During the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, over 40% of Africans were forcefully brought into the U.S. through the central port city of Charleston, South Carolina. Fast forward to today, a significant new migration movement occurs as immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean relocate to the States. Between 2000 and 2017, black Africans represented the fastest-growing segment of the country's foreign-born population. In 2017, 4.4 million immigrants from the Caribbean and about 2.1 million from Africa were living in the U.S. There is great value from each experience that teaches us the history of power and resilience among the collective.

This year, SAiD is pushing forward the vision of a new Africa narrative, sharing success stories that strengthen and enrich our community. #SharedJourney campaign’s symbolic “reach out” gesture promotes unity in the African Diaspora. Many of us have accomplished great things individually in our respective regions, but we have not shared our success journey or done much together. The #SharedJourney campaign provides a platform to coordinate our accomplishments and harness the vigor of togetherness for greater purposes such as achieving social and economic development to build a more vibrant society.

Under the theme, “Shared Journey Campaign” the 2021 ADAs will inspire our fellow diaspora leaders, innovators, and influencers to share their journeys along with providing insight, generating ideas, and promoting collaboration across the fields of business, culture, arts, education, and policy to address present challenges and create a shared future for the African Diaspora

We are Kicking off the 10th (+) Anniversary awards with a black-tie benefit to celebrate this great milestone and contribute to a strong future for the SAiD Pan-African Library. The ADA 10th (+) Anniversary will begin with a conversation, followed by a cocktail benefit in Houston. All proceeds from the event will have an impact on SAID’s mission to celebrate, empower, and connect the people, culture and ambitions of Africans in the diaspora.

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.