AAI's 70th Anniversary Gala 2023 Honorees Include: Debra Lee and The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and Featuring H.E. Hage Geingob, President of The Republic of Namibia.
Hosted by Bozoma Saint John, Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - At Cipriani's 42nd St. New York, NY
To mark its 70th year, the Africa-America Institute (AAI) - the premier U.S.-based organization connecting Africa to America through education, training, and dialogue – announced that it will host a special edition of its Annual Awards Gala with the 70th Anniversary Gala in celebration of the milestone. This year's Gala will celebrate AAI's distinguished alumni, the organization's historic programs, partners and future direction. Honorees include the trailblazing executive Debra Lee, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. AAI's 70th Anniversary Gala is set to take place on Tuesday, September 19th, 2023, at Cipriani 42nd St in New York City, NY.
Established in 1953 by co-founders that included Dr. Horace Mann Bond, the first Black president of Lincoln University, Professor William Leo Hansberry, a pioneering Africanist at Howard University, and Henrietta Van Noy, of American University, the purpose of AAI is to enrich the social fabric of humanity by connecting students and leaders across sectors and facilitating access to reliable information about Africa. Since its inception, AAI has remained committed to transforming the way the United States understands Africa and its worldwide diaspora (Global Africa).
Hosted by Hall of Fame Inducted Marketing Executive, Author, Entrepreneur and longtime AAI supporter Bozoma Saint John, the evening will also spotlight prominent AAI alumni – including H.E. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia, AAI's historic programs and partners in commemoration of seven decades of building a global bridge of understanding, education, communication and partnership. As one of AAI's most distinguished Alumni, President Geingob received a Scholarship under AAI's Southern African Student Program where he graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1970 and The New School with his Master of Arts in Political Science in 1974.President Geingob – who is the third democratically elected President of the Republic of Namibiaand the first Prime Minister of Namibia – has an extensive background dedicated to public service and international relations. Throughout his career, he has worked to promote and strengthen global partnerships.
The 2023 Awards and Honorees include:
Business Leadership Award – Debra Lee
BET CEO Emeritus, Author of "I AM DEBRA LEE" and founder of Leading Women Defined Debra Lee will receive the 2023 Business Leadership Award recognizing her lifelong commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity, fighting for representation - not only on-screen but in the boardroom - and to supporting the next generation of Black women leaders. Through her work, Lee has created spaces that further position Black men and women to climb industry ladders while providing a concrete example of what is possible, not only in the United States, but also across Africa and the globe.Lee served as CEO of Black Entertainment Television Networks (BET) from 2005-2018. Her 30+ year tenure at BET also extended to roles as General Counsel and COO. She is also the founder of Leading Women Defined and the co-founder of Monarch Collective—both organizations wholly dedicated to mentoring, supporting, and empowering both women and the BIPOC community at large.
Philanthropic Impact Award – The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Accepted by President and CEO, Peter Laugharn
AAI will recognize the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation with the Philanthropic Impact Award in acknowledgement of the profound impact the organization has made through its remarkable work on the African continent and commitment to localization in its grant making. The Foundation's unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals and communities in Africa through its programs has been integral in addressing pressing social challenges while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in real time. Peter Laugharn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundationwill accept the Award on behalf of the Foundation. Under his leadership, the Foundation's commitment to reaching 25% localization in its international grant making by the end of this year is leading the field where the current commitment is 25% by the end of 2030 under the 'Grand Bargain.'
"For any institution to reach 70 years is a remarkable achievement and I am so exceptionally proud to be part of this journey" said Kofi Appenteng, AAI's President. "For seven decades, AAI has stayed true to our purpose, and we will continue to carry the torch."
"During this moment in history when connecting the diaspora is so important for the sustainability of progress on the continent. I can think of no better way to mark such an important milestone for such a significant organization than with a vibrant evening celebrating AAI's rich history and looking ahead to its incredibly bright future – and the work still to be done," said AAI Board Chair, Christal Jackson.
Held annually during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), AAI's Annual Awards Gala has been the most anticipated African-centered event in New York City since its début in 1984. The Awards Gala convenes distinguished guests including Heads of State, diplomats, international and senior U.S. government officials, philanthropists, business leaders, journalists, and scholars for a night showcasing the successes of Africa and its worldwide Diaspora
Throughout its 70-year history, AAI has provided over 23,000 scholarships and fellowships to African students. The Annual Awards Gala raises funds to support AAI programs and initiatives, such as its work to assist K-12 districts and schools in the United States that want to expose students to scholarly, unbiased knowledge about Africa, and advanced education and training scholarship programs for professionals across the African continent.
For more information about AAI's 70th Anniversary Awards Gala and Ceremony, visit aaiafrica.org
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ABOUT AAI
The Africa-America Institute (AAI) strives to enrich the social fabric of humanity by connecting students and leaders across sectors, facilitating access to reliable information about Africa, and transforming the way we understand Africa and its worldwide diaspora.
Since its founding in 1953, AAI has awarded scholarships and fellowships to over 23,000 Africans. These individuals comprise an esteemed network of alumni, many of whom are leaders and influencers across public, private, and governmental sectors in Africa and globally. Included in this network are current Heads of State, H.E. Hage Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia; H.E. Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire; H.E. Mohamed Bazoum, President of the Republic of Niger; and H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa. Many of AAI's Alumni have left an indelible imprint, including the late 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Mathaai and the late Barack Obama, Sr.
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