5th Annual DC Africa Festival| Ronald Reagan
Building and International Trade Center - Woodrow Wilson Plaza| Sunday, August
3rd
Each year, the Mayor’s Annual Africa Festival celebrates diverse
communities of the District’s African diaspora through art, culture, food,
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. The event stands as a unique testament to the unprecedented growth and
presence of the District’s African residents. It further echoes the goals of OAA’s
Multicultural Awareness and Community Building Program –celebrating the varied identities of African people;
promoting the different cultures within the District’s African community; and encouraging all District residents to learn about African heritage, customs, and
history.
Please find key
details below, RSVP soon and don’t miss this momentous event!
Date: Sunday, August 3, 2014
Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
|Woodrow
Wilson Plaza |1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW |Washington, DC |20004
RSVP REQUIRED: Click here to Register
Vendor Information: Click here for Vendor Application
Volunteering Recruitment: Click here for Volunteer
Application
Questions? Contact OAA at 202-727-5634; oaa@dc.gov or visit our website: www.oaa.dc.gov
Press Release: OAA Commemorates Mandela Day
OAA Encourages Local and National Community Service
in Memory of the Former South African President
(Washington D.C.) – In
honor of the life and legacy of former South African president and
anti-apartheid trailblazer, the late Nelson Mandela, OAA encourages citywide
volunteer service for the annual "Mandela Day" on July 18, 2014. In
2009, Nelson Mandela International Day was declared by the United Nations as an
occasion to dedicate time in service to others. Advocates and communities
around the world have since celebrated this day with focused acts of good works
that last for 67 minutes in honor of the number of years that Mandela spent in
service to his fellow South Africans.
“Nelson Mandela’s lifetime
of commitment to the common good has resonated globally with individuals and
communities,” said OAA
Director, Ngozi Nmezi. “Here in DC, we
urge residents to participate in the variety of activities and volunteer
opportunities that help us reflect on the values of public service and
community-building.”
-
The
Embassy of South Africa is partnering with two nonprofit organizations to serve
local communities. At Martha’s Table [2114 14th Street NW,
Washington, D.C. 2009], volunteers will assist in tidying up classrooms, preparing
food for the mobile soup kitchen, and organizing the community thrift store. At
So Others May Eat (SOME) [738 Chesapeake building SE, Washington, D.C.]
volunteers are asked to assist in cleaning the community space and playground
areas and participate in light landscaping efforts. RSVP is required and more
information is available here.
-
In
partnership with the National Park Service and the District Department of the
Environment, the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum will host “Mandela Day
and South Africa Independence Festival,” on Saturday, July 19, 2014.
Celebrations will include a day of arts, crafts, and musical entertainment. Event details.
-
To find out more about Mandela day,
visit http://www.mandeladay.com/
and follow ‘Mandela Day’ on Twitter (@mandeladay) and Facebook.
5th Annual DC Africa Festival: Volunteers Needed
The DC
Mayor's Office on African Affairs (OAA) is looking for dynamic volunteers for
the 5th Annual DC Africa Festival on Sunday, August 3rd
from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. The Festival features music, dance, a Parade of Flags, Children’s Village, Government
and Community Resources, a Wellness Pavilion and Culture Hut, along with many
other forms of entertainment and educational activities.
We are
looking for volunteers who can support the event in a variety of capacities:
assisting vendors, managing the registration table, coordinating children’s
activities, and helping with logistics.
If you are interested please REGISTER
NOW
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 3,000 likes!
Interested in being the first to hear about grant opportunities, business development services, DC government resources, networking events, and Africa-related news and events?
OAA’s FACEBOOK PAGE HAS IT ALL!
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!
Click here for OAA’s Facebook Page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also, follow us on Twitter!
Mayor
Gray Celebrates Milestones Reached in Building New Ballou Senior High School
Ward 8 School Now Less Than Six Months
Away From Phase 1 Completion
On Tuesday, July 15, 2014, Mayor Gray celebrated the topping-out of steel on the new Ballou Senior High School, which signifies that the steel frame for the building is complete and that Phase 1 of the project is now less than six months away from substantial completion. Mayor Gray was joined by Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, Department of General Services Director Brian J. Hanlon, and other Ward 8 leaders and officials at the site of the new high school. “The topping-out celebration marks a major milestone in the construction schedule as it brings us one step closer to the completion of what will be an amazing educational facility for teachers, students and the Ward 8 community,” said Mayor Gray. “And today we’re less than six months away from completing Phase 1.”
