Marcus Garvey resurrects at 1st Africa Diaspora World Tourism Award •As Gov Mimiko, Aregbesola, Akpabio, Runsewe bag awards
Written by Wale Ojo-Lanre reporting from Atlanta Georgia
Wednesday, 08 May 2013 00:00
THE fire of black nationalism and instilling of confidence in Africans as the most noble race in the world was re- kindled again in the hearts of hundreds of Africans Americans who came from all walks of life to witness the grand finale of the first African Diaspora World Tourism Award held at Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel on Saturday 27 April, 2013.
The award ceremony which was the icing of the cake of a three-day event organised by African DiasporaTourism .com and AD King Foundation in memory of Marcus Garvey, the mercurial African American social crusader and to commend and appreciate Africans who have made and making giant steps at enhancing and protecting the cultural heritage and the tourism potentialities of the black race.
The whole package of the event was wrapped and couched with events which burrowed into the historical past of African – American with nostalgia of a proud past, wonderful present and glorious future.
Pointer to this was the formal opening ceremony held at the centre dedicated to the Kings’ family, Martin Luther King Jr and his younger brother, AD King, at Auburn Avenue, Historical Fire Station No 6 Museum, King Centre on Friday 26, April 2013.
It was one of the most glorious congregations of the Africans Americans as they mingled with their kinsmen from Ghana , Republic of Benin, Kenya, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal.
The venue of this welcome and meet reception was inspiring as the guests were conducted round the venue where they were able to acquaint themselves of the legendary travails and triumph of their forebears in America.
Dr Babs Onabanjo, a Nigerian who is the President of AD King Foundation and Centre built in the memory of the younger brother of Martin Luther King Jnr and Kitty Pope, Promoter, AfricanDiasporaTourism.com, made every detail of the black passion influence in America available and packaged the evening with abundance of African cuisine and cultural performance featuring cultural groups from West Africa, Ghana, Republic of Benin and Jamaica.
Mrs Naomi King, the wife of AD King, in her welcome speech spoke on the advantage of being black.
“This is a great moment the good Lord has reserved for the blacks all over the world to meet and share of the glory of their past. I am proud to be black. It is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
She continued: “I am happy for this event. I am happy by the attendance from all over the globe. I am happy that the black all over the world are still proud of their skin. I am proud that the blacks have shown the world that knowledge, accomplishment and greatness are not a matters of the colour of the skin. I am proud of you all. Welcome to the King Centre. Welcome to your home. Welcome to the First Africans Diaspora World Tourism Award events.”
The event was freshened up by the spectacular performances of Sharon Parris Chambers, who came all the way from Jamaica. Sharon rendered soulful songs sandwiched with deep thought of where the blacks were coming from and where they are heading to. She read some lines of her poems Rose of Sharon and extolled the virtues of being black and proud.
Her performance was reinforced by the brilliant rendition of Coach Reverend Kennneth Woods who solemnly employed the powerful influence of poetic rhythm inspired the guests with his “Being Black” songs which reinforced the fact that God is the God of the black man and being black is an opportunity and grace from the creator.
Wood traced the chain of creation, the establishment of good order, prosperity of the soul, mind and spirit and the abundance of good things on the face of the earth to “being black.”
Woods rendition was well cultivated which earned for him a standing ovation and wild applause from the Africans – Americans who struggled hard not only to congratulate but to have photograph with him.
The children too were not relegated to the background as the organisers ensured that they were not only present, but fully participated as one of them too rendered a song and read off hand a poem tasking the young ones not to forget their roots.
Africana Extravaganza Cultural Show showcased rich cultural heritage of Africa to the admiration and appreciation of the African Americans.
The packaging of the reception by the African-American in a purely African way and ethos impressed the first Oba of the Diaspora His Royal Majesty, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi, Oriade I, Atlanta Georgia to have remarked “ No black man will not be proud of his ancestry with this performance and event tonight. This has imbued in us the spirit of making further steps in our effort here at preservation of our culture, values, ethos and norms.”
