OAA and Woolly Mammoth Theatre Host Namibian Community Event in Honor of Black History Month
We are Proud to Present… Uncovering the History Beneath the Performance | Post-Show Discussion Highlights the Experience of the Ovaherero Namibian People
 On Saturday, February 22, 2014, in commemoration of Black History Month and as part of its Multicultural Awareness and Development Program, the Office of African Affairs (OAA) collaborated with the Woolly Mammoth Theatre to host a post-show discussion following the performance of “We are Proud to Present, a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, From the German Sudwestafrika, Between the Years 1884-1915.” The night kicked off with a pre-show mix and mingle reception and was immediately followed by Jacki Sibblies Drury’s inventive play – portrayed by a cast of six idealistic actors and set in the rehearsal room of an acting class. As the play unfolds, the cast grapples with shaping a theatrical inquiry into the little-known historical tragedy of the Ovaherero people and Germany’s colonial past in former Sudwestafrika (present-day Namibia).
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Join Mayor Gray for the 2014 State of the District Address on March 3
Annual Speech to be Delivered at Kelly Miller Middle School in Ward 7
 Mayor Gray will deliver the 2014 State of the District Address, where he will report on the status of the city and outline his agenda and priorities for the coming year.
When: Monday|March 3, 2014| 07:00 PM
Where: Kelly Miller Middle School|301 49th Street NE|Washington, DC|20019
(Metro: Benning Road Station – FREE shuttle bus will run from the Metro starting at 6:00pm.)
  
Mayor Vincent C. Gray Announces Launch of for WARD 8
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor L. Hoskins and Interim Office of Planning (OP) Director Rosalynn Hughey today announced the launch of “for WARD 8: Investing in Our Future,” awarding $2.5 million to support a package of District-led career-training and business-development projects for Ward 8 residents. “The for WARD 8 initiative will do exactly what its name implies – move Ward 8 forward through close partnerships between District agencies and the community,” said Mayor Gray. “This initiative will help Ward 8 residents find jobs, build careers and create new businesses.”
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Mayor Gray Announces Steps to Protect GLBT Community from Discrimination in Health Care
The District of Columbia advanced the rights of the city’s transgender community by prohibiting discrimination in health insurance based on gender identity and expression. Mayor Vincent C. Gray announced the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB) is issuing a bulletin to District health insurance companies addressing the application of anti-discrimination provisions in the insurance code, including recognizing gender dysphoria, or gender identity disorder, as a recognized medical condition. “Last March, the District began the process of removing exclusions in health insurance on the basis of gender identity or expression. Through the hard work of my Office of GLBT Affairs and a multi-agency working group lead by my Chief of Staff, Chris Murphy, we have today taken the necessary steps to completely eliminate these exclusions,” said Mayor Gray.
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Mayor Gray to Kick Off Potholepalooza on March 20
Residents Encouraged to Report Pothole Locations Leading up to Annual 30-day Campaign
Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced plans are in place to start this year’s Potholepalooza Campaign on Thursday, March 20, weather permitting. During the annual 30-day campaign, crews from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will expedite pothole repairs on roadways across the city. Residents and commuters are encouraged to continue to phone (311), go online (311.dc.gov), tweet (@DDOTDC), e-mail (potholepalooza@dc.gov), visit the campaign’s Facebook page (facebook.com/DDOTpotholepalooza) or use the DC311 smartphone app to submit requests for pothole repairs. As part of Potholepalooza, DDOT will be adding extra crews to fill potholes and will aim to repair identified locations within 48 hours (the normal response time is within 72 hours).
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DC One Fund Campaign Raises Over $1 Million for Charity
Employee Charitable Giving Celebrated at Annual Recognition Event
Mayor Vincent C. Gray joined DC Department of Corrections Director and 2013 DC One Fund Vice Chair Tom Faust, and DC Labor Representative and 2013 Co-Vice Chair Anntoinette “Toni” White-Richardson at a ceremony in the Old Council Chambers at the District’s One Judiciary Square building to celebrate District government employees who generously gave to the city’s annual charitable giving campaign. This year, the DC One Fund exceeded its contribution goal of $1 million for the first time since 2007, raising $1,022,278 from over 3,320 pledges.
