‘Bringing Cultures and Igniting the Future’: Boris Kodjoe and Sabrina Elba Help African and Diaspora Leaders at AAI’s 40th Gala – Essence

The Africa-America Institute (AAI) hosted its 40th annual awards gala in New York City this week, celebrating African excellence and the transformative power of the African diaspora. Held during the landmark week of the United Nations General Assembly, this highly anticipated event brought together a powerful gathering of African and other world leaders, dignitaries, philanthropists and cultural icons on a September evening.

Dynamic Chiney Ogwumike, ESPN host, NBA analyst and two-time WNBA All-Star hosted the gala. Her energy could be felt no matter where one sat in the ballroom. “Do you recognize the power in this room?” she asked the audience of more than 500 people.

The evening hosted important personalities such as US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana, President Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia, former First Lady of Namibia, Mrs Monica Geingos and Liberian President Joseph Boakai.

First established in 1984, the Annual AAI Awards Gala was conceived as a way for the institute to celebrate the achievements of Africans and the global African diaspora, while building new narratives about the continent. Over the past four decades, the gala has become NYC’s preeminent celebration of Africa’s most powerful voices and a showcase for the contributions of the African diaspora around the world.

AAI itself was founded 70 years ago in 1953, with visionary leaders such as Dr. Horace Mann Bond, the first black president of Lincoln University, William Leo Hansberry, a pioneering professor at Howard University, and Henrietta Van Noy of American University at the helm. . Their mission was clear: to improve global understanding of Africa and its diaspora and increase educational opportunities for students and leaders in all sectors. Since then, AAI has supported education and leadership development, changing lives, communities and countries around the world.

The theme of this year’s gala, “Bringing Cultures and Igniting the Future: An Evening Honoring African and Diaspora Visionaries in Art and Culture,” focused on this mission, especially as the world increasingly recognizes the importance of African voices and talent . The celebration serves as a platform to celebrate Africa’s strongest voices while honoring the achievements of the African continent and its diaspora.

US Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between Africa and its diaspora. “The work of the Africa-America Institute over the past 70 years has built bridges between Africa and its diaspora, creating a more sustainable and equitable world,” she said. The ambassador’s remarks reflected a sentiment shared by many at Tuesday night’s gala – this wasn’t just a celebration, it was a call to action.” That story alone tells us how important it is for all of us, every single person in this room, to continue to engage young people, to mentor them, to support them, to encourage them so that they can achieve,” she said .

Boris Kodjoe, the continent’s actor, producer and lawyer, hit the nail on the head when asked about the importance of Africa’s creative industries. “When we talk about Africa,” Kodjoe began, “the biggest challenge is perception. The story of Africa has been told through a one-dimensional lens full of stereotypes.”

His words struck a chord as he explained how important it is for Africans to take control of their narrative. “Owning our stories, championing our talent and exporting our goods and services — whether it’s movies, TV shows or other forms of content — that’s the key to economic growth,” he told ESSENCE. “Where will you be when Africa becomes the capital of content creation and consumption,” he said.

Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, emphasized the critical importance of investing in Africa’s youth, stating that they “are at the heart of the continent’s transformation.” Roy, who received the 2024 Philanthropic Impact Award for his unwavering commitment to uplift young Africans, highlighted the power of education and economic opportunity. Under her leadership, the Mastercard Foundation has pledged $4.7 billion over the next decade to expand access to education and jobs for young people and women in Africa.

In a nod to the transformative power of cultural diplomacy, the gala paid special tribute to President Akufo-Addo of Ghana for his pioneering “Year of Return” initiative. Launched in 2019, this initiative continues to foster deep connections between the African diaspora and the continent, with 2023 marking a record year as over one million people traveled to Ghana to reconnect with their roots. During his speech, President Akufo-Addo said: “I am always in love with the famous statement of the late great Peter Tosh, the famous reggae star, the statement he made is that I don’t care where you come from as long as you are black , you are African”, to which he received loud applause.

The “Year of Return” initiative, hailed as a blueprint for cultural and economic exchange, was a fitting testament to Ghana’s leadership in bridging historic divisions and inspired a global celebration of African heritage.

The evening also saw a special tribute to the late President Dr. Hage Geingob of Namibia, who died in February and whose life embodied the ideals of education and resistance. His widow, the former first lady of Namibia, Mrs Geingos, shared moving memories of her husband’s unwavering belief in education.

“He believed deeply in the power of education and feared the poverty of the mind. This understanding guided him and he continued to learn throughout his life.” She concluded her powerful remarks by noting that President Hage “had a theory that transparency and accountability equaled trust. He lived this truth without contradiction. He was not a victim; he was an overcomer, embodying resilience and strength in every aspect of his life,” she said.

As the evening drew to a close, it was impossible not to feel the buzz in the room. The creative energy was palpable and the message clear: Africa’s time is now.

“We have honored legacies and envisioned a future that is brighter and bolder than ever. But remember, the celebration doesn’t end there. It is just the beginning,” Ogwumike said. “The mission of the African American Institute continues and each of us has a very important role to play. So as we leave here tonight, let’s carry forward that energy, that vision, that commitment to join our past with the future we’re building together.”