  OAA Launched a New Logo at its Fresh Start Open House Event on February 13, 2015.
 OAA Recruiting African Mentors for Mayor Bowser’s Empowering Males of Color (EMOC) Initiative
Last month, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Empowering Males of Color (EMOC), an initiative developed by DC Public Schools to identify current academic challenges and improve the success of our African-American and Latino male students. The EMOC initiative seeks to collaborate with the community, schools, and district leaders to implement effective strategies that enhance the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare our young men for college and careers. One of the core strategies of the Empowering Males of Color initiative is the 500 for 500: Mentoring through Literacy program. This strategy is a citywide effort to connect 500 committed volunteers with young males of color to help them build strong literacy skills, gain confidence, and discover a passion for reading.
The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs supports this initiative by committing to recruit 75 African mentors to help empower the next generation of leaders. Please help us meet this goal by signing up as a mentor. We look forward to acknowledging your spirit of public service so please email us at: oaa@dc.gov with the subject line “Mentor for EMOC Initiative” after you sign-up.
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OAA’s Business Development Workshop Engages African Diaspora Investors and Entrepreneurs
On Thursday, February 19, 2015, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) in partnership with the U. S. Agency for International Development and Western Union hosted an informational workshop on the African Diaspora Marketplace (ADM) III Business Plan Competition. As part of its capacity building efforts, OAA's Business Development Program provides technical assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs, conducts informational workshops on acquiring access to capital, and connects businesses to one another and to local and international business opportunities.
The workshop took place at the Edna Cromwell Community Room in the Reeves Center. OAA’s director Mamadou Samba welcomed workshop partners and 20 participants. Jeffrey L. Jackson (Senior Private Sector Advisor, USAID) and Barbara Span (Vice President, Global Public Affairs, Western Union), provided a history of the ADM program, noting its origins as a response to the growing interest of Africans in the diaspora in starting businesses on the continent. After viewing a short film on the program, David Saunders (ADM III Outreach Coordinator) provided further details on ADM III and responded to questions about application procedures and processes.
 The Mayor's Office on African Affairs' Open House, February 13, 2015
OAA's Internship Program: Spring 2015
The Mayor’s Office on African
Affairs is recruiting interns for Spring 2015. OAA’s Internship program
is a unique opportunity for undergraduate, graduate students, and young
professionals who are seeking to engage in public service and serve the
District’s diverse African communities. Each year, OAA attracts dynamic interns
who represent the diversity of the African community to support the mission of
the overall mission of Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Through
this program, interns interface with various sectors of District government,
community- and faith-based organizations, businesses and other stakeholders
thereby enhancing their leadership skills, and professional experiences. Beyond
their individual work assignments, OAA interns share responsibility for the
agency’s administrative tasks, providing staff support and participating in
program implementation and activities.
Learn more
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!
Bowser Administration Outlines
Changes in District Marijuana Laws
(Washington, DC) – On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Police Chief
Cathy Lanier and other Administration officials outlined the District’s plan to
ensure the safe, responsible implementation of Initiative 71.
“In November, residents of the District of Columbia voted to legalize
small amounts of marijuana by adults for personal, in-home use in the
District,” said Mayor Bowser. “We will uphold the letter and the spirit of the
initiative that was passed last year, and we will establish the Initiative 71
Task Force to coordinate our enforcement, awareness and engagement efforts and
address policy questions as they arise.”
Learn more
Mayor Bowser Appoints Spike Mendelsohn to Chair District’s Food Policy Council
Mayor Bowser announced the appointment of DC based restaurateur and chef Spike Mendelsohn to chair the District’s newly created Food Policy Council (FPC).“Spike’s leadership will be a tremendous asset to the DC Food Policy Council,” said Mayor Bowser. “The District’s food landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Policy makers, non-profit service providers and other sectors of the food system should be equal partners in our efforts to create a nourished DC. I look forward to Spike’s leadership and expertise as we work collectively to transform our food system.”
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24th Edition of the Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO) Kicks Off This Week!
Kicking off its 2015 edition on February 28, 2015, is the 24th Pan-African Film & TV Festival of Ouagadougou (FESPACO), happening in Burkina Faso, West Africa - a festival that occurs only once every two years - and will run through March 7, 2015, with “African Cinema: Production and Distribution in the Digital Era” as this edition’s theme.
The festival's lineup of "in competition" and "out of competition" films, below, includes a total of 134 titles (shorts, features), representing several countries across the continent.
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African Diaspora: Story of a Ugandan Athlete-Turned-Entrepreneurs
Sharif Kakooza, 22, came to the U.S. alone at age 17 to compete as a professional in the 2010 Miami International Triathlon, and he stayed, becoming part of the African diaspora.
