London, United Kingdom—Africa Day 2017 as celebrated by UPF-UK was a colorful and inspiring program of African speakers, music and foods.
The celebration was held at the UPF Peace Embassy in London on May 20. The audience came from all over the world, attracted maybe by Africa's color and enthusiasm. A video was shown of Africa Day being celebrated in New York with the former UN secretary-general, H.E. Ban Ki-moon. (Link to All Africa Day Videos)
The Speakers
Henri-Pierre Koubaka (Video Link), a journalist and project manager at Children's Radio Foundation, has traveled throughout Africa. In his current role he has visited the remote and dangerous conflict zones of Africa to train journalists so that the world knows what is happening. Despite many difficulties he found talented young journalists who have allowed their communities to heal through the chance to discuss their problems openly.
Tony Tokunbo Fernandez (Video Link) is an international award winner, published author and poet, events consultant, master of ceremonies and youth empowerment consultant. He is also the CEO of AFRICA4U and the founder of Africans in the Diaspora online Network.
Charlotte Simon, founder of the Mothers of Congo (Video Link), spoke of visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo again after many years, despite warnings that it might not be safe. Despite having many sad experiences there, she found hope in the spirit of the people she met and the inherent culture of the Congolese people that has never been suppressed by their suffering. She also prepared delicious Congolese food for the Africa Day celebration.
Ibrahim K. Asante, the chair of the Significant International Group (SIG) (Video Link) and founder of Significant International Training Systems (SITS), has assisted thousands of individuals and organizations to achieve their goals.
Simba Chioto (Video Link), a pan-Africanist video director and editor, writer and social humanitarian, has worked with several charitable organizations and is currently with ZimLink, an international organization that promotes culture exchange and empowering individuals through the use of media.
Live Israelah P. Chambo (Video Link) is a British talk show host, entrepreneur, fashion designer, hair and beauty stylist, photographer-stylist, producer, and Ambassador for Peace.
Tania Songini, a former finance director at Siemens specializing in energy, and Aliu Bello (Video Link), formerly of UNICEF, are both members of the UPF Sustainable Development Goals Committee.
Dr. Yehoeshahfaht Ben Israel is a researcher, policy advisor, community activist, media broadcaster and academic consultant. He is a representative of the Dr. Martin Luther King Institute for a New Humanity and the director of the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy’s Africa programs.