TUKOLE Celebrates the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US
Introduction:
At TUKOLE, we believe in the power of collaboration and community, especially when it comes to fostering positive change. Today, we are thrilled to celebrate a significant development that aligns with our mission to empower the African diaspora community in the United States. It's the establishment of the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US, an initiative that holds immense promise for our community.
A Bridge of Connection and Collaboration
The President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US is a testament to the value of connecting and collaborating across borders. It signifies a renewed commitment from the U.S. government to strengthen ties between the African diaspora and the nation.
Understanding the African Diaspora in the US
The African diaspora in the United States is a rich tapestry, encompassing African Americans and African immigrants. It's a community that has deep historical roots and has contributed significantly to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of the nation.
This diverse group includes descendants of enslaved Black Americans, as well as African immigrants who have come to the U.S. in pursuit of opportunities and the American dream. Together, they have played a pivotal role in advocating for the prosperity of the African continent and have strengthened the unique relationship between the United States and Africa.
The Advisory Council's Mission
The President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US, in accordance with Executive Order 14089, comprises up to 12 members appointed by the Secretary of State. These members represent the diversity of the African diaspora, hailing from African American communities across the United States and African immigrant communities spanning the continent and the Caribbean.
The council brings together individuals who have excelled in various fields, including government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. Their collective expertise and experiences position them to provide invaluable guidance aimed at reinforcing cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa. Additionally, they will actively promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and the African continent.
Our Leaders: (members of this team that either reside in Texas or are of Ugandan origin )
Rev. Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman (Chair):
Reverend Dr. Silvester Scott Beaman has been appointed as the Chair of the Council. He is noted for his extensive experience and deep roots in Africa, which uniquely position him to lead the Council effectively.
Reverend Beaman brings a wealth of knowledge and connections that can be instrumental in achieving the Council's mission of strengthening ties between the U.S. and Africa.
Ham Serunjogi:
Ham Serunjogi is the Co-founder and CEO of Chipper Cash, a prominent African fintech company.
As CEO, Ham leads the company's overall direction and strategy, and under his leadership, Chipper Cash has raised significant venture capital funding and reached a valuation of over $2 billion.
Ham's background includes work at Meta (formerly Facebook) in their Dublin, Ireland office, managing relationships with some of Facebook's top advertisers.
He is a graduate of Grinnell College with a Bachelor's Degree in Economics and serves on the Board of Trustees of his alma mater, where he plays a role in overseeing the college's endowment.
Ham has received numerous accolades, including being named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the finance category.
Chinenye "Chiney" Ogwumike
Chinenye "Chiney" Ogwumike is a two-time WNBA All-Star for the Los Angeles Sparks and is actively engaged in the sports and media industry.
She is a proud first-generation Nigerian-American and was born in Cypress, Texas.
Chiney has excelled both on and off the basketball court, graduating from Stanford University with an International Relations degree under the mentorship of Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
During her time at Stanford, she led the team to three Final Fours and received numerous academic honors, including being named the 2014 Capital One Academic All-American of the Year.
Chiney Ogwumike has been recognized as the 2014 WNBA Rookie of the Year and is a two-time WNBA All-Star (2014, 2018).
She also served as the vice president of the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) from 2018 to 2022, playing a significant role in negotiating the groundbreaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement.
Chiney has made significant contributions in sports media, becoming one of the youngest national sports studio analysts and hosting a national sports-talk radio show.
The Power of Collaboration
What excites us the most about this initiative is its emphasis on collaboration over competition. Just as TUKOLE believes that collective effort leads to greater success, the Advisory Council recognizes the strength that comes from working together. By fostering dialogue and partnerships, this Council is poised to make a real and lasting impact.
TUKOLE's Commitment
TUKOLE fully supports the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US. We believe that this initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower and uplift our community. We look forward to seeing the positive changes and opportunities it will bring to the African diaspora in the United States and the broader African community.
Get Involved
If you're passionate about collaborating, building connections, and creating positive change within the African diaspora community, we encourage you to engage with TUKOLE and explore opportunities to support and contribute to initiatives like the President's Advisory Council. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community and make our voices heard on the global stage.
In closing, let's celebrate the launch of the President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the US and embrace the exciting possibilities it holds for our community. Together, we can achieve greatness and create a legacy of collaboration, progress, and unity.
