Society for Africans in the Diaspora

Building this organsation has been a JOURNEY and we truly believe that the best way to build a bridge to Africa is by creating spaces for people to join hands and “see” each other.

We are a 100% volunteer Nonprofit organization that targets to have 10% or less in administrative; this target is significantly lower than the national average.  We are blessed to have people who support us, people like our program director and Host of AfroSounds .ingles Each program Gill open the doors and greet our patrons and community with love and respect and people like Gill are the trailblazers of our organization

To .ingles We say thank you for pushing the culture forward, we wouldn’t have made it this far without you. Thank you for all your support. For rolling the stone up the hill , taking water to the fires that are never put out support. Doing those tasks with grace, skill, and poise, and many times, a smile. You showed up just when we needed a shoulder to lean on, and it means so much to our organization.

Gill will co-host tomorrow, Friday, June 28th, 2024. Let’s honor Juneteenth and celebrate a society of excellence together. This event is free to attend and offers the community a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of freedom, culture, and excellence. Registration is still ongoing via the link in our bio.

“I tell a lot of different stories in my music; stories from the many places and spaces that I’ve been through throughout my life’s journey. In these retellings through Hip Hop music, there is joy, pain, frustration, anger, grief, progress, insight, education, entertainment and celebration. This is literally my life’s work. So when someone connects with me, it means a lot.”

Eisani

and others are taking our stage by storm We all understand the great value of music, spoken word, and creative expression in our communities, and Nights have been an important space for community building to take place among our patrons. Come and listen to compelling tales told by the people in our community. Hosted by .ingles Musical director

Let’s honor Juneteenth and celebrate a society of excellence together. This event is free to attend and offers the community a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of freedom, culture, and excellence.

Registration is still ongoing via the link in our bio.

Juneteenth Edition

Healing is a journey that is self-prescribed. We have to decide for ourselves and ourselves if it is worthwhile to embark on its path and be willing to face the music that comes with it.

Soulliaa Rae

will join us at on Friday, June 28th, 2024. Let’s honor Juneteenth and celebrate a society of excellence together. This event is free to attend and offers the community a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of freedom, culture, and excellence. Registration is still ongoing via the link in our bio.

Soulliaa intentionally supports individuals and communities, on their journeys to wholeness through musical performances both public and private through experiential Social/Emotional programming. Soulliaa is working to see individuals, communities, organizations, and society operating in a way that accounts for and sees value in the wholeness of each unique being. By using all she’s been given. Her belief is rooted in the truth that Healing is a necessity and Wholeness isn’t only for Heaven; it’s for now, and we’ve been given everything we need today, to see that tomorrow.

Juneteenth Edition

“By the power vested in our collective stories, we can pronounce a unique freedom upon ourselves. We can experience the happenings of our universe — God. Everything. We gain a freedom written in the habit of this magic. And this freedom is given to those most beloved by our lady. “

LAJI OWO

will join us at on Friday, June 28th, 2024. Let’s honor Juneteenth and celebrate a society of excellence together. Registration is still ongoing via the link in our bio.

In Laji Owo’s debut book of poetry, she explores the multifaceted experiences of queerness, Blackness, femme-ness, and madness. Utilizing personal, shared, historical and pop cultural accounts, her book illustrates sociopolitical issues through webs of metaphors and mind-bending entendres. Woven together by religious motifs, Our Lady of The Mad invites readers to submerge themselves into a realm of needing healing and wellbeing, while living, in a world hellbent on eradicating you.

This event is free to attend and offers the community a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of freedom, culture, and excellence.

Juneteenth Edition

We are hosting our first Make Music Day today ✴️ FRI JUNE 21st with performances at SAiD INSITUTE 📍Houston, TX and we are looking forward to .v.m.r performance today.

Make Music Day encourages Houston residents to bring out their voices, guitars, drums and other instruments on June 21 for this year’s annual Make Music Day. The global event invites people of all skill levels, ages, and musical genres to turn local parks, downtowns and even their own backyards into performance spaces. You have young and old, amateur and professional — it just gives them the chance to go outside and make music. We have people who are going to play all over Houston. The point of this is that you can play on your front porch, you can play on your driveway, you can play pretty much everywhere.”

Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) implements the City’s Arts and Cultural Plan with a vision to foster an environment in which art and culture flourish for the sharing and benefit of all Houston residents and visitors.

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Education is a big part of who we are as an organization. Our partnership with UofH will make college a reality for students in metropolitan Houston to enter college, earn a degree, and achieve their personal and professional goals. Our educational policy will support learning and development opportunities that represent educational excellence for African American students, schools, or communities in Texas.

We are excited about our partnership with the University of Houston Department of African American Studies Emerge Leadership Academy (ELA) summer program. The EMERGE Institute is designed for rising high school juniors and seniors, ages 16-19 enabling them to access, attend, thrive, and graduate college, and become lifelong learners and active community members who serve and lead. This two-week program will take place from July 8th to July 19th, daily from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. It focuses on Afrofuturism in five distinct fields: Architecture, Law, Health, Cultural Arts, and Engineering. Students will choose one of these cohorts to join. In addition to their chosen field, all students will be required to take introductory courses in Africana/African American History, Math, and Writing.

Afrofuturism serves as a framework to better understand the growing popularity of Blacks science fiction and how the genre is being used to reimagine Black life. It is also cultural aesthetic that incorporates techno culture and the supernatural while explicitly centering people of African descent. With an emphasis on developing analytical skills, students will also gain more experience with conducting research, evaluating primary and secondary source materials, and practicing close reading
and expository and creative writing. program

Students interested in the program can fill out the application in our bio link We currently have about 25 additional spots available. We will be holding an orientation for students and parents next Thursday, June 27th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Or Contact
African American Studies Faculty/ Staff Director - Christopher Knight

As we prepare for Juneteenth and commemorate our nation’s second Independence Day. Join us for a special Juneteenth Afrosounds Edition, a night of music, culture, and celebration with Music, culture, liberation, and celebration will take center stage at Juneteenth Afrosounds Edition. We will honor and celebrate Juneteenth with our AFROSOUNDS community performance event on Friday, June 28th, 2024. Let’s honor Juneteenth and celebrate a society of excellence together!

Dance to the rhythm of signature eras of music and culture, provided by our talented ensuring a lively and festive atmosphere. This year Juneteenth’s theme is and The historical legacy of Juneteenth shows the value of never giving up hope in uncertain times.

This event is free to attend and offers the community a wonderful opportunity to come together in celebration of freedom, culture, and excellence. A special Juneteenth Edition Register via the link in our bio.

HOUSTON Join us in embracing the rhythm of freedom and liberation with on Friday, June 28th at SAID. Juneteenth AFROSOUNDS Edition

Juneteenth is a holiday of social inclusion. culture, history, liberation, and celebration take center stage at the 2024 Juneteenth Afrosounds Edition.
We will honor and celebrate Juneteenth with our AFROSOUNDS community performance event on Friday, June 28th, 2024. We have invited musicians and poets to share poetry and songs of Liberation and Freedom in honor of Juneteenth. We’ve particularly sought out music pieces that speak to the struggles of people fighting for a better world, free from war, poverty, racism, and all forms of oppression.

A special Juneteenth Edition Register via the link in our bio.

We celebrate all the amazing people who are working tirelessly to change the narrative about Africa through their work and storytelling. We brought together journalists, storytellers, donors, executives, NGO decision-makers, and other influential minds to unpack the current stereotypical narrative of Africa in the U.S.

U.S. AFRICA DIASPORA SUMMIT - The summit is about building connections. It’s about closing deals and above all, it’s about the future, our shared future. Africa belongs at the table in every room — in every room where global challenges are being discussed and in every institution where discussions are taking place. Special thanks to .ingles

On behalf of our dedicated team at SAiD INSTITUTE, we want to share our deepest thanks for your engagement, commitment, and support this past weekend. Whether it was your second time or your first time attending Africa Day - U.S Africa Diaspora Summit, your energy, your presence, your participation, your action, and your commitment to the advancements of Africa from 1963 to the present was felt from Houston to Africa.

We were truly speechless at the volume and caliber of guests who showed up to create and formulate solutions, initiatives, and opportunities for achieving a better, more equitable Africa where no one is left behind.

