Inside Experience Africa 2023

Experience Africa 2023 successfully held its inaugural conference and festival, celebrating the rich heritage of the African and Caribbean diaspora at American University Washington College of Law.

The sold-out event, presented by The Voice of Africa, a prominent multicultural media organization, attracted a diverse, engaged, set of attendees from around the globe. Patrons came together to harness the collective power of Pan-Africanism through thought-provoking panel discussions, networking, captivating arts and culture showcases, economic empowerment, and cuisine.

Chardelle Moore and Voice of America's Jackson Mvungany served as the gracious hosts for the event. Esteemed speakers, including Secretary Kimberly A. Bassett from the Executive Office of the Mayor of the District of Columbia, and Natalee S. Snider, the Executive Director of the Mayor's Office on Caribbean Community Affairs, added their valuable insights. The lineup also featured Allyson Browne McKithen, Vice President of International Programs at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, as well as the Executive Director of the World Trade Center Washington, DC, Emad Shoeb, and other distinguished guests, such as Swahili Village's Chief Operating Officer.

Attendees were treated to an interactive global marketplace featuring Embassy participation from various nations, including Cote D’Ivoire, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mozambique, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, and Zambia.

The fashion show produced by GSFAA, showcasing works from TrufacebyGrace, Tobi’s Fab Stitches, and Charlie’s MUB Couture, stood out as one of the event's main highlights.

Notably, proceeds from the event directly benefit the Fathers Haven Foundation, which provides essential care and support to 54 orphans in Africa.

To learn more about Experience Africa, click here.

Photography by Patricia McDougall