Five years later, Sharif is a clothing model, has appeared in a LeBron James Nike commercial, and has started his own brand of athletic clothing. He enrolled in Miami Dade Community College a year ago, studying English and math. He’s wants to be a business major.
People helped Sharif, but they say it took more than ordinary skills and determination to pull off what Sharif pulled off. It’s the work of an Iron man-like determination, plus a whole lot of charisma.
Learn more
Forget 'House of Cards!' 8 must-see African shows you NEED to watch
Move over "House of Cards!" And "Better Call Saul" can wait. If you need a new obsession to binge-watch online, we've got a hot list of African TV and web series for you.
From painstakingly awkward mockumentaries to gritty city dramas to entertaining profiles of quirky creatives, there's a whole host of popular shows captivating audiences in Africa and beyond
CNN picks out eight must-see TV or web series from across the continent and the diaspora that you should tune into.
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The Cleveland Museum of Art Debuts Its First Special Exhibition App in Conjunction with 'Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa'
The Cleveland Museum of Art recently unveiled its latest special exhibition, Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa. Along with the exhibition came the debut of the museum’s first special exhibition app, CMA Senufo (now available for iPhones through the Apple iTunes App Store), as well as an accompanying “catalog” – a 272-page, full-color, hardcover book, entitled Senufo Unbound.
Senufo: Art and Identity in West Africa is the first presentation of Senufo art in the U.S. in the past 50 years and features more than 150 works. Many of the objects are from the museum’s permanent collection, but the exhibition also includes works borrowed from nearly 60 public and private collections in North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. A number of items have never before been exhibited publicly, and many of the objects are traditionally believed to have special, supernatural powers.America, Africa, Europe and Asia.
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Washington DC Career Fair
You'll meet face-to-face with hiring decision-makers from some of the area’s top employers. Dress professionally and bring plenty of resumes, because they're here to hire. Walk in and start interviewing, it's that simple. Save time, money and effort interviewing with multiple companies in one day at one location. Many of these companies have several openings and are eager to meet with you. You're no longer just a piece of paper. Attend the career fair and get in front of decision makers.
When: Wednesday, March 4, 2015 |11:00 pm-2:00 pm
Where: Holiday Inn Rosslyn | 1900 N Fort Myer Drive | Arlington, VA
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Going Green – The New Green Industry
The Anacostia Economic Development Corporation invites you to “Going Green – The New Green Industry”. This seminar is designed to make new and innovative local programs accessible to DC small businesses. You will get an understanding on what it means to "Go Green". You will also learn about the different energy forms that are renewable and sustainable, Speakers from WDC Solar and DC SEU will present their current opportunities and best practices on going green in DC.
When: Thursday, March 5, 2015 |10:00 am-1:00 pm
Where:1800 Martin L. King Jr. Ave SE | Washington DC| 20020
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“Let’s Get Financially Fit”: No Excuses, No Nonsense, No Strings Attached
In partnership with the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation and The DC Hive 2.0., the Capital Area Asset Builders (C.A.A.B.) would like to extend an amazing opportunity for you to attend a financial Boot Camp. This is a four (4) hour financially fit workshop consisting of 3 workout segments; “The Art of Budgeting”, “Take Charge of Your Credit”, and “Pay Yourself First”. This Financial Boot Camp is action-based. Participants will be able to resolve issues or take actionable steps towards obtaining optimal financial well-being, on-site.
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 |10:00 am -2:00 pm
Where: The DC Hive 2.0 | 1231 Good Hope Rd. S.E.|Washington DC | 20020
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Women Mean Business, Virtual Edition
Rhoyalty Concepts is a full service events management, corporate consulting & marketing firm that aims to create lasting impressions and meaningful experiences for our clients. We create the bridge between unique experiences and the tools required to bring them to life. Our clients include corporate entities, government, non-governmental organizations and individuals. Our ultimate goal is to establish a connection between individuals regardless of color, class, race, religion.
When: Saturday, March 7, 2015 | 10:00pm-12:00pm
Where: Online
Learn more
“Let’s Get Financially Fit”: No Excuses, No Nonsense, No Strings Attached
In partnership with the Anacostia Economic Development Corporation and The DC Hive 2.0., the Capital Area Asset Builders (C.A.A.B.) would like to extend an amazing opportunity for you to attend a financial Boot Camp. This is a four (4) hour financially fit workshop consisting of 3 workout segments; “The Art of Budgeting”, “Take Charge of Your Credit”, and “Pay Yourself First”. This Financial Boot Camp is action-based….. Participants will be able to resolve issues or take actionable steps towards obtaining optimal financial well-being, on-site. Need to create a budget....Need to understand credit or resolving credit issues….Need assistance in choosing the best bank account ...we can help!