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Women's History Month Proclaimation
Maryland State Governor Appoints Cameroonian-American
Kate Atabong has been appointed as commissioner for African Affairs for the State of Maryland, USA. Cameroonian born, Kate Atabong, has been appointed as Commissioner for African Affairs for the State of Maryland, USA. The appointment came on February 11, 2014 when she received a call from the Governor's Office of Maryland State at about 10:00 a.m. during which the person at the end of the line stated: "I am calling on behalf of the Governor of the State of Maryland, Governor Martin O'malley, to inform Ms Atabong that she had been appointed as commissioner for African Affairs for the State of Maryland effective today!".
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Harlem Non-Profit Serves African Diaspora and Homeland
NEW YORK — New York City is home to hundreds of ethnic and immigrant groups from around the world, including Africans. But until recently, the African diaspora lacked a center dedicated to their needs, especially regarding HIV/AIDS prevention, counseling and treatment. Now, the Harlem-based African Services Committee offers testing and referral services for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and various sexually transmitted diseases, along with other immigrant support services specifically geared to New York's African community.
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Film Lineup & Dates For 10th Annual New African Films Festival, in Silver Spring, MD
AFI Silver has announced the complete slate of films for its 2014 New African Films Festival, taking place March 13-20 at the historic AFI Silver Theatre in Silver Spring, Maryland. Presented by the American Film Institute, TransAfrica and afrikafé, the festival, now in its 10th year, showcases the year’s best in African filmmaking. This year’s selection of films includes multiple award-winners, international festival favorites, local box-office hits, and debut works by promising new talents from 15 diverse nations.
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DSLBD Launches 2014 Trade Calendar for Small Businesses at International Forum
Session focuses on upcoming opportunities in Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean
On Tuesday, February 25, 2014, the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), and the DC Chamber of Commerce led an international business forum to unveil ExportDC’s 2014 calendar of trade events. “The District of Columbia is an international city, and ExportDC provides a chance to expose our small and local businesses to international markets for their products and services,” said DSLBD Director Robert Summers. “Small businesses need to stay ahead of the game, and the Forum is a great opportunity for them to put themselves in a good position for the future.”
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One-On-One Business Counseling Session: The Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR)
At this session the staff from The Office of Tax and Revenue's (OTR) will provide assistance with navigating through the regulatory environment. Representatives from OTR will provide consultation regarding types of tax liability, documentation required for registration of businesses, forms, and filing due dates, as OTR's mission is to collect the proper amount of tax due to the District government and correctly account for all revenue, while minimizing the burden on taxpayers and cost to the government.
When: March 4, 2014|01:00 - 01:30 PM
Where: DCRA|1100 4th Street SW|2nd Floor|Washington, DC|20024
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Digital DC & WeWork Launch Event
 Digital DC” is a marketing and branding campaign and economic development initiative to promote Washington, D.C. as the leading community in the innovation and high-tech economy. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the world for technology companies and venture capital investment, Digital DC represents and supports the vibrant, dedicated, and unique community of local and international tech and innovation-based businesses that are thriving in the District. The Digital DC initiative will highlight the growing number of District-based tech companies, provide the best resources to cultivate digital companies relocating and developing in the District, and supply job and training opportunities.
When: Wednesday|March 5, 2014|04:00 PM
Where: Wonder Bread Factory|641 S Street NW|Washington, DC|20001
RSVP Here
Startup Grind DC - 5PM Happy Hour and Fireside chat with Ted
He is a partner in the speed-up capital Revolution Growth Fund II, investing in people and ideas that can change the world. Ted is an investor and chairman of the board of directors of Groupon. He also serves on the board of directors at AddThis, American Express and Georgetown University as well as Revolution Growth companies FedBid, Resonate and Optoro.
When: Thursday|March 20, 2014|04:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Where: 718 7th St NW|Washington, DC|20001
RSVP Here
Recordkeeping & Time Management
If you want to learn how to best run your own business, these sessions are for you. Money smart for business consist of modules, that present an introduction to topics, providing an overview, basic concepts, and key points. This workshop presented by DC Office of the Chief Financial Office & DCRA's small business resource center.
