First of its kind Annual “Black History Festivals” to Launch in U.S.
The festival will provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity for stakeholders to come together on a single platform to highlight Africa’s legacy, arts, culture, trade, leadership, and innovation throughout US history.
The first edition of the Black History Festivals (BHF), which is part of Black History Month, will take place in Washington, DC, from February 21 to 25, as part of a celebration of strong relations between the governments of the United Nations of America and African Union member states. The BHF aims to strengthen existing ties, build bridges, and align interests.
Exhibitors from Africa and the United States can register for $1,000 to connect to the global market until February 18, 2022. For a charge of only $200, virtual exhibitors who are unable to travel to the United States can exhibit their brands.
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The BHF activities will be held officially for the first time at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Crystal City in Washington, D.C.
A one-day high-level diplomatic debate between government representatives from African Union member states based in the United States and young African entrepreneurs is among the events meticulously created to provide customers an outstanding experience.
A four-day “Made in Africa Expo” will also promote Africans in the Diaspora, as well as African services, goods, businesses, culture heritage (food, dance, and music), technology, and media. The ‘Made in Africa Today Dialogue,’ which will take place on February 25, will feature a special conversation between African-American and African media and communication personalities to debate the future of media in Africa.
Beautiful demonstrations of African traditional and contemporary fashion trends will round out a night of fashion show and cuisine.
On the 26th of February, during the AU Youth Day Celebration, a special dialogue with young leaders and heads of mission will be held to discuss opportunities for youth in Africa and the diaspora.
The week will culminate in a two-day guided tour of the District of Columbia and the Martin Luther King Memorial, which includes ceremonial prayers, cultural performances, and award presentations.
Media Launch
The media launch of BHF took place on 19th January 2022, at the GIPC Auditorium, Accra, Ghana.
H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, African Union Ambassador to the United States of America, gave the inaugural statement, explaining the history, essence, and significance of Black History Month.
Mr. Stephen Selasie Asuo (Black History Festival Coordinator) gave a talk on the festival’s significance and trajectory. Mr. Yaw Amoateng Afriyie, Deputy CEO of GIPC, was in attendance and spoke about the benefits this festival may bring to the country.
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He noted that GIPC supports efforts that market and promote Ghana, and that the Black History Festival provides a platform and an opportunity to connect into the North American market in order to generate deeper and more significant economic activity in Ghana.
The African Union Mission to the United States, the Department of State, the Office of the Mayor of Washington, DC, and the Jacobs Abbey Global Institute of Leadership Studies are all working together on the Black History Festival (BHF).
Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Ghana Enterprises Agency, EIB Network, Business & Financial Times, Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber, African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana Tourism Authority, Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, Parliamentary Select Committee on Youth, Sports and Culture, and Ghana Export Promotion Authority were among those in attendance.
The Black History Festivals is a partnership initiative led by YALI TV, with the Jacobs Abbey Institute of Leadership, the African Union Mission to the US, the Wilson Center and renowned governmental agencies, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Export Promotion Authority(GEPA), Ghana Free Zone Authority (GFZA), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber (GATAC), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Chairs of the Parliamentary Select Committees on Trade, Industry and Tourism, and Youth, Sports and Culture of Ghana.
Register as a delegate/participant here
Source: Black History Festivals | YaliTV
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