Read more
Mayor
Gray Unveils District’s New Creative Economy Strategy
Plan Leverages Creative Industries to
Produce Jobs and Expand Tax Base
On Wednesday, July 16, 2014 Mayor Gray and Interim Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development M. Jeffrey Miller today unveiled The Creative Economy Strategy, a sector-driven roadmap that leverages the District’s creative industries in order to generate 10,000 new jobs and expand the city’s tax base within three years. “The District is home to some of the smartest and most creative people in the world and to some of the world’s richest cultural resources – and my administration believes in doing everything we can to leverage those resources and grow our creative industries,” said Mayor Gray. “By taking advantage of the numerous creative assets our city boasts, we can continue to grow and diversify the District’s economy.”
Read more
Mayor
Gray Announces Further Expansion of District’s Saturday Free Summer Meals
Program
Free Summer Meals to Be Offered Six Days
a Week for the Second Year in a Row
On Thursday,
July 17, 2014, Mayor Gray announced the expansion of the District’s Free Summer
Meals Program for the second year in a row. Starting on Saturday, July 19,
2014, free summer meals will be offered on Saturdays across the District at
select Department of Parks and Recreation and DC Public Library locations for
children and youth 18 years of age and under. The distribution sites include
seven additional locations. The District ranks No. 1 in the nation in the US
Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program, which provides free,
nutritious meals and snacks during the summer months at government sites and
non-profit organizations throughout the District.
Read more
Mayor
Vincent C. Gray’s 2014 Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth
Employment Program is a locally funded initiative sponsored by the Department
of Employment Services that provides District youth ages 14 to 21 with
enriching and constructive summer work experiences through subsidized
placements in the private and government sectors. Through this program, young
people will be provided with the opportunity to earn money and gain meaningful
work experience; learn and develop the skills, attitudes, and commitment
necessary to succeed in today’s world of work; gain exposure to various exciting
career industries; and, interact with dynamic working professionals in a
positive work environment.
Read more
From
Ethiopia To Gates: One Man’s Story Of Survival And Fatherhood
Michael Million
is a proud father. He raised his two kids alone. Not one, but both of his kids
are Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship winners. That means they can go to any
college where they are accepted, and they won’t have to pay a dime. For most of
us, having two children win such a scholarship would be the highlight of our
story as parents, but for Million, it is one part of a much larger story of
survival and resilience.
Read more
One
Immigrant’s Search For The American Dream Is Subject Of A New Novel By Okey
Ndibe
The American
Dream is perhaps the most powerful element of this nation’s mythology; drawing
generations of immigrants from around the world to these shores in search of
what they hope will be a better life. It also lies at the heart of “Foreign
Gods, Inc.,” a new novel by Nigerian-born and Connecticut-based author Okey
Ndibe. The book tells the story of Ike Ozondu, a Nigerian immigrant who
graduates magna cum laude in economics from Amherst College, but whose life is
not going according to plan or expectations.
Read more
Howard
University, 1974 NCAA soccer champions, brought worlds together
A deeply
attached fan of a championship team called a couple of months back, saying he
had arranged an interview with the coach and one of his star players at the L
Street downtown office of an international businessman, that it was of “paramount
importance” to be there. Asked what this is about, he replied simply, “It’s
about the best team you never heard of.” Several
days later, in a third-floor conference room with a strong African art-deco
motif, an upbeat, ultra-fit man introduced himself: “Hello, Mori Diane, nice to
meet you.”
Read more
She's Got A Perfect Afro —
And A Melodious Vision For African Musicians
In February,
Ethiopian-born singer Meklit Hadero was flying home from Uganda to the U.S.
when her plane had to land unexpectedly near the Arctic Circle. It was so cold
that to keep her fingers warm she put on oven mitts that she'd bought to bring
home. A fellow Ethiopian passenger introduced himself. He'd just finished co-producing,
a movie based on the true story of a 14-year-old Ethiopian girl abducted by a
man who wanted to marry her; the girl shot him and was tried for murder. Hadero
and Demoz hung out and hoped to see the Northern Lights. Then, by coincidence, a
few weeks later, Hadero got a call from Lincoln Center to see if she'd sing at
a screening of Difret. So it's a small world for global artists.