When: Thursday| March 6, 2014 | 05:30 - 07:30 PM
Where: DCRA|1100 4th Street SW|Room E-4302| Washington, DC| 20024
For more information call (202) 442-4538 or email at Jacqueline.noisette@dc.gov or Claudia.herrera@dc.gov
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The 6th Annual Social Enterprise Symposium
The 6th annual Social Enterprise Symposium, created and hosted by the Center for Social Value Creation, will take place Friday, March 7, 2014 at the Stamp Student Union. Unlike any other event on campus, the Symposium explores the role of business in creating economic prosperity and lasting social and environmental change.
When: Friday|March 7, 2014|10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Where: The Stamp (Adele H. Stamp Student Union)| University of Maryland|College Park, Maryland|20742
Learn More | Register Here
The NextGen Scholarship Fund
During her time in college, P.E.R.K. Consulting founder, Andrena Sawyer, saw firsthand how easy it was for deserving students to lose out on good opportunities because of the lack of resources for international students. The NextGen Scholarship Fund was created for international students and non-citizens who come to the United States with the hopes of obtaining higher education to create a better life for themselves and their families. It is a local (Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia) scholarship program that provides one annual award to a qualified and outstanding high school senior or a current college student at a two-year or four-year college.
Application Beginning March 3, 2014
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Boots-to-Business Program (B2B)
Small Business Administration announces funds to support organizations that provide entrepreneurship training, curriculum development and program management support services for transitioning veterans. City or township governments, special district governments, state governments, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, small businesses and DC government agencies are eligible for this program. Awards available up to $3,000,000.
Application Deadline: March 3, 2014
For More Information Contact Janet Moorman
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The FY 2014 Loan Repayment Program is Now Open
The NHSC Loan Repayment program provides loan repayment assistance to licensed primary care medical, dental, and mental and behavioral health providers who serve in communities with limited access to health care. There are both full-time and half-time options for service commitment. The dollar amount of assistance and length of service depend on participation in either the full- or half-time and on the need on the Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) score of the site.
Deadline for submission is March 20, 2014.
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DC Physical Activity for Youth Grant (OSSE)
Office of the State Superintendent of Education announces funds to support programs that will increase the capacity of D.C. schools to provide physical activity to all students before, during, or after the school day. Independent school districts, nonprofit organizations, Local Educational Agencies and State Educational Agencies are all eligible for this grant. $200,000 available for 20 awards up to $10,000
Application Deadline: April 4, 2014
For More Information contact Katie Lantuh at (202) 481-3401 or kathryn.lantuh@dc.gov
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District Health Officials Warn Consumers of Potentially Contaminated Cheese Product
The DC Department of Health (DOH) advises District residents not to purchase or consume Roos cheese products. The products have presumptively tested positive for Listeria bacteria. Roos Foods, is based out of Kenton, Del., and includes the following brands: Santa Rosa de Lima, Amigo, Mexicana, Suyapa, La Chapina and La Purisima Crema Nica. No lot or date coding information has been identified; but as a measure of precaution District food safety officials are pulling the products from shelves today. Any individuals who purchased the product should not consume and should discard any remaining portions. Those who have already consumed the product should be aware of the risks and symptoms associated with Listeria monocytogenes.
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DHCF Implements Efforts to Ensure Medicaid Beneficiaries Continue to Receive Needed PCA Services
In response to the recent arrest warrants that were issued on Thursday, February 20, 2014, to four Medicaid home health agencies, DHCF is working to ensure continuity of care for affected Medicaid beneficiaries needing personal care aide services (PCA). DHCF is contacting beneficiaries receiving PCA services to ensure they are receiving needed services. If there are any identified needs for PCA services, DHCF will utilize an expedited process to ensure continuity of care.
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DC Health Link Educational Forums
Still not sure if you, as a Small Business Owner, must provide health insurance to your employees? The DC Chamber of Commerce has teamed with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Washington Metro Area District Office to present an informational session to explain the Employer Shared Responsibility and how it may affect you.
When: Thursday | March 27, 2014| 05:30 - 07:00 PM
Where: DCRA Small Business Resource Center| 1100 4th Street SW|Room E-4302|Washington, DC|20024
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The HSC (Health Service for Children) Pediatric Center's Annual June Fair
The Faith-Based Economic Development Summit
Dinner & Learn: Using A FHA 203K Loan to Purchase Your Home
Using an FHA 203k loan allows you to borrow enough to finance a home and make improvements. Bring a friend, find out helpful tips, and get your questions answered in a relaxed no obligation environment! The 203k Loan Seminar is presented by James Schneider with Eagle Creek Mortgage and CityDwellers Real Estate.
