Dear Fellow Africans, it is the morning of an era and a most humbling realization - an elected official of African immigrant descent caring about the community (below). It has never happened. It takes a few....and the rest would be legacy in this 2013 African Heritage Month's maiden Continental African Image and Beneficence Banquet Awards Gala with the Launch of the African Community Health Navigator. Obamacare goes into effect on October 1, 2013. As the late Dr. Calvin Rolark (and my mentor)Founder of United Black Fund and Publisher Emeritus of the Washington Informer said it in a two lettered ten words" It is to Be, It is Up To Us" and concluded....Nobody can help us but us. LET US DO IT. We don't have to wait for government or external help. ==================================================================== Continental African Image & Beneficence Baquet Awards Gala Dear Friends,
Many of us may not be aware that there's a group of devoted Continental Africans, led by Ms. Evelyn Joe, who have been working hard to have the month of September proclaimed as ' National African Heritage Month'. For more information, please see the attached document or click on the following link: web site http://www.caslight.org/african-heritage-month.html . The real meaning behind their work is to get more Continental Africans to get involve locally (here in the United States) and local governments know that we're an important component of their constituents.
This is a vision that I share and strongly encourage! We have to be able, given our considerable number in the DMV area, to promote and lobby for our community. This will not be achieved if we simply stay within the boundaries of our countries of origin. We'll be stronger and able to impress our mark on local politics only if we come together as one African community. Simply look at the Hispanic community! They have learned not to divide themselves in Salvadorians, Colombians, ... but to simply stay under the big umbrella of Latinos. That's their power and that's how they make themselves heard!
Coming back to the 'African Heritage Month', there are many activities/events that are planned - as you'll find out by visiting the above link. However, one main event that I'm inviting you to attend and would like all of us to work on making it a success is the 'Continental African Image & Beneficence Banquet Awards Gala' that will take place on September 28, 2013. Click here to RSVP for the event. The gala aims at launching an 'African Community Health Navigator' program. This program will assist members of our communities navigate and have a better understanding, with the assistance of trained navigators, as well as take full advantage of the 'Affordable Care Act' aka Obamacare.
Please remember that most members of our communities are in the uninsured or underinsured categories. So, let's prevent them from paying penalties without insurance when we know they can get insured and, in most instances, keep their money. We do this by attending the gala and supporting this initiative, and by inviting all our friends to do so.
PS. I've the honor and privilege to be one of the awardees! :-)
Warmly, Edouard Haba "Say what you mean, mean what you say; but don't say mean! Only in this way you become your own changemaker."  |
The contents are easy to understand with the visuals on your right called Quick Links.
Happy African Heritage Month | | | The Health & Wealth of the Continental African Community Make the Legacy with a Historic Moment.
Launching the Continental African Community Health Navigator for Residents: Culturally Relevant, Developmentally Appropriate and Language Approach Implementing ObamaCare at the Continental African Image and Beneficence Banquet Awards Gala Saturday September 28, 2013 at 7:30 pm  | | Barack Obama Wins Again by Washiwara (music video) Live with Doctor Musica | Check the diverse and enlightening programming and learning about the African Heritage Month from the Website | | From left to right: Dosso Kassimou, Mayor Cory Booker, Deputy Mayor Margarita Muniz, and Sekou Fofana. From advocacy on equitable social service, cultural identity programming; strengthening ties with civic and faith groups; to international projection of Africa, such as the Mali cries, saving jobs through AGOA, Mr. Dosso Kassimou, the President of the African Commission in Newark, NJ, steps up to the plate. Get a few of the press from the Quick Links on the right. In deed, the African Commission has proactively increased the public visibility and profile of the Continental African community in New Jersey. Dosso is a hands-on leader by example. Click: African Commission | | | Obama Care Comes to Town with Dr. Nadine Gracia  | | Ms Evelyn Joe, organizing Emcee of the Affordable Care Forum at the Ghana Embassy on July 10, 2013. | His Excellency Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Ghana's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, opened the stately Chancellery for the pioneering event, free of charge. Minister Ebenezer Padi Adjirackor gave the welcome address on behalf of the Embassy. The remarks radiated the warmth and hospitality of African solidarity, invoking the unity theme of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. On October 1, 2013, the Affordable Care Act will go into effect. How is the community preparing to ensure that residents are aware and understand how to take advantage of its provisions?  | | Dr. J. Nadine Gracia on Affordable Health Care with the Continental African Community. July 10, 2013 at the Ghana Embassy | The question was the focus of the community dialogue with Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and the Director for Minority Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services. From left to right: Dr. Nadine Gracia; Reverend Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo; Mr. Serge, president Serge Oniloude, President of the Benin Association. The Reverend Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo, founder of Life Restoration Ministry, gave the opening prayers and with a spirited poem that energized the house. A passionate supporter of Obama and a public intellectual of the finest order, Dr. Mankekolo made an incisive rebuttal to criticisms of Obama care. She raised the roof! The Engaging Participants A cross-section of representatives ranging from faith-based institutions like the African Catholic Community with Dr. Sekou Bundu; national groups led by Catherine Rwivanga of Rwanda, Dr. Samuel Dogmo of multiple Cameroon associations, Ben Bamba of Ivory Coast, Thierry Lamine of Senegal, Roger Mohamed of Algeria to Mr. Kwasi Agyemang of Asanteman Association and member of Council of Ghanaian Associations to name a few; health industry with Christine Nkwain, Nyube Bilikha, Stacy Mills of DC Health Exchange; women and children advocates such as Marie Mimko, Justine Adeyangu; the Rebecca Project and the African Women Rights Group; the business sector with Dr. Evaristus Enongene, Chamber of Commerce representatives and scores of professional and advocacy groups provided a diverse leadership base to move the agenda forward to communities. Visting physicians from Africa such as Cameroon's Dr. Henry Bessong; Dr. Kokovi from Togo, Dr. Diallo from Mali were handy. Mrs. Ann Nsang of the United Nations, a veteran journalist, created authentic stir with a question that captured testy debates on Obama Care on CNN, Fox News to Al Jazeera. Dr. Mankekolo was sharper than Rachel Maddow with an answer. The program was as lively as the presenters, including Dr. Gracia. The veterans of civic activism such as Nii Akuetteh, former Executive Director of Africa Action ; Mwiza Munthali of TransAfrica, host of WPFW Pacifica's radio Africa Now! extended the reach of community presence. Visiting Mrs. Laura Mbeng, wife of Cameroon's Ambassador to Brazil and Washington diplomatic staffers highlighted the interest of the African diplomatic community in the welfare of its constituents. Based on the feed-back, participants want more of the highly informative presentation they got with opportunities for networking. That seed of productivity was sowed. Mrs. Margaret Korto, one of the organizers from Office of Minority Health, introduced Dr. Gracia. Mr. Jay Blackwell, head of the Capacity Building Team in the Office of Minority, was called out for introduction but apparently he had stepped out. |
Dr. J Nadine Gracia presenting the Affordable Care Act. | Please click on the video, below, for an excerpt of Dr. Gracia's presentation with a gracious self-introduction.  | | Essey Workie, Director of the Division of Refugee Health, Administration for Children and Families, US Departart of Health and Human Services, delivered a masterful presentation on Obama Care.
| Networking was on the agenda. The President of Benin Association, Mr. Serge Onioude chatting with Mrs. Marie Mimko of Gabon (seated). Both Advocates are examples of what a few committed people can do to change society. Networking continued after the formal presentations. Next Step: Wait a minute, MsJoe provided some answers with the gestures. The Art of the Possible: There were able leaders in the house: Left: Dr. Samuel "aka Dr. Musica" Dogmo of Cameroon and Mr. Ben Bamba of Ivory Coast were among the competent core Ready to Roll with making Obama Care benefiting the community. Ready? The Health Fair is on September 15 followed by the Launching of the Continental African Health Initiative with a Community Health Navigator at the Image and Beneficence Banquet Awards Gala on September 28.