Read more
Nadine Gordimer, South African author, dies at 90
South African Nobel Prize-winning author Nadine Gordimer has died in Johannesburg aged 90.
Nadine Gordimer, one of the literary world's most powerful voices against apartheid, died at her home after a short illness. Nadine wrote more than 30 books, including the novels My Son's Story, Burger's Daughter and July's People. She jointly won 1974's Booker Prize for The Conservationist and was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature in 1991. Her works comprised both novels and short stories where the consequences of apartheid, exile and alienation were the major themes.
Read more
The World’s Biggest Contemporary African Art Museum
The world’s largest museum devoted to contemporary art from Africa is under construction in Cape Town. The $50 million Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa will be housed in a disused, colonial-era industrial structure consisting of 42 towering, nine-story-tall grain silos on the waterfront in Cape Town. “It has been my life dream to build a contemporary art museum in Africa,” Mark Coetzee, the former director of Miami’s Rubell Family Collection and executive director and chief curator of Zeitz MOCAA, told the AFP. “When I left Cape Town 25 years ago I vowed to return only when I had the skills and the relationships to make this happen…”I think you can say that when it is complete it will be the biggest museum in Africa and the world focusing on contemporary art practice in and from Africa.”
Read more
The Africa Business Forum 2014
World Bank Group-IMF African Society will stage the 3rd Edition of Africa Business Forum. The main objectives of the Forum are to project the image of 21st century Africa, a region which is home to 7 of the 10 fastest growing economies of the world, with a rapidly expanding consumer market and to create a platform for the African Private Sector to meet, network and forge mutually-beneficial business relationships with their counterparts in the USA. Africa Business Forum III builds on the tradition of similar successful events that were organized by the Society in 1998 and 2000. As in the past, Africa Business Forum III will be co-hosted by the World Bank Group and the IMF senior leadership.
When: Friday, August 1, 2014 - Sunday, August 3, 2014|8:00am-5:00pm
Where: The World Bank| 1818 H St. NW| Washington, DC 20433
Learn More
The 9th Ethiopian Diaspora Business Forum
The Forum will review opportunities and challenges on “Investing in Ethiopia’s Emerging Technology Sector,” in recognition of the growing importance of technology as a key driver of innovation in the Ethiopian economy. Investments in the power sector will also be closely looked at as one of the most attractive investment and technology transfer areas where investment from the Diaspora is poised to make lasting impact.
When: Saturday, August 2, 2014 |2:00pm -7.30pm
Where: Jack Morton Auditorium |The George Washington University |805 21st St. NW |Washington, DC |20052
Learn more
Coders4Africa
Coders Conference
Join us and
discover amazing technologies created by African and minority developers in the
United States and across the globe. This event is designed specifically for
African and minority tech professionals who want to expand their network, find
new business opportunities, and learn about the many opportunities emerging in
the African tech scene. The event features an extensive list of technology
professionals working for some of the world's most innovative companies.
When: Saturday, August 9, 2014 |8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Where: 1133 15th Street NW |Washington, DC |20005
Learn more
People,
Place & Space: Intersection of Location, Workspace & Design for
Startups
Join the
Washington, DC Economic Partnership & AccelerateDC for a panel discussion
followed by Q&A, to discuss everything you need to know about graduating
out of the co-working space and moving into your own office space. The event
will feature a panel including Andy O'Brien,
Gavin Daniels, Evan Regan- Levine, and Janey Saunders, Knoll.
When: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 |5:00pm - 9:30pm
Where: Washington, DC Economic Partnership |1495 F St NW |Washington,
DC |20004
Learn more
Affordable Care Act New Access Point Grants (HHS)
Department of Health and Human Services announces funds for the New Access Point (NAP) program to increase access to comprehensive, culturally competent, quality primary health care services and improve the health status of underserved and vulnerable populations in the area to be served.
