40th Awards Gala
Honoring the Legacy of President Geingob
H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia and H.E. Monica Geingos, former First Lady of the Republic of Namibia
A poignant moment of the evening was a special tribute to the late H.E. Hage Geingob, former President of the Republic of Namibia and AAI Alumnus. Heartfelt remarks were offered by H.E. Mokgweetsi Masisi, President of Botswana; H.E. Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia; and H.E. Monica Geingos, former First Lady of the Republic of Namibia, honoring Geingob's legacy and contributions to African leadership.
AAI had a long and lasting relationship with the late President. Having participated in AAI’s Southern African Student Program, President Geingob earned a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University in 1970 and a master’s in international relations from the New School in 1974. A champion of education in Namibia and across the African continent, he was a committed friend and ally of AAI and its mission to bridge Africa and its diasporas in the Americas by educating people and connecting worlds. In 2015, AAI had the distinct pleasure of presenting His Excellency with our Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Alumnus Award.
The Gala tribute included a video presentation featuring AAI’s Director of Alumni Engagement & Storyteller in Residence, Kwesi Amoak, performing an original spoken word tribute titled “Papa ‘Omake’ Geingob”:
“ǀHomǃgāgu ge ǀhomǀgawib ai mâ tsî “Oahā” ti mî ra ǂgai
(The Angels are singing in the heavens and are calling you back home)
Like the sun,
You, a son of a farmer arose,
From the Otjiwarongo and Damara heritage,
through education
to become a blazing star
a leader, a teacher,
not only for the people of the Land of the Brave,
but as an inspiration beyond the grave
for your bravehearted
comrades, near and far
and generations unborn.
ǀHomǃgāgu ge ǀhomǀgawib ai mâ tsî “Oahā” ti mî ra ǂgai
A true hero now resting at the Heroes’ Acre,
In the realm of the ancestors,
You watch over us,
Guiding our paths,
That we may continue to light the
Ancestral Fire.
to ignite and unite
all who strive for justice,
ǀHomǃgāgu ge ǀhomǀgawib ai mâ tsî “Oahā” ti mî ra ǂgai
Papa Hage Geingob,
Since you made your transition seven moons ago,
We know in our hearts you’ve been urging us on
to move forward, holding hands together
In companionship, in unity,
Towards a community and truly sustainable futures
not only for a few,
but for the good of all.
Omake!! Omake! Omake.”
