We, again, participated in the activities of the Kansas Global Holiday Market, in its second year in Wichita, Kansas, organized and coordinated by International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. We were honored to be included in the activities of the market as well as the welcome dinner for the guest of honor, the African Union Ambassador to the US, Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze, who was here to show support for international trade and to promote the participation of African businesses, at this global market in Wichita, Kansas.
Wichita African Union (WAU) participated by selling African food (Nigerian, by Pepper Soup Sisters - member), performance in form of Nigerian traditional dance (by Rose Atakpa - member) and drumbeat by a Ugandan performer, Dr. Daisy Kabagarama (member). Also from the African community, was a Kenyan selling Kenyan merchandize.
Many thanks to the officials from Department of Commerce who were directly involved including the Deputy Secretary, Joshua Jefferson who spoke at the VIP opening ceremony on December 13. Sincere gratitude to Laura Lombard and Cassidy Nolan for organizing and coordinating the VIP reception attended by officials and staff from Department of Commerce, international and local business officials and other stakeholders participating in the market. On December 12 was the memorable welcome reception for the Ambassador. Lombard and her team did a remarkable job planning for the reception. We are also very thankful to the African American Council of Elders (AACE) and the executive Director of The Kansas African American Museum for hosting the welcome reception for the Ambassador at the museum and for their roles in the planning and participation in the activities.
Left to right: #1 Francis Munhundiripu (official from the AU Embassy, DC), #2 Ernest Cox, #3 Prophet N. Anyanwu Cox (Board member, AACE), #4 AU Ambassador to the US, #5 Samuel Oduniyi (VP, WAU), #6 Loveness Mpanje (President, WAU) & #7 Joseph Mwagura (Dept of Commerce).
Ambassador with WAU Treasurer, Rose Atakpa
Dr. Daisy (WAU Board Member) & Laura Lombard, Director - International Division, Department of Commerce.
Dr. Daisy & Loveness
WAU Vice President, Samuel Oduniyi with the Ambassador
WAU Financial Secretary, Laura Bwahama with the Ambassador
Dr. Daisy, Former WAU President & current Board Member with the Ambassador
WAU Executive Officers with Dr. Daisy
The Ambassador, WAU Executive officers, Dr. Daisy and Dept of Commerce staff
WAU President & Board Member, Loveness Mpanje with the Ambassador
Ambassador, Dr. Daisy and WAU Executive Officers
WAU Executive Officers with Dr. Daisy
Comments