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2015| 10:00 am- 2:00 pm
Where: The DC Hive 2.0 1231 Good Hope Rd. SE | Washington, DC | 20020
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Start and Fund Your Nonprofit-Workshop
This workshop is being offered by Charity Consultants, Inc. and presented by its Founder and CEO Denise Lawrence, who has 28 years of nonprofit experience. Participants who want to start a nonprofit will learn how to navigate the nonprofit, tax-exempt IRS application to receive 501c3 designation. Participants will also learn about ideas and opportunities to raise money to advance their organization. This workshop is perfect for beginning and existing nonprofits that struggle with structure and raising money.
When: Thursday, March 19, 2015 | 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library | 901 G Street NW | Washington, D.C
Invitation: Power Project Opportunities in MCC's Benin Compact
Join Corporate Council on Africa and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) for this special opportunity to discuss and learn more about MCC's compact in Benin, which aims to increase the supply and quality of electrical power in Benin through a range of solutions both on and off-grid that could include solar, hydroelectric, biomass and thermal power generation, modernization of the distribution network, and strengthening of the policy and institutional environment, including the facilitation of the entry of independent power producers. This session will feature representatives from MCC who will highlight potential project opportunities within their compact agreement expected to be signed in 2015.
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The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS):2015 Intensive 8-Week Grant Proposal Writing Course
The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS), in partnership with the Magi Group LLC, will offer an Intensive 8-week Grant Proposal Writing Course for nonprofit executive directors, staff, program officers, and board members responsible for fund raising in the District of Columbia. This hands-on course will focus on actually writing an existing competitive grant proposal while integrating some of the basic concepts – e.g. developing a compelling statement of need, designing-based practices and logic models, preparing program budgets – used to prepare an application
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DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG)
The DC Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) is now open. Students are encouraged to apply early. No applications or supporting documents will be accepted after June 30, 2015 or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. For more information, please call 202.727.2824.
How to Develop an Indirect Rate for Nonprofits with Federal Awards
Rubino & Company Chartered will sponsor a free webinar on How to Develop an Indirect Rate for Nonprofits with Federal Awards on March 4, 2015 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The webinar will go through the various steps to build an indirect cost rate and complete the review of the indirect rate schedule. They also will review an actual organization’s post audit trial balance, their Statement of submission. You will be able to review your entire indirect cost submission of the organization. All citations will refer to the Super Circular, Subpart E Cost Principles or Appendix IV to 2 CFR 200.
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The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS): Doing Business with District Government Agencies
The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) will offer a forum comprised of DC Government agencies to discuss their existing and funding opportunities for FY 2015. The panel will also discuss what they look for in their review of proposals and the key elements after receiving the grant awards that speak to the potential for renewal or reapplying for future funding. The following agencies have been invited to participate: Department of Employment Services, Department of Health, Office of Victim Services/Justice Grants Administration, Department of the Environment, Office of the State Superintendent, Serve DC/AmeriCorps, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, and Office of the Chief Technology.
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Social Innovation Fund (CNCS)
Corporation for National and Community Service announces funds to support intermediaries, provide grants to, and otherwise support high-performing community-based nonprofit organizations to implement evidence-based programs in the areas of healthy futures, economic opportunity and youth development.
Eligibility: Nonprofit intermediary organizations
Deadline: March 17, 2015
Funds: $51,000,000 is available for awards up to $10,000,000 and a match is required
Contact: Corporation for National and Community Service at (202) 606-3223 or SIFApplicant@cns.gov
Grant ID: GD5844
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College, Credential, and Career Ready Summer Initiative
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) announces funds to support programs for college and career readiness summer programming serving middle grades students in grade six (6) through eight (8) during summer 2015. The College, Credential, and Career Ready Summer Initiative will target skills and knowledge key for middle grades students on the path to successful transition to college and careers. The Request for Applications (RFA) for this funding opportunity will be available on March 9, 2015.
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, community-based organizations and Local Educational Agencies Deadline: April 9, 2015. Funds: $150,000 is available for awards and a match is required.
Contact: Chloe Woodward-Magrane at (202) 481-3949 or chloe.woodward-magrane@dc.gov.
Grant ID: GD5860
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P.I.N.K.I.E. Party for Cancer Survivors
Please join us at our Seasoned Sisters next P.I.N.K.I.E. PARTY. As a Seasoned Sister you offer encouragement to women receiving their first mammogram or annual mammogram. You are a cancer survivor or a caregiver that has been through it all and is now able to help those coming after you.We bring those dealing with cancer in touch with those facing the unknown, and with those who have conquered cancer. Being a Seasoned Sister is a volunteer position.
When: Saturday, March 21, 2015 | 9:00 am- 2:00 pm
Where: Community of Hope | 4 Atlantic Street SW | Washington, DC
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Building the Evidence for Family Group Decision-Making in Child Welfare
The Department of Health and Human Services announces funds to support projects designed to support families in making decisions and developing plans that nurture children in the target population, protect them from abuse and neglect, and when appropriate, address domestic violence issues in a safe manner. Eligibility: City or township governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, nonprofit organizations, private institutions of higher education, community-based organizations and DC government agencies.
