The annual African Diaspora Awards, taking place on December 7th, 2019 is SAiD's groundbreaking effort to celebrate exemplary individuals who have made a significant difference in the African community in the United States. ADA aims to recognize notable Africans in the Diaspora that have excelled in various spheres of life and honor civic leaders who have contributed to the advancement of Africans both on the continent and abroad.

Under the theme, “Homecoming #PASSPORT2AFRICA” 2019 is a landmark year marking the 400-year anniversary of the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in the United States in 1619 widely recognized as the start of theTrans-Atlantic SlaveTrade where millions of Africans were kidnapped and brought to America as free labor. Underscored byThe United States Congress recently passed Act H.R. 1242 – 400 Years of African-American Experience Act – recognizing the arrival of the first enslaved Africans in 1619 thus commencing the beginning of the African American experience.
The 2019 ADA is coined, the “Homecoming”, SAiD is kicking off a major landmark campaign targeting the African-American and Diaspora to mark the 400 year anniversary of the rst enslaved Africans arrival in Virginia by returning home to Africa in the year 2020

One of the main goals of “Homecoming, 2019” is to position Africa as a key destination for African Americans and the Diaspora. There is huge opportunity to promote Africa and Africa-American cultural insights, entrepreneurship, scienti c exploits and leadership through the year-long activities to celebrate and commemorate the “HOMECOMING”. A ways to facilitate the reconnection of diasporans to their roots in Africa.

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.