 OAA Welcomes Bezawit Mane, Community Outreach Specialist,
Bezawit Mane has close to a decade of experience in
administration and program management while working with major corporations in
the private and non-profit sectors. Most recently, she worked as a sector
liaison at the Corporate Council on Africa, a membership-based organization
established to promote business and investment between the U.S. and various
African governments. Bezawit’s travels in Europe, the Middle East, South
America, and the Caribbean has given her a broad understanding of the
importance of cross-cultural sensitivity.
As Community Outreach Specialist in
the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA), Bezawit will use her language
skills in French, English and Amharic to expand OAA’s reach and service to
diverse African communities of the District. Bezawit is originally from
Ethiopia and has been a long-time resident of Washington DC. She completed
her undergraduate studies in International Business Management and is finalizing her Masters in Health Service Administration at Strayer
University.
 Director Mamadou Samba shares his vision and personal story in this short profile film. Click here to view!
 OAA Hosts its FreshStart Media Mixer 2015
On Tuesday, April 7, 2015, OAA hosted its FreshStart Media Mixer at Bossa Bistro and Lounge. Invited guests included Director Eric Richardson, Office of Cable Television, OAA Commissioner Loide Rosa Jorge, and Amelia Missieledies,Executive Director of The Person Center.
OAA Director Mamadou Samba welcomed the attendees and emphasized the importance of working together with media outlets to document positive stories of African constituents and organizations. Director Richardson issued an open invitation for community members to learn about available resources at his agency. Commissioner Jorge and Ms. Missieledes both noted the significance of establishing strong partnerships with African media outlets to help in outreach and education efforts. About 45 members of the African community, including media representatives, DC government officials, and African embassy staff attended the event.
  
OAA's African Business Mixer
OAA invites you to its African Business Mixer, a networking event for African business owners in the District and neighboring DMV. Come and meet OAA's new director, Mamadou Samba and learn about the agency's initiatives and District-wide resources available to business owners. All are welcome!
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Where: Etété Restaurant|1942 9th St NW | Washington,
DC | 20001
RSVP required
   Executive Actions on Immigration: OAA's Informational Sessions
The Commission on African Affairs (COAA) and the Office on African Affairs (OAA) are teaming up with the US Department of
Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct two information sessions on President Obama's Executive Actions on Immigration. The Renaissance Center and DSK Mariam Ethiopian Orthodox Church will partner with COAA and OAA to host these workshops for French- and Amharic-speaking constituents, respectively. Licensed attorneys and immigration professionals will provide basic information on who would be eligible to apply, what to expect during and
after the application process, and how to identify quality legal service
providers to assist in the application process.
Event: Immigration Informational Session (French)
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2015 | 2:30pm-5:00pm
Place: Lamont Riggs Library | 5410 South Dakota Ave., NE| Washington, DC | 20011
Metro: Fort Totten (Red, Green, and Yellow Lines)
RSVP here
Event: Immigration Informational Session (Amharic)
Date: Sunday, April 26, 11:30am-1:00pm
Place: DSK Mariam Ethiopian Orthodox Church | 1350 Buchanan Street | Washington, DC | 20011
RSVP here
OAA Summer Internships
OAA is accepting applications for Summer 2015! If you are interested in public service and working with African Diaspora communities in the District of Columbia, you are encouraged to apply.
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!
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!
 Mayor Bowser, Duke Ellington School of the Arts To Honor Jesse Owens by Unveiling Student Mural
The legacy of Jesse Owens, the celebrated track star and four-time Olympic gold medalist, is being memorialized by the Museum Studies Department at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts, DC Office of Motion Picture and Television Development (MPTD) and DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) with a mural on the wall of The Reeves Center this Friday.
Mayor Muriel Bowser will join Duke Ellington School of the Arts in honoring the life and legacy of Owens.
