The City of Houston marked its 4th annual Houston Africa Day celebration by hosting the African Union Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze, and Ambassadors from Angola, Uganda, Guinea, Liberia, South Africa, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya,  Madagascar, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Togo, and Tunisia.

Houston’s Africa Day event was held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston and moderated by Fox 26 news anchor Jonathan Martin. .

Houston Africa Day Celebration

Speakers included Mazda Denon (Houston’s Global Trade Manager for Africa), Linda Anukwuem (AIX Firm), Tunde Fasina (CEO, Wazobia African Market), Mike Waterman, President of Visit Houston and Executive Vice President of Houston First, H.E. Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, etc.

Mayor Sylvester Turner issued a proclamation declaring May 27, 2021 as “Africa Day” and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented the Congressional certificate of recognition to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented the Congressional certificate of recognition to Mayor Sylvester Turner.

The event, held annually by Mayor Sylvester Turner, showcased the diversity of the nation’s 4th most populous city and its global presence.  People from all backgrounds joined in celebration with the African community on this occasion to commemorate the business and cultural contributions of the African diaspora in Houston.

During the evening celebration, Houston showcased the different regions of the continent through arts, culture and ‘A Taste of Africa’ keeping with the African Union 2021 Africa Day theme: Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want.  The ambiance of Africa was established via cultural dancers, artists and singers at the gala.

Africa Day, also known as African Unity Day, is celebrated annually on May 25th. It commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU), on this day in 1963.

“Houston Africa Day is a way to celebrate the vibrant art, culture, and food of our African diaspora in Houston” said Mayor Turner.  “Houston takes great pride in our rich diversity, and Africa Day is a chance to showcase Houston’s ties to the African continent.” stated Mayor Sylvester Turner.

“Houston is the largest trading partner with Africa in the U.S.” noted MOTIA Director Chris Olson.  “The opportunities in African in the areas of health care, agriculture, manufacturing, and energy are a great match for sectors in which Houston companies are global leaders.”

Houston City Council members at the Africa Day event.

Houston’s Global Trade Manager for Africa Mazda Denon noted that “as Africa grows, we in Houston will ensure that our relationship with this rich and diverse continent will continue to grow as well.  Africa Day is one of our ways to showcase this relationship.”

Houston Africa Day was made possible through the support of Houston First, Chevron, Wazobia African Market, Office of Business Opportunity, Houston Airport System, Zoa’s Moroccan Restaurant, Peli Peli South African Kitchen, Lucy’s Ethiopian Restaurant and Who’s Who: The African Diaspora.

The Houston Africa Day event was moderated by Fox26 News Houston anchor Jonathan Martin.

Tunde Fasina (CEO, Wazobia African Market)

Mike Waterman, President of Visit Houston and Executive Vice President of Houston First

African Union Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Ambassador Hilda Suka-Mafudze

Liberian Ambassador to the USA, George SW Patten Sr. (2nd from left) with Liberian community guests

Nigeria Igbo King and Queen at the Houston Africa Day event.