OH WHAT A NIGHT!
African Diaspora for Change thanks each and every person that joined us for the African Diaspora Inaugural Ball on Sunday, January 18, 2009 at the Harman Center for the Arts. From Angelique Kidjo's soulful rendition of "Malaika", and Congressman Payne's engaging remarks, to Baroness Amos' engaging speech and Les Nubians electrifying performance—the evening was one to remember. See below for some of the evening's highlights. Change has come...
IF YOU ATTENDED THE BALL, WE'D LOVE TO GET YOUR FEEDBACK. CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT OUR QUICK SURVEY.
Photographs courtesy of Jati Lindsay and Rebecca Bailey
The evening began with the inspired drumming of Batala who gave the audience a preview of the excitement that was to come.
Mbuutu followed with drumming and East African traditional dances that had the audience on their feet.
The beautiful Tracey Neale, looking elegant in her copper ensemble, was the consummate Mistress of Ceremonies.
 
Lesoles Dance Company danced with all the pride and strength of the Zulu.
Angelique Kidjo poses with our Honorary Host Committee members and ADC organizers.
Baroness Valerie Amos shared how she, and the world, had watched with bated breath as the elections proceeded, and how proud they were that Barack Obama had been elected. In her words, "...he's our president too!" While Her Excellency Amina Salum Ali shared the hope that the world now shares with America.
 
Congressman Donald M. Payne and Dr. Witney Schneidman both expressed their pride and gratefulness for African Diaspora for Change's help in galvanizing communities and getting them out to vote.
 
Angelique Kidjo came out and shared her unmatched talent with a powerful rendition of “Malaika” that had the audience sitting in awed silence. She shared her passion for educating girls and her reason for starting the Batonga Foundation. 
Octavia Jackson from First Book presented 10,000 books to the Batonga Foundation and Angelique Kidjo did what can only be described as a very happy dance.
 
Seward B. Cooper and Julian B. Kiganda of the African Diaspora for Change Executive Committee thanked everyone who came out to support the cause and shared their sentiments that the organization's work has just begun. The ADC Organizing Committee celebrates a successful Inaugural Ball after seven weeks of hard work.
 
Belo played the acoustic guitar and sang in his unforgettable voice.
Les Nubians took the stage with special guest, Darrin Henson of Soul Food/Stomp the Yard fame, and closed out a phenomenal night of entertainment, inspiration and enjoyment.
Overall, the ball was a class act with an inspirational message and a great cause. ADC will be sending out more information soon about how you can become involved with the organization and attend upcoming ADC events. In the meantime, mark your calendars for 2010 when we bring you an even bigger and better African Diaspora Ball...
MEDIA
Visit the following links to see media coverage on the ball:
• allafrica.com
• State Department
• Vox Genesis TV
• Black Tree TV
OUR WEB SITE
Log on to our web site, www.AD4change.org for more information about African Diaspora for Change.
KUDOS! (What people are saying about the ball)
"Just wanted to say GREAT JOB! I had a great time and was really inspired by all the guests (nothing like being entertained and inspired at the same time)."
"Thank you for including the Batonga Foundation in the beautiful African Diaspora Inaugural Ball! It was truly a remarkable evening, full of inspiration, energy and hope for the future. Congratulations on pulling together such a wonderful group and program."
"It was Excellent!! Well Done!!"
"Thank you inviting me...I had a great time and wish to be apart of any new projects you have in mind for the future."
"Thank you! The ball was a wonderful event–very well done. I hope there is a lot more to come for African Diaspora for Change as we begin living in the Obama Era and I definitely hope to get more involved."
"Kudos... I and all of my friends had a fabulous time Sunday night. I can't say it enough, the event was beautiful and inspirational."
"Thank you so much for a wonderful time last night...Thank you for a wonderful evening."
"The ball was so well done and truly delivered, because we had a ball!!!"
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
We appreciate the support of the following organizations in helping to make the Ball a success:
  
   
  
 
  
MORE PICTURES FROM THE BALL
 
 
 
 
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