The Africa-America Institute (AAI) is proud to announce 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, September 24, 2024, at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly.
This year’s gala, themed “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, the President of Liberia. The discussion will be moderated by Jennifer Zabasajja, Bloomberg Television’s Chief Africa Correspondent & Anchor, providing a platform for insightful dialogue on leadership, education and development across Africa.
In a heartfelt tribute, the gala will honor the late H.E. Dr. Hage Geingob, former President of the Republic of Namibia and a distinguished AAI alumnus. President Geingob, who passed away on February 4, 2024, 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, 3rd First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, celebrating his life and legacy and highlighting his contributions to Namibia’s independence and education across Africa.
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AAI President Kofi Appenteng stated, “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.”
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 2-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 AAI’s Awards 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, School Services Program, African Diplomatic Orientation and Engagement Program, and the State of Education on Africa Conference.
For more information about the gala, sponsorship opportunities, and ticket purchases, visit www.aaiafrica.org/gala-2024 or contact AAI’s Chief of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, Jourden Warren, at jwarren@aaionline.org or via cell +1 (646) 645-7286.
