Thursday, August 19, 2010

Presidential Forum with Young African Leaders

On August 3, 2010, 115 young African leaders spent the day with their peers and counterparts at the U.S. Department of State. Many individuals traveled far and wide, a few of them bravely risking their lives, to be at President Obama’s first-ever President’s Forum with Young African Leaders.
The excitement of the day was abundantly evident by the smiling faces of the participants waiting for the start of the Forum. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Bruce Wharton, welcomed them to their first step of the three day journey. Glancing around the room, at the many delegates in their traditional clothing, it was clear that Africa was alive and vibrant. It was truly a beautiful sight to see.
Up next, we were shown a video featuring some of the participants speaking candidly on youth empowerment and what Americans can do to help. I learned that a person, no matter what his or her age or race, can be empowered and motivated to achieve something great and that we are all capable of making this world a more peaceful and equitable place for all.
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, mentioned how the objective of a partnership between Africa and America would have a profound impact on the world. I couldn’t help but notice a smile appear on most of the guests’ faces. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that as an intern working at The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, the United States would finally get the chance to see what Young African Leaders could do.
Following the plenary, participants attended small dialogue sessions while discussing topics such as: Transparency and Accountability; Quality Education and Skills Training; Access to Capital; Creating Jobs and Encouraging Entrepreneurship; Youth involvement in Democracy and Governance; Technology and Innovation in Africa; Advocacy: Speaking Truth to Power and Overcoming Obstacles; and Developing a Responsible Business Climate in Africa.
Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society of The National Summit on Africa, along with two other distinguished guests, moderated the “Advocacy: Speaking Truth to Power and Overcoming Obstacles” session. They asked participants to introduce themselves and make their case in two minutes. The purpose of this “elevator speech” was to get someone interested in what we are doing to the extent that they would like to hear more and support us.
Afterwards, guests enjoyed an appetizing lunch under the tents of the Harry S. Truman Building. You could feel the excitement in the air as some guests ate swiftly because Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was on her way. Once everyone had gathered inside the auditorium again, it was time for the main event for some who had traveled so far. Secretary of state Hillary Clinton got a standing ovation as she entered the room and waved to the crowd. Once everyone was seated she made the speech everyone had been anticipating all day. The Secretary acknowledged the fact that the continent of Africa had “brimming potential, but that there’s a lot of work to be done”. She mentioned that there an was abundance of youth leaders working hard with her and President Obama to help modernize and create clean energy for the continent.
But for many, nothing could compare to the journey on which they were about to embark to the White House East Room to attend a Town Hall meeting with President of the United States Barrack Obama. In his speech, President Obama stated “in the 21st century, capable, reliable and transparent institutions are the key to success — strong parliaments; honest police forces; independent judges; an independent press; a vibrant private sector; a civil society. Those are the things that give life to democracy, because that is what matters in people’s everyday lives.” The young delegates were very energetic and grateful for their opportunity to meet with and listen to President Obama.
For most of these young people, this is their trip to America was important in empowering themselves to be more influential in their own communities as leaders. They will remember the places they traveled and the faces they met for the rest of their lives. This is just the beginning of what is to come of their enduring relationship with Africa and America.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Who wants to be a millionaire?

If you have been to one of our events you probably know quite a bit about Africa. But how much do you really know? Put yourself to the test in our first interactive quiz!



Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Happy Independence Day Chad!!!


Once known as French Equatorial Africa, Chad celebrates their 50th year anniversary today. Congratulations!!!



Tuesday, August 10, 2010

The President’s Forum with Young African Leaders


(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

Energy is contagious. Put 115 Leaders together from the African continent and mix them with top civic, governmental, and business experts working on Africa from America and boom! You’ve got a reaction. You’ve got movement. You’ve got an inspired assembly of people. That is precisely the type of synergistic alliances that formed the core of the President’s Forum with Young African Leaders last week in Washington D.C.