Unveiling ADWTA Hall of Fame and Africana Exhibition
If the event and show held at the King Centre by the organisers of the award the previous day was exciting, the line up on Saturday 27 April, 2013 at the Crowne Hotel and subsequent Gala Nite at the Atlanta Airport Marriott were just thrilling and excellent.
As early as 11 am, the Crowne Airport Hotel, Virginia’s lobby has been filled up by African-Americans who came to be partakers and participant of the unveiling of ADWT Hall of Fame and the Travel Expo.
And behold, at 12 noon, at Crowne Airport Hotel, in a luncheon setting, the names of 100 black Africans who have contributed immeasurably in enhancing the heritage, culture and tourism potentialities of the black man were announced sequentially with their deeds and acts.
Out of these 100 men who have dignified and distinguished themselves, Nigeria was lucky to have six men, each in different category – late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Governors Segun Mimiko, Ondo, Babtunde Fashola, Lagos, Rauf Aregbesola, Osun and Goodswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Mr. Keechi Uno.
The event was rounded off by the visit to the African Travel Exhibition where African tourism sellers and buyers met and networked for business.
The Award Nite
The excitement of the afternoon event at the Crowne Airport Hotel was rolled over to the prestigious Atlanta Airport, Marriott where the grande finale of the programme – the award ceremony was held. The hall, one of the Ball Rooms in the hotel was touched lavishly in African taste to blend with the theme of the event.
The roll call was impressive, Mrs. Naomi King, Mr Joe Beasley, Civil Rights Leader, Dr Ewart Brown former Premier of Bermuda, Honourable Percy A. Paris, Canadian Minister of Tourism, Jean-Michael Abimbola, Republic of Benin Tourism Minister, Salif Bardine, Representative John Lewis, chairman of the congressional task force that led to the prominent placement of two plaques in the visitor’s centre of the U.S. Capitol acknowledging contributions of slave labour. He co-wrote the legislation authorising the Martin Luther King, Jnr. National Memorial. Lewis, Dr. Amey Bailey, Donisha Marley, Dr Julius Garvey, grandson of Marcus Garvey, Governor Olusegun Mimiko represented by Mrs. Remi Duyile, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, also represented by Mr Oladipo Soyode, Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture, Mr Ogo Sow, Sharon Parris Chambers, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, represented by Mr Akin Onipede and the Oba of Africa Diaspora, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi Oriade I, Atlanta and many distinguished African Americans .
The mistress of ceremony, who is the face of Atlanta, Monica Kaufman Pearsons, winner of 30 Emmys added glamour and brilliantly compered the ceremony with style and panache which made her the first African American woman to present a Programme on Atlanta Radio.
The top of the day was the re-enactment of the great speech of Marcus Garvey by Rob Bob Semple, who was dressed in the knighthood outfit which was late Garvey’s identity, and who also has the physical resemblance of the late activist, spoke in high pitch, hollered, gesticulated, punched the air, furious and stamped his feet on the floor exactly like Garvey.
He spilled off hand the famous Garvey speech which urged the blacks to become firm and resolute in ascertaining that the colour of the skin has nothing to do with quality of mental product and interaction.
Summing up the three – day package, Mr Onipede, who represented Otunba Runsewe said “The three – day events and programmes have been one of the finest hours of the black people all over the world in USA. The organisers did their homework well and achieved the aims of the award which was to stoke the fire of relationship among the African Americans and their kith and all over the world. The venue, the theme and the delivery were apt, good and on point despite being the first of its kind.
Prince Nekan Olateru- Olagbegi , Mrs Remi Duyile representing Ondo State Governor Dr Segun Mimiko and Dr Babs Onabanjo ,President AD King Foundation , Atlanta Georgia , presenting the Award.
