Editor’s note: This post will be updated as additional speakers send us their talking points. Keep checking back!
Afrik Impact, African Leadership Group’s major annual event, is almost upon us! Event sessions will look a bit different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, with some sessions virtual or a mix of in-person and virtual.
Still, the programs will be filled with useful information, and our Community Evening of Healing Aug. 22 at the Denver Botanic Gardens will allow some masked, socially-distanced interaction, as we stroll the gardens with family and friends for healing and restoration during the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19.
What is Afrik Impact?
With a focus on social, educational and economic impact, ALG hosts a major community event each year. The purpose of this event is to celebrate our collective accomplishments, recognize our community champions, and cast the vision for our next year of policy and advocacy work.
In addition, Afrik Impact is part of our public persuasion campaign to have the State of Colorado issue a proclamation to officially establish August as African Immigrant Month.
In all of this, we celebrate loud and proud, the positive impact of African people in Colorado and honor our contributions. This year’s theme is Empowering the Next Generation for Economic Impact—showcasing the role African immigrants play in the economy and highlighting the business opportunities that are available in the United States and internationally.
Here is more information about each session in chronological order:
Educational Forum
Date and time: Tuesday, Aug. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon. This event will be via ALG Zoom. See the full agenda here.
The education forum’s theme is Defining the Quality Education for our Children Post Covid-19 Era.
ALG strives to achieve educational impact for children of the African diaspora by advocating for improved public-school systems and accountability, greater pathways to higher education, and leadership development.
The Virtual Educational Forum will provide opportunities for parents, friends, and others to engage in a dialogue about how they can help their kids stay engaged in their education; speak to educators on how to navigate this new educational reality; and receive information about available resources.
Click here for the talking points each speaker will work from during the Educational Forum:
Business and Economic Summit
Date and time: Thursday, August 20 from 9 a.m. to noon. This event will be via ALG Zoom. See the full agenda here.
The business summit’s theme is How to Build a Sustainable, Winning and Competitive Business Culture Post Covid-19 Era.
This event provides attendees a unique opportunity to learn how to market your Colorado business domestically and internationally; gain access to business grants and loans; navigating legal issues and create sustainable growth.
This event also provides positive and prominent exposure to other civic leaders and elected officials within the state, across the country, and internationally. Participants become part of a network of dedicated and forward-looking professionals focused on becoming part of the solution while bridging the gap between the United States and Africa.
Click here for the talking points each speaker will work from during the Business and Economic Summit.
Community Evening of Healing
Date and time: Saturday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Location: Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St, Denver, CO 80206
See the full agenda here.
We will get together, wander the gardens with family and friends for healing and restoration during the unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19. Come enjoy an evening of live music, dance ensemble, and much more. Performances will take place in the outdoor amphitheater. Featured performers include:
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble
Djeneba Sako Dance Group
Carlou D, who is flying in from Senegal to perform live!
Please note that this free event requires a timed ticket from the Denver Botanic Gardens, which you will receive online when you register for the event. You can register here. Tickets are limited, so register soon! Face masks are required, and social distancing protocols will be enforced.
Additional information:
Dress Attire: Comfortable casual
Location: UMB Bank Amphitheater
Seating: Grass area | Bring your blankets
Food: You are welcomed to bring a picnic lunch/dinner
Drink: No outside alcohol allowed. ALG will be providing free beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Parking: Public parking garage between York Street and Josephine across from the Denver Botanic Gardens Visitor Center. It will fill up fast, so look around the Gardens for parking on the street).
NO ENTRY ALLOWED WITHOUT YOUR CONFIRMATION TICKET!
Who are our sponsors?
These events would not have been possible without generous support from many sponsors. You can see the full list, including sponsor logos, here.
