The 4th Edition of the Black History Festival (BHF 2025) is set to be a groundbreaking gathering of global African leaders, innovators, creatives, and changemakers from across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

The festival is set to take place at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), College Park City, on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, 2025. BHF 2025 is poised to recognize African heritage, culture, economic development, and diaspora engagement while fostering impactful collaborations.

The festival, hosted by BIDEC INC in collaboration with the African Union Mission to the USA, TheBridgeZone, and the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce, with support from the City Council of College Park, will feature thought-provoking panel discussions, high-impact networking opportunities, business expos, investment dialogues, and cultural showcases aimed at strengthening the bonds between Africa, the Caribbean, and its diaspora communities. The Black History Summit and Expo will take place on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. each day, while the Black History Makers Awards Gala will be held at 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025.

This year’s festival will be graced by esteemed global leaders, policymakers, business executives, and cultural influencers, including H.E. Hilda Suka Mafudze, AU Ambassador to the USA; Hon. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS; H.E. Epsy Campbell Barr, Former Vice President of Costa Rica; and Hon. Abla Gomashie, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts of Ghana, as special guests of honor.

Other special guest speakers include City Council members of College Park City, Rep. Gabe Okoye, State Representative for Georgia, USA; Khalid Kamau, Mayor of South Fulton, Georgia; Dr. Olivier Kamanzi, President of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (USA/Rwanda); Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President of Ghana; Dr. David Thomas, President of Morehouse College, Georgia; Igor Carrea, Special Advisor on Afro-Descendant Affairs, Colombia; Krishna Camarena Surgeon, General Director of the National Secretariat of Policy, Panama; Neil Diamond, President of the South African Chamber of Commerce, USA (USA/South Africa); and Mattie McFadden-Lawson, Civil Leader and Board of Trustees Member at Morehouse College, among other high-profile personalities, business leaders, policymakers, and creatives from 11 different countries.

The President of BIDEC INC and Founder of the Black History Festival reiterated that the festival is a one-of-a-kind platform designed to foster business and trade opportunities, explore investment and trade partnerships between Africa, the Caribbean, and the diaspora, empower entrepreneurs and innovators, connect with industry leaders and explore collaborative ventures, celebrate cultural exchange and heritage, experience the richness of African and Caribbean heritage through music, art, and storytelling, promote diaspora engagement and dual citizenship by providing insights on pathways to citizenship and repatriation, and offer networking opportunities with global leaders, policymakers, and influencers shaping the future.

Mr. Daniel Obeng-Fianko, Operations Director for Africa and Head of Events, confirmed that the festival will also feature performances from the Enugu State Organization in Georgia, the Ghana Dance Association, and the Senegalese Association in the USA, with a special performance by the legendary Ghanaian recording artist Samini during the Awards Ceremony.

The annual Black History Makers Awards will include some surprise elements while acknowledging some of the illustrious sons and daughters of the State of Georgia. It will also recognize prominent heads of state, business leaders, and distinguished personalities from academia during the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025.

The event will also provide opportunities to connect with global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to build meaningful partnerships and shape the future of Africa and the diaspora.