Please save the date for our 5th anniversary on Friday, August 9th, 2024. Next quarter we will officially launch our 5-year impact report with our 5th anniversary celebration, detailing insights and lessons from creating a physical space, the lives we’ve impacted, and the many partners and supporters that have helped us get closer to our goal. We look forward to sharing the report with you.

Happening Now

Today, with all 54 countries in Africa becoming independent, in addition in celebrating the creation of the African Union, Africa Day has become an occasion to celebrate the wonderful and diverse cultures of Africa, including its music, art, fashions, unique fabric designs, dance, cuisines, its sporting accomplishments, and technological advancement.

Join us and at the U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT Unlocking Africa’s potential through Diaspora engagement: Tomorrow, Saturday, May 25th and listen as as she Co-host and shares her insights and perspectives, challenges and opportunities for the continent’s growth.

Samke Mhlongo is founder of TNC Wealth Partners, a consultancy specialising in employee financial wellness. She was previously the voice behind the financial wellness features on Metro FM and Talk Radio 702; and has made guest appearances on local and international media outlets including CNBC Africa, Channels TV (Nigeria), and K24 TV (Kenya).

Samke has over ten years’ experience in the personal finance industry, with seven years spent as a private banker at Investec Specialist Bank. She holds an Honours degree in Financial Planning, and an MBA completed with a dissertation titled Factors contributing to overindebtedness of black South African females. Her business accolades include being named United Nations MIPAD Top 100 Most Influential Persons of African Descent, Entrepreneur Magazine Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch 2018, and Brand SA “Play Your Part” Ambassador.

TOPIC: UNLOCKING AFRICA’S POTENTIAL THROUGH DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: 12:00 PM EST
VENUE: VIRTUAL
( facebook and youtube )

Secure your spot by registering through the link in our bio.

Africa is experiencing an exceptional cultural revolution through fashion, film, visual arts, cultural sites, media, design, entertainment, music, literature, and even the launch by the NBA of an African Basketball League whose last investor was President Obama.

Join us and at the U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT Unlocking Africa’s potential through Diaspora engagement: on Saturday, May 25th and Come listen Dora Din Whittley as she shares her insights and perspectives, challenges and opportunities for the continent’s growth.

Dora Din Whittley is an Atlanta native with Cameroonian origins. Raised by a mother who is a world-renowned cardiologist and a father who is an architect, math and science were the foundation of her childhood. Fluent in French, English, and conversational in Spanish, Dora utilizes her cultural foundation to diversify her talents and skills.

Dora began her professional career as an Entertainment Business Banker with one of Metro Atlanta’s top community banks where she managed a multi-million dollar portfolio and received multiple accolades. In 2007, Dora launched Trois Degres Management & Media (TDMM), a global talent, business management, media and consulting firm with remote offices in Paris and Yaounde. TDMM has represented and worked with many novice and seasoned talents internationally in the entertainment and sports industry including Carl Payne of the Hit TV Series, ‘Martin’, America’s Next Top Model, Dominique Reighard, LHHATL Karlie Redd, Q Parker, 112, NFL Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor and his son, Lawrence Taylor Jr., Congolese mega star Innoss’B, FUBU-TV and more. TDMM has worked on high level campaigns with numerous clients spanning business and brand development, crisis management, brand messaging initiatives, event production, digital & media relations and product placement.

Africa - a continent marked by challenges and opportunities – has a young and entrepreneurial population, significant natural resources, rapid urbanisation, dynamic economies, and a supportive diaspora. But how can one navigate around 54 markets, which are as diverse as they get and make an informed decision about it?

‼️ In honor of Africa Day 2024 we invite you to join us and Consul Political and Trade Affairs at the South African Consulate-General in New York, Ogaufi Mampane to highlight the opportunities in various regions of the continent, provide practical leads on how to tackle the market and, most importantly, provide a platform for Austrian and African companies to connect.

Ogaufi Mampane is Consul Political and Trade Affairs at the South African Consulate-General in New York, responsible for identifying new markets, opportunities for South Africa and developing market strategies on entering new markets. She assists companies with obtaining market intelligence, and understanding the nuances of policy, political, and investment risks, including identifying key markets for their products. She previously served as Vice-Consul at the South African Consulate-General in Munich: Germany.

