4th Annual DC African Heritage Celebration
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray and his Office on African Affairs (OAA) are pleased to invite you to the 4TH ANNUAL DC AFRICAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION in honor of the District’s proclamation of September as African Heritage Month, and the worldwide observance of the 50th Anniversary of the African Union. In honor of these two historic milestones, this year’s DC African Heritage Celebration will feature the Mayor’s Awards Ceremony to pay special tribute to past and present leaders of the African Diaspora who have made unique contributions to the cultural and economic renaissance of the District’s African community. Additionally, the evening will include a reception, remarks by special guests, musical performances, and an overall rich cultural experience you wouldn’t want to miss!! As a member of the District’s African community, we encourage you to attend this event and celebrate this historic moment with us. This event is free and open for public however space is limited.
Date: Monday|September 30, 20113| 06:00 PM -10:00 PM
Location: The Howard Theatre|620 T Street NW| Washington DC|20001
Limited Space Available!! Register Here
Mayor Gray Proclaims September as “African Heritage Month” & Honors Leaders in the African Community
 For the first time last year, Mayor Vincent C. Gray, proclaimed September as “African Heritage Month” in the District of Columbia. In recognition of the unique contributions made by the tens of thousands of Africans residing in the District of Columbia, Mayor Gray declared September as a time for the larger District community to learn about and celebrate its ethnically, linguistically and culturally diverse African community.
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OAA Director Ngozi Nmezi is Speaking at the Winds of Change: The Global Impact of the Next Generation
Join OAA Director Ngozi Nmezi and the African Diaspora for Change in coordination with Representative Karen Bass (D-CA) for a lively dialogue on practical solutions for moving our African communities forward. Given the sweeping changes that are taking place on the continent and the role of the next generation in that movement, this dialogue is one you won’t want to miss.
Date: Monday| September 16, 2013|02:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center|Congressional Meeting Room North|First Street and East Capitol Street (Capitol South Metro)|Washington, DC|20004
RSVP Here
OAA Team is Growing ! Meet New Additions to the Team !
 Tsedey Aragie | Americorps VISTA Business Development Specialist
Tsedey is a long-time Washington D.C. resident with a background in Communications and Business from George Mason University. She will be serving as an Americorps VISTA Business Development Specialist and will provide support and technical assistance to African immigrant small-businesses as part of OAA’s Business Development and Capacity Building program. Tsedey came to OAA through Serve DC’s “Strengthening Communities Through Service” VISTA program through which members commit to serve full-time for a year in a program designed specifically to fight poverty. Tsedey is very excited about engaging the District’s African immigrant community as she has deep appreciation for her Ethiopian roots and African heritage. Her interests include health awareness, filmmaking, reading, and travel.
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 Keshia Engwenyi | Outreach Intern
Keshia was born and partially raised in Cameroon. She moved to the US with her family in 2002 to further her education. She is currently an Outreach Intern with the DC Mayor’s Office on African Affairs. Prior to her current position, Keshia studied in Boston where she received a BA in Women’s Studies and French with a focus in International Affairs from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. In addition to that, she received a certificate of political studies from the Institute of Political Science in Rennes, France. Keshia has a Graduate Certificate in Women in Politics and Public Policy from the McCormack Graduate School of Public Affairs. Keshia is interested in Development, International Affairs, Policy Public, Gender Equality, Women and Youth Empowerment, with a strong passion for Africa.
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 Kaleab Brook | Grants and Research Intern
Kaleab is a third year student studying International Affairs at the George Washington University’s, Elliott School of International Affairs with a concentration in International Development and a dual major in Economics. He was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and was raised in the United States. Kaleab hopes to work in development economics in the public or non-profit sector and engage with the vast African community in DC. As a Grants and Research Intern Kaleab hopes to learn practical skills that compliment his academic background. Kaleab will also be conducting research on the African diaspora migration with a focus on DC as a modern immigration hub during his tenure as an intern.
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 Eric Kibondo Rutembya | OAA Volunteer
Eric is from Rwanda and recently moved to the United States. Eric has a Bachelor degree in Information Management from INILAK University in Kigali, Rwanda. With a strong background in IT, Eric worked in the technology field within a variety of institutions before moving to Washington DC. Eric speaks English, French, Swahili and two other languages spoken in the Great Lakes region. As a dedicated OAA volunteer, Eric brings a strong sense of service, professionalism and linguistic skills to the team. He eventually plans to pursue a Master Degree in IT and learn Spanish.
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OAA is looking for a Dynamic Communications Intern ! Apply Now !
The Communications Intern will provide assistance in carrying out the agency’s internal as well as external communication plans. The Communications Intern will provide support in writing, editing, and general communications tasks. The candidate must be a highly detail oriented individual with great communication skills, and a solid understanding of social media.
