As part of celebration of strong ties between the governments of the United States of America and the African Union member states, the first edition of Black History Festivals (BHF) which is part of the black history month is set to come off from February 21 -25, in Washington DC, USA.

The maiden edition of the annual BHF events will be hosted at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Crystal City in Washington D.C.

The Festival is an opportunity to further celebrate the benefits of the exchange programs between the two bilateral partners including a common platform to commemorate the heritage, arts, culture, trade, leadership, and innovation of Africa in the history of the United States of America.

The BHF is aimed at further strengthening existing ties, building bridges, and aligning interests and is open for exhibitors from Africa and the USA to register to exhibit at $1,000 till February 18, 2022, to connect to the global market.

Taking into account the pandemic which has changed the structure of events, virtual exhibitors who may not be able travel to the US can exhibit their brands at a fee of $200 only.

Amongst the activities carefully crafted to give patrons an unforgettable experience include a one day high level diplomatic dialogue between government representatives of African Union member states based in us and young African Entrepreneurs.

Also, a 4 day ‘Made in Africa Expo’ also aims at promoting Africans in Diaspora and African services, products, brands, culture heritage (food, dance, music), technology and media.

With a special dialogue between African-American and African media and Communication Personalities to discuss the future of media in Africa, the ‘Made in Africa Today Dialogue’ is scheduled for February 25 of the event.

A night of fashion show and dinner also comes off with beautiful exhibitions of African traditional and contemporary fashion trends.

An AU Youth Day Celebration on 26^th February will host a special dialogue with young leaders and heads of mission to discuss opportunities for the youth in Africa and the diaspora.

The week-long ends with a two-day guided tour through the District of Columbia and the Martin Luther King Memorial with ceremonial prayers with cultural performances and presentations of citations and awards.

The Festival is open for exhibitors from Africa and the USA to register to exhibit at $1,000 till the 18^th February 2022. Virtual exhibitors looking forward to connecting with global market have the opportunity of exhibiting their brand at a fee of $200 only.

The Black History Festivals is a partnership initiative led by YALI TV, with the Jacobs Abbey Institute of Leadership, the African Union Mission to the US, the Wilson Center and renowned governmental agencies, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Export Promotion Authority(GEPA), Ghana Free Zone Authority (GFZA), Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA), Global Africa Trade Advisory Chamber (GATAC), Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), the Chairs of the Parliamentary Select Committees on Trade, Industry and Tourism, and Youth, Sports and Culture of Ghana.