African Business Directory
 To recent graduates, community members, and to all of you data Stewards & data Scientists, the Mayor’s
Office on African Affairs is currently looking for a team of volunteers to work
on a major data collection project in summer 2014.
As OAA’s outreach ambassadors, volunteers will donate their
time to support our project by canvassing, telephone canvassing, and/or data
mining. Volunteers with bi- or multi-lingual abilities in French and Amharic
are especially desired. The data will be used to identify key gaps in access to
better utilize services that support the development of the African
business community in the District. All volunteers are invited to participate in
this legacy project which aims to support the District’s growing African
business community.
Application: Volunteer
application
Deadline: May 28,
2014
Project: African Business Directory
Be in the Know: Help OAA’s Facebook page get to 1,000 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 1,000 likes and we’ll help you stay connected! We’re more than halfway there, but we need your help!
Click here for OAA’s Facebook Page
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Mayor
Vincent C. Gray Designates May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage
Month
Mayor Vincent C. Gray and the Office on Asian and Pacific
Islander Affairs (OAPIA) today designated May as Asian American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in the District and announced a series of events
to commemorate the observance. “The Asian American and Pacific Islander
population remains the fastest growing and most linguistically diverse
community in the District,” said Mayor Gray. “Let us celebrate the achievements
and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, and
continue to ensure that they, like every other District resident, are able to
reap the benefits of living in our great city.” The Month will highlight the
10-Year Anniversary of the Language Access Act.
Read More
Mayor Vincent C. Gray Celebrates
Demolition of Old Woodridge Library to Make Way for State-of-the-Art Facility
On Wednesday Mayor Vincent C. Gray and DC Public Library (DCPL)
Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan celebrated the demolition of the old
Woodridge Library. Both leaders praised the community’s involvement in the
planning of the new Woodridge Library. “The
new Woodridge Library, like the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library,
will serve the community – so it’s crucial that the community provide as much
input as possible so these new facilities serve the needs of all our
residents,” Mayor Gray said.
Read More
Mayor Vincent C. Gray Signed a
New Proclamation on May 7 As the “Maaza Mengiste Day”
The Day will commemorate Maaza Mengiste, who is an Ethiopian-American Fullbright
Scholar, an international human rights advocate, Assistant Professor of
Creative Writing, and the award-winning author of Beneath the Lion’s Gaze, which was selected by the Gurardian,
Christian Monitor, Boston Globe and Publishers Weekly one of the “10 Best
Contemporary African Books of 2010.”
Read
More
Hundreds Rally to Support Kidnapped Girls
The kidnapping of 276 schoolgirls by Islamist rebels three weeks ago
has frayed the nerves, tested the patience and deeply angered Nigerians
already weary and increasing nervous over a bloody four-year insurgency. The pre-dawn raid on April 14 by Boko Haram – in what many call their
most brazen action yet – has prompted marches by distraught and angry
parents in Chibok, where the girls were taken, and demonstrations and
rallies in other Nigerian cities around the world. Images of anguished,
crying mothers and fathers have pulled on peoples’ heartstrings.
Read
More
Africa: Intel Partners With the Rockefeller Foundation to Close the Digital Gender Gap in Africa
Intel is partnering with The Rockefeller Foundation to announce their
collaboration on Intel 'She Will Connect' initiative at the World
Economic Forum (WEF), taking place in Nigeria between 7 and 9 May 2014.
The World Economic Forum is an international institution that is
committed to improving the state of the world through public-private
cooperation in the spirit of global citizenship and as such, it is the
perfect platform to announce this collaboration to boost the Intel She
Will Connect program.
Read
More
Women on the Rise in African Politics
DAKAR — Africa has three female heads of state since Catherine Samba-Panza of the Central African Republic took office in January.
Women leaders remain the exception in African politics, but activists
say things are looking up. Women are breaking into the "boys club" of
the African presidency.
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, or "Ma Ellen," was the first
in 2005 as the country emerged from 13 years of brutal civil war. Joyce
Banda stepped up in Malawi in 2012 after the sudden death of the
president. She had been the vice president.
