The Union of African Communities in South Western Pennsylvania (UACSWPA) held their African Diversity Awards Gala on Jan. 16, at the Sheraton Station Square. The evening promoted African cultural heritage while honoring individuals, businesses and organizations.
Benedict Killang, UACSWPA’s executive director, said the Diversity Award Gala is the first of its kind to recognize all those who made a difference in our member communities and region. Before awards were presented, the large crowd enjoyed a music performance by Jemiriye Adeniji and a dance performance by Wacongo Dance Company. The 2016 African Diversity Awards were presented to:
•Robert O. Agbede, president and CEO Chester Engineers—Person of the Year
•Bill Peduto, mayor of the City of Pittsburgh—Welcoming Pittsburgh Initiative Award
•Father Carmen D’Amico, co-founder of Acculturation for Justice Access & Peace Outreach—(AJAPO) Humanitarian Award
•Kadiatou Conte-Forte, artistic director of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble—Arts and Culture Award
•Yinka Aganga-Williams, PhD—Acculturation for Justice Access & Peace Outreach (AJAPO) Humanitarian Award
•Kanmas Educational Support Center Inc.—Education Award
•Rufus Idris, executive director of CEED—Entrepreneurship and Economic Development
•Elie Kihonia, founder of Afrika Yetu and UMOJA African Arts Company— Arts and Culture Award
•Cameroon Community—Africa Community of the Year Award
•UJAMAA Collective—Arts and Culture Award
•The Community College of Allegheny County—Education Award
•University of Pittsburgh Medical Center—Corporate Award
•Brother’s Brother Foundation—Humanitarian Award
•African Studies Program University of Pittsburgh—Education Award
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