MOAA Staff Meets Grammy Winner & Global Icon, Youssou N'Dour
On Tuesday, November 17, 2015, the staff of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) joined Grammy Award winning Senegalese singer and global icon, Youssou N'Dour, ahead of his concert at the George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium. MOAA staff was granted backstage access to meet with the artist. MOAA Director Mamadou Samba and Deputy Director Heran Sereke-Brhan exchanged thoughts with Youssou on a variety of topics, including ways of strengthening ties between the sister cities of Washington, DC and Dakar, Senegal; the need to work closely with the African diaspora; and the positive power of representation and engagement explored through the arts and humanities.
  Click on the images to see a video of the encounter
EKO - African Diaspora Coding Academy
On November 7, 2015, the
Mayor’s Office on African Affairs launched EKO | African
Diaspora Coding Academy program. In line with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s vision of supporting innovative ideas to expand
economic opportunities and focus on high-growth industries such as technology to stimulate job creation, EKO will prepare District constituents with long-term competitive skills that will place under-served community members on ‘Pathways to the Middle Class.’
EKO | African Diaspora
Coding Academy is sponsored
by the Office of the Chief
Technology Officer (OCTO) and developed in partnership with Coders4Africa
(C4A) to provide free coding
classes, software design, and application development to the growing
African-born population in the District.
Thus far, the program has garnered immense success with over 40 African residents enrolled in the program. Students are drawn from
various countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Somalia, Guinea,
Cameroon, and are diverse in age and gender. EKO will provide
capacity building and training to over 120 African residents in the
District.
Learn more
MOAA Welcomes New Commissioners to the DC Commission on African Affairs
From left to right: Commissioners Nana Ama Afari-Dwamena, Kotheid Nicoue, Ikenna Udejiofor, Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chibu Anyanwu, Willair Stivl and Director Mamadou Samba
On November 19, 2015 Mayor Muriel Bowser led the swearing in ceremony of new Board and Commissioner members, including the DC Commission on African Affairs (COAA). The members contribute the rich diversity of the Commission and the of the African community.
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MOAA's African Community Grant: Request for Applications (RFA)
 
  
NB: The deadline for MOAA's African Community Grant is 5:00pm on Friday, November 20, 2015.
Background Information:
The
Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) is soliciting grant applications from qualified
Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving the District of Columbia’s African
constituents [residents and/or business owners] - for its FY 2016 African
Community Grant. The grant is intended to fund programs that provide targeted
services and resources to the District’s African residents and/or business
owners in areas of need in the community.
Funding priority areas identified for FY 2016 are aligned
with Mayor Muriel Bowser’s administration budget priorities:
- Education
- Jobs & Economic Development
- Public Safety
- Housing
- Transportation
- Environment
- Health & Wellness
- Good Government
-
Arts & Creative Economy
Learn more
MOAA's 6th Annual DC Africa Festival
As part of its city-wide celebration of African Heritage Month and its Multicultural Awareness and Development Program, the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (MOAA) hosted its 6th Annual DC Africa Festival on Sunday, September 27, 2015 from 12 pm to 6 pm.
Click here or on the image to watch a short video
Meet Our New Interns
Isabella Ononye, Outreach Intern
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Isabella recently moved to Washington DC to intern at MOAA after obtaining a Bachelor's in Political Science and International Studies from Pittsburg State University. She lived in the United Kingdom and various countries in Africa where her love and appreciation for diverse cultures and traditions grew. Through her work with MOAA, Isabella is hoping to learn more about the District's African community and how local government decisions support in the community's development. While living in Lagos and Abuja, Isabella worked with religious orders and non-profit organizations ensuring that adequate provisions of food and educational supplies were available for orphans and homeless families. She speaks English, Igbo, Yoruba, Hausa, Pidgin English, and French.
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Aly Badara Kaba, Program Intern
Aly is originally from Guinea (Conakry), and moved to Washington DC in 2012. He holds a BA in Economics and Social policy from University Pierre Mendes, Grenoble (France) and an MA in international economics and globalization with a focus on international development. Strongly committed to public service, he volunteered to serve as executive director of Guinea-Edugrade, a non-profit organization in Maryland which promotes education in Guinea and the U.S. He previously worked as a Development Economist at the Committee for the Abolition of Third World Debt in Liege, Belgium, and conducted research on an alternative model of financing for development for Africa. Through his internship at MOAA, Aly looks forward to contributing to improve the quality of life for the District's African community. He speaks French, English, Pular, Sussu, and Maninka.
