: One Judiciary Square| 441 4th Street NW| The South Lobby|Washington, DC 20001|
Capitol Petroleum Group 2013 Coat Drive
 Capitol Petroleum Group invites you to bring your clean, gently-used coats for women, men, and children of all ages starting on Tuesday, December 17th and ending Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at Twenty-Four (24) service stations located in the Northern Virginia, D.C., Maryland, and New York Metropolitan Area. Donations can be made at any of these participating locations between the hours of 8:00 A.M. – 8:00 P.M. Participating locations are listed above.
Protecting Our Diversity
 In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, come learn about various criminal justice issues, including hate crimes, that affect the various communities and affinity groups in our city.
When: Wednesday|January 15, 2014| 08:30 am - 05:30pm|
Where: Old Council Chambers| 441 4th St. NW| Washington, DC|
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Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like to submit your event to be included in our calendar, please submit the following event details: what, when, & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Thursday, December 26, 2013 at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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