Distinguishing Fact from Myth: Understanding Ebola
Office on African Affairs & Commission on African Affairs Education Initiative
Spearheaded by the Office on African Affairs (OAA) in
conjunction with the Commission on African Affairs (COAA) and spurred by the largest Ebola outbreak on the African continent
since its 1976 discovery, "Distinguishing
Fact from Myth: Understanding Ebola" is an education initiative which targets
the city’s African residents and the wider District community. Throughout the
month of October, the OAA and COAA will work to raise awareness, via various media
platforms, about Ebola.
The current Ebola outbreak has infected roughly 5,000
people in the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal,
and Nigeria. Sizeable Diasporas from these countries reside in the District, and
there is shared concern amongst the African community for their families and
loved ones in West Africa, questions about the impact of the virus for
nationals currently residing in the District (US), and a parallel need to
educate the wider community on what Ebola is and is not. Hence, this initiative aims to increase
understanding of Ebola, dispel myths and detail implications of the virus from the
perspective of immigration and economic impact.
Learn more
FY15 African Community Grant | Request For Applications (RFA)
Grant Orientation: October 7, 2014 | 10am – 12pm
Edna Cromwell-Frazier Community Room
Reeves Municipal Center | 2nd Floor
2000 14th Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
RSVP Here: FY15 Pre-bidders Grant Orientation
Submission Deadline: October 14, 2014 | 5pm
Please note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Submission Details: Online submissions only. Please submit your complete application (including attachments) in PDF format and email it to oaa@dc.gov with subject: OAA Community Grant Application [Name of Your CBO]
Point of Contact: Heran Sereke-Brhan, Deputy Director
(202)-724-7670 | E-mail: heran.sereke-brhan@dc.gov
Availability of RFA: Download from OAA’s website and/or pick up at the OAA office located at 2000 14th Street, NW, Suite 400 North. The RFA is also posted on the DC Grants Clearinghouse on OPGS.dc.gov website.
Full RFA Document | Learn More
FY15 African Community Grant
Call for Reviewers
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) is seeking qualified individuals to serve as reviewers for its FY15 African Community Grant. Reviewers help OAA select the best proposals from a competitive pool of applicants and are chosen based on their knowledge, education, and experience. The review process is designed to ensure that each grant is awarded on the basis of evaluation selection criteria. Reviewers are therefore essential to the grant process as they evaluate and score applications and provide objective recommendations for potential recipients. The grant review panel will reflect a broad diversity of ethnicity, gender, age, and experience.
All residents of the District of Columbia metropolitan area are encouraged to apply to serve as reviewers. All reviewers must be actively involved with the DC African community. Expertise in the following areas is strongly suggested and should be noted when applying:
* Strong writing, listening, and speaking skills;
* Relevant education, training, and/or experience in the subject areas of the grant program;
* Knowledge of and/or experience with program planning, implementation, and evaluation processes
The OAA offers funding in the following priority areas:
* Jobs, Workforce, or Economic Development
* Linkage to Health and Human Services
* Youth Engagement and Education
* Promotion of Arts, Culture and the Humanities
Learn more
 Moderator Patricia Foxen, Deputy Director of Research, National Council of La Raza; and Heran Sereke-Brhan, Deputy Director, Office on African Affairs.
Photographer: Susana Raab, Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
The Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum: Revisiting Black Mosaic Exhibition
On September 19, 2014 the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum in partnership with the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, hosted a full day of discussions on race, immigration, gentrification, education, museums, and community in the Washington D.C. metro area. Organized by Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, Curator of Latino Studies, the program reflected on the museum’s 1994 landmark exhibition Black Mosaic, a multicultural, multilingual exhibition which examined race, nationality, and ethnicity of black immigrants in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
Heran Sereke-Brhan, Deputy Director of the Office on African Affairs, participated in a panel titled 'Where International Becomes Local: Immigration in the DC Metro Area' and discussed the growing demographics and the social, economic, and cultural contributions of Africans in the District. Over 150 people attended the symposium which featured six sessions and keynote speaker Dr. Audrey Singer, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institute.