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MOAA/GMU African Diaspora Demographic Survey
On behalf of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs and the George Mason University, you are invited to participate in the African Diaspora Demographic Survey. The survey will address critical gaps in information and capture much needed demographic data such as age, employment, education, and language proficiency. The project will culminate in a jointly-issued research report with important policy recommendations and analyses of issues facing the African diaspora community, namely underemployment, cultural and linguistic language barriers, and lack of access to services.
Once completed, the survey will serve as a resource for researchers and as support for targeted outreach efforts of service providers and government agencies in connecting policy decisions with the needs of African immigrants communities in the Washington metropolitan area.
Please click here to complete the survey.
Thank you for your participation in this important project.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs at 202.727.5634 or email us at oaa@dc.gov.
MOAA Internship Program
 MOAA is accepting applications for internships throughout the year! If you are interested in public service and working with African Diaspora communities in the District of Columbia, you are invited to submit an application. Bi-lingual (Amharic and French) interns are especially encouraged to apply. Internships are unpaid and require a minimum requirement of 32-hours per week. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Learn more
 Dear Washingtonians,
Like all Americans, I was devastated by last Friday’s atrocious attacks in Paris. Washington stands with our sister city, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and their community.
When Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo visited our city in February, she came to see me at the John A. Wilson Building. We talked about the importance of promoting tolerance and inclusion in diverse cities like ours. And this June, we met again and shared a stage with Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and mayors from around the world, where we discussed how residents from diverse backgrounds can live and thrive together in communities across the globe. We stood together then, and we stand together now.
If you would like to send a message to those affected by the attacks, you can sign the French Embassy’s condolence book.
As always, here at home we are focused on the safety and security of our city. I want to stress that there is no credible threat to the District at this time.
My team and I are working closely with our regional and federal partners to adjust the District’s security response, as needed. I have spoken directly with U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, met with U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and have worked with Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy Lanier to remain in constant communication with our regional safety partners. In addition, out of an abundance of caution, we have deployed additional law enforcement resources across the city --- some of which are visible, while others are not.
I want to remind everyone: if you see something, say something. Please call 911 immediately if you notice any suspicious or criminal activity.
In the meantime, we'll continue to pray for Paris.
Sincerely,
Muriel Bowser
Mayor
 Learn more
Mayor Bowser Breaks Ground of New Fire Station; First Development at Walter Reed Campus
On Wednesday, November 18, 2015, Mayor Muriel was joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Ward 4 Councilmember Brandon Todd, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Brian Kenner, Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (DCFEMS) Chief Gregory Dean and Department of General Services (DGS) Acting Director Christopher Weaver for the groundbreaking ceremony on a $12 million state-of-the-art fire station at Walter Reed in Ward 4. The groundbreaking is the first major development to begin on the Walter Reed Campus.
“Today marks a significant milestone for Walter Reed and Ward 4 residents,” said Mayor Bowser. “A new DCFEMS Engine 22 means improved emergency services for Ward 4 residents and businesses. It also puts us on a trajectory to bring thousands of jobs and much needed affordable housing to this community. Once completed, Walter Reed will play a major role in our efforts to build more pathways to the middle class.”
Learn more
Mayor Muriel Bowser Led District Delegation to China
Mayor Muriel Bowser led a District delegation to China last week on an economic development trade mission. The delegation included District officials and community leaders. For a report on the mayor’s trip and its outcomes as well as information about the relationship between Washington, DC and China, read this account from Mayor Bowser.
Pledge to End Homelessness in DC
Please support the District’s bold effort to end homelessness by taking the Pledge to End Homeless in DC.
Far too many men, women, and children live on our streets and in our shelters. This is unacceptable, because homelessness is a problem we know how to solve. Earlier this year, Mayor Bowser and the DC Interagency Council on Homelessness released HomewardDC, a comprehensive five-year plan to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. In her first Budget, Mayor Bowser is making historic investments in Homeward DC and in the solutions we know work to end homelessness. Now, Mayor Bowser is announcing a set of legislative and administrative measures to ensure these investments make the biggest impact on the lives of DC residents experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
As the Director of the Mayor’s Office on African
Affairs, I have already taken the pledge to end Homelessness in DC and I
ask that you join me by also taking the Pledge. Our goal is to get 500 African residents to take this Pledge and we need your support to reach our goal.
