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Celebrating dedication to Africa

By Nisa Islam Muhammad -Staff Writer- | Last updated: Aug 25, 2014 - 11:49:36 PM

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Abdul Akbar Muhammad and actress Lynn Whitfield were part of the African Diaspora Bridge Builders Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. Photo: Nisa Islam Muhammad.
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Diaspora African Forum (DAF) recognized the significant works of organizations and individuals in building bridges with Africa, at the inaugural African Diaspora Bridge Builders Awards Dinner, August 4.

“The awardees have made major contributions in the area of economic development, strengthening relationships and opening opportunities that make it possible for the African Diaspora family to work, live and contribute to the social development of their homelands,” said Her Excellency Dr. Erieka Bennett, Founder and Head of Mission of the African Union (AU) Diaspora African Forum, headquartered in Ghana.

“This ceremony is a token of our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for the tremendous efforts these amazing bridge builders have made on behalf of the entire African community.”

The AU Diaspora African Forum Mission is a non-governmental organization started in 2007. Its mission is to encourage and include the full participation of Africans in the Diaspora in the building of the African Union by developing strategies in utilizing scientific and technological know how and skills of Africans in the Diaspora for the development of the continent.

“Some thought we would never see the day when the descendants of enslaved Africans would be invited to return home alongside their continental brothers and sisters.  Coming together is an important part of the African national building process.  This is the culmination of all of our work,” Dr. Bennett emphasized.

“Your mission has hosted individuals and diplomats from all over the world; African Heads of State; and other global legendary figures.  Please support this historic process by building upon what we have achieved,” she added.

Abdul Akbar Muhammad, International Representative of the Nation of Islam and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan were  recognized for being instrumental in organizing humanitarian efforts in various parts of the globe, including Black physicians serving clinics and hospitals in remote parts of Africa. 

Mr. Muhammad organized an all-Black Press delegation to the Sudan on a fact-finding mission and through his efforts national Black broadcasters had exclusive one-on-one interviews with His Excellency, President Omar El-Bashir.

“The whole idea of building bridges between Africa and the Diaspora was started heavy by Leon Sullivan.  He started by establishing constructive engagement on how to deal with South Africa during apartheid.  With his OIC (Opportunities Industrialization Centers) he segued into something that had greater meaning with the African-African American Summit,” Mr. Muhammad told The Final Call.

The evening program was hosted by Dr. Juliette Tuakli former Deputy Director of Family Health International START Program and widely acclaimed actress Lynn Whitfield.

“It is extremely significant to me to actually see the manifestation of efforts of people building bridges between people of the African Diaspora and Africa.   There is so much that I knew and understood in very simple ways when I went to Nigeria (from) the people.  It was like meeting my uncle, my cousin, my brother, it was my nosy neighbor.  I just got it,” she told The Final Call.

The program recognized the outstanding work of organizations like Africare whose projects are based on food, water, environment and health, microenterprise development governance and basic education. 

The Rita Marley Foundation was recognized for its work to eradicate poverty and hunger in selected communities through the creation of economic investments, improvement of educational opportunities and the development of knowledge and proper practice in nutrition and health care.

TransAfrica the oldest Black foreign policy organization was acknowledged for its work in connecting the Diaspora to the key foreign policy issues for people of African descent throughout the world with an emphasis on U.S. trade and aid policies.

Academy Award winner Lou Gossett Jr. was lauded for his work to eradicate the systemic impacts of all forms of racism by providing programs that foster cultural diversity, historical enrichment, education and anti-violence initiatives.

“Man cannot survive without a pure, wholistic African perspective.  That’s necessary to see the world correctly.  We’ve come full circle now,” he told The Final Call.

 “Dr. Bennett has picked that up and she has traveled throughout Africa, raised money on her own and built a bridge with America and Africa,” added Mr. Gossett.

Other awardees included the Nigerian House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Constituency on Africa, the Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, Princess Naa Asie Okansey, Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Xernona Clayton and Dr. Barryl Biekman.

Dr. Bennett was surprised when DAF Executive Director Claudette Perry presented her with the first Change Agent Award for starting the Diaspora African Forum ten years ago.

“I’m really speechless.  I stand here humbled.  I stand here overwhelmed.  This is going to make me cry.  This is a very special day.  Most of you I’ve known for decades.  You’ve been a part of my personal life.  All of these people are change agents.  They’re all bridge builders,” said Dr. Bennett.