Deadline: Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Learn more
Addressing Hunger Issues and Basic Human Needs
Bank of America Charitable Foundation announces funds to support organizations that provide basic human needs for individuals and families, including food and shelter, programs that address financial wellness and stability issues, and programs that promote access to benefits and resources for low-income communities.
Deadline: Friday, August 8, 2014
Learn more
Capacity Building, Special Projects and General Operations
The William J. and Dorothy K. O'Neill Foundation announces funds to support programs that assist low-income families, intergenerational families, families with mental health needs, families with at-risk youth, and families with specific disabilities. A letter of inquiry is required.
Deadline: Monday, September 1, 2014
Learn more
Cancer and Pediatric Illness Treatment & Prevention
Alexander and Margaret Stewart Foundation announces funds to support organizations that provide care or treatment of economically deprived residents suffering from cancer or childhood afflictions. A letter of inquiry is required.
Deadline: September 19, 2014
Learn more
Health & Wellness, Preservation, & Animal Care
M. Edward Morris Foundation announces funds to support organizations that engage in one or more of the following types of activities: (a) support the care and protection of animals, (b) promote the preservation of natural resources, and/or (c) protect the health and welfare of human beings.
Deadline: August 1, 2014
Learn more
Who’s a Washingtonian Grant?
The Humanities Council of Washington DC is announcing it’s “Who’s a Washingtonian Grant.” This unique grant program is aimed at bringing the people of Washington together. Each funded project must identify two distinct demographics that rarely interact and a means for getting them to work together on a humanities project. For this program, the Humanities Council requests proposals for projects that actively seek to spark dialogue between groups of residents that have historically been isolated from one another either geographically or culturally.
Learn more
Worthy Cause Grant
Cause Populi, LLC is announcing in-kind grants with a value of up to $50,000 to non-profits to further a project or several related projects through professional advertising, communications, marketing programs, promotions, and other services to help them reach their goals. The main purpose of the grant is to enhance the visibility, online presence, community engagement and fundraising aspects of qualifying non-profit institutions. The grant will match or subsidize up to US $3 dollars per dollar contributed by the recipient organization towards the project.
Learn more
Science Cafe 360: Sickle Cell Disease - Painful and Prevalent in DC
Please join us for a conversation with Dr. Susan Perrine-Faller from Howard University as she discusses research pertaining to sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder that is painful and prevalent in DC. Learn what you can do to help advance care, research, and support for people living with sickle cell disease. Come mingle with medical researchers, social scientists, and community leaders who are thinking big about transforming health in DC
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 |6:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Busboys & Poets |1025 5th Street NW |Washington, DC |20001
Learn more
Back To School Health & Wellness Festival
The Greater Washington Urban League will be hosting its Annual Back To School Health and Wellness Festival. The festival will feature free performances, healthy cooking demonstrations, live dance, free backpacks, school supplies, free health screenings, children’s' activities and more.
When: Saturday, August 16, 2014 |11:00am – 5:00pm
Where: Greater Washington Urban League |2901 14th Street NW |Washington, DC |20009
Learn more
Free CPR and AED Training
Health & Safety International will be offering Free CPR & AED Training. CPR & AED Certification is essential for health/ medical related jobs (ie: Caregivers, CNA's, Nurses etc), Babysitters, and Daycare Providers. Having your CPR & AED certification has the potential to lead to future employment positions and opportunities.
When: Ongoing
Where: Local Library, Blended, Onsite
Contact: HealthSafetyINTL@gmail.com
2014 National Diversity MBA Summit
Join admissions directors from the nation’s top business schools for the second annual National Diversity MBA Summit, hosted by the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University in conjunction with The Stratus Foundation and Stratus Prep. The Summit is an outstanding opportunity for diverse, talented MBA candidates to engage with representatives from leading MBA programs and gain significant knowledge about business school admissions to ensure a successful application.
When: Sunday, July 20, 2014 |9:30am - 5:00pm
Where: McDonough School of Business - Georgetown University |390 37th Street NW |Washington, DC |20057
Learn more
Washington DC Career Fair - Meet Hiring Employers Face to Face
Multiple employers will be at the National Career Fair Job Fair and are looking to fill hundreds of local positions immediately. Company recruiters will meet with attending job seekers on a one-on-one basis which will increase chances of being selected quickly for a new job. Dress to impress and bring plenty of resumes to hand out.