And now, there's President Samba-Panza in the Central African Republic, a country torn apart by rebellion and sectarian violence.
Read
More
Novels of the African Diaspora: A reading List
Dinaw Mengestu wrote one of the most haunting novels I have read this year. "All
Our Names" features two narrators: an Ethiopian man swept up in a 1970s revolution
in Uganda that turns into a dictatorship, and the American social
worker who tries to help him once he emigrates to this country. It has stuck with me because of its stark but lyrical evocation of
the loneliness of the immigrant, and it made me think of other talented
young novelists I have read or heard of recently, all of African
heritage, all from families who emigrated to America or Britain.
Read
More
In Immigration News: A Proposal to Help High-Skilled Workers, Immigrants and Health Care, Border Abuse Complaints, and More
U.S. proposes immigration rules to help high-skilled workers
- Reuters One proposed regulation change would allow spouses of high-skilled
H-1B visa holders to work in the United States while their spouses are being
considered for green cards; these visa holder' spouses currently don't have the
right to work. A second proposal would make it easier for employers "to
document that immigrant researchers and professors are among the best in their
fields."
Read
More
The 2014 Cyber Security Summit - DC Metro
The Cyber Security Summit, an exclusive conference series
sponsored by The Wall Street Journal, has announced their 2014 dates to include
DC Metro & New York City. The event
will connect C-Level & Senior Executives responsible for protecting their
companies’ critical infrastructures with cutting-edge technology providers and
renowned information security experts.
When: Thursday | June 5th 2014 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Where: The Sheraton Premiere |8661 Leesburg Pike | Tysons Corner, VA 22182
Learn
More
Loan
Seminar
The 203K Loan Seminar is presented by James
Schneider with Eagle Creek Mortgage and CityDwellers Real Estate. In the
seminar you will learn how you can purchase a foreclosure, short sale, or
distressed property with equity and get money for the rehab using a 203K loan
with little money down.Topics covered will address various questions
such as: What is a 203K loan and am I eligible? 203K—how is it different? How
the program can be used? What is the maximum mortgage amount? And more issues
as well.
When: Saturday | May 17, 2014 | 10:30 am
- 12:00 pm
Where: CityDwellers, LLC | 29 Florida Ave., NW| Washington,
DC|20001
Learn More
Entrepreneur Road Map l Starting a Franchise
Franchising is a solution for people who want to own and
operate their own business, while working under an established brand,
benefiting from the experience and know-how of the franchiser. Franchises can
offer you a complete system of doing business, from branding and marketing to
assistance with business set up, personnel training and product supply.
When: Wednesday | May 14, 2014 | 8:30 - 10:30am
Where: Venable LLP | 575 7th St NW | 8th floor | Washington,
DC | 20004
Learn
More
Department of Health and Human Services:
National Abandoned Infants Resource Center (HHS)
Department of Health and Human Services
announces funds to support a National Resource Center to enhance the capacity
of programs designed to serve abandoned infants, young children, and their
families, particularly infants and children infected with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS),
perinatally exposed to HIV/AIDS, or perinatally exposed to a dangerous drug;
and also enhance the capacity of any child-serving program that serves infants
or very young children who are at risk of abandonment or maltreatment.
Eligibility: City or township
governments, county governments, independent school districts, public and state
controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, nonprofit
organizations, public housing authorities, private institutions of higher
education, for-profit organizations other than small businesses, small
businesses, community-based organizations and DC government agencies.
Application Deadline:
6/9/2014.
Funds: $1,060,000 available
for awards
For more information contact AFC Applications Help
Desk at app_support@acf.hhs.gov
Department
of Education: Training and Information for Parents of Children with
Disabilities.
Department
of Education announces funds to support programs that will ensure that parents
of children with disabilities receive training and information to help improve
results for their children. Must be nonprofit organizations. Application Deadline:5/27/2014.
Funds: up to $6,645,988 is available for 24 awards.