She holds a Masters in Global Affairs and Management and is a Mandela Washington Fellow (MWF) alumnus, a US Department of State flagship program of the Young African Leadership Initiative, founded by former President Barack Obama. She served as Chairperson of the USAID MWF Regional Advisory Board for Southern Africa, alongside the West and East African Chairs, while also acting as a South African representative on the board.

Please register through the link in our bio for your attendance and participation

According to an African proverb, it takes a village to raise a child. Likewise, it will take a host of entrepreneurs and proactive entrepreneurial governments to transform African economies and improve global engagement with the rest of the world. Supporting local entrepreneurship is the surest path to a more self-reliant and prosperous continent. Africa need to build a new roadmap to revitalize entrepreneurship.

We are excited to announce that the Deputy Permanent Secretary – Entrepreneurial Development , Botswana. Helen Chedza Chilisa MSc MBA MA will be joining us at the U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT: virtual convening on Saturday May 25th focused on Acelerating creativity and innovation in Africa. She will explore insights into diplomatic, economic, and further increase access to financing for creative entrepreneurs, how to boost investment in the physical and digital infrastructure that support the creative economy, how to better leverage global digital platforms to distribute creative products more effectively and finally government policies needed to support the overall development of the industry.

Helen Chedza Chilisa MSc MBA MA Inaugural Deputy Permanent Secretary – Entrepreneurial Development , Botswana Government Helen Chilisa is an accomplished advocate for transformational change, fostering a culture deeply embedded in principles of empathy, collaboration, transparency, and reciprocity. She is currently the Public Sector Lead – Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa Summit. As a management executive, she has led nationwide change through an unparalleled synergy of entrepreneurship, aviation, community development, human services, and social innovation.

Africa is home to the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, burgeoning cities, and bold innovations in everything from fintech to clean energy. With its population expected to nearly double to 2.5 billion people by 2050, the continent presents myriad opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness its rich natural resources and abundant human potential to increase prosperity not only in Africa but around the world.

Join us and to unravel the untapped potential of Africa’s entertainment soft power and its significance in the era of global competition. Discover the strategies, challenges, and opportunities as we delve into the role of African entertainment in enhancing the continent’s global competitiveness, fostering economic development, and shaping perceptions on the world stage.

Nia Black is the founder of her own media company, Nia Black Studios, where she hosts the virtual show, “Conversations with Nia”. Nia Black is also the Host of the program, “Story of Becoming,” a collaboration with Who is Who in Nigerian Diaspora, Nia Black Amuzie is a Media Personality/Commentator with focus on African/Black cultural, social and political issues.

TOPIC: UNLOCKING AFRICA’S POTENTIAL THROUGH DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT.
DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: 12:00 PM EST
VENUE: VIRTUAL
( facebook and youtube )

Secure your spot by registering through the link in our bio.

Drum Roll 🥁 🥁Announcing our Keynote Speaker! Busie Matsiko-Andan!

The amazing, indomitable, award winning consultant, advisor, global speaker and CEO of Pont Global as our keynote speaker at U.S. AFRICA DIASPORA SUMMIT. Saturday 25th that brings together educators, artists, intellectuals, the private sector, civil society and youth and more from the global Black Diaspora.

The African Diaspora must have a role in designing the future of Africa. All Diasporans can serve as “brand ambassadors” to bring a new vision and inspiring ideas for Africa. Africans in the diaspora have so much to offer the continent by leveraging the skills, ingenuity and resources that the African Diaspora possesses, Diasporans are uniquely positioned to contribute to boosting economic growth and prosperity in Africa.

Busie Matsiko-Andan has been instrumental in successfully scaling and growing companies and organizations (industry agnostic). She is the Executive Director of The Africa Future Summit which brings together investors and leaders in technology, entrepreneurship, and politics to address the challenges that affect Africa’s future. She is also the first black woman trustee of Berkeley College. Busie Matsiko-Andan currently advises multilaterals like the African Union, Afreximbank, Duke CE, the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network, Lalela Project, and the Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa among others on private-sector scaling and development.

DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: General Reception 6:30 PM / Dinner Discussion 7:00 p.m
DRESS CODE: Formal Attire + African Royalty
VENUE: SAiD INSTITUTE 12126 Westheimer Rd #118 Houston TX

Only a week to go, and the suspense is intense! For this year’s edition of U.S. AFRICA DIASPORA SUMMIT, distinguished minds have come together, united in excellence. We are excited to announce an amazing, indomitable, social entrepreneur and advocate Franco Bonghan, Co-Founder & CEO of African Youths and Sustainable Development Roundtable, our speakers at the upcoming U.S. AFRICA DIASPORA SUMMIT.

Franco Bonghan has contributed about 22 years of volunteer and professional leadership and mentorship empowering youths as the roadmap to building resilient communities especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Franco is a regular speaker at the United Nations headquarters in New York on the UN’s High Level Political Forums on Sustainable Development and African Affairs, reconfirming the Development of Africa as a Priority to the United Nations Systems. Providing practical and measurable solutions within the three core elements of suitability namely: Economic development, Social inclusion, and Environmental protection with the goal of fostering youth ownership for Africa’s Future-Ready leadership taking advantage of the demographic dividends of the continent of Africa. Franco co-founded African Youths and Sustainable Development Roundtable, a platform for young African Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs to network, share knowledge and opportunities, and collaborate on key economic and social issues driving local action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda in Africa and African Union’s Agenda 2063

U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT
Unlocking Africa’s potential through Diaspora engagement: Rekindling Our bonds Dinner.
DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: General Reception 6:30 PM / Dinner Discussion 7:00PM
DRESS CODE: Formal Attire + African Royalty
VENUE: SAiD INSTITUTE 12126 Westheimer Rd #118 Houston TX

Please register through the link in our bio for your attendance and participation

This year is all about wealth of Knowledge, fun, smiles,fashion, food, drink, music and culture. The one and only will be speaking live at U.S. Africa Diaspora Summit May 25th. Teejay dedication, strategic vision, commitment and consistency paved the way for the growth of our summit.

Tijani Hakeem is deeply passionate about Africa and shares philosophy that youth empowerment and good governance are the solution to most of Africa’s problems. Hakeem Tijani is a renowned Connection and Impact Enabler, dedicated to driving exponential development growth by bridging the gap between needs and resources. With a transformative approach, he positions each initiative as a catalyst for success. As a proponent of innovation and community building, Hakeem fosters a culture of collaboration, contributing to a better world.

This summit forges substantive collaborations and mobilizes the collective influence of both US and African leaders across business, government and civil society to tackle the challenges and capture promising opportunities in the future.

U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT
Unlocking Africa’s potential through Diaspora engagement: Rekindling Our bonds Dinner.
DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: General Reception 6:30 PM / Dinner Discussion 7:00 PM
DRESS CODE: Formal Attire + African Royalty
VENUE: SAiD INSTITUTE 12126 Westheimer Rd #118 Houston TX

We learnt, relearnt and above all, we connected.
Please register through the link in our bio for your attendance and participation.

Join Mazda Denon , Deputy Director, Special Advisor on African Affairs, Houston Mayor’s Office of Trade & International Affairs for an exciting, engaging and authentic conversation about the journey of building enterprises on the African continent, international trade, diplomacy and channeling Diaspora investment.

As global engagement director, Mazda is in charge of developing outreach strategies for engaging international governments, businesses and communities. His duties extend to managing office finances, planning and executing Mayoral Trade Missions, coordinating international focused events, and organizing the Mayor’s international business advisory council. In addition to serving in his capacity as Global Engagement Manager, Mazda serves as a Special Advisor on African Affairs and is responsible for overseeing all diplomatic, business, and cultural exchanges between the City of Houston and the continent of Africa.

U.S. AFRICAN DIASPORA SUMMIT
Unlocking Africa’s potential through Diaspora engagement: Rekindling Our bonds Dinner.
DATE: May 25th, 2024
TIME: General Reception 6:30PM / Dinner Discussion 7:00PM
DRESS CODE: Formal Attire + African Royalty
VENUE: SAiD INSTITUTE 12126 Westheimer Rd #118 Houston TX

Please register through the link in our bio for your attendance and participation