You can take the pledge by signing and returning it to us via email at oaa@dc.gov or you can do so directly by visiting http://dcforms.dc.gov/webform/pledge-end-homelessness-dc.
If you prefer to pledge online, please email to inform us.
Please follow the link to learn more about the Mayor’s plan to end homelessness
Register for the DC Resident Snow Team
Winter is around the corner and that means snow season is close. Some of our residents, including seniors and individuals with disabilities, are unable to do their own shoveling. And it’s especially important that this group has clear sidewalks and stairs, because they often need to get to medical appointments. ServeDC is recruiting 2,500 volunteers to join our DC Resident Snow Team and help our vulnerable neighbors with snow removal. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit snowteam.dc.gov. And if you are a senior over the age of 60, or if you have a disability and do not have someone in your home who can shovel, please call 311.
Learn more
The Right Choice Campaign
On Friday, July 10, 2015, Mayor Muriel Bowser signed into law emergency legislation aimed at preventing the sale of synthetic drugs in the District of Columbia. The law authorizes the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA), and District government as a whole to take swifter and stronger action against businesses who sell these illegal products.
District business owners are encouraged to participate in the Mayor’s #WePledgeDC campaign by signing a pledge not to participate in the sale of any form of synthetic drugs. More than 150 businesses across the District have already signed the pledge promising that they will not sell synthetic drugs. Look for the sticker below in participating stores and businesses.
Learn more
NYC: African Diaspora Film Festival Opens With "The Man Who Mends Women..."
Human Rights documentary ‘The Man Who Mends Women – The Wrath of Hippocrates’ will have its U.S. Premiere on November 27, 2015 at 7:00pm at the Opening Night of the 23rd Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival.
Presented by U.S. distributor ArtMattan Films, ‘The Man Who Mends Women’ is the portrait of the impressive life and work of internationally-renowned gynecologist Dr. Denis Mukwege from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He received the 2014 prestigious Sacharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, for his struggle against sexual violence. Dr. Mukwege medically assisted over 40,000 sexually abused women in 16 years of professional practice.
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Africa’s Telecoms Market to Overtake Europe
Africa is not just a consumer of technology anymore as the continent’s telecommunications market could become bigger than that of Europe in the next five years. This is according to Andile Ngcaba, the chairperson of Convergence Partners, speaking at AfricaCom 2015 in Cape Town on Tuesday. In a panel discussion on how new technology will transform Africa, Ngcaba pointed to Africa’s growing telecoms market. Africa is forecast to have over one billion mobile phone subscriptions by 2021, according to networking technology firm Ericsson in its 2015 mobility report. And Ngcaba said it’s time that Africans switch their mindsets to creating technology standards rather than adopting them from other regions such as Europe.
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Breaking Down Walls by Painting Them: Senegal’s First Lady of Graffiti, Dieynaba Sidibe
Twenty-four year old Dieynaba Sidibe is Senegal’s first female graffiti artist. As she prepares for Festigraff, a 10-day international graffiti festival in her hometown Dakar, she recalls her teenage years when she first told her parents that she wanted to be a graffiti artist. “It was war,” she said.
From a young age Dieynaba loved painting and used her pocket money to buy art supplies. So she was dismayed to come home one day to find that her mother had dumped out all her paints. Her mother didn’t believe women should paint and instead wanted her to be a doctor. Reflecting on this Dieynaba said, “society has created a place for women, and when you try and go outside of that, there’s a problem.”
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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.
When: Tuesday December 1, 2015 | 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: DCRA Small Business Resource Center |1100 4th Street SW | 2nd Floor | Washington, DC | 20024
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SBRC One-On-One Session: Basic Steps to Obtaining a Business License
During this session, the DCRA Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) staff will provide one-on-one assistance with navigating through the regulatory process. Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of registering with corporations (i.e. Limited Liability Company, Corporations, Non-Profit, etc.) and with the basic steps of obtaining a business license. Additionally, you will receive assistance with the zoning application process (i.e. Certificate of Occupancy and or Home Occupancy Permit).
