On June 25, EMY Africa hosted its inaugural Washington D.C. Soirée at the National Museum of African Art in Southwest, marking a historic moment in building diasporic bridges. The event brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, creatives, and diplomats to champion African excellence and push the diaspora to reach its fullest potential.

Accelerating Economic Coalition

The soirée served as a way for members of the diaspora to connect and celebrate one another, with attendees emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in the community. According to U.S. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa, the city allocated approximately $6 billion annually to contracts and procurement, but representation for the diaspora among contract awardees is low.

Owolewa highlighted the need for the diaspora to work together and invest in the local community and economy. With 15% of the city’s businesses being Black-owned, the city stands as a national leader in that demographic, but there’s still more work to be done.

Pushing Toward Freedom

EMY Africa’s commitment to uplifting, nurturing, and serving the diaspora is the culmination of ancestors’ manifestations for a more inclusive and successful life for future generations. The organization aims to dispel generational stereotypes and forge a long-lasting and valuable legacy.

Original reporting: The Washington Informer — read the source article.