The fourth edition of the Black History Festival (BHF 2025) was successfully hosted over the weekend at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) in College Park City.
A Grand Celebration of African Heritage
Held on Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, this year’s festival embraced the theme “Bridging Continents, Celebrating Legacies, and Promoting Trade.” It showcased the richness of African heritage, culture, economic development, and diaspora engagement while fostering impactful collaborations.
The festival commenced with a series of high-powered dialogues and networking sessions covering key topics such as:
- The legal framework for diaspora integration in Africa
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup and its impact
- Cultural exchange and tourism
- Free zone opportunities in Africa
- High-level bilateral discussions on trade and investment
Key Events and Activities
Networking and Welcome Reception
The event kicked off with a networking welcome reception at the GICC Enclave, featuring distinguished guest speakers, industry leaders, and key personalities.
The Black History Expo
The main sessions, held at GICC Salon 6 and 7, featured an expo that showcased renowned brands such as:
- Apollonia City
- JOBerg Ghana Limited
- Ghana Free Zones Authority
- Nico Wayo Arts
- Pay Angel
- Ezel Fashion
- Atlanta Barber Institute
This diverse expo attracted businesses from various sectors, including fintech, fashion, real estate, human resources, and beverages, highlighting trade opportunities between Africa and the U.S.
Black History Summit and Keynote Speakers
The summit was officially opened with keynote speeches from prominent figures, including:
- Janelle McKenzie, Mayor Pro Tem, College Park City
- Councilman Joe Carn, College Park City
- Councilman Roderick Gay, College Park City
- Alex Appau Dadey, Executive Chairman, KGL Group
- Kofi Okyere Darko, Director of Diaspora Affairs, Office of the President of Ghana
- Mattie McFadden-Lawson, Civil Leader & Morehouse College Board of Trustee Member
- Prince Anthony Bart, President & CEO
- Ben Crump, Celebrated American Civil Rights Attorney
- Mayor Khalid Kamau, Mayor of South Fulton
- Rep. Gabe Okoye, Georgia House of Representatives, 102nd District
- Rep. Segun Adeyina, Georgia House of Representatives, 110th District
- Rep. Kim Schofield, Georgia House of Representatives, 63rd District
Industry roundtables were held on crucial topics, including:
- Bridging the gap between transatlantic continents for shared prosperity
- Cultural diplomacy for diaspora engagement
- African heritage, creatives, and cultural preservation
- Dual citizenship, housing, and business prospects
Black History Makers Awards
This year’s festival recognized Georgia’s most distinguished leaders. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to:
- Rep. Kim Schofield
- Rep. Gabe Okoye
- Rep. Segun Adeyina
- Councilman Roderick Gay (Ward IV), City of College Park
The International Affairs Award was presented to Mayor Khalid Kamau, Mayor of South Fulton City, Georgia.
The coveted Star Prize of the Black History Makers Awards was awarded to:
- Benjamin Crump, Civil Rights Attorney
- Mattie McFadden-Lawson, Civil Leader & Morehouse College Board of Trustee Member
- H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, Former President of Ghana
Key partners of the festival, including KGL Group, JOBerg Ghana Limited, and Appolonia City, were also recognized for their invaluable contributions.
Major Announcements and Future Outlook
In a momentous announcement, Stephen Selasie Asuo, President of BIDEC INC, alongside Mayor Pro Tem of College Park City, Councilwoman Jamelle McKenzie, officially declared College Park City, Georgia, as the host city for the 2026 edition of the Black History Festival, to be held once again at GICC.
The festival concluded with a powerful keynote speech by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, who delivered remarks on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. The speech emphasized:
- The importance of reconnecting with African heritage
- The call for reparations
- The African Union’s 2025 theme
- The Black Star Experience, a yearlong initiative to provide the diaspora greater access to Ghana, culminating in the highly anticipated December in Ghana celebrations
Economic and Cultural Impact
BIDEC INC projects that the African diaspora community that participated in the festival will gain firsthand insights into:
- Traveling to Africa and securing dual citizenship
- Owning properties and investing in business opportunities across the continent
- Establishing meaningful partnerships with global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to drive economic growth and cultural exchange
The event also fostered collaboration between trade institutions, chambers of commerce, and investment firms from the U.S. and Africa. Georgia’s role as a host city for major global events—including the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026—presents an opportunity to further strengthen trade, tourism, and economic relations between Africa and the diaspora.
The Black History Festival 2025 has set the stage for deeper collaborations, economic growth, and cultural unity. By reinforcing its mission to bridge continents and celebrate African heritage, the festival continues to serve as a powerful platform for unity and progress on the global stage.
