70th Anniversary Gala

September 19th, 2023

Cipriani 42nd Street, New York City

In 2023, AAI is celebrating its 70th year of enriching the social fabric of humanity by connecting students and leaders across sectors, facilitating access to reliable information about Africa, and transforming the way we understand Africa and its worldwide diaspora. To mark this momentous milestone, AAI hosted its 70th Anniversary Gala in New York City – A celebration of our most prominent Alumni, including those who are currently sitting Heads of State, our historic programs, partners and future direction.

Gala Program

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FEATURING

Hosted By:

BOZOMA SAINT JOHN
Hall of Fame Inducted Marketing Executive, Author, and Entrepreneur
Performance By:

ALICIA OLATUJA
Critically Acclaimed Jazz & Gospel Vocalist, Composer, and Teacher
Poetry Reading By:

DONOVAN BECK
Storyteller & Narrative Architect, Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT

HONORING

Business Leadership Award

DEBRA LEE
BET CEO Emeritus, Author of "I AM DEBRA LEE" and founder of Leading Women Defined
Corporate Responsibility Award

MTN GROUP
Accepted by Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO
Legacy of Teaching Africa & Excellence Award

EVELYN JONES RICH
Activist, Scholar, Educator, and Author
Philanthropic Impact Award

THE CONRAD N. HILTON FOUNDATION
Accepted by Peter Laugharn, President and CEO

PRESIDENTIAL FIRESIDE

H.E. Dr. Hage Geingob

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF NAMIBIA
Alumnus of AAI’s Southern African Student Program
H.E. Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi

PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA
2022 AAI Awards Gala Honoree
With Moderator:

JENNIFER ZABASAJJA
Correspondent and Anchor, Bloomberg TV and Quicktake