The University of British Columbia
Robson Square
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Africans in BC Town Hall: How the African diaspora can contribute to the development of the continent
December 17, 2022
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
at UBC Robson Square (map)
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 874 1219 7455
Passcode: 697800
About the Event
Explore how members of the African diaspora in British Columbia can contribute to the development of the continent. The event will bring together members of the African community in BC to discuss ways in which they can use their skills, knowledge, and resources to support the growth and progress of African countries. It will be an opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the continent, and to brainstorm ideas for how to make a positive impact. Whether you’re an African immigrant, a member of the African diaspora, or simply someone who is interested in supporting the development of Africa, we invite you to join us for this important and timely event.
Please note that this is a hybrid event and we have limited spots available for in-person participation. Register now to save your spot!
Keynote Speaker
Adaeze Oputa-Anu is a non-profit professional, leader and community organizer. She has years of experience in program development, non-profit management, fundraising and sustainability. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of Vancouver Eastside Educational Enrichment Society (VEEES). This grassroots non-profit organization advocates for and supports marginalized, equity-seeking, and vulnerable people as they break down barriers to finding and keeping employment.
As a person who is committed to women-centred programs that fill a gap in grass-roots-generated intersectional approaches to employment programming and in particular programming for young Black women. Adaeze serves on the board of directors for Thrive 4 Blacks Community Service Organization and volunteers as a program director for Black Women Connect Vancouver where she created the Empowered Black Girl program in partnership with the BWCV executive team to provide representation and informal mentorship to Black girls in Lower mainland Vancouver.
*Please note that Comfort Sakoma is no longer a keynote speaker.
Panelists
Lama Mugabo is a community planner with a passion in social food security, climate and economic development. He is the founding director for BBR – Building Bridges with Rwanda, a non-profit organization that promotes Rwanda’s sustainable development projects in Rwanda. In Canada, BBR engages local audiences in Canada in understanding the Rwandan development model through dialogue and learning exchange workshops. In 2019, Building Bridges with Rwanda joined hands with Hogan’s Alley Society and the Institute for African Diaspora Research and Engagement to launch Remember Rwanda 25 Year Legacy Project, at SFU. RR25 LP will lead a reflection tour to Rwanda every summer and organize a bi-annual conference on Rwanda Development Model. Lama uses storytelling as a community planning tool to understand the problems and work collectively to find lasting solutions. Learn more about Lama Mugabo’s work here.
Jacky Yenga (aka Jacky Essombe) is originally from Cameroon, Central Africa, grew up in Yaoundé and Paris, and now lives in Vancouver, BC. She is the Executive and Artistic Director of the African Friendship Society, the founder of the Spirit of the Village Global Movement, a Performer, a Best-Selling Author, a TEDx Speaker and an enthusiastic Ambassador for the Wisdom of Africa and their healing message of Friendship, Joy and Forgiveness.
Kimani Karangu is a PhD Candidate at the UBC Faculty of Education. He is currently the President of the Kenyan Community in British Columbia and sits as a member of the City of Vancouver’s Black and African Diaspora Communities Advisory Committee. In Kenya, he was a former school principal and served as the District Deputy Chairperson of Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association. In his free time, he volunteers as a co-host for the African Vibes show at Vancouver Coop Radio CFRO 100.5FM.
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