News to Know

At Achebe’s Funeral, Africans Reminded to be Stewards of Democracy

By Kenneth Usongo on June 15, 2013

Igbo Chief at Achebe's Funeral

Thousands of mourners converged in Ogidi, Anambra State of Nigeria, on May 23, for the funeral service of Africa’s literary icon, Chinua Achebe. He died in Boston, USA, on March 21.

Achebe was the David and Mariana Fisher Professor of Africana Studies at Brown University. The Nigerian novelist is globally revered for his masterpiece, Things Fall Apart , which continues to impress most readers.

Among the numerous sympathizers who turned out for the occasion were Presidents Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria and John Mahama of Ghana, as well as traditional and religious dignitaries.

In his writings, Achebe, it should be recalled, castigates corrupt and brutal leadership in post-colonial Africa.…

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Medical community leaders say education is key to quality health care

By George Bamu on June 10, 2013

ALG Health Forum

Medical practitioners are continuing the discussion of how Africans can make a difference in the U.S. health care system.

On April 28, Africa Agenda covered a story  and posted audio from Part I of an event organized by the African Leadership Group, where several practitioners discussed the challenges Africans face in regards to health care in the U.S. and what it takes to live a healthy lifestyle despite these challenges.

In part 2 of the discussion, Dr. Johnny Johnson, obstetrician and gynecologist, Alok Sarwal, Ph.D., executive director at Colorado Alliance for Health Equity and Practice and Dr. Haftu Gebrehiwot, a family practice physician, talk of how can Africans make a difference in the U.S.…

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Green Card Lottery on the Chopping Block

By Larcus Pickett on June 4, 2013

Washington Post_2013_Immigration Bill

Though the long-awaited immigration bill made headway when the committee voted to pass it during the Senate Judiciary Committee markup, questions remain regarding the fate of the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, a lottery-issued visa system many African immigrants rely on for entry into the U.S.

As it stands, the bill is set to hit the Senate floor in early to mid June. A vote to uphold the current elements of the bill would eliminate the diversity program and replace it with a new, merit-based program.  If implemented , visa issuance as it stands now would come to a halt beginning next year.

The merit system is based upon attributes such as education, work experience, English language, and familial relationship to a U.S.…

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African Dancers, Runners a Strong Presence During Boulder’s Festival Weekend

By George Bamu on May 29, 2013

Makomba Dance Group

Those who attended the annual  Boulder Creek Festiva l this past weekend – Boulder’s unofficial kickoff to summer – enjoyed a stellar performance from Ghanaian drum and dance ensemble, Mokomba.

The group, which showcased an energetic collection of music, song and dance framed in colorful costuming, was part of a series of entertainment performances featured during the four day festivities held in the town from May 24 to 27.

“We try to organize it such that many community groups are involved,” said Pasha Ripley, dance stage organizer for the Boulder Creek Festival.

Runners also gathered in Boulder for the town’s 35th annual BolderBoulder race on May 27.…

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Ujiri Seeking Greener Pasture with the Raptors?

By George Bamu on May 27, 2013

Masai Ujiri

Africa Agenda recently published a story  about Masai Ujiri , the first African-born GM of a major U.S. sports team. Ujiri recently made news for accepting the NBA Top Executive of the Year award for his work with the Denver Nuggets. Now, there are discussions he may be on his way out.

Though news of why he might leave hasn’t been reported, Raul Martinez, sports anchor at Fox31 News Denver, thinks Ujiri’s current pay as GM has something to do with it.

Martinez is urging Nuggets owner Josh Kroenke to up Ujiri’s salary to keep him in Denver.   Read Martinez’ opinion here. 

What do you think about Ujiri possibly leaving the Nuggets and heading back to the Raptors?…

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Obama to Forgo Kenya during Visit to sub-Saharan Africa

By George Bamu on May 22, 2013

Obama in Ghana in 2009

Speculation that President Obama would visit Kenya, the home country of his father, during his second visit to sub-Saharan Africa as president of the U.S. appears to have been put to rest.

Though a visit from Obama would have provided Kenya with good news to help cool things down after tense elections ushered in a new era with Uhuru Kenyatta at the helm as president, Obama is not currently scheduled to make a visit to the East African country.

Rather, the U.S. administration may be sending Kenya a subtle message by skipping the country while Obama is on the continent, according to the New York based Global Information Network (GIN).…

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Nigerian-born Masai Ujiri Named 2013 Top NBA Executive

By George Bamu on May 12, 2013

NBA Executive of the Year 2013_Ujiri

Masai Ujiri, the first African-born general manager of a major American sports team, recently accepted the NBA Executive of the Year award.

The NBA Executive of the Year is not just an award, “but the rare NBA honor that is actually voted on by colleagues and front office peers,” according to Kelly Dwyer of Yahoo Sports.

Nigerian-born Ujiri, named to his current position as general manager of the Denver Nuggets in August 2010, came to the Nuggets after three years with the Toronto Raptors.

In this story about the NBA award presented to Ujiri, he “was instrumental in assembling a balanced roster that featured nine players averaging between 8.0 and 16.7 points and a bench that ranked second overall in scoring (41.3 ppg).…

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2011 Africa Agenda