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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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Also, follow us on Twitter!
Mayor Gray Vetoes Large Retailer Bill and Calls for Reasonable Increase in Minimum Wage for All
Citing the likelihood that it would harm job growth and economic development, Mayor Vincent C. Gray today announced that he had vetoed the Large Retailer Accountability Act of 2013 (LRAA). He also called for a reasonable increase in the District’s minimum wage for all workers. “I am vetoing this legislation precisely because I believe in providing a living wage to as many District residents as possible – and this bill is not a true living-wage measure,” said Mayor Gray. “While the intentions of its supporters were good, this bill is simply a woefully inadequate and flawed vehicle for achieving the goal we all share.”
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Mayor Gray Announces Nine Career Academies in Partnership with the National Academy Foundation
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Interim State Superintendent of Education Emily Durso today announced the approval of nine applications for career academies in the District by the National Academy Foundation (NAF). The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor for Education Abigail Smith, DC Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Kaya Henderson, DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB) Chairman John H. “Skip” McKoy, PCSB Executive Director Scott Pearson, Friendship Public Charter Schools Chairman and Founder Donald Hense, Workforce Investment Council (WIC) Executive Director Allison Gerber, University of the District of Columbia Community College (UDC-CC) Dean of Workforce Readiness Kim R. Ford, members of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Task Force and industry partners.
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The Mayor’s Business Regulatory Reform Task Force Asks for Your Ideas
The Business Regulatory Reform Task Force that Mayor Gray appointed earlier this year is now calling on the public to submit ideas on ways the District could streamline or simplify business regulation to make it easier to do business in the District of Columbia.
Date: Tuesday|September 10, 2013|06:30 PM - 08:30 PM
Location: Conference Room E-200|1100 Fourth Street SW| Washington, DC|20024
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Mayor Gray Addresses Impact of Sequestration On the District’s Economy and Unemployment Rate
 Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Victor L. Hoskins, Department of Employment Services (DOES) Director Lisa Mallory, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Budget Eric Goulet, and Dr. Fitzroy Lee of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer today disclosed the impact of sequestration on the District’s economy and unemployment rate.
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South Africa: Mandela Statue for Washington, DC
A statue of former South African president Nelson Mandela will be unveiled in Washington on 21 September at the spot where thousands of Americans from all walks of life symbolically surrendered their liberty to demand Mandela's release from prison and the freedom of millions of South Africans from the bonds of apartheid.
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From a Philly taxi driver's seat, a one-man social service agency for immigrants
Moving to a new city is hard, especially when you're relocating from a very different country. An African man who moved to Philadelphia decades ago has made it his life's work to help new immigrants build a life here. "A lot of people ask me how long I've been here and they tell me, 'well I'm 24,' and I tell them, 'well I'm sorry, I was here before you were born,'" said John Kidane. "I've been here since the early 1980s. I've been here close to 30 years".
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7 Trends Shaping Africa's Youth Employment Challenge: What Do Social Entrepreneurs Bring To The Conversation?
It is not easy to be young and in the labor market today. In the midst of economic and political flux, youth face a lot of uncertainty about their future. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), global unemployment is reaching crisis levels at 12.6%. But recent projections from the UN Population Division tell a significant story: the demographic future of the world will be Africa-driven.
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Fashion 360 Conference, District Fete
District Fete brings the fashion industry to our nation’s capitol with The Fashion 360 Conference (“Fashion 360”). Fashion 360 was created to provide industry insights and participate in engaging skill-building workshops that aid in the proficiency of core areas. It’s where industry leaders and influencers collide with interactive experiences and challenge themselves to increase their performance. Designers looking to learn about offering their products to buyers should consider attending this conference. The panelist will cover topics about, management, production, marketing, and fostering relationships with buyers.
Date: Sunday|September 22, 2013|10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: District Architecture Conference Center|421 7th St NW|Washington, DC|20004
Register Here
Washington Network Group (WNG)September Soirée Networking Reception
Please join the WNG when they convene their next signature event, organized so that our Members and non-member guests may "gather, grip, and grin" for shameless networking purposes. They anticipate a large turn-out from their WNG Membership across all five Roundtables: International, Technology, Government, Communications, and Entrepreneur, and our Women's Leadership Forum. Non-members are welcome to attend. Business attire. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar.
Date: Thursday|September 26, 2013| 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Location: Lima Restaurant & Lounge|Private Reception Room|1401 K Street NW|Washington, D.C.|20005
Register Here
Alternative Sources of Funding for your Business
Most businesses need outside sources of financing to get established or to expand. Today, there are many creative ways of funding for businesses; including micro-loans, Crowd-sourced funding and venture capitalists. In Washington DC there are several organizations who specialize in these alternative sources of funding. Join Washington D.C. Economic Partnership to learn about ways to secure funding through these channels.
