In support of the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit, the African Union (AU) Diaspora African Forum, an AU endorsed non-governmental organization, will host the African Diaspora Bridge Builders Awards on August 4, at the Washington Marriott at Metro Centre.

The African Diaspora’s most prominent ‘Bridge Builders’ who have made contributions in the areas of development, strengthening relationships and providing opportunities for returning Africans, will indulge in a star-studded evening of dinner, dancing and music.

The event will feature award-winning actors Lynn Whitfield and Lou Gossett Jr., and Nana Rita Marley, wife of famed Reggae great Bob Marley.

The African Diaspora Bridge Builders Awards emerges on the heels of a monumental feat in US History: The first US - Africa Leaders Summit.

The gathering of African Leaders at The White House, was initially announced by President Barack Obama during a visit to Cape Town last year as a means to “provide a proactive and forward looking vision grounded in partnership [with Africa]”.

From the 4th through the 6th of August, invited African leaders will work to strengthen democratic institutions, spur economic growth, trade and investment, advance peace and security, and promote opportunity and development.

Historically President Obama is the first U.S. President to facilitate a relationship with Africa. He initially showed interest in June 2012 with the launch of the New Strategy Towards Sub-Saharan Africa.

Asked about President Obama’s efforts to bridge the Diaspora gap, H.E. Dr Erieka Bennett, Ambassador of the (AU) Diaspora African Forum remarked, “I am personally thrilled to see the descendants of enslaved Africans work together with their continental brothers and sisters to dispel the stories that have kept our people apart. President Obama is a descendant. We are thankful to see him engage Africa in a meaningful way.”

The celebration is supported by the (AU) Diaspora African Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The AU Diaspora African Foundation supports communication and understanding among all African descendants through education, exchange programs, activities and conferencing.

Date: August 4 - Silent Auction, 5:30PM; Dinner and Awards, 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Location: The Washington Marriott at Metro Centre, 775 12th Street NW Washington, DC 20005

Contact bridgebuildersawards@gmail.com for more information and sponsorship opportunities.

The African Diaspora Bridge Builder Awards Honourees are:
Countries
Ghana
Ethiopia
Liberia
Tanzania

Organizations
Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa (Bernadette Paolo, Esq., President & CEO)
African Diaspora Network/ ADN (Almaz Negash, Founder & President)
Africare (Dr. Darius Mans, President)
Constituency for Africa/ CFA (Melvin P. Foote, President)
Diaspora Africa Women's Network/ DAWN (Semhar Araia, Founder & Executive Director)
Rita Marley Foundation (Nana Rita Marley OD, Founder)
The Nigerian House Committee on Diaspora Affairs (Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson)
TransAfrica (Danny Glover, Chairman of the Board)

Individuals
Ufo Eric-Atuanya
Dr. Barryl Biekman
Ms. Xernona Clayton
Lou Gossett, Jr.
Dr. Leonard Jefferies
General Fred Leigh & Dr Karyn Trader-Leigh
Brother Akbar Muhammad
Princess Naa Asie Ocansey
Dr. Chika A. Onyeani
Ms. Jeannie B. Scott
Rev. Dr. Leon H. Sullivan (Posthumously)
Ambassador Dr. Bamanga Tukur
J. Eric Wright
H. E. Dr. Nkosazana Diamini Zuma