Written by Wale Ojo-Lanre reporting from Atlanta Georgia
Wednesday, 08 May 2013 00:00
THE fire of black nationalism and instilling of confidence in Africans as the most noble race in the world was re- kindled again in the hearts of hundreds of Africans Americans who came from all walks of life to witness the grand finale of the first African Diaspora World Tourism Award held at Atlanta Airport Marriott Hotel on Saturday 27 April, 2013.
The award ceremony which was the icing of the cake of a three-day event organised by African DiasporaTourism .com and AD King Foundation in memory of Marcus Garvey, the mercurial African American social crusader and to commend and appreciate Africans who have made and making giant steps at enhancing and protecting the cultural heritage and the tourism potentialities of the black race.
The whole package of the event was wrapped and couched with events which burrowed into the historical past of African – American with nostalgia of a proud past, wonderful present and glorious future.
Pointer to this was the formal opening ceremony held at the centre dedicated to the Kings’ family, Martin Luther King Jr and his younger brother, AD King, at Auburn Avenue, Historical Fire Station No 6 Museum, King Centre on Friday 26, April 2013.
It was one of the most glorious congregations of the Africans Americans as they mingled with their kinsmen from Ghana , Republic of Benin, Kenya, Canada, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Jamaica, Brazil, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal.
The venue of this welcome and meet reception was inspiring as the guests were conducted round the venue where they were able to acquaint themselves of the legendary travails and triumph of their forebears in America.
Dr Babs Onabanjo, a Nigerian who is the President of AD King Foundation and Centre built in the memory of the younger brother of Martin Luther King Jnr and Kitty Pope, Promoter, AfricanDiasporaTourism.com, made every detail of the black passion influence in America available and packaged the evening with abundance of African cuisine and cultural performance featuring cultural groups from West Africa, Ghana, Republic of Benin and Jamaica.
Mrs Naomi King, the wife of AD King, in her welcome speech spoke on the advantage of being black.
“This is a great moment the good Lord has reserved for the blacks all over the world to meet and share of the glory of their past. I am proud to be black. It is the best thing that ever happened to me.”
She continued: “I am happy for this event. I am happy by the attendance from all over the globe. I am happy that the black all over the world are still proud of their skin. I am proud that the blacks have shown the world that knowledge, accomplishment and greatness are not a matters of the colour of the skin. I am proud of you all. Welcome to the King Centre. Welcome to your home. Welcome to the First Africans Diaspora World Tourism Award events.”
The event was freshened up by the spectacular performances of Sharon Parris Chambers, who came all the way from Jamaica. Sharon rendered soulful songs sandwiched with deep thought of where the blacks were coming from and where they are heading to. She read some lines of her poems Rose of Sharon and extolled the virtues of being black and proud.
Her performance was reinforced by the brilliant rendition of Coach Reverend Kennneth Woods who solemnly employed the powerful influence of poetic rhythm inspired the guests with his “Being Black” songs which reinforced the fact that God is the God of the black man and being black is an opportunity and grace from the creator.
Wood traced the chain of creation, the establishment of good order, prosperity of the soul, mind and spirit and the abundance of good things on the face of the earth to “being black.”
Woods rendition was well cultivated which earned for him a standing ovation and wild applause from the Africans – Americans who struggled hard not only to congratulate but to have photograph with him.
The children too were not relegated to the background as the organisers ensured that they were not only present, but fully participated as one of them too rendered a song and read off hand a poem tasking the young ones not to forget their roots.
Africana Extravaganza Cultural Show showcased rich cultural heritage of Africa to the admiration and appreciation of the African Americans.
The packaging of the reception by the African-American in a purely African way and ethos impressed the first Oba of the Diaspora His Royal Majesty, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi, Oriade I, Atlanta Georgia to have remarked “ No black man will not be proud of his ancestry with this performance and event tonight. This has imbued in us the spirit of making further steps in our effort here at preservation of our culture, values, ethos and norms.”