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SCORE Small Business Loans Workshop
This one-hour workshop reviews the SBA business loan guaranty programs with emphasis on Express Loans which are in the range of $5,000 to $350,000. The Community Express loan program combines financial and technical assistance to enable small and home-based business owners access to business loans instead of consumer loans. Participants will receive information on eligibility requirements for loans and on the availability of counseling. After the session, participants can register for a free SCORE counseling session and register for a low-cost SCORE workshop on a number of key business topics.
Date: Wednesday | Oct 2, 2013| 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Location: SCORE DC|409 3rd Street SW|Suite 100A| Washington, DC|20024
Learn More|Register Here
National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit - DC Fall Conference
Join the American Small Business Chamber of Commerce for the National Small Business Federal Contracting Summit - DC Summer Conference, presented jointly by the National Association of Small Business Contractors (the Supplier Council of The American Small Business Chamber of Commerce) and the U.S. Women's Chamber of Commerce being held in Washington DC.
Date: Thursday| October 24, 2013|08:00 AM-04:00 PM
Location: Embassy Suites Washington D.C. - Convention Center |900 10th Street NW|Washington, DC|20001
Learn More | Register Here
2013 Fall Summit
The National 8(a) Association offers comprehensive understanding of the unique business of federal contracting. Their conferences feature key government officials and representatives, nationally recognized legal and accounting firms, and business to business networking. It's all about education and networking.
Date: Tuesday & Wednesday|October 29 & 30, 2013
Location: Crystal City Hilton|2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy| Arlington, VA|22202
Learn More | Register Here
Extensive 8-Week Proposal Writing Course
The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services (OPGS) has partnered with The Magi Group, LLC to offer a proposal writing course for District residents and organizations. Designed for both the novice and the experienced individual, this intensive 8-week course combines expert instruction, with practical exercises, to take you step-by-step through all the stages of planning programs, locating funding sources, and writing grant proposals.
Date: Classes will be held Monday nights| September 30, 2013 - December 2, 2013 | 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Location: 441 4th Street NW| Washington, DC|20001
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Aetna Foundation Regional Grants – Healthy Food Choices/Healthy Activity
The Aetna Foundation’s Regional Grants fund community wellness initiatives that serve those who are most at risk for poor health - low-income, underserved or minority populations. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help prevent obesity and many chronic conditions. Grants will target communities where healthy food can be difficult to buy, and where social and environmental factors may limit people’s ability to be physically active. Up to $40,000 is available for awards to nonprofit organizations.
Deadline: September 15, 2013 | Learn More
Crowdfunding for Nonprofits Training
The Mayor’s Office of Partnerships and Grant Services in collaboration with GlobalGiving, a Washington DC based nonprofit charity fundraising website, will offer three half-day training sessions on Crowdfunding an interactive internet-based platform that enables nonprofits to profile compelling projects to a crowd of potential global funders who make philanthropic contributions to projects of their choice.
Date: Friday|September 27, 2013|09:30 AM-01:00 PM
Location: DC Department of Health|899 North Capitol Street NE|4th Floor| Room No. 406 – 407|Washington, DC|20002
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Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) Grants Management Conference
You will gain insight into grants management and learn program-specific updates affecting organizations across the District of Columbia. In addition, you will be able to engage a panel of experts and discover effective grant management strategies.
Time: Tuesday|September 17, 2013|08:00 AM - 03:30 PM
Location: 2660 Woodley Rd NW|Washington, DC|20008
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Safe Places to Play Grant
The U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants on an annual basis to support both soccer programs and field-building initiatives in underserved areas nationwide. Grants are provided to support all aspects of the beautiful game. This fund is available for Non-profit and Community Based Organizations.
Three application deadlines: October 1, 2013|February 1, 2014|June 1, 2014
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Harvesting Leading Practices
The Kresge Foundation announces has funds to support programs that will provide activities in traditionally disinvested communities that integrate arts and culture into: public green and civic spaces or transit-oriented development projects. The foundation aims “to advance the body of knowledge around creative place making by supporting established practitioners, capturing and sharing lessons from their efforts” Funds are available to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations with audited financial statements that are not classified as private foundations.
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DHCF to Host Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (EPD) Waiver Program Beneficiary Fair
The Department of Health Care Finance (DHCF) Division of Long Term Care will host the second EPD Waiver Beneficiary Fair, this event will provide you with more information about the EPD Waiver program and services. At the beneficiary fair you will have the opportunity to Bring your questions/concerns and get answers, Learn more about Medicaid and the EPD Waiver program, Take part in our raffle drawing and win prizes, Meet various stakeholders including: EPD Waiver Providers, DC Government agencies and DHCF EPD Waiver staff.