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 |11:00am - 2:00pm
Where: 300 Army Navy Drive |Arlington, VA 22202
Learn more
The Big Picture: A Longer Term Perspective on Housing
Zillow, the leading real estate information marketplace, announces its latest housing event, “The Big Picture: A Longer Term Perspective on Housing.” The half-day event, which will be live-streamed, will bring together top policymakers, housing experts and economists to discuss the future of housing and the big ideas that will shape the 21st century.
When: Thursday, July 24, 2014 |8:30am - 1:00pm
Where: Knight Conference Center at the Newseum |7th Floor |555 Pennsylvania Ave, NW | Washington, DC |20001
Learn more
2014 Coders Conference by Coders4Africa
Discover amazing technologies created by African and minority developers in the United States and across the globe. This event is designed specifically for African and minority tech professionals who want to expand their network, find new business opportunities, and learn about the many opportunities emerging in the African tech scene. This conference is an unparalleled opportunity if you are an African or a minority active in the DC IT community.Our gathering features an extensive list of technology professionals working for some of the world's most innovative companies.
When: Saturday, August 9, 2014|8:00am-6:00pm
Where: 1776 DC| 1133 15th St. NW| Washington, DC 20005
Learn More
The Well-Spoken Woman Workshop, Book Signing and Reception
Join organizers of the 2014 Professional Women in Advocacy Conference for a book signing and networking reception with acclaimed writer and public speaking coach Christine Jahnke, author of The Well Spoken Woman: Your Guide to Looking and Sounding Your Best. In this must-have guide, one of the nation’s premier speech coaches shares tested techniques from twenty years of coaching women on what works and what doesn’t. The author details the practices and techniques of successful women to help all women improve their presentation and public speaking skills.
When: Monday, July 21, 2014 |4:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Porter Novelli |#400 1909 K St NW |Washington, DC |20006
Learn more
U.S. Policy Today for Africa Tomorrow
In anticipation of the summit, the U.S. Institute of Peace is pleased to host a conversation with some of the foremost thinkers and policymakers on U.S.-Africa relations. This panel of experts will discuss themes that could, and should, be prioritized in the summit, as well as strategies for strengthening relations between the U.S. and Africa.
When: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 |2:00pm - 3:30pm
Where: United States Institute of Peace |2301 Constitution Ave NW |Washington, DC |20037
Learn more
Stand Up! Speak Up! For Ghana
Ghanaians Against Bad Governance will be protesting outside the Ghana Embassy in DC, where a petition will be presented to the head of the Consular Affairs to be forwarded to the Government of Ghana. Any Ghanaian, and everyone who is interested in demanding accountability from leadership is welcome to join the protest.
When: July 23, 2014|9am-12pm
Where: Embassy of Ghana |3512 International Drive NW |Washington DC 20008
Learn More
African Youth Forum 2014
Building around the Young African Leaders Initiative, which was launched in 2010 by President Obama, the World Bank Young African Society in partnership with the World Bank Group – IMF African Society, will host a one day African Youth Forum. Discussions will be centered on four thematic areas: Education, Health, Good Governance and Entrepreneurship, that emerged among the top 5 priorities for young people in the My World 2015 survey. The forum will feature external and internal panels discussing Youth as an important component of the Africa development agenda and specifically addressing the thematic areas.
When: Thursday, July 31, 2014 and August 4, 2014|8:00am-6:00pm|
Where: World Bank Headquarters|1818 H St NW| Washington DC| 20433
Learn More
Let
Your Voice Be Heard
The DC Public
Service Commission will convene seven community hearings on Potomac Electric
Power Company and the District Department of Transportation's joint proposal to
underground a number of Pepco's overhead power lines. These community hearings
will address the first three years of the Potomac Electric Power Company and District
Department of Transportation’s proposal to underground select overhead power
lines across the District over the next few years.
When: Monday, July 21, 2014 – Tuesday, July 29, 2014
Where: Various Locations and times
Learn more
Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 6,000 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 Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 5:00pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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