The 11th African Diaspora Awards anniversary celebrate and recognizes leaders, authors, activists, business professional and most influential entrepreneurs who are making a significant social and economic impact across the United States. The 2023 ADA Award honors whose efforts focus on driving the revitalization and economic progress around the world, The African Diaspora Awards (ADAs) celebrates the accomplishments of exemplary individuals from the African Diaspora who excel in various spheres of life and individuals in society working towards advancing the Diaspora as a whole. Nearly 1,000
established brands, business moguls and entrepreneurs, world-class entertainers, fashion mavens, renowned scholars, politicians, athletes, and philanthropists from the Diaspora gather annually for the ADAs. Messages amplified to nearly 100,000 followers across our social platforms.

The award show engages attendees in a cultural extravaganza of iconic tributes, powerhouse performances, and unforgettable moments. The ADAs was established in 2011 to celebrate the universal connection of all people through their achievements and contributions to the global community. Today, the ADAs continue to highlight the many necessary contributions of Africans globally while celebrating notable Africans and “friends of” Africans that have genuinely excelled in various spheres of life. With a “Africa’s Future is Now” theme for 2023, we aim to recognize those making meaningful contributions towards building a better future for all Africans, regardless of where they may be located.

Last year's honorees were: ImeIme Umana President of Harvard Law Review, Person of the Year; Jaha Dukureh Human rights activist, Humanitarian of the Year; Richelieu Dennis Founder, Sundial Brands & Shea Moisture, Entrepreneur of the Year; Ethiopia Habtemariam President of Motown Records, Mark of Excellence Award; Cece Olisa Entrepreneur, Bloggers and Influencer, Face of Change; Christina Sass Cofounder and President at Andela, Friends of Africa; Darlene and Lizzy Okpo, Designers of the Year; Elizabeth Natasha Ngonzi CEO of Afrika Tikkun USA, Advocate of the Year; Famond Konneh Bronx Borough Director, NYC (CAU), Community Service of the Year; Ugo Nwaokoro Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark, New Jersey, Governance and Civic Leadership Award; Dr. Constance Iloh Education Scholar and Professor, Scholar of the Year; Christian Epps, Creative Person of the Year; Cellulant, Ken Njoroge and Bolaji Akinboro, Company of the Year. A special tribute was paid to the late Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin who championed health and well-being through his humanitarian work with the United Nations.

Distinguished honorees from previous years have included Leymah Gbowee Nobel Peace Prize Winner; Chinedu Echeruo Founder of HopStop.com; Angelique Kidjo Grammy Award Winning Singer & Activist; Lola Ogunnaike TV Personality and entertainment journalist; Jessica Matthews Venture capitalist and CEO/Co-Founder of Uncharted Power; Luvvie Ajayi New York Times best-selling author, speaker, and digital strategist; Georgie Baddiel Model and activist; Gbenga Akinnagbe Actor; Saran Diakitè Kaba Clean water advocate; YaYa DaCosta Actress; Mpule Kwelagobe First African to be crowned Miss Universe, Les Nubians Grammy-nominated French duo; Kemi Adetiba Film director; Atti Worku Education and community advocate; Chid Liberty Entrepreneur; Nicole Amarteifio Film director; and Flaviana Matata Fashion model.