For more information contact:
Carmen Sanchez at Carmen.Sanchez@ed.gov
Basic Center Program (HHS)
Department of Health and Human Services announces funds to support programs that will provide an alternative for runaway and homeless youth who might otherwise end up with law enforcement or in the child welfare, mental health, or juvenile justice systems. Eligibility: City or township governments, county governments, special district governments, state governments, nonprofit organizations, public housing authorities, community-based organizations and DC government agencies
Application Deadline: 05/12/2014
Funds: $18,166,163 for 116 awards up to $200,000
Contact:ACF Help Desk at app_support@acf.hhs.gov
FY2014 Services for Victims of Human Trafficking (DOJ)
Department of Justice announces funding to provide services to victims of human trafficking in two different program areas: 1) comprehensive services for all victims of human trafficking, and 2) specialized services for victims of human trafficking. Funding under both program areas also will support efforts to increase the capacity of communities to respond to human trafficking victims through the development of interagency partnerships, professional training, and public awareness activities. Eligibility City or township governments, county governments, special district governments, state governments, nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations and DC government agencies.
Deadline: 05/15/2014
Funds: $500,000 available for 10 awards up to $20,000
Contact: Mary Atlas-Terry at (202) 353-8473 or Mary.Atlas-Terry@usdoj.gov
6th Annual 2014 Mental Health Summit Celebration
Theme “Tools For a Mentally Healthier Workplace''
Leading experts in the industry will share their thoughts and ideas on a wide range of mental health topics including:
♦ Gaining access to treatment;
♦ What it means to have peer workers in a clinical setting;
♦ Medicaid billing for peer support workers;
♦ Prevention techniques; and
♦ Confidentiality issues
When: Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 12:00 pm—4:00 pm
Where: Saint Elizabeth Campus Auditorium | 1100AlabamaAvenue, S.E., | Washington, DC | 20032
Learn More
2014 District of Columbia Million Hearts Meeting
Highlighting the ABCS and local strategies for improved blood pressure control, moderated by Bruce Johnson meet the national leaders and local Champions facilitating a million hearts conversation: Kendra Gaskins, project director American Medical Group Association, Janet S. Wright MD, FACC, Executive Director, Million Hearts, Lawrence
J. Fine, MD, DrPH, FAHA, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute,
National Institutes of Health, and others as a member of panel discussion.
When: Wednesday | May 21, 2014 | 8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center | 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW|Room 151 A&B| Washington,
DC | 20001
Learn More
Biomedical Career
Pathways Program – Montgomery College
Interested
in how law and policy intersects with science? Learn about Biomedical Science
Policy and its impact on healthcare and scientific research. Two student
leaders will share their findings from their Biomedical Leadership capstone
projects.
When: Saturday | May 10, 2014| 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: Montgomery College| 7600 Takoma Avenue | ST
Building, Room 301|Takoma Park, MD | 20912
Learn More
African Talent Series
The rise in the
economic contributions of African Diaspora with annual remittances to
the continent is hitting $60 billion according to the World Bank. US-Africa trade relations as well as foreign direct investments to Africa are on an upward trajectory. This
unprecedented inflow of capital to the continent has marked a new era
for Africa, making it possible for resources and opportunities to
intersect. But sadly, the limited availability of indigenous
skilled-talent still holds the continent back from reaching its full
potential. Gbenga Ogunjimi, LDI Africa’s Founder and CEO and Nina Oduro, AfricanDevJobs, Founder and President will be discussing
how their organizations are bridging this talent gap and connect you
with available volunteer and employment opportunities across the
continent.
When: Monday | May 12, 2014 | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Franklin
D. Reeves Center |2000 14th Street NW | Washington, DC|20009
Learn More
Outcast Majority: War, Development & Africa's Youth: A Framework for Reform
The Alliance for International Youth Development (AIYD) is a community of practice and advocacy platform of leading U.S.-based youth and community development organizations. The Alliance provides an opportunity for engaged organizations and individuals to share effective practices across all sectors of international youth development, and to inform programs and policies that support and impact youth. AIYD draws on its collective expertise to advocate for informed and targeted investments for young people globally. It is a free event.
