Global African Culture Celebrated at Georgia’s 2025 Festival

The fourth annual Black History Festival (BHF 2025) concluded at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park City. The event, themed “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade,” aimed to showcase African heritage, culture, economic development, and diaspora engagement while fostering collaborations.

Festival Opening and Networking

The festival began with high-level dialogues and networking sessions addressing topics such as diaspora integration in Africa, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cultural exchange and tourism, and free zone opportunities in Africa. A networking welcome reception at the GICC Enclave featured guest speakers and industry leaders.

Black History Expo and Summit

The main sessions, held in GICC Salon 6 and 7, commenced with the Black History Expo. Participating businesses included Apollonia City, JOBerg Ghana Limited, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Nico Wayo Arts, Pay Angel, EzelFashion, and the Atlanta Barber Institute. The Black History Summit featured keynote speeches from a range of prominent figures, including Janelle McKenzie, Mayor Pro Tem of College Park City, Councilman Joe Carn, Councilman Roderick Gay, Alex Appau Dadey, Kofi Okyere Darko, Mattie McFadden-Lawson, Prince Anthony Bart, Krishna Camarena, Dr. Emmanuel Adediran, Patience Agleze Acolor, Ben Crump, Mayor Khalid Kamau, Rep. Gabe Okoye, Rep. Segun Adeyina, Rep. Kim Schofield, Mrs. Elsie Apau, and many others.

Summit Roundtables and Business Representation

Industry round tables explored topics such as bridging transatlantic continents for shared prosperity, cultural diplomacy for diaspora engagement, African heritage and cultural preservation, dual citizenship opportunities, housing, and business prospects. The Black History Expo attracted a diverse range of businesses, including fintech companies, fashion and perfume brands, real estate firms, human resource service providers, and beverage companies from both Africa and America.

Black History Makers Awards

The festival recognized distinguished leaders with the Black History Makers Awards. Rep. Kim Schofield, Rep. Gabe Okoye, and Rep. Segun Adeyina received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Mayor Khalid Kamau of South Fulton City, Georgia, received the International Affairs Award. Benjamin Crump, Mattie McFadden-Lawson, and President John Dramani Mahama of the Republic of Ghana were awarded the Star Prize.

Future Hosting and Key Partnerships

Stephen Selasie Asuo, President of BIDEC INC, and Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie of College Park City announced that College Park City, Georgia, will host the 2026 edition of the Black History Festival at the Georgia International Convention Center. Organizations recognized for their partnership roles included the KGL Group, JOBerg Ghana Limited, and Appolonia City.

Closing Remarks and Future Initiatives

The festival concluded with a keynote speech by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, representing President John Mahama. The speech emphasized reconnecting with heritage, reparations, and the African Union’s 2025 theme. The Black Star Experience, a yearlong initiative providing diaspora access to Ghana, was also highlighted.

Projected Outcomes and Economic Opportunities

BIDEC INC projects that participants will gain insights into traveling to Africa, securing dual citizenship, owning properties, and investing in business opportunities. The organization anticipates strengthened partnerships between trade institutions and investment firms, leveraging Georgia’s economic landscape and cultural appeal. Georgia’s role as a host city for the FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026 is expected to further strengthen trade, tourism, and economic relations between Africa and the diaspora.

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