When: Thursday December 3, 2015 |11:00 am - 11:30 am
Where: DCRA Small Business Resource Center | 1100 4th Street SW | Room-E-268 | Washington, DC \ 20024
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A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Planning
During this workshop, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will show participants how writing a well-thought-out and organized business plan dramatically increases their odds of succeeding as an entrepreneur. This workshop covers the basics of business planning and why it’s important for business success. Topics include starting-up a success business, the important linkages between the marketing, sales, and your financial projections, and gaining a competitive advantage
When: December 16, 2015 | 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: DCRA Small Business Resource Center |1100 4th Street SW | Room E-4302 |Washington, DC | 20024
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DC Office of Human Rights Business Training Series
There have been many changes in DC's civil rights laws in the past year, and the DC Office of Human Rights (OHR) is pleased to offer the following free workshops this December and January to update the members of DC's business community on these new laws and other emerging issues in civil rights enforcement.
Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Wednesday, December 10, 2015 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm RSVP here
Unemployment Anti-Discrimination Act: Thursday, December 10, 2015 | 9:30 am- 11:30 am RSVP here
Fair Criminal Record Screening Amendment Act: Wednesday, January 13, 2016 |10:00 am-12:00 pm RSVP here
Fair Housing Laws: Monday, January 25, 2016 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm RSVP here
The Office of Partnerships and Grant Services, Grant Information Resource Center
The Grant Information Resource Center (GIRC) provides technical assistance and information about resources that improve community services in the District of Columbia for its “customers” - District government, nonprofit, and faith-based representatives. The primary focus is to assist customers who either lack computer access or the knowledge to best use their existing computer technology to strengthen their organizations.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays by appointment only |10:00 am-12:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Contact: 202.727.8900. Please click here to schedule an appointment.
Community Food Projects (CFP) (DOA)
Department of Agriculture announces funds to support programs that: will meet the food needs of low-income individuals through food distribution; community outreach to assist in participation in Federally assisted nutrition programs, or improving access to food as part of a comprehensive service; Increase the self-reliance of communities in providing for the food needs of the communities; promote comprehensive responses to local food access, farm, and nutrition issues; and meet specific state, local or neighborhood food and agricultural needs.
Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations
Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2015
Contact: NIFA Grants.gov at electronic@nifa.usda.gov
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Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers
Department of Commerce announces funds to support MBDA Business Centers to provide technical assistance and business development services.
Eligibility: City or township governments, county governments, public and state controlled institutions of higher education, state governments, non-profit organizations, private institutions of higher education, DC government agencies and for profit agencies other than small businesses.
Deadline: Thursday, December 3, 2015
Contact: Nakita Chambers at NChambers@mbda.gov
Learn more
African Women's Health Survey
On behalf of the Mayor’s Office on African Affairs, you are invited to participate in an African Women's Health Survey. The survey will collect information on healthcare access, use and satisfaction, and collect demographic data on country of origin, age, education, language proficiencies, and more.
The aim of the survey is to help identify the main cultural, structural, and financial barriers to healthcare access and utilization for African women in D.C., as well as analyze any unmet health needs and their effects. The data collected will help inform a research paper that will analyze these issues and challenges, and offer policy recommendations to help better respond to African women's health needs in D.C.
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.
We thank you in advance for your help.
Click here to access the survey
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Elisa Mosler at em1093@georgetown.edu
“In Defense of Food” Film Screening
A pre-screening of the PBS documentary In Defense of Food which features Michael Pollan, the well-known journalist and author of the book by the same name. The documentary is scheduled for release on December 30, 2015.
When: Thursday, December 3, 2015 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Where: 1st Floor Convening Center |Milken Institute of Public Health | 950 New Hampshire Avenue NW | Washington DC | 20052
Learn more
HSCSN Family Bootcamp
DOES First Friday Training Round Up
The D.C. Department of Employment Services (DOES) is helping jobseekers receive training and prepare for their dream job. During DOES’s Friday Training Round Up, participants can learn about American Job Center services and register for industry recognized occupational skills training in various industries.
When: Friday | December 11, 2015 |10:00 am-12: 30 pm
Where: DOES | 4058 Minnesota Avenue NE| Washington, DC | 20019
Learn more
Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program, Call for Applications
Universities in Africa and African-born academics in the United States and Canada can now apply for funding to take part in joint projects as part of the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP). Carnegie Corporation of New York has announced a renewal grant to the Institute of International Education that aims to support 140 collaborative projects in 2016 and 2017, building on the success of the first two years of the program.
