AFRICAN DIASPORA INAUGURAL BALL
In January 2009, ADC and hosted the successful African Diaspora Inaugural Ball attracting more than 600 attendees, and an honorary host committee which included: Congressman Donald Payne; Baroness Valerie Amos of Great Britain; Ambassador Amina Salum Ali of the African Union; Dr. Gwen Mikell of Georgetown University; John Prendergast of the Enough Project, and others. Also featured were Angelique Kidjo, Les Nubians, Tracey Neale (as Mistress of Ceremonies) and many other talented artists. The event served as the official launch of the organization and helped to secure long-term partnerships with individuals and sponsors.
Members of African Diaspora for Change with our special guests of the Honorary Host Committee
The evening began with the inspired drumming of Batala who gave the audience a preview of the excitement that was to come.
Mbuutu followed with drumming and East African traditional dances that had the audience on their feet.
The beautiful Tracey Neale, looking elegant in her copper ensemble, was the consummate Mistress of Ceremonies.
Lesoles Dance Company danced with all the pride and strength of the Zulu.
Baroness Valerie Amos shared how she, and the world, had watched with bated breath as the elections proceeded, and how proud they were that Barack Obama had been elected. In her words, "…he’s our president too!" While Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali shared the hope that the world now shares with America.
Congressman Donald M. Payne and Dr. Witney Schneidman both expressed their pride and gratefulness for African Diaspora for Change’s help in galvanizing communities and getting them out to vote.
Angelique Kidjo came out and shared her unmatched talent with a powerful rendition of “Malaika” that had the audience sitting in awed silence. She shared her passion for educating girls and her reason for starting the Batonga Foundation.
Octavia Jackson from First Book presented 10,000 books to the Batonga Foundation and Angelique Kidjo did what can only be described as a very happy dance.
Books to Africa Initiative: As part of the Inaugural Ball, ADC partnered with First Book (www.firstbook.org) to distribute books to two organizations: The Batonga Foundation (founded by Grammy Award winner, Angelique Kidjo) and Veronica’s Story Foundation (founded by Emmy Award winner, Tracey Neale). The two organizations will be receiving a total of 10,000 books from First Book to be shipped to schools and communities in Ethiopia in the summer of 2009.
Belo played the acoustic guitar and sang in his unforgettable voice.
Les Nubians took the stage with special guest, Darrin Henson of Soul Food/Stomp the Yard fame, and closed out a phenomenal night of entertainment, inspiration and enjoyment.
Overall, the ball was a class act with an inspirational message and a great cause and we look forward to continuing the work that was begun with the African Diaspora Inaugural Ball.
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