When: Friday, April 10, 2015 | 4:30 pm
Where:The Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center | 2000 14th Street NW Washington, DC
Learn more
Mayor Bowser Joins DHCD to Kick-Off the “DHCD
Ward-by-Ward Check-In” Community Meeting Series
In a continued effort to build pathways to a middle class, Mayor Muriel E.
Bowser joined the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
at THEARC on Mississippi Avenue in Ward 8, to kick-off the three-month
community meeting series, “DHCD Ward-by-Ward Check-In.These meetings are designed to seek feedback and suggestions
from community members to help shape the future of affordable housing
throughout the District. Additionally, the agency seeks to inform residents,
business owners, and other community members of the agency’s programs and
services, current and future projects, and the Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 affordable
housing budget.
Learn more
Mayor Bowser,
DCPS and Howard University Launch New Dual Enrollment Partnership
(WASHINGTON,
D.C.)
– On April 8, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser joined District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
Chancellor Kaya Henderson and Howard University President Dr. Wayne A.I.
Frederick today at the historic university to announce a new partnership aimed
at providing expanded learning opportunities and advanced college preparation
for high school students.
Beginning
school year 2015-2016, 12th-grade students at Banneker and McKinley Technology
high schools will have the opportunity to enroll in college courses at Howard
University and earn high school and college credit.
“Our
young people deserve and desire more opportunities that will expand their
academic horizons and put them on a pathway to the middle class,” said Mayor
Bowser. “This new program is an excellent example of a public-private
partnership that looks to the future of this city with optimism and hope.
Students will gain valuable experiences that will propel them to greater
heights and accelerate their path to the college and career of their dreams.”
Learn more
DOES to Launch Summer Youth Employment Program Expansion
On April 6, 2015, the District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) announced the application process for the District’s expanded 2015 Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) will be open to youth ages 22-24 years old, beginning at 12 noon, Monday, April 6, 2015. Mayor Bowser announced the expansion of the SYEP in January to now serve District youth up to the age of 24.
Learn more
Nigerian Diaspora Rejoices at Buhari's Presidential Win
By Mariama Diallo
They were not able to vote in their country’s presidential and parliamentary elections, but the Nigerian diaspora has been watching developments in the West African nation very closely as they celebrate their newest leader.
“This is amazing. I am elated right now. We were stuck watching it on TV, following it step by step. This is the beginning of a new era, beginning of a new deal," said Olayemi Falusi, an attorney in the Washington, DC area.
Learn more
African Ad Agencies Emerging as Force in World Market
Western advertising and public relations agencies are increasingly merging with African counterparts to attract international corporate clients looking to break into Africa — considered the last frontier for consumer markets.
However, the emphasis is no longer on polishing the reputations of country leaders but in promoting multinational corporations keen to extend their African footprint.
Learn more
Trevor Noah Sees Childhood Under Apartheid as License to Speak His Mind
Years before he was chosen to succeed Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show,” before he made his debut on that Comedy Central news satire or appeared on any American television program, a rising stand-up named Trevor Noah explained why his racial background was both empowering and confining.
Speaking from his native South Africa in 2008, Mr. Noah, the son of a black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss father, said that his countrymen had variously accepted and rejected him as being black, and embraced and denied him as being mixed race.
Never fitting in anywhere, Mr. Noah said in a documentary film called "You Laugh but It's True" was the ultimate license to speak his mind.
Learn more
The 2nd Annual National
Diversity Pre-Law Conference and Law Fair 2015
The National Diversity Pre-Law
Conference & Law Fair was created to connect diverse prospective law
students from across the country with empowering law school preparation and
success information, networking opportunities, and resources. We are unique in
that we openly discuss those issues that impact access, persistence and success
of diverse aspiring lawyers. We talk about
the added challenges presented by race and ethnicity, gender, sexual
orientation and gender identity, and disabilities.