When: Monday|March 3, 2014|06:30 - 08:30 PM
Where: 923 Ellsworth Dr. | Silver Spring, MD | 20910
RSVP Here
DC Real Estate Investing Boot Camp Orientation
CityDwellers’ iClub and LDI Africa present Real Estate Investing Boot Camp. This boot camp is designed for early entrepreneurs and investors seeking investment opportunities globally, particularly in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Participants will learn how to invest in foreclosures, short sales, auctions, flips, REO’s, rehabs, multi-family dwellings, and so much more! Co-investment, joint venture partnership, mentorship and freelance opportunities will also be discussed.
When: Saturday|March 15, 2014|10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Where: Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library|CPK First Floor Auditorium|3310 Connecticut Ave NW| Washington, DC|20008
Register Here
2014 DLI Employment Rights and Safety Forum
The Commissioner of Labor and Industry's Employment Rights and Safety Forum proves to benefit all who attend. Last year's Forum drew over 600 business owners and professionals spanning every industry in Maryland. This year our agenda will include many powerful speakers, a dynamic keynote, and sessions focused on giving you the key facts and information you need to know related to safety, compliance, and employment law regulations.
When: Wednesday|March 19, 2014|08:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Where: Towson University|West Village Commons|424 Emerson Drive|Towson, MD|21252
Register Here
Economic Development Hearing on B20-58 Tenant Bill of Rights Act
The Committee on Economic Development will hold a hearing on the following legislation: B20-58, the Tenant Bill of Rights Act of 2013. Individuals and representatives of community organizations wishing to testify should contact Judah Gluckman, Legislative Counsel to the Committee on Economic Development, at (202) 724-8025, or jgluckman@dccouncil.us and furnish their name, address, telephone number, and organizational affiliation, if any, by the close of business March 10, 2014. Persons presenting testimony may be limited to 3 minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard. Please provide the Committee 20 copies of any written testimony.
When: Tuesday|March 11, 2014|10:00AM
Where: Council of the District of Columbia|1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.|Room 412| Washington, D.C. 20004
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2014 National Conference, African Refugees and Immigrants: Pathways to Security, Integration, and Empowerment
Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. invites you to the 2014 National Conference. The conference presents on opportunity to hear from international, national, and local leaders in refugees affairs while also connecting with others involved in refugees resettlement.
When: Wednesday|April 30, 2014 - Saturday|May 03,2014
Where: Holiday Inn-Ballston| 4610 Fairfax Drive| Arlington, VA|22203
Contact Lindsay Stepp with any questions: lstepp@ecdus.org or call at (703) 685-0510 Ext. 216
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Call for Participants - Dance DC Festival 2014
 Dance is a tradition enjoyed by virtually every culture in the world. Whether dance is performed as a celebration or ritual, all of us have performed the art of dance at some point in our lives. Dance DC Festival was created to highlight dance from around the world and to share it with DC residents and visitors.
Application deadline: March 21, 2014
Screening: A Dance DC Festival Advisory Panel will review all questionnaires during the selection process. They will take into account technical and scheduling needs, appropriateness, and diversity of performance styles and will recommend groups to the festival staff.
For more information contact Ebony C. Blanks, Program Coordinator or call (202) 724-5613
Apply Here
FACE Africa 5th Annual W.A.S.H. (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Gala
 This year's event will honor the incredible work of Nigerian entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist - Tony Elumelu. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was founded in 2010 by Mr. Elumelu and positioned as a 21st-century catalytic philanthropy. As a primary driver of Africapitalism, the Foundation is committed to the economic transformation of Africa by enhancing the competitiveness and growth of the African private sector.
When: Saturday|March 22, 2014| 07:00 - 10:00 PM
Where: Pier 60 @ Chelsea Piers|23rd Street & West Side Highway|New York., NY|10011
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Want Your Event Featured in the 'African Beat'?
'The African Beat' is distributed to over 5,000 subscribers every other Friday. If you would like to submit your event to be included in our calendar, please submit the following event details: what, when, & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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