Unveiling ADWTA Hall of Fame and Africana Exhibition
If the event and show held at the King Centre by the organisers of the award the previous day was exciting, the line up on Saturday 27 April, 2013 at the Crowne Hotel and subsequent Gala Nite at the Atlanta Airport Marriott were just thrilling and excellent.
As early as 11 am, the Crowne Airport Hotel, Virginia’s lobby has been filled up by African-Americans who came to be partakers and participant of the unveiling of ADWT Hall of Fame and the Travel Expo.
And behold, at 12 noon, at Crowne Airport Hotel, in a luncheon setting, the names of 100 black Africans who have contributed immeasurably in enhancing the heritage, culture and tourism potentialities of the black man were announced sequentially with their deeds and acts.
Out of these 100 men who have dignified and distinguished themselves, Nigeria was lucky to have six men, each in different category – late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Governors Segun Mimiko, Ondo, Babtunde Fashola, Lagos, Rauf Aregbesola, Osun and Goodswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom. Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and Mr. Keechi Uno.
The event was rounded off by the visit to the African Travel Exhibition where African tourism sellers and buyers met and networked for business.
The Award Nite
The excitement of the afternoon event at the Crowne Airport Hotel was rolled over to the prestigious Atlanta Airport, Marriott where the grande finale of the programme – the award ceremony was held. The hall, one of the Ball Rooms in the hotel was touched lavishly in African taste to blend with the theme of the event.
The roll call was impressive, Mrs. Naomi King, Mr Joe Beasley, Civil Rights Leader, Dr Ewart Brown former Premier of Bermuda, Honourable Percy A. Paris, Canadian Minister of Tourism, Jean-Michael Abimbola, Republic of Benin Tourism Minister, Salif Bardine, Representative John Lewis, chairman of the congressional task force that led to the prominent placement of two plaques in the visitor’s centre of the U.S. Capitol acknowledging contributions of slave labour. He co-wrote the legislation authorising the Martin Luther King, Jnr. National Memorial. Lewis, Dr. Amey Bailey, Donisha Marley, Dr Julius Garvey, grandson of Marcus Garvey, Governor Olusegun Mimiko represented by Mrs. Remi Duyile, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, also represented by Mr Oladipo Soyode, Special Adviser on Tourism and Culture, Mr Ogo Sow, Sharon Parris Chambers, Chief Olusegun Runsewe, represented by Mr Akin Onipede and the Oba of Africa Diaspora, Oba Bernard Akinrimisi Oriade I, Atlanta and many distinguished African Americans .
The mistress of ceremony, who is the face of Atlanta, Monica Kaufman Pearsons, winner of 30 Emmys added glamour and brilliantly compered the ceremony with style and panache which made her the first African American woman to present a Programme on Atlanta Radio.
The top of the day was the re-enactment of the great speech of Marcus Garvey by Rob Bob Semple, who was dressed in the knighthood outfit which was late Garvey’s identity, and who also has the physical resemblance of the late activist, spoke in high pitch, hollered, gesticulated, punched the air, furious and stamped his feet on the floor exactly like Garvey.
He spilled off hand the famous Garvey speech which urged the blacks to become firm and resolute in ascertaining that the colour of the skin has nothing to do with quality of mental product and interaction.
Summing up the three – day package, Mr Onipede, who represented Otunba Runsewe said “The three – day events and programmes have been one of the finest hours of the black people all over the world in USA. The organisers did their homework well and achieved the aims of the award which was to stoke the fire of relationship among the African Americans and their kith and all over the world. The venue, the theme and the delivery were apt, good and on point despite being the first of its kind.
Prince Nekan Olateru- Olagbegi , Mrs Remi Duyile representing Ondo State Governor Dr Segun Mimiko and Dr Babs Onabanjo ,President AD King Foundation , Atlanta Georgia , presenting the Award.
