Houston’s 1st Africa Day 2017 Reception

The City of Houston hosted it’s 1st Africa Day reception at Houston City Hall – Legacy Room on May 25, 2017.  Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a Proclamation from the City of Houston acknowledging May 25, 2017 as Africa Day in Houston Texas.  The event was moderated by Deanea LeFlore (Mayor’s Chief of Protocol). View video highlights of the event by Excel TV: https://vimeo.com/219328396

Keynote Speaker Mayor Sylvester Turner stated that “We are here today to celebrate the ties between the African continent and the City of Houston. Houston enjoys thriving relationships with many countries within the continent of Africa and we look forward to strengthening those relationships. As Mayor of Houston, I look forward to doing everything I can to advance those relationships. Since the beginning of 2016, we have hosted over 30 high ranking delegations from Africa including President of Mozambique and the VP of Nigeria. In fact, we just have a large African population in the city of Houston which helps us to be the most diverse city in the United States of America… We have a large Nigerian population in the city.  This is an international city with an international flavor.  The African community is so very very important to the city and very important to me.  In large part, I would not be here without the support that I received. I want to thank all of you. We want to do everything we can to advance our mutual interest. I look forward to building on this day, more and more and more.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner read the proclamation and noted “Whereas Houston has been enriched by the presence and contributions of citizens of African descent, and it is appropriate that we recognize their important role in the cultural, civic role and commercial life of our city. Whereas on May 25, 1963, representatives of 32 African nations convened a conference for the foundation of the Organization of African Unity now known as the African Union which is celebrated in various countries on the African continent as well as around the world each year on May 25th.  Whereas the city of Houston is home to more than 61,000 African-born residents making up nearly 5 percent of our total foreign-born population.  Whereas May 25, 2017 will mark the 54th anniversary of the creation of the organization of the African Union. Houstonians will come together to celebrate the presence of the African diaspora, communities and emphasize Africa’s positive cultural and economic impact on our city as well as raise awareness about the importance of intellectual dialogue, diversity and inclusion. Whereas Houstonians are honored to commemorate this occasion and express best wishes for the prosperity and success of African-born Houstonians in years to come.  Therefore I, Sylvester Turner, Mayor – City of Houston, hereby proclaim May 25th, 2017 as Africa Day.”

Senior city officials from the Mayor’s Office in attendance included Marvalette Hunter (Mayor’s Chief of Staff), Darian Ward (Interim Director of Communications), Andy Icken (Chief Development Officer), Deborah McNulty (Director, Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs), Janice Weaver (Director, Community Affairs), Matthew Shailer (Director, Mayor’s Office of Trade and International Affairs), Nike B. Luqman (City of Houston, Consular Affairs and International Partnerships Manager), among others.

Elected officials at the event included Amanda Edwards (Houston Council woman), Karla Cisneros (Houston City Council Member – District H), Jack Christie (Houston City Council Position 5), Sr. Lucombo Joaquim Luveia (Vice Counsel of Angola) and Jerry Davis (Vice Mayor Pro-Tem).  Moreover, representatives from Houston’s educational sector included Dr. Malachi Crawford (University of Houston, African American Studies Program), Dr. Lucy Ojode (Prof of Bus Admin, Texas Southern University), Natashia Clarke (Harmony Public Schools), law students from Thurgood Marshall School of Law, etc.

African Fashion Week Houston hosted a fashion show preview featuring fashion models showcasing African-inspired designs from Kimma Wreh (TeKay Designs – Liberia, West Africa), Annette Njau (House of Takura – Sierra Leone), Lillian Malit (Culturally Yours – Kenya), and AskDetola (Nigeria).

View more pictures of the event:

Story by Excel Global Media Group Director: Kimma Wreh
Photos by Excel Photographer: Christina Brown
Excel TV Co-Host: Mariam Moore

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