AFRICAN DIASPORA FOR CHANGE TO LAUNCH “BEYOND THE VOTE” INITIATIVE AT SPIRIT OF THE DIASPORA EXTRAVAGANZA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lynsie Battle
African Diaspora for Change
Marketing & Communications
Email: media@ad4change.org
Phone: 202.643.3585
AFRICAN DIASPORA FOR CHANGE TO LAUNCH “BEYOND THE VOTE” INITIATIVE AT SPIRIT OF THE DIASPORA EXTRAVAGANZA
[WASHINGTON, DC, March 12, 2012] — From the African Union and the World Bank, to USAID and the United Nations (UN), there is a growing focus on the role of the African Diaspora here in the United States as a key constituency group. In fact, the UN declared 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent. As a continuation of that theme, African Diaspora for Change (ADC) has designated 2012 as the Year of African Ascent—an opportunity to engage a growing and increasingly influential population on both domestic and international issues of common concern.
On March 29, 2012 in Washington, DC, at Atlas Theater for Performing Arts, African Diaspora for Change (ADC) will host the Spirit of the Diaspora Extravaganza, a multicultural feast of the sights, sounds, music and dance of people of African descent. The event is a celebration of the spirit of the African Diaspora, as well as the official launch of ADC’s “Beyond the Vote” Initiative to engage Black immigrants in civic participation and the immigration reform debate. Ms. Taylor Thomas of Washington, DC’s WHUR 96.3 has been named Mistress of Ceremonies. Thomas is the news anchor for The Steve Harvey Morning Show and recently returned from an assignment in Egypt as part of the radio station’s WHUR World Tour.
“Our organization began as an initiative to get African immigrants out to vote in 2008. It was a successful effort; however, once people voted, there was a lack of continued engagement in the civic process,” says Julian B. Kiganda, President of ADC. “Given that we’re now in the next presidential election cycle, this is an ideal opportunity for us to develop a platform for education and continued involvement of Black immigrants in civic engagement, advocacy, and the immigration reform debate in which we have been a missing voice.”
Invited speakers and Honorary Host Committee members include African Union Ambassador to the U.S., Amina Salum Ali; South African Ambassador to the U.S., Ebrahim Rasool; U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D-NY); U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL); Thomas Debass, Director of Global Partnerships for the U.S. Department of State, and Dr. Julius Garvey (son of the late Marcus Garvey), to name a few. In the tradition of ADC’s programs, the event will highlight various artists of the Diaspora from Brazil, South Africa, the U.S., Uganda, and many other countries.
The mission of African Diaspora for Change is to educate, empower and engage the next generation of leaders in order to affect change in perception and policy. Since 2009, ADC has hosted programs such as Media Check: Africa, Winds of Change, Culture & Cocktails and Diaspora Dialogues that fulfill a vital role to build bridges that will foster greater understanding and collaboration in our diverse communities. www.ad4change.org
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