 | | Montgomery and Maryland: Homes of Many First The Heath and Wealth: Equity Forum May 14, 2013  Thanks to our co-sponsors: Dr. Georges Awah; Martinsburg Pediatrics; Chris Leintu; and Reaching the Nations Ministry. A multidisciplinary corps of constituents and organizations not only took the lead in identifying gaps in development; they are ready to match capacity with need for solutions. It was a partnership dialogue with Montgomery County. The keynoter was the Honorable Isiah "Ike" Leggett, Montgomery County Executive. The event was held at the Montgomery County Council Cafeteria. Limited by space the attendance met the goal with an impressive turnout with health care and business leaders in the private sector, including area hospitals and economic developers. Among the formal public sector representatives were: Members of the Office of Minority Health; heads of the African American and Latino Health Initiatives - Mrs Heather Ross and Ms. Sonia Mora respectively; the Director of the Office of Community Services - Mrs Betty Lam; the Director of Health and Human Services -Mrs. Uma Ahuwalia; the Manager of Business Navigation - Mrs. Judy Stephenson; and representatives from state, national and international interest groups. The constituents also extended their appreciation to the engaging council members: George Leventhal; Hans Riemer and Congressman Chris Van Hollen whose staffs were present with less than 24 hours notice or no notice. An array of community groups including the first established community-based organizations: The Ethiopian Community Center and its venerable Director Hermela Kebede; African Women Cancer Awareness Association with Mrs Ify Nwabukwu; Mrs Ndiaye and the Africa Diaspora for Change signified the institutional foundation of the new and emerging Continental African community. The enthusiastic participants appreciated the presence of Mr. Dan Koroma, the African and Caribbean Liaison to Mongtomery County Executive. The media and personalities from WPFW led by its chairman Yves Point de Jour reminded all about the the institutional role of the media in community development. Mwiza Munthali of Africa Now! was in the house and the old school of migrants from the 1960s came. Hello to Dr. Kofi Agyapong of Sons and Daughters of Africa and Chief, Pastor Alex Taku and a host of others who could remember Watergate as it happened - from Nixon to Obama. Elected in April 2013 to represent District 4 in the City of Hyattsville, MD in Prince George's County, Councilman Edouard Haba was introduced by the wise man Mumin Bare of Montgomery County. The Councilman inspired the assembly! What was the goal of the forum? Public-Private Partnership and capacity building are critical in sustainable community development. Some miles have been gained. However, there are still enormous barriers. By having a coherent plan and bringing together the public sector and the community in order to develop clear and common understanding of the problem from informed perspectives and to implement viable solutions, society as a whole benefits from a healthy and wealthy population. It will also cost the government less money to prevent than to cure or ignore problems - or practicality.  | | Excerpts of Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett acknowledgment at the "Heath and Wealth: Equity For Continental Africans Forum" on May 14 , 2013 |  | | The Honorable Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive | The event highlighted two critical elements of public-private partnerships: 1) An Accountable and Responsive County Government 2) The necessary social, civic and professional capital of the Continental African community to undertake self-reliant developments.  | | Dr. Samuel Dogmo made a researched presentation on the diversification of Montgomery and Maryland Work force and capacity Building. | In an increase pluralistic society with new population, workforce diversity is the creation of a culturally diverse one in the city, county and state and nation through the recruitment, development,and upward mobility of workers in all professions and level of management. The diversity is visible because it should reflect the population of the jurisdiction. Currently, nobody knows as a matter of statistics what percentage of Continental Africans are in the workforce. At the federal level, the White House made the recruitment of Hispanics (started by Bush) and Asians (started by Obama) targeted priorities. At local levels, the goal of the presentation was to start the conversation on including Continental Africans as an accountable target in workforce diversity.  | | Mrs. Sonia Mora, Director of the Maryland Welcome Back Center and Director of the Latino Health Initiative, Montgomery County, MD. | Mrs. Sonia Mora explained the knots and bolts of the Welcome Back Center. It is a national model operating in different states. The Welcome Back Center supports internationally trained healthcare workers who wish to obtain professional credentials. It covers physicians, Nurses, Dentists, technicians. In Maryland, only the nurse's program has been instituted. 45% are Hispanics; 36% are Continental Africans. A survey indicated that only 10% of foreign trained physicians practice in their specialties. Mrs. Mora also addressed Work Force Diversity.  | The Director of Montgomery County Health and Human Services: Mrs. Uma Ahluwalia gave an overview of the efforts the County is making to ensure all populations have access to health care and social services. | New and emerging populations face special challenges due to the fact that existing policies and standards for inclusion may not reflect their growing numbers and the distinguishing characteristics and cultural orientations that influence behavioral health, preventive health care, and use of social services. The Continental African community, like their Hispanic and Asian counterparts, have similar obstacles due to cultural, language and other adjustment barriers. However, there are extra hurdles faced by Continental Africans based on the community's " new and emerging status" with little or institutional resources, limited research and advocacy, and unfunded outreach. The public advocacy and competent outreach are largely the results of volunteers going the extra mile with their own money and time to conduct research and using the assessments to sensitize lawmakers and the community on the issues. As it has been repeatedly noted, there is no systemic collection of data to understand the rate of a particular disease (morbidity) in order to prioritize resources from a data-driven perspective. Unfortunate news and ideas on disease affliction or destitution are mostly known through funerals and emergency crises, especially when children are involved. Based on post forum assessments, there is an alerting need to work with the Health and Human Service Department, the County Executive, and Legislative Branch to address service and resource disparities from evidence-based approach. The camera had no flash but the message was clear. A business mentor, Mr. Dan Eke, CPA, owner of Daniel Eke and Associates, gave a compelling and experiential presentation on nurturing business entrepreneurs and professionals who need an entry into their fields. Employment is essential for a Wealthy Community. New immigrants, including the highly educated, may not have the professional experience and corporate culture background to be hired at their level of education. A job readiness program will address "structural unemployment" by helping job seekers with job references and preparation. African Woman and Entrepreneur are mentioned in the same sentence as they are increasingly becoming bread winners. This fact was addressed on gender equity in business opportunities, potentials in ethnic-oriented markets and the need for micro loan programs to assist the entrepreneurial woman in the community.  | | Growing Business: Mrs. Judy Stephenson, Manager of Business Navigation is open for business! She is ready to work with the community in addressing barriers to business developments. Are we ready? That is the challenge for an organized and consistent Business Entity. |  The African Women Human Rights Group with Mrs. Elizabeth Asaha explained the origin of the group: to essentially challenge the status quo that makes women secondary to any issue. Straight from from work, the women came not to talk about oppression but to address the progressive ideals of after school and summer activities for Continental African Youths. She stressed the value of self-esteemed heritage and posi tive character. The programs are designed to support educational achievements, risk-reduction and positive character development while engaging participants in useful hands on-activities like basket weaving, sports, civics, cultural expo, health lessons, music, etc. Unlike the Hispanic and Asian youths, there are is no specific program for Continental Africans. However, there is are models with African student clubs and organizations in local colleges. Students born in the US and from African immigrant background and immigrants students from Africa are members and leaders of the clubs and organizations that can be replicated at community program levels.
 In every community, there are cornerstones builders whose legacies engineer change. Paraphrasing Bernard Shaw, Robert F. Kennedy said, "Some men see things as they are and ask why I dream things that never were and ask why not." The inference is that people see society they don't understand, feel victimized by the circumstances and ask in helplessness, why? The visionary doer asks: why not change it? The program was dedicated to, and the county honored, two great visionaries: Mrs. Viola Kwamkwalala was honored posthumously. She was scheduled to speak but died two weeks earlier while organizing to make life better for African families in Montgomery County and to launch Aspire to Inspire to provide educational opportunities in Malawi. Her sister, Catherine Chisala accepted the honor on Viola's behalf.  Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emeka Onyewu was honored for this pace-setting medical missions to Africa where he performs free surgery that the save lives of indigent patients. In the county and state, his charitable contributions to the have-nots causes are priceless. Dr. Onyewu is the chairman of the African Women Cancer Awareness Association. His recent mission was to Cameroon in June 2013. Dr. Onyewu is the African Philanthropist of the Year at the Image and Beneficence Banquet on September 28, 2013.  Faith-based Initiative In Action Meet the Living Abaster Group whose Food and Clothing Drive for the poor captured the hearts of the assembled. A testament of faith in community, the Living Abaster members belong to Reaching the Nations Ministry in Beltsville, Maryland.  | | Performance by the Living Abaster during the Health and Wealth Equity For Africans Forum on May 14, 2013 | Oh, the video did not capture the dazzling to the floor performance. They thrill and they deserve your support to cloth the have-nots and to feed the hungry. Support the Living Abaster Group in its Back to School Drive on August 17, 2013 | | Toast with a Way Forward  Raise your glass! It is not half-empty. Toast to the countless efforts, known and unknown! You make the Difference for the Change in creating a Healthy and Wealthy Continental African population. While cultural, tribal, alumni and national groups are vital sources, we must come together as Continental Africans from various specialties in order to make a Way Forward. Words cannot measure the incredible sense of duty that has been demonstrated by community leaders who have proved this reality....when people move, the shake out the doubts and translate vision to action and progress. You have the potential. Make it happen for Asset Based Community Development.
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