When: Wednesday, May 21st, 2014 | 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Where: Inter Action|1400 16th NW| Suite 210|Washington, D.C. | 20036
Learn More
Reducing
America’s Student Debt
Americans are
almost a trillion dollars in student debt. There are stories of students
graduating with $100k-200k in student debt, only to find themselves unemployed
after graduation. Poor and middle class parents are willing to risk losing
their house, car, credit, and peace of mind to fund an education for their
child. Unfortunately, even if those children get the job of their dreams, if
that child has an untimely death, that parent is now responsible for the
student debt. We are here to educate you on scholarships, grants, and
navigating college!
Read More
DC Women's Business Center Orientation for Free Business Counselling - May 2014
In order to be eligible for free one-on-one business counselings with a Business Development Specialist at the DC WBC, clients must attend an Orientation. Counseling is an engaging, focused and personalized resource. Prospective clients will learn about the Center's services and resources and how the DC WBC can help you achieve your goals. Whether you have been in business for years and are looking to expand or whether you're just starting your business, come find out what the DC Women’s Business Center can do for you! Networking from 6-6:30PM. Snacks provided. Reasonable accommodations will be made if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact: Florence@dcwbc.org for more info. To book this event online, please click on the blue title and register via the eventbrite link. The class fees are not refundable, but they are transferable to future training sessions.
When: Tuesday|May 13, 2014|6:00 - 8:30 pm
Where: DC Women's Business Center|NCRC Building| 727 15th Street NW| 8th Floor| Washington, DC|20005
Free Summer Teen
Language & Cultural Workshops
For Students between the ages of 12 and 17
years old.
Arabic Language and Culture
Summer Workshop
When: June 16th to June 20th,
2014|10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of African
Art|950 Independence Avenue SW| Washington, DC|20560
Registration is free, but required. Applications due
on May 16, 2014.
Also Swahili Language and Culture
Summer Workshop
When: July 28th to August 1th,
2014|10:30am - 12:30pm
Where: Smithsonian National Museum of African
Art|950 Independence Avenue SW| Washington, DC|20560
Registration is free, but required. Applications due
on July 14, 2014.
Please contact Glenn
Ojeda for further information on how to apply, OjedaG@si.edu, 202-633-4638
Learn more
THE YMP ADVANTAGE
This year-long program is bound to stretch your views about
yourself, connect you to other leaders, and expose you to countless
resources to help you grow as a well-rounded leader. If you are seeking
to expand your leadership skills or refine your personal development
goals, consider the Daniel Leadership Institute’s Young Professionals
Mentoring Program.
When: Saturday | May 17, 2014 | 10:00 am
Where: 920 Philadelphia Ave |Silver Spring, MD 20910 |
(2nd floor above AK Motors)
Learn More
Call
for Papers: MPI Research Initiative on Young Children in Refugee Families
The Migration Policy
Institute’s (MPI) National Center on Immigrant Integration Policy is launching
an interdisciplinary research initiative to examine the circumstances and
well-being of young children (birth to age 10) in refugee families. Research on
refugees in the United States has largely focused on adults and their access to
employment and social services. Less is known about the children of refugees
(themselves refugees or the U.S.-born children of resettled refugee parents)
and the risk and protective factors that promote their healthy development and
academic success.
Submission
deadline: May 30, 2014
Learn More
Need Help Recruiting Young African Males for STEM Program
The Small Business Transportation Resource Center program at The Enterprise Center is looking to recruit 100 young black males (ages at 13 -18) for a program taking place in DC. The program will take place on Monday, May 5th at 10am at the DOT DC Headquarters. It is a Mentorship, Empowerment, Careers and Small Business Day for young men of color focused on STEM. Lunch will be provided.
If interested, please contact: Craig Campbell at 215-243-4104 or Tiffany Spraggins at 215-243-4103
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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