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 and Chief Lanier Announce Metropolitan Police Department’s Body-Worn Camera Pilot Program
 On Wednesday morning, Mayor Gray and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy Lanier announced details of the deployment of MPD's new body worn cameras. "Our Metropolitan Police Department has been a leader in using technology to aid policing and public safety, and I want to commend Chief Lanier and the department for implementing this program, whihc has been in the works for more than a year," Mayor Gray said.
Read more
Mayor Gray Thanks Council for Passing Emergency Firearm Legislation to Bring District into Compliance with Court Ruling
Measure Protects District Residents’ Safety While Complying with Recent Federal Decision
On Tuesday, Mayor Gray on thanked the DC Council for passing the “License to Carry a Pistol Emergency Amendment Act of 2014,” which the Mayor’s administration developed jointly with Chairman Phil Mendelson, Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells, and Council staff. Drafted in response to the recent US District Court decision in Palmer v. District of Columbia invalidating the District’s ban on carrying pistols outside the home, the bill will amend the District’s laws to better ensure the safety of District residents while comporting with the court’s ruling. “I would like to thank the Council for not only approving this bill, but also for working so closely and collaboratively with my administration to ensure we drafted the best legislation possible to ensure public safety while also comporting with the courts’ prevailing interpretation of the Second Amendment,” Mayor Gray said.
Read more
Mayor Gray Introduces Tech Sector Incentive Bill
Legislation Aims to Grow and Diversify the District’s Economy and Promote Job Growth
Mayor Gray on Tuesday introduced the “Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation Through Technology Act of 2014.” The bill establishes a capital-gains-tax rate at 3 percent for long-term investments in Qualified High Technology Companies. With the federal government’s share of the District’s economy continuing to shrink, it is critical that city leaders act sooner than later to continue diversifying our economy. “Now, more than ever, it is important to diversify the District’s economy and create more jobs. I previously introduced this capital-gains legislation in the ‘Technology Sector Enhancement Act of 2012,’ but it was removed before the Council approved the legislation,” said Mayor Gray.
Read more
 DCPS Creates New School Academy to Support Growing Population of
New Immigrant Students
As the number of new immigrant students enrolling in the
District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) continues to increase, a new
International Academy at Cardozo Education Campus launched this school year to
meet the unique academic, social and emotional needs of English Language
Learner students (ELL). The International Academy at Cardozo EC is based
on the successful models created by the International Network of Public Schools
(INPS), a non-profit with expertise in design high schools for new immigrant
students. DCPS tailored the program for Cardozo Education Campus students new
to this country who are in the early stages of their English language
development to create a highly supportive environment to help students learn
English and graduate from high school.
Read More
Investing in English Skills: The Limited English Proficient
Workforce in U.S. Metropolitan Area
An analysis of the labor market characteristics of the
working-age limited English proficient (LEP) population in the United States
and its largest metropolitan areas reveals that:
Nearly one in 10 working-age U.S. adults—19.2 million persons
aged 16 to 64—is considered limited English proficient. Two-thirds of this
population speaks Spanish, but speakers of Asian and Pacific Island languages
are most likely to be LEP. The vast majority of working-age LEP adults are
immigrants, and those who entered the United States more recently are more
likely to be LEP.
Read More
Bill Cosby to Loan Private Collection of African-American art to
Smithsonian Museum of African Art
WASHINGTON (AP) - After amassing a private collection of
African-American Art over four decades, Bill Cosby and his wife Camille plan to
showcase their holdings for the first time in an exhibition planned at the
Smithsonian Institution.The
Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art announced Monday that the entire Cosby collection will go on
view in November in a unique exhibit juxtaposing African-American art with
African art.
The collection, which will be loaned to the museum, includes
works by such leading African-American artists as Beauford Delaney, Faith
Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, Augusta Savage and Henry Ossawa Tanner. The Cosby
collection of more than 300 African-American paintings, prints, sculptures and
drawings has never been loaned or seen publicly, except for one work of art
Read More
H Street NE and Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) invites the submission of applications for the H Street NE and Great Streets Small Business Capital Improvement Grants. DMPED will award individual grants of up to a maximum of $85,000 for small business owners to improve their place of business. The grant application is available on the Great Streets website at greatstreets.dc.gov. This is a rolling application. Submitted applications will be reviewed, and award decisions will be made, on a monthly basis commencing on Monday, September 29th, 2014
Learn more
DC Business Analyst Development Day
As the business of IT transforms, business analysts, and project managers must be prepared to work in an Agile environment. Join the IIBA DC Chapter and Excella Consulting for the inaugural DC Business Analyst Development Day. Spend a day gaining skills you need to navigate the new IT delivery landscape – learn from top industry thought leaders and innovative, local practitioners.
