Africa-America Institute (AAI) will host its 40th Annual Awards Gala, a premier event celebrating the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora and often features philanthropists and celebrities, such as actor Jeffrey Wright (pictured). (Courtesy photo)
Africa-America Institute (AAI) will host its 40th Annual Awards Gala, a premier event celebrating the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora and often features philanthropists and celebrities, such as actor Jeffrey Wright (pictured). (Courtesy photo)

The Africa-America Institute (AAI) will host its 40th Annual Awards Gala, a premier event celebrating the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora. 

The gala will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly.

This year’s gala, “Bridging Cultures & Igniting Futures: An Evening Honoring African and Diasporan Visionaries in Arts and Culture,” will feature a Presidential Fireside Chat with His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, president of the Republic of Ghana, and His Excellency Joseph Boakai, president of the Republic of Liberia.

Jennifer Zabasajja, Bloomberg Television’s chief Africa correspondent and anchor, will moderate the discussion, providing a platform for insightful dialogue on leadership, education, and development in Africa.

The gala will also honor the late H.E. Dr. Hage Geingob, former president of the Republic of Namibia and an AAI alumnus. President Geingob, who died on Feb. 4,, was a champion of education and a steadfast supporter of AAI’s mission. His legacy will be celebrated by numerous African leaders, including H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, president of the Republic of Namibia and AAI Alumnus, and H.E. Mrs. Monica Geingos, third first lady of the Republic of Namibia, celebrating his life and legacy and highlighting his contributions to Namibia’s independence and education across Africa.

“President Geingob’s passing was a profound loss for Namibia and the entire African continent. We are privileged to honor his memory and celebrate his enduring impact across Africa and its worldwide diaspora alongside many African leaders, current and past, at the 2024 AAI Gala,” said AAI President Kofi Appenteng.

The event will also spotlight Reeta Roy, president and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, and feature musical performances by Honey & Vinyl. Chiney Ogwumike, ESPN Host, NBA Analyst, and two-Time WNBA All-Star, will serve as the evening’s emcee, ensuring an engaging and memorable celebration.

Established in 1984 as a way for AAI to contribute to building new narratives about Africa, the AAI Annual Awards Gala is the preeminent NYC-based celebration of the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora. 

Held annually during the United Nations General Assembly, the gala convenes distinguished guests, including heads of state, diplomats, international and senior U.S. government officials, business leaders, philanthropists, and scholars, for a night showcasing the successes of Africa and its worldwide Diaspora. 

Proceeds from the Annual Awards Gala fund AAI’s programs and initiatives, including AAI Scholarships, the School Services Program, the African Diplomatic Orientation and Engagement Program, and the State of Education on Africa Conference.

About AAI 

AAI bridges Africa and its diaspora to catalyze a more sustainable and equitable world.

Taking a transcontinental, multifaceted approach, our programs span four impact pillars: Liberatory Education, Repair and Healing, Economic Sovereignty, and Community Building.

Since its founding in 1953, over 23,000 Africans have received AAI scholarships and fellowships. 

Included in this community are H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, president of the Republic of South Africa; H.E. Alassane Ouattara, president of the Republic of Côte; H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, president of the Republic of Namibia; the late Dr. Wangari Maathai; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former United Nations under-secretary-general and executive director of U.N. Women; Strive Masiyiwa, founder and executive chairman, Econet Wireless; and thousands more.

For gala tickets, visit aaionline.org.

Austin R. Cooper, Jr., serves as the President of Cooper Strategic Affairs, Inc. The firm provides legislative, political and communications counsel in Washington, D.C., for governmental, nonprofit and...

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