When: Friday April 10 2015 - 9:00 AM |
Saturday, April 11, 2015 | 9:00pm
Where: Washington Court Hotel | 525 New Jersey Avenue Northwest Washington,
DC | 20001
Learn more
The OMB Super Circular – New Rules for Organizations Receiving Government Grants
D.C. Bar Pro Bono Program is offering "The OMB Super Circular – New Rules for Organizations Receiving Government Grants Training" for nonprofits who receive federal grant money directly or through D.C. Government or as sub-grant from another organization.
The Office of Management and Budget recently issued a new omnibus circular (the so-called “Super Circular”) that deals with the rules regarding the administration of government grants funded by the Federal Government, including the cost principles for nonprofit organizations and the A-133 audit requirements.
When: April 16, 2015 | 9:00am - 11:00 pm
Where: Meyer Foundation | 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW | Washington, DC
Learn more
Opportunities in Africa: Spotlight on Black America - Africa Business Collaboration
The 2015 Talent Africa Series will highlight the amazing stories of two established African-American owned businesses in the District from LDI Africa's Fellowship network, and encourage Black-owned businesses in the Washington DC area to consider Africa as an international business expansion option.
LDI Africa will also be discussing opportunities to get involved in the 2015 Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program. Application for the next Emerging Institutions Fellowship Program opens on April 1st, 2015.
When: Wednesday, April 22, 2015 | 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Where: Franklin D. Reeves Center | 2000 14th Street NW | Washington, DC 20009
Learn More
FY 2015 Sports United: International Sports Programming Initiative
The Department of State announces funds to support exchange projects designed to reach undeserved youth and/or their coaches/sports administrators who manage youth sports programs. These exchanges between the United States and select countries will be either reciprocal or one-way, and will employ sports to address specific themes outlined below. The Sports United International Sports Programming Initiative uses sports to help underserved youth around the world develop important leadership skills, achieve academic success, promote tolerance and respect for diversity. The focus of all programs must be on both male and female youth and/or their coaches/sports administrators.
Eligibility: Public and state controlled institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations and private institutions of higher education.
Deadline: May 8, 2015. Awards are available up to $225,000. Contact: Grants.gov Contact Center at 800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Grant ID: GD5880.
Learn more
2015-2016 AmeriCorps State Formula Grant Competition (SDC)
Serve DC announces the availability of AmeriCorps State Formula funding for Fiscal Year 2015-2016. Concept papers are required and must meet an identifiable community need, the capacity of the applicant to effectively administer an AmeriCorps program, including adherence to programmatic and fiscal requirements. The deadline for concept papers (for new applicants) is April 30, 2015. The RFA will be available in early April. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations and DC government agencies. Deadline: May 11, 2015. Awards are available up to $13,730 and a match is required. Contact: Yolanda M. Brown at (202) 727-7943 or yolandam.brown@dc.gov. Grant ID: GD5888
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Empowering Women in Making Healthy Decisions
The purpose of this symposium is to
prevent and reduce the impact of health inequities such as heart disease,
breast cancer, depression, domestic violence, and chemical dependency among
women of all socioeconomic background. We aim to eliminate the risk of mental
and emotional distress often experienced by women in unproductive
relationships.
When: Saturday,
April 11, 2015 | 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Where: Colmar
Manor Town Hall | 3701 Lawrence Street | Colmar Manor, MD
Learn more
2nd Annual AAHP Community
Day: One Healthy Life Leads to Another
Please join us for the 2nd Annual AAHP Community Day. In honor of National Minority
Health Month, this event will inform, educate, and empower African Americans
and people of African descent to address health issues impacting their lives,
their families, and their communities through the following activities:Interactive Health Fair and Information Booths, Onsite Health Screening (blood pressure, HIV testing, diabetes,
cholesterol, vision, BMI), Live Cooking Demonstrations, Energizing Group Fitness Activities, Men's 5K Wellness Walk, Motivational Guest Speakers
When: Saturday, April 18, 2015 |
7:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Silver
Spring Civic Center | 1 Veterans Place | Silver Spring, MD 20910
Learn more
NextGen Scholarship
The Scholarship is for International student enrolled in, or accepted to a
college in the Washington DC metropolitan area.