Deadline for applications: Tuesday, December 8, 2015 | 12:00 am EST
Learn more
USCIS Know Your Rights Workshop
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services will provide presentations discussing citizenship and E-Verify and will be joined by VA’s Attorney General’s outreach specialist to discuss ways to protect yourself against different types of frauds.
When:Tuesday, December 15, 2015 | 10:00 am -1:00 pm
Where: Fairfax SkillSource Center| 8350 Richmond Highway | South County Government Building | Room 221C | Alexandria, VA | 22309
Registration required. Please call (703) 704-6286 to register.
Cooke College Scholarships
The Cooke Foundation offers the largest scholarships available to exceptionally high achieving, low-income students. Scholars receive up to $40,000 a year to cover tuition, living expenses, books and other fees. Cooke Scholars come from every state with no restriction on background, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, political affiliation or citizenship status.
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The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship makes it possible for the nation’s top community college students to complete their bachelor’s degrees by transferring to a four-year college or university. Application deadline is Tuesday, December 15, 2015.
Click here to learn more about this scholarship opportunity.
Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program
 Click on flyer to learn more
Senior Community Service Employment Program
The District’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) offers subsidized skills training and job placement assistance to disadvantaged District residents ages 55 years and older. The program tailors recruitment, training and employment strategies to help place seniors with host agencies for training and employment in growth industries.
Participants must be at least 55, unemployed, and have a family income of no more than 125% of the federal poverty level. Enrollment priority is given to veterans and qualified spouses, then to individuals who are over 65, have a disability, have low literacy skills or limited English proficiency, reside in a rural area, are homeless or at risk of homelessness, have low employment prospects, or have failed to find employment after using services through the American Job Center system.
SCSEP grantees include state agencies and 15 national non-profit organizations. Call this number for more information on SCSEP programs 1-877-US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627).
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Jobseekers Drop-in Clinic and Computer Basics
Every Friday morning the DC Library Southeast branch provides computer access and help with the following: creating email accounts, refining your resume, completing job applications online, understanding the importance of using social media sites, finding and using free online continuing education classes, and providing networking opportunities with other jobseekers.
When: Every Tuesday | 10:00am -12:00pm
Where: Southeast Library | 403 7th St. SE | Washington, DC | 20018
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Wi$eUp, Financial Planning Online Program for Generation X & Y Women
Wi$eUp is a financial education program for Generation X & Y women. It promotes financial security through online education. The Wi$eUp course offers help with straightening your files and records, analyzing your spending and setting financial goals, building a realistic budget, credit and the evaluation of a credit report, creating an emergency fund and set aside account, Investing 101, getting to know your retirement plan, and developing a comprehensive financial plan. The online course has eight components. Registration is free and gives you access to the entire course. After logging in, you may complete the chapters using as much time as needed and in any order.
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Free Home Internet for Low-income DC Families
Connect.DC, the District’s digital inclusion program, is partnering with EveryoneOn, Byte Back, and the United Planning Organization will provide six months of free home Internet service ($60.00 value) to 500 DC families with school-aged children. This project is designed to help low income children use technology to succeed in school.
Learn more
 Click on flyer to learn more
English Conversation Circle
The English Conversation Circle at the Georgetown Neighborhood resumes the Fall session from September 9 to December 2, 2015 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Volunteer facilitators from The Washington English Center will lead the classes.
Contact The Washington English Center at 202-387-2222 or The Georgetown Neighborhood Library at 202-727-9232.
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So Others Might Eat’s 14th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger
So Others Might Eat (SOME) is hosting its 14th Annual Thanksgiving Day Trot for Hunger. This Turkey funrun 5K will benefit thousands of homeless families and single adults, including the elderly and people suffering from mental illness, by providing much-needed food, clothing and healthcare.
When: Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26, 2015 | 8:30 am Little Turkey Fun Run; 9:00am 5K Run/Walk
Where: Freedom Plaza, Washington, DC | Corner of 13th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue NW
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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 your event to be featured in our calendar, please submit the following details: what, when & where, and provide a link to where readers can go for more information. Submission deadline for the next edition is Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 5:00 pm (Send all materials, along with any questions, to (oaa@dc.gov).
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