Celebrating the African Diaspora

The African Unity Ambassadors Ball, held at the Fairmont Hotel in Northwest Washington D.C. on December 3rd and hosted by actor Boris Kodjoe, celebrated prominent figures advancing African unity and development under the theme "Unity in Diversity, Strength in Unity. " Among the honorees was fifteen-year-old Herman Bekele, an Ethiopian-American scientific researcher recognized by Time Magazine for his skin cancer research, who received a customized lab coat at the ceremony. The annual diplomatic gathering also recognized Ambassador Johnny Carson, Ambassador Andrew Young, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the late Kofi Annan for their diplomatic and leadership contributions.