Date: Tuesday|September 17, 2013|09:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: Kennedy Recreation Center|1407 7th Street NW|Washington, DC|20001
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DCPCA’s Policy Forum: From Visits to Value: Serving Patients in the New Marketplace
This event symbolizes DCPCA’s long-term commitment to realizing an integrated health care system with guaranteed access to primary care and health equity. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides for big changes in the delivery of health care. Community Health Centers will play a critical role in the post-ACA world. Come and engage in interactive discussions that focus on moving from access to cost and quality.
Date: Wednesday|October 9, 2013|08:30AM -02:30 PM
Location: Kellogg Conference Center|Gallaudet University|800 Florida Avenue NE|Washington, DC| 20002
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27th Annual AIDS Walk Washington
AIDS Walk Washington is a fundraising walk and 5K timed run benefiting and produced by Whitman-Walker Health, a non-profit community-based health organization which provides dependable, high-quality, comprehensive and accessible health care to those infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
Date: Saturday|October 26, 2013| 07:00 AM
Location: Freedom Plaza|1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW |Washington, DC|20004
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Annual Health Disparities Conference -"Partnering Toward a Healthier Future: Addressing Health Disparities in Behavioral Health"
This year’s conference presents an informative and thought-provoking day of panels, distinguished speakers and an interactive session, providing a 360 degree perspective of the treatment of behavioral health as it relates to public health. Conference attendees will gain insight from health-care industry experts, spiritual leaders and consumers of behavioral health services, offering best practices to address this important health topic amidst the changing health-care landscape.
Date: Tuesday| December 3, 2013|08:30 AM - 03:30PM
Location: The Marriott Inn and Conference Center| University of Maryland University College|3501 University Blvd E|Hyattsville, MD|20783
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Age-Friendly DC Senior Forum
The Age-Friendly Cities initiative is an international effort to help cities prepare for two global trends: the rapid aging of populations and increasing urbanization. The program targets the environmental, social and economic factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults.
Date: Saturday| September 21, 2013|09:30 - 11:30 AM
Location: The Howard Theatre|620 T Street, NW| Washington, DC 20001
Learn More | Register Here
University of the District of Columbia - Work Force Development Financial Literacy Seminars, Can I Afford My Life
Interested in getting more information on how to improve the management of your finances? Join the FREE 2hour seminar by Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) on financial literacy, covering topics such as: budgeting, credit repair, debt management, wealth building, and more.
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4-H Volunteer Leaders Training
Volunteer Leaders Training prepares adults to assist youth in managing their 4-H clubs and activities. Adults learn how to support our youth in learning about leadership and investigating opportunities that help them to meet their full potential. Volunteers have been an integral part of the success of 4-H since the 1920’s. Adult 4-H volunteers serve as club leaders, project leaders, camp counselors, etc. Some volunteers work directly with youth and others serve as trainers and mentors.
Date: Saturday|September 21, 2013|10:00 AM-02:15 PM
Location: University of the District of Columbia| Building: 44|Room:110|4200 Connecticut Ave NW| Washington, DC|20008
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District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Child Safety Inspections and Installation
Interested in learning about child safety?! Join the DDOT for a free segment. Participants will receive information on the following: selecting an appropriate child restraint for their children, recognizing the misuse of a child restraint, being aware of the child restraint and seat belt law for the District of Columbia, and obtaining information on child restraint and seatbelts.
Date: Thursday|September 19, 2013|10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Location: Providence Hospital|1150 Varnum Street NE| Washington, D.C.|20017
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Combating Immigration Scams and the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to take part in a national stakeholder engagement to discuss recent immigration scams and learn how USCIS is partnering with agencies to combat this trend through the unauthorized practice of immigration law (UPIL) initiative. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas will open the session and be joined by agency leaders, as well as officials from the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, who will speak about our partnership to combat UPIL through public education, capacity building, and enforcement. In addition partners will provide information on how to identify and report common scams.
Date: Friday|September 20, 2013|01:00 PM
Location: Tomich Center|111 Massachusetts Avenue NW |Washington, DC 20529
Register Here
Call For Award Nominations Celebrate Excellence - American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) Award
Each year, ASPA presents awards to deserving individuals in over 25 categories to recognize scholarship, service and outstanding accomplishments in public service. ASPA recognizes individuals as well as organizations.Nominate a peer who has demonstrated outstanding management or leadership skills. Recognize a peer whose outstanding contributions have led to a change in performance management or promoted accountability.
The deadline for nominations is November 22, 2013.
Nominate Here
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, July 4th at 5:00PM (Send all materials, along with any questions, to oaa@dc.gov).
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