Andrew Young On Sullivan Summit

This tradition as laid out in the mission of the Leon Sullivan Foundation is a commitment to self-help, economic empowerment, human rights and corporate social responsibility.

[International: Sullivan Summit]

 

 

On June 2^nd, 2008 Africans at Home and abroad will descend on Arusha, Tanzania for the 8^th Annual Leon H. Sullivan Summit and for four days guests will be inspired in the tradition of Mr. Sullivan and others with his same passion such as Marcus Garvey, and Malcolm X. 

This tradition as laid out in the mission of the Leon Sullivan Foundation is a commitment to self-help, economic empowerment, human rights and corporate social responsibility. 

Founded in 2001 following Dr. Sullivan’s death the Africa-African American Summit as it was previously referred to, brings together the world’s political and business leaders, delegates representing civil society organizations, and members of academic institutions in order to focus attention and resources on African economics and social development.

I recently had the privilege to speak to the Foundation’s Chairman, Mr. Andrew Young.

Mr. Young has been a strong advocate for the African continent and its visibility and sustainability especially as it concerns more and more of the Diaspora developing a relationship with their mother continent in order to cultivate a productive future both socially and economically.

Ambassador Young noted that this would be a wonderful opportunity for entrepreneurs as it would serve as an investment for their future.  He sees the future as being very bright with regards to relations with Africa and stresses that African Americans must be more active in its facilitation. 

He says that any of us who are interested in the market of the future will have to do business with Africa. Africa must become apart of our international business perspective.  This Summit affords us all the opportunity to get involved with Africa on a meaningful level that will translate into real transformation that our children’s children will reap benefits from.   

Culturally the Summit also affords us the opportunity to learn more about the continent itself and its people.  The summit has been hosted in the past by Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Dakar, Senegal; Accra, Ghana; and Abuja, Nigeria to name a few and its hosted as many as 20 to 30 countries and their Presidents along with members of their administrations. 

This year the summit is set to take place in the beautiful haven of Arusha, Tanzania.  Arusha, Tanzania is home to a wonderful wild life population, and thankfully the commitment to fight against poaching has left their wild life population very plentiful.  Arusha is also home of the Serengeti, and the mythical Kilimanjaro.  Guest of the Summit will also have the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

This summit has had a tremendous impact on past attendees, of course due to its bridging the Gap between the Diaspora and the continent.  Attendees have been able to further their careers and develop new opportunities for business with African.  Others have been inspired to incorporate more service learning by joining such organizations as the Peace Corps.

 

 

I am certain that any of us who can make it to this Summit will be forever changed and greatly moved at the beauty, culture and opportunity that Africa has to offer, as Young stated, once you have been to Africa and experienced it for yourself, “It’s hard to get it out of your system.”

Some of the core industries and missions that will be focused on during the conference are as follows:

[] To attract investment in manufacturing, agriculture and tourism

[] To advance physical and business infrastructure, especially electrification

[] To promote the tourism and hostility sector as an engine of economic growth

[] To advocate for the environment as an integral part of Africa’s long-term economic success.

 

“Get acquainted with Africa,” Ambassador Young said. I reiterate this urging.

The cost of the summit is $4,495.00 which includes airfare, hotel and all meals and events.

To learn more about the Summit please log on to: www.thesullivanfoundation.org or you can call 202-736-2239.

 

 

 

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