Last month, I was invited to join in conversation with Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, moderated by journalist Don Lemon, at the Africa Braintrust during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, DC. 

The theme, “Our Africa, Our Future”, invited an honest dialogue about how the United States, together with the African diaspora, can build prosperity for everyone rooted in justice, peace, and equality. 

Legacy and Purpose

The CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference and the Africa Braintrust stands in a long line of congressional public engagement and leadership. 

Since Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm’s era and the founding of the Congressional Black Caucus, this forum has centered Black America and its relationship with Africa and the broader diaspora for more than four decades. 

Through the Africa Braintrust, they have convened heads of state, diasporas, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and advocates to strengthen U.S.–Africa relations and celebrated the diversity of Black communities in America.

Creating the spaces we wish existed

Convening and connecting is a core tenet for diasporas of all backgrounds.  For diasporas, convenings and connections are multi-faceted and represent a wide variety of lived experiences.  The Congressional Black Caucus’ annual conference is a natural space to bring multiple communities of African descent together.  

This year’s convening carried special meaning. Marking the CBC’s 54th anniversary while discussing Africa’s 54 countries and diasporas was a powerful symbol. 

It also revealed a hard truth. Rich conversations like these often cluster around the Annual Legislative Conference, then we lose momentum.  Life happens, media outlets move on, and the funding for continued engagement is nonexistent. 

After two decades of attending ALC, one lesson stands out: convenings must extend beyond a single event. We need year-round programming that deepens connections among Black immigrants, African diasporas, and multi-generational African Americans. Our social fabric is strongest when these communities share space and leadership.

Liberation as a Living Journey

One of the most moving moments came when Don, in response to my comments about the importance of diasporas discovering your ancestral lineage, reflected on visiting Sierra Leone and Ghana with his mother.

What began as a simple reflection turned quickly into a beautiful memory of him standing at the Point of No Return with his mother and feeling such remarkable gratitude, honor and empowerment at how far he and his lineage had come. 

I know that liberation is a lifelong journey.  And I know that Black liberation requires we create the space and protect it to discover, hold and preserve our truths. The unwritten and untold histories, our stolen memories and traditions.  

No matter what diaspora you are, discovering your ancestry, tracing your lineage, and experiencing the continent from which your ancestors came can spark healing for you, and your families.  The process of discovery is not a privilege, it’s a right and one we’re all yearning for in our day to day. 

Activation in the Room

The audience also offered its own inspiration. People across generations voiced enthusiasm for deeper U.S.–Africa ties and a desire to contribute time, talent, and skills as members of the diaspora. 

One woman described traveling to Kenya, where Maasai elders asked her to mobilize lawyers to defend their land. She did not know where to begin. 

That moment highlighted a broader gap: many diasporas are eager to serve, yet lack access to resources, structures and partnerships to deliver effectively. 

What Comes Next

We know that for all diasporas, when we create intentional spaces, honor the journey of liberation, and offer practical tools for engagement, we unlock our full potential as Americans, global citizens and local leaders. 

We share much more in common in this journey than we realize, and it is in creating these spaces to listen to each other that we’re able to see that. 

Call to Action

If you are ready to organize your vision and step into leadership, join our Diaspora Leadership Program, starting Tuesday, October 14, 2025 or explore our advisory services. Together, we can create the spaces we wish existed.