Students who resides or attends college in Maryland, Washington DC or Virginia are eligible to apply for our Scholarship.
Learn more
USAID Forum for Young Diaspora Professionals
Join USAID for an information session for young diaspora professionals and students interested in international development and humanitarian aid. The session will provide information on fellowship, internship, and career opportunities within USAID. This session will also include information on the Pathways program, Donald Payne Fellowship as well as USAID Foreign Service. They will conclude with how to mobilize responsible donations during post-disaster relief efforts.
When: Friday, April 17, 2015 | 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: National Press Building | 529 14th Street, | NW Washington, DC 20045
Learn more
African Elections and Governance in 2015 and Beyond
With over two dozen elections taking place in Africa in 2015 and 2016, African governments face the challenge of administering peaceful and credible elections; while journalists and citizens continent-wide call for increased political space for dissent and debate. Please join congressmember Karen Bass for a discussion of the electoral landscape in Africa; including assessments of continental elections taking place in 2015 and beyond; as well as the prospects for peaceful transitions and democratic governance with senior representatives from leading U.S. agencies, international non-governmental Organizations and the African diaspora.
When: Thursday, April 23, 2015 | 8:30 am - 10:30 AM
Where: Library of Congress | Washington, DC 20540
Learn more
A.G.O.A. Discussion
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is a nonreciprocal trade preference program that provides duty-free treatment to U.S. imports of certain products from eligible sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Join them in a discussion of this topic and obtain resources to help you participate in this program.
When: Friday, April 24th | 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: Greenbelt Marriott Hotel | 6400 Ivy Lane | Greenbelt, MD 20770
Learn more
Call for Graffiti & Aerosol Mural Artists -
2015 MuralsDC Program
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH) in
collaboration with the DC Department of Public Works (DPW) seeks graffiti
artists and artist teams to design, create and install aerosol murals that
inspire the various communities in which they will be placed. Selected artists
will be required to work with the young apprentices (ages 14-23) by introducing
and refining each student's artistic skill in the discipline of graffiti style
sketch work and aerosol mural painting.
Application Deadline: Friday, May 1, 2015
All materials must be received no later than 4:00 PM.
This is not a postmark deadline. Incomplete or late applications will
not be considered
Call 202-724-5613 or email Keona.Pearson@dc.gov
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.
 Bring Back Our Girls: One Year Solidarity March
Please join Act 4 Accountability, Amnesty International USA, Africa’s Daughters Foundation, The Church of the Brethren Office of Public Witness, Tribex Marketing, concerned individuals, and speakers from a broad spectrum of movements.Help us amplify the voices amplify calling for more action in the rescue of 219 Chibok school girls and those recently kidnapped by Boko Haram from the towns of Damask and Gwoza. Join us at the #BringBackOurGirls: One Year Solidarity March!
When: Saturday, April 11, 2015 | 2:00 pm
Where: Federal Triangle Metro Station
Learn more
 ECDC's 21st Annual National Conference on African Refugees and Immigrants
The Ethiopian Community Development Council's (ECDC) annual national conference provides a singularly unique forum that looks at
refugee and immigrant issues in the United States with a special focus on
African newcomers. The conference is part of ECDC's public education efforts
reflecting our ongoing commitment to create sustained awareness of and support
for refugee and immigrant needs locally and globally. These efforts are
designed to promote cultural, educational, and socio-economic well-being, and
ultimately result in helping newcomers, especially African newcomers, to the
United Sates become active and productive members of their communities.
When: April 28- May 1, 2015
Where:Holiday Inn Arlington | 4610
North Fairfax Drive |Arlington, VA | 22203
Learn more
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 25, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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