The noted Kenyan visionary, Professor PLO Lumumba at the recent AEDS African Leaders conference in Minnesota energized the African immigrant diaspora in the US with a vision of the African Renaissance on the continent and here in America. He and participants spoke about the summit of African political leaders currently in Washington DC. Here in Minnesota, Dr. Gene Gelgelu and I shared data on the $275+ billion African immigrant economy in America. At the World Cup in Qatar at 1 PM CDT – Morocco is battling France at the semi-finals.
Today these three forces come together and create an African Moment and a vision of what’s to come.
In Washington DC, as national political leaders meet with American leadership, the political power and presence of African countries is acknowledged, celebrated and hopefully strong investments. Global rivalry can work to Africa’s advantage if done right this time around.
Speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on December 13, 2022 to an assembly of African youth leaders, Vice President Kamala Harris spoke about the history and powerful role and presence of the African diaspora in America and the launch of the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States.
“So, it is fitting that we gather here today in this magnificent and historic museum. The shape of this building is inspired by Yoruba art from West Africa. And the metal latticework that you see outside that surrounds the building is inspired by the intricate ironwork crafted by enslaved American — in and throughout — in particular, the South, but African Americans who were enslaved in the United States…. It is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the African American people and the contributions of African Americans to our country.” Vice President, Kamala Harris at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Here in the US, the $275+ billion African Immigrant economy in size would make it the third largest economy in Africa. That is the power of the recent African diaspora in America. This estimate only includes income and the value of residential real estate of the recent African diaspora in America, from the latest American Community Survey, 2021.
At the World Cup in Qatar, it is not about will Morocco/Africa win – the vision of the win within reach is galvanizing Africa and the Middle East.
Today the confluence of these three important forces – on the soccer field and political and economic power is also a vision of the future and an invitation to the next generation – as Vice President Harris said to young African and African American leaders, ‘.. your ability to see what can be, unburdened by what has been.”
