AAI’s 37th Annual Awards Gala

The Africa-America Institute (AAI) will hold its 37th Annual Awards Gala Tuesday, September 21, 2021.  This year’s virtual event will stream here on AAI’s website at 1 p.m. EST/5 p.m. GMT and 6 p.m. EST/10 p.m. GMT.

As always, the Awards Gala will emphasize AAI’s focus on improving education in and about Africa. But this year, we’ll also commemorate the spirit of Interdependence.  As the global pandemic has demonstrated, the strength and power of our global relationships are crucial in times of crisis and achievement.  Every nation’s value, relevance, and success are intimately linked to, and fortified by, its connections to other nations, individuals, and institutions, regardless of industry, sector, or time zone.

Our 2021 honorees exemplify the spirit of collaboration and represent the innovation and resilience that are borne of Interdependence.  This year, we’ll recognize:

  • The People of the Republic of Malawi, to be accepted by His Excellency Lazarus Chakwera, President of the Republic of Malawi
  • World Health Organization (WHO) | Regional Office for Africa, to be accepted by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa
  • The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to be accepted by Dr. John N. Nkengasong, Director
  • Ablade Glover, Ghanaian Painter, Educator and AAI Alumnus

Additionally, we’ll mark the 60th anniversary of the landmark African Scholarship Program of American Universities (ASPAU), and we’ll explore the impact of other crucial AAI initiatives.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the many ways in which global partnerships have helped us all find moments of positivity in the face of adversity. 

For more information and sponsorship opportunities regarding this year’s Awards Gala, please contact AAI’s Chief Development Officer, Jourden Warren, via email at jwarren@aaionline.org or by phone at (646) 645-7286.

About This Year’s Event

This year’s AAI Awards Gala will be hosted virtually to ensure the health and safety of all attendees and comply with local, state, and federal health guidelines.  AAI’s global network of partners and supporters will have two opportunities to stream the event, at 1 p.m. EST/5 p.m. GMT and 6 p.m. EST/10 p.m. GMT.

About the AAI Awards Gala

Since 1984, the AAI Annual Awards Gala has served as New York City’s most anticipated Africa-centered event.  Held during the United Nations General Assembly, the Gala convenes Heads of State, diplomats, domestic and international government officials, philanthropists, business leaders, journalists, and scholars to showcase African excellence.


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