We, at The Africa Society, were honored to receive an invitation from The White House to participate in this important and historic Forum which took place from August 3-5. President Obama and his staff invited dynamic and dedicated youth leaders from 45 countries in Africa to participate in a historic Forum highlighting a partnership between the U.S. and Africa. The goals of the Forum were to learn from the African leaders, while highlighting continued U.S.-Africa partnership through the growth and sustainment of networks between African and American leaders. The men and women represented a range of organizations from such sectors as media, environment, and human rights organizations.

The Forum began with a visit to the State Department introducing the delegates to the power center of America’s foreign policy. Secretary Hillary Clinton and Under-Secretary of State Johnnie Carson spoke to the delegates about the important nature of this Forum and the Administration’s dedication to Africa.

Delegates attended break-out sessions focused on topics concerning Africa. Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society, moderated the session entitled, “Advocacy: Speaking Truth to Power and Overcoming Obstacles.” The lively interactive session was kicked off with representatives speaking from civil society organizations AED, Oxfam, as well as representatives from Africa.

Bernadette capped the session with a powerful quote from Former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, encouraging the delegates to move beyond a fear that can halt progress and to be bold in the endeavors that can lead to the betterment of people within our own communities, country, and world. Mandela once said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Following the visit to the State Department was the much anticipated meeting at The White House with President Barack Obama, which was steamed live on The White House website. Delegates had the opportunity to ask President Obama questions and engage him in a dialogue about the current state of Africa and what the future portends for U.S.-Africa relations. President Obama sees a bright future between the U.S. and Africa stating, “The world needs your talents and your creativity. We want this to be the beginning of a new partnership."

The busy week concluded with the “Unconference” at the Newseum on Thursday, August 5. The “Unconference” offered the opportunity for the delegates to meet the representatives from different sectors working with Africa in Washington DC. With the inherent goal of linking leading agents of change in Africa with those in the U.S., the networking opportunity serves as a catalyst for sustainable partnerships and the growth of ideas. Both Under-Secretary of State, Maria Otero and Judith McHale, spoke on a panel with three delegates about the expectations for this Forum and future plans to sustain the momentum and connections created last week. One such future program is a Forum with Young African Leaders on the continent in early 2011.

As we move forward on this momentous path, The Africa Society will continue to engage Americans about Africa and with Africans. This Forum was a magnificent step towards bringing our country and the continent of Africa closer together. We commend The White House and the State Department for an important Forum highlighting Africa, and the Youth that are leading the charge for a better Africa.

Thursday, August 5, 2010


Formerly known as Upper Volta, Burkina Faso celebrates it's fiftieth year anniversary today.

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Africa Day on the Hill

On Wednesday, July 21, 2010, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, in partnership with the Congressional African Staff Association, held a reception for the first Africa Day on Capitol Hill in the Longworth House Building. The celebration was in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of seventeen African nations’ independence. In 1960, the following 17 nations gained their independence from colonial rule.

Along with celebrating Africa, the night also marked the launch of CASA; a bi-partisan organization which strives to educate staffers on today’s substantive African issues, highlighting best practices, success stories, and innovative initiatives on the continent.

Bernadette Paolo, President and CEO of The Africa Society, served as the Mistress of Ceremony. Congressman Bobby Rush, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection presented the resolution to President Wade who accepted and addressed the almost 300 attendants of the nights’ reception. Also providing remarks were, Congressman Ed Royce, Ranking Member of the House Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittee, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber security, Science and Technology, and Congresswoman Gwen Moore. Congressman Donald Payne, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health, provided closing remarks.

There was a beautiful musical selection by African opera singer Abiodun Koya, as well as the energetic drum and dance group, Farafina Khan. Guests enjoyed the opportunity to eat, drink, and network with the over 300 guests in attendance, including: elected officials, policymakers, Ambassadors, as well as the Africanist community. It was truly a well overdue celebration and wonderful night to remember.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Happy Independence Day Niger!!!


Niger marked it's fiftieth year of Independence today.

Happy Independence Day Benin!!!


Formerly known as the French West Africa, Benin gained it's independence on August 1st 1960.