Maryland to Host Inaugural “Celebrate Africa” Event

African Affairs Commissioners – 2017


For Immediate Release                              Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Maryland Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI), Crownsville, Maryland
In commemoration of African Heritage Month (September), the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs, in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI) will host Celebrate Africa – Maryland’s inaugural Pan African celebration of Africans and peoples of African descent. Celebrate Africa is dedicated to the vibrant African Diaspora community in the state of Maryland, and Africa, their continent of origin.

This year’s celebration will be marked with three main events; an invitation only gala and awards ceremony on September 20^th, a health symposium and special screening of the film The Lucky Specials, by Discovery Learning Alliance – the non-profit department of Discovery Communications, LLC, and PANAFEST, a cultural celebration.

The health symposium will commence at 10am on Saturday September 23rd, followed by the screening of The Lucky Specials, both at the Executive Office Building cafeteria – 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850. State and private health experts will address the Opioids crisis, Zika virus, mental health, hospitalization and readmission challenges, and tuberculosis. PANAFEST will follow from 3-10pm at the Civic Center, downtown Silver Spring – 1 Veterans Place.

In a statement issued by the commission chair, Honorable Kehinde “Kenny” Oreagba, he said, “…We are very proud that Africa is the cradle of humankind; for us, that is not enough. All of us Africans desire to become more productive contributors to the wonderful State of Maryland, and we expect the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs to provide that platform.”

Africans represent an important human resource in the state of Maryland. Celebrate Africa will recognize their economic, social, cultural, political and intellectual contributions at every level in the state of Maryland.

To RSVP, for media & other inquiries, or for sponsorship opportunities, contact:

kevin.craft@maryland.gov

gcoaachair@gmail.com

agnes.smith@maryland.gov

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