Deadline: April 24, 2015.
Funds: $2,010,000 is available for three awards up to $670,000.
Contact: ACF Applications Help Desk at app_support@acf.hhs.gov.
Grant ID: GD5865
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Medicaid and CHIP Payment Access Commission Public Meeting
The Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (MACPAC) was established in the Children's Health Insurance Program Re-authorization Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-3) and was later expanded and funded through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148). MACPAC is tasked with reviewing state and federal Medicaid and CHIP access and payment policies and making recommendations to Congress, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the states on a wide range of issues affecting Medicaid and CHIP populations, including health care reform. This is a public meeting.
When: March 24,2015-March 25, 2015
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center
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Mind-Body Connections: Seven Habits of Holistic Well-Being
Want to go about your day feeling grounded, less stressed, and more connected to what matters most in your life? This series of mindfulness-based workshops is designed to inspire, recharge, and provide you with practical tools you can use in your everyday living and working for a greater sense of well-being.
Where: 3700 O St NW | McShain Lounge (Small), McCarthy Hall
When: Wednesday, March 11, 2015 |1:00 pm to 2:00 pm |Washington, DC
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Your Child's Development 2015: A Resource and Information Fair
Please join the Arlington Early Intervention Interagency Coordinating Council (AEIIC) at the free 7th Annual Child Development Resource and Information Fair which will provide an opportunity for Arlington families and caregivers who work with infants and preschoolers up to age 5 to obtain information and resources to better meet the needs of children.
When: Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Where: Walter Reed Community Center | 2909 16th Street| Arlington, VA| 22204
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 National Institute of Health Study - ClinSeq
The CLINSEQ® Study is a project that seeks to learn about the role that your genes play in your health. We do this by getting a DNA sample from you, sequencing most or all of your genes, and then comparing that to what we know about your personal and family health histories.
Learn more
 Free Job Training for Africans Living in DC
CitiWide Computer Training is offering free job training for African residents of the District. Training in computer and financial literacy, workforce preparedness and education enrichment (ESL) are conducted from Monday-Thursday. For more information call (202) 526-1975 or (202)667-3719.
  Free Seminar for First-Time Home Buyers
The Ethiopian Community Center is hosting a free first-time home buyers seminar to share information on tax credits, available financing options, and other details of the home buying process.The seminar will be presented in Amharic and English.
Call for Performers: Music on the Mall
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH), in conjunction with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Art in Transit program, and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, presents Music on the Mall. Music on the Mall will feature lunchtime performances by District of Columbia acoustic musicians and spoken word artists on the National Mall each Tuesday from May to August 2015. Submission Deadline: March 30, 2015. For more information, contact Ebony Brown, DCCAH Special Events Manager, at ebony.brown@dc.gov or 202-724-5613.
The Taproot Foundation’s New Online Marketplace
The Taproot Foundation’s new online marketplace allows nonprofit organizations to access marketing, IT, HR, finance, and strategy professionals any time, any place. Taproot connects you to a curated group of highly skilled volunteers ready to tackle your needs. You can post a need, hear pitches from experts, pick the expert that works for you, and work together with ongoing access to Taproot tools and support.
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National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards
The National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Awards, sponsored by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, recognize excellence in after-school and out-of-school arts and humanities programs for under served children and youth. These programs offer high-quality and intensive instruction on weekends, afternoons, and summer vacations, providing a safe and productive space for young people in the hours when they are often the most vulnerable. Twelve winners will receive a $10,000 award and an invitation to accept their award at a White House ceremony. Programs initiated by museums, libraries, performing arts organizations; schools and universities, arts centers, community service organizations, and government agencies are encouraged to apply.
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 Resilience for Peace: A New Agenda
From Asia’s mushrooming urban centers to the remote highlands of Ethiopia, a new agenda for peace is emerging. By helping local communities build resilience to shared global challenges, we can forge bonds of trust that can help prevent conflict and pave the road to peace.
The four year project will explore how we can do development better by recognizing the links between fragility, conflict, climate change, and environmental issues. Panelists will engage in a dynamic discussion of current efforts to bolster resilience around the world and what more needs to be done.
When: March 2, 2015 | 3:00 pm-5:00 pm
Where: Woodrow Wilson Center | 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW | Washington, DC | 20004
Community Meeting for
All Groups
Hear updates from DC Public School officials, ask questions and
give your input on education and community needs in the District.
When: Tuesday
March 3, 2015 | 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Where: Raymond Recreation Center | 3725 10th Street, NW
| Washington, DC | 20010
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 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, March 11, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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