5th Annual African
Leadership Conference
August 1 & 2 | In-person and Virtual
August 3rd | African Cultural Bus Tour
5th Annual African Leadership Conference
We are delighted to extend our warmest invitation to the upcoming 5th National African Leadership Conference, scheduled to take place from August 1st to 2nd, 2024. The venue for this significant gathering will be the InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront Hotel.
The conference aims to provide a platform for meaningful dialogue and engagement on critical issues affecting African immigrant communities in the United States. With both plenary sessions and three breakout sessions, the conference will cover a total of 14 topics that hold vital importance for our communities.
The day after the conference, on August 3rd, we are thrilled to offer an African Immigrant Cultural Experience Bus Tour. To showcase leaders close-to-home we offer an exclusive Bus tour of the vibrant African businesses in St. Paul (Little Africa), Minneapolis, Brooklyn park and Brooklyn center. Please note that the tour is on a paid, first-come, first-serve basis.
August 1 & 2 - 5th Annual African Leadership Conference (9 am- 4 pm CT)
August 3rd - African Minnesotan Cultural Experience Bus Tour (3 pm- 7 pm CT)
August 4th - Little Africa Parade & Festival (Noon - 6 pm CT)
Gain African Immigrant Community
With a focus of the Conference on African Immigrants and leadership, the space is perfect to strengthen African community locally, virtually, and globally. Hear African Immigrant leaders in business, government, and nonprofit talk about their paths and lessons learned. See 2023 pictures of our Conference.
Learn Leadership Skills
Leadership guides the future. The
Conference hosted sessions on leadership roles in youth, business owners, and women. Here experts in their fields share advice on developing skills to be strong leaders.
Join Like Minds
The conference is a place to share and learn from African community leaders. On Friday, August 2nd we will announce the winners of the Lifetime Achievement Awards. In its 4rd year, AEDS celebrates individuals who have displayed leadership throughout their lives. See the 2023 winners!
2024 Quarterly Forums
Quarter 1: Building a Shared Black Identity: Exploring common experiences of African Americans & African Immigrant communities
February 21, 2024 | 11 am - 1 pm CT | 1 pm - 3 pm ET
For the first forum of 2024, we will talk about the shared black identity in connection with black history month. Join us we discuss how the path of African Immigrant combines with the lived experience of African Americans. Speakers and moderators will discuss expectations, realities, and shared community-building in America.
Moderator - Dr. Fatima T. Lawson, Ph.D.
Speakers - Dr. Martin Mungwa | Dr. Joseph Mbele | Hamil Douglas
Quarter 2: Fostering Economic Empowerment: Culturally Appropriate Business Development & Technical Assistance for African Immigrant Communities
April 17, 2024 | 11 am - 1 pm CT | 1 pm - 3 pm ET
The discussion will explore the perspectives of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), business owners, and policymakers, shedding light on the nuanced approaches required to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by African immigrant communities in the realm of business and economic development.