AKWAABA

The HACSA Sankofa Summit is a gathering of diverse participants from across the globe, including Africa experts and enthusiasts, community, opinion and thought leaders, creatives, captains of industry, academics, scholars, influencers and HACSA Sankofa Network members. A rich tapestry of activities offers participants an exciting and immersive experience into all things African. The Summit includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, heritage tours, film screenings and a gala dinnerdance. It is a showcase of excellence and culture from both the continent and the diaspora, featuring cuisine, dance, fashion and music.

ABOUT THE HACSA SANKOFA SUMMIT

The purpose of the HACSA Sankofa Summit is to have open and meaningful debates on crosscutting issues that concern communities both in Africa and the Diaspora. It seeks to link, reunite, reconcile and evoke healing in communities through reflection and consciousness and to share creative and innovative strategies among participants. The HACSA Summit includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, exhibitions, film screenings and a gala dinner-dance showcasing African culinary delights, fashion, music and guided tours of heritage sites.

CONFERENCE

The Conference offers a platform for participants to deliberate on critical topics that are related to African Diaspora communities worldwide. It provides opportunities for learning, insightful discussions, collaborative opportunities and networking for all participants. Discussions cover a wide range of topics, including investment, financial inclusion, technological innovation, the creative arts, youth skills, leadership and career development, women’s empowerment, physical and mental wellbeing, and healing from trauma. The purpose of the conference is to have open and meaningful debates on cross-cutting issues that concern communities both in Africa and the Diaspora. It seeks to link, reunite, reconcile and evoke healing in communities through reflection and consciousness and to share creative and innovative strategies among participants.

CHARITY GALA

The Charity Gala is our annual flagship fundraising event, held for the benefit of the programs and projects of the HACSA Foundation. Contributions enable HACSA to continue its impactful work and make a positive difference in communities both on the continent and in the diaspora. It is an elegant and festive celebration of African talent and creativity, instilling a sense of shared purpose, camaraderie and community engagement. The gala is a cultural night of live music, fashion, food and dance, celebrating African heritage. It fosters unity in and appreciation of the global diaspora, nurtures a collective commitment to HACSA’s goals and links and fortifies the ties that bind diverse communities. All are welcome for a night to remember!

FASHION AND LIVE MUSIC

The gala is a cultural night of live music, fashion, food and dance, celebrating African heritage. It symbolises the unity of the global diaspora, nurturing a collective commitment to HACSA’s goals and fortifying the ties that bind our communities.

A GALA NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

The grandeur and intimacy of the Harvard Club of NYC will be the backdrop to the HACSA Charity Gala this year. The Harvard Club is a historic landmark which offers the ideal setting for the Gala, ensuring a seamless experience for guests. The venue offers a range of amenities, including accommodation, valet or self-parking and cloakroom services. Our guest of honour and keynote speaker will be actress and director Adjoa Andoh a.k.a. Lady Danbury from Netflix’s Bridgerton. Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking, fine-dining, dancing and an exclusive, operatic performance by award-winning, Nigerian-French soprano Omo Bello for her first ever New York performance, in a prestigious, festive and elegant setting. Tables of 12 can be purchased for $6000. Individual tickets are $500 each.

GALA KEYNOTE

Adjoa Andoh

Actor/Writer/Director (Netflix’s Bridgerton)

Adjoa Andoh, is a distinguished British actress who has enjoyed a versatile career spanning stage and screen. Her notable theater credits include leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, and Almeida Theatre. On television, she has appeared in popular series such as Doctor Who, Casualty, and EastEnders. Andoh made her Hollywood debut in Clint Eastwood’s Invictus (2009) alongside Morgan Freeman. More recently, she has played the esteemed Lady Danbury in Netflix’s hit Regency romance series Bridgerton. In acknowledgment of her significant contributions to literature and the arts, Andoh was honored with an appointment as an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 2022. Her talent and versatility continue to solidify her place as one of Britain’s most respected actresses.

GALA PERFORMANCE

Omo Bello

Award-winning Soprano

Omo Bello is an acclaimed Nigerian soprano who has made her mark on the international opera scene. After studying Cell Biology and Genetics at the University of Lagos, she pursued music at the Conservatoire de Paris. Bello’s talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including first prizes at the Luciano Pavarotti Giovani Competition and the Anselmo Colzani Singing Competition. She was also nominated for the Victoires de la Musique Classique. Bello has performed in prestigious venues in several countries, such as the Philharmonie de Paris and the Teatro Palladium. Her repertoire spans significant roles in operatic and concert settings. Beyond her performances, she founded the Omo Bello Music Foundation to nurture young musical talent in Nigeria. Bello also serves as a goodwill ambassador for Rotary International.