Afrik Impact 2024, embracing its theme of “Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Continents,” proved to be a well-attended, energetic success, highlighting the African Leadership Group’s work and its expanding influence.
The celebration featured seven wide-ranging, major events spanning four weeks. There were spirited cultural celebrations, a forum on international business opportunities, an education forum and, of course, the capstone event, the annual fundraising gala. Below you will find brief descriptions and links to videos and photo galleries of each event.
Afrik Impact was enriched by the presence of a large delegation – about 50 people – of dignitaries and businesspeople from Senegal, most of whom spent an extended period of time in Denver, attending events and touring various medical facilities and businesses, as well as Denver International Airport.
Youth Empowerment and Education Forum
Held on July 26 at the Denver Botanic Gardens’ Mitchell Hall, this forum celebrated ALG’s work with youth, including tutoring programs and youth empowerment initiatives. It also featured the awarding of youth scholarships, and a youth-led discussion on pressing educational issues affecting our communities.
You can view a gallery of photos from the forum here
Angelique Kidjo Concert
On August 7, five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo performed at the Denver Botanic Gardens. Kidjo is one of the greatest artists in international music today, a creative force with 16 albums to her name.
As a performer, her striking voice, stage presence and fluency in multiple cultures and languages have won respect from her peers and expanded her following across national borders. Kidjo has cross-pollinated the West African traditions of her childhood in Benin with elements of American R&B, funk and jazz, as well as influences from Europe and
Latin America. She was joined by acclaimed Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello.
You can watch a video about the concert embedded below. And view photos of the event here.
Community Cultural Celebration & Concert in partnership with the Arvada Center
For the second consecutive year, ALG brought international recording star Baaba Maal to Colorado to highlight the Afrik Impact celebration. Baaba performed at the Arvada Center on Saturday, August 10 before a packed house.
Preceding the concert was a free community cultural event at the Arvada Center, featuring a fashion show and booths displaying various wares. You can see a photo gallery from the day here, and the concert videos are embedded below.
Business Investment Forum
A daylong series of workshops and presentations focused on the benefits of international business relationships, ALG’s Business Investment Forum on Wednesday, August 14 at the Denver Botanic Gardens was a highlight of Afrik Impact.
Speakers included former Senegalese Consul General Elhadji Amadou Ndao, former Denver mayor Michael Hancock, and Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington. Members of the Senegalese delegation attended the forum, as did several business owners from across Colorado. See a gallery of photos from the forum here. An embedded video of the event can be viewed below.
Ninth Annual Gala
Afrik Impact always ends with a rousing good time at the annual gala, and this year was no exception. Hundreds of people dressed to impress gathered under the big tent outdoors at the Denver Botanic Gardens on Saturday, August 17. The gala raised more than $250,000 for ALG, including $35,000 during the paddle-raise at the dinner. The gala also featured impactful speeches from Papa Dia, former DaVita CEO Kent Thiry, and a poem recited by poet Theo Wilson.
See a gallery of photos from the gala here. Videos of key speeches as well as a longer video of the event are embedded below.
Once again, ALG would like to thank our sponsors, donors, members of the Senegalese delegation, and everyone else who attended Afrik Impact 2024. You all helped make it a tremendous success, as well as a good time.