When: Friday, October 10, 2014 | 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Where: Westin Arlington Gateway |801 N. Glebe Rd. | Arlington | VA | 22203
Learn more
U.S. - Africa Infrastructure Conference
The Corporate Council on Africa presents its 6th U.S.-Africa Infrastructure Conference. This year’s conference, themed “Building Resilient Cities,” will highlight how major metropolises in Africa are coping with rapid urbanization and the needs of a steadily growing middle class. Workshops will offer solutions for potable water, inter-modal transportation, communication technology, and on- and off-grid electricity. This year’s special sessions will also address natural and man made disasters.
When: October 7-9, 2014
Where: The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center |1300 Pennsylvania Ave NW |Washington, DC |20004
Read more
2014 Embracing YOU Women's Conference
P.E.R.K. Consulting invites you to join us for the 2014 Embracing YOU Women's Conference! Hear inspiring messages from dynamic speakers, and network with other amazing women in the Washington DC area!
When: Saturday, October 18, 2014|9:00AM- 5:30PM
Where: 13685 Baltimore Avenue|Laurel|MD|20707
Learn more
47th Meeting of the GEF Council
The Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Council meets twice per year to approve new projects with global environmental benefits in the GEF's focal areas, and to provide guidance to the GEF Secretariat and Agencies.
Read more
Youth Athletic Programs and Camps
Finish Line Youth Foundation announces funds to establish camps that teach active-lifestyle and team-building skills. Preference will be given to organizations that provide opportunities for participation for individuals age 18 and under and whose activities provide direct services and produce tangible results.
Deadline: Tuesday| September 30, 2014
Learn more
Technology Programs for Teens
Best Buy Foundation announces funds to support hands-on learning opportunities for underserved teens to engage them in learning, experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies.
Learn more
Nonprofit Organizations -Why Navigate the Legal System By Yourself?
The Community Economic Development Project can help your nonprofit. Their mission is to help your organization locate pro-bono legal counsel. Since 1998, we have matched nonprofit organizations with law firms in the District of Columbia. Among the projects they have done: matched a nonprofit with legal counsel to help it negotiate a new commercial lease; secured legal counsel for a nonprofit that wanted to conduct a legal audit of its governance documents; and found pro-bono counsel to assist a nonprofit that was being audited by the federal government.
If you need help with a real estate matter, corporate governance, contract issues or employment matters, contact to lpaley@dcbar.org at CED and they help match you with pro-bono legal counsel.
Support for Grassroots Organizations - Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good
The Tom's of Maine 50 States for Good initiative supports grassroots organizations throughout the country working to do good in their communities. The program will provide grants of $10,000 each to a grassroots nonprofit organization in every state and the District of Columbia. The grants must be applied directly to current or future community events or projects and cannot go toward staff salaries or administrative costs. Eligible organizations must be registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and have operating budgets under $2 million. The deadline for submitting online nominations September 30.
Learn more
Washington Nationals 2014 Community Ticket Grant Program
In-kind grants of tickets to Washington, DC non-profit organizations and community groups will be able to attend up to three Washington Nationals baseball games through September 28. Applications must be submitted at least one month in advance of the game date requested. Community groups and charities are granted tickets based on the organization's mission, the individuals they serve and their ability to fully utilize any donated tickets.
Learn more
Connected Communities Initiative
Connect.DC, the District’s digital inclusion program, has launched the Connected Communities Initiative. One of the goals of the initiative is to engage community stakeholders in Ward 7 (Marshall Heights and Benning neighborhoods) and Ward 8 (Anacostia, Hillsdale and Barry Farm neighborhoods) about the issues impacting their communities and technology. Through their community engagement efforts, Connect.DC will create community tech plans and digital demonstration projects. They are interested in hearing from the community about the issues impacting their communities within the Connected Communities digital footprints.
