The 10th Year 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 2022 ADA Award honors whose efforts focus on driving the revitalization and economic progress around the world, The Awards will push forward the vision of a new Africa narrative, sharing success stories that strengthen and enrich our global community.

The 2022 Awards theme is “PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY: Shared Journey” which is a symbolic idea that promotes success stories and seeks out the stories that shed light on who we are as a people and how we have excelled in various spheres of life, as well as individuals in society who have contributed to the advancement of Africa in the global communities. Until we share our journey through our stories, conversation and celebration the world will remain in total oblivion of our beautiful heritage and our achievements. Shared Journey is based on cross-fertilization of insight, knowledge and experiences. It speaks about lessons learned from each and every one of us, from our previous mistakes and successes through deeper dialogue and insight.

African Diasporans have great stories to be told: growing communities, an increasingly sophisticated and educated workforce, dynamic sparks of entrepreneurial and cultural creativity. Shared journey campaign vision for Africans in Diaspora is necessary. It’s a roadmap or a long-term plan aimed at proposing a framework including sharing our journey, that transcend borders and address common challenges.

A vision that mobilizes all Africans in Diaspora to become masters of their own destiny and enables them to push further the limits of their capabilities. We believe in the transformative power of our global diaspora communities.

ADA 2022 will showcase the mass influence of Africans throughout the world while providing a home away from home for people of African descent and those interested in African culture. Shared Journey is a one-year campaign that creates spaces and opportunities for African Diasporan communities to meet; promoting a culture of encounter, mutual understanding and shared stories.

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.