A Black-Tie Cocktail Benefit to Celebrate ADA's10th Year Anniversary

This year, SAiD is pushing forward the vision of a new Africa narrative, sharing success stories that strengthen and enrich our community. #SharedJourney campaign’s symbolic “reach out” gesture promotes unity in the African Diaspora. Many of us have accomplished great things individually in our respective regions, but we have not shared our success journey or done much together. The #SharedJourney campaign provides a platform to coordinate our accomplishments and harness the vigor of togetherness for greater purposes such as achieving social and economic development to build a more vibrant society.

Under the theme, “Shared Journey Campaign” the 2021 ADAs will inspire our fellow diaspora leaders, innovators, and influencers to share their journeys along with providing insight, generating ideas, and promoting collaboration across the fields of business, culture, arts, education, and policy to address present challenges and create a shared future for the African Diaspora

We are Kicking off the 10th (+) Anniversary awards with a black-tie benefit to celebrate this great milestone and contribute to a strong future for the SAiD Pan-African Library. The ADA 10th (+) Anniversary will begin with a conversation, followed by a cocktail benefit in Houston. All proceeds from the event will have an impact on SAID’s mission to celebrate, empower, and connect the people, culture and ambitions of Africans in the diaspora.

More than 500 attendees will join SAiD as we celebrate and honor or champions. Past special guests and honorees have included Leymah Gbowee – Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Chinedu Echeruo – Founder of HopStop.com, Angelique Kidjo – Grammy Award Winning Singer & Activist, Lola Ogunnaike, TV Personality and entertainment journalist and Gbenga Akinnagbe – Actor, Saran Diakitè Kaba - Clean water advocate, YaYa DaCosta - Actress, Mpule Kwelagobe The first African woman to be crowned Miss Universe, Les Nubians -  Grammy-nominated French duo Kemi Adetiba - Film director, Atti Worku- Education and community advocate, Chid Liberty - Entrepreneur, Nicole Amarteifio - Film director, Flaviana Matata - fashion model among many others.

Last year's honorees are: Jessica Matthews, Entrepreneur of the Year; Ato Essandoh, Artist of the Year; Luvvie Ajayi, Person of the Year; Georgie Badiel, Face of Change; Mamadou Samba; Public Service of the Year; UNFPA, Humanitarian of the Year; Joseph Mizzi & Nchimunya Wulf of 14+ Foundation, Community Service of the Year Award; Loza Maleombho, Designer of the Year Award; and Babatunde Osotimehin, Life time achievement Awards. The evening was hosted by noted comedian Dulo and with music performances by Ghanaian hip hop artist Sarkodie, winner of the 2012 BET Award for Best International Act. Ayo, Nigerian-German singer-songwriter and actress.

Host or Publisher Applause Africa