Learn more
Community Improvement Projects Mini-Grants
Serve DC is now accepting applications for Love Your Block DC mini-grants. Love Your Block DC will bring residents, government agencies and community groups together to make the District of Columbia a safer, more livable and walkable community. Love Your Block DC will directly engage residents to lead community improvement and revitalization efforts – maximizing ongoing efforts to improve parks, neighborhood blocks and other public spaces. The initiative aims to plant 430 trees, create three new community gardens, and revitalize 25 blocks in DC.
Learn more
2014 Women, Wellness & Wealth Conference - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Come join us for an amazing, energy-filled day as we celebrate Women, Wellness & Wealth! This dynamic and powerful one-day women's conference will educate and empower you to conquer challenges in your finances, fitness, health and work/life balance. Be enlightened, be informed, be unstoppable! We know it as: "The Pleasure of Walking Tall".
When: Saturday| October 18, 2014 |9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: Clarion Hotel|6400 Oxon Hill Road| Oxon Hill|MD|20745
Learn more
Health and Wellness Expo
The Health and Wellness Center works for the physical and mental well-being of the Trinity community, including sponsoring and/or participating in events such as the Health and Wellness Expo or the end of the semester Stress Busters event.
When: Monday | September 29, 2014 |10:00 am - TBD
Where: Trinity Washington University |125 Michigan Ave. NE|Washington DC| 20017
Learn more
11th Annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference
While major reform of the U.S. immigration system seems to be at a standstill, issues of immigration policy are very much at the forefront of political debates and the challenges facing the Obama administration, state and local governments, and the country. The 11th annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference will offer timely policy and legal analysis and discussion on key immigration topics featuring panels with government officials, researchers, advocates, and other immigration experts.
When: Tuesday, October 21, 2014 |9:00am - 5:00pm
Where: Georgetown University Law Center, Bernard P. McDonough Hall, Hart Auditorium|600 New Jersey Avenue NW |Washington DC| 20001
Learn More
Free Job Training for African Immigrants Living In DC
CitiWide Computer Training Center is offering free workforce training in computer literacy, financial literacy, math skills, life skills, education enrichment, and health and safety training.
When: Every Friday and Saturday |10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: CitiWide Computer Training Center |1112 11th Street NW |Suite B |Washington DC |20001
Learn more
Free English Classes
CentroNia, in collaboration with the DC School Project, will begin providing English classes for. The DC Schools Project is an English language and literacy tutoring program that works with everyone from elementary school students to senior citizens.
When: Saturday, September 27, 2014 - Saturday, November 22, 2014 |10:00am
Where: 1420 Columbia Road NW |Washington DC |20009
Learn more
DCPS Creates New School Academy to Support Growing Population of New Immigrant Students
As the number of new immigrant students enrolling in the District of Columbia Public Schools continues to increase, a new International Academy at Cardozo Education Campus launched this school year to meet the unique academic, social and emotional needs of English Language Learner students. The program is tailored for Cardozo Education Campus students new to this country who are in the early stages of their English language development to create a highly supportive environment to help students learn English and graduate from high school.
Learn more
Free Legal Information Program
This fall, Neighborhood Legal Services Program, a non-profit civil legal aid provider in the District, is offering a number of free, community based legal information programs in the areas of tenants' rights, fathers' rights and for Spanish speakers at libraries across the city.
Learn more
3rd Annual National Symposium on Women and Genocide in the 21st Century: The Case for Darfur
In partnership with Genocide Watch, Darfur Women Action Group will host the 3rd Annual National Symposium on Women and Genocide in the 21st Century: The Case for Darfur. hundreds of anti-genocide activists, women’s rights advocates, artists, celebrities, survivors, experts, and concerned leaders will come together to build strategies for sustainable change for Sudanese people.
When: Saturday, October 25, 2014 - Sunday, October 26, 2014 |9:00am
Where: 419 7th Street NW |Suite 200 |Washington DC |20004
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, October 8, 2014 at 5:00pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
|
