THE EXCHANGE 2022

The Exchange CEREMONY

CELEBRATE | CONNECT | COMMUNITY | CULTURE

The Exchange Ceremony 2022 was held at the Rainbow Push Coalition Headquarters on Saturday; July 16th, 2022 with the theme: CELEBRATING THE BEAUTY AND HUMANITY OF THE GLOBAL AFRICAN FAMILY. The Exchange Ceremony 2022 brought together again Chicagoland African, Afro-Caribbean, African American, South Americans and Afro-Latino communities to highlight their common heritage and to recognize individuals and organizations working to make our communities better. The event equally reflected upon the 400 years of African American history in the United States; in the “Year of Return” as recognized by H.R. 1242 Commission Act, and renew commitment to strengthening the unity of the African Diaspora and Africans in Chicago. The Exchange Ceremony was a night of unity as it was designed to fully embrace, educate and understand the ethnicities, cultures and traditions within The African, Caribbean, African American, Latinx and Central American communities.

Leaders of the African Diaspora during the pandemic lent their voice of comfort to heal the trauma and suffering endured by African Diaspora as a result of the COVID-19. We also acknowledging a living Icon and Legend standing in the gap with undying faith and commitment to economic struggle and social justice.

The Reverend Jesse L. Jackson was honored with The Exchange Ceremony’s Legacy Award for his lifetime of service and commitment to the African Diaspora & Africa as an archetypal quintessential African King, Chief, Elder and leader by HRM King Togbi Nyako Tamakloe VI. His honor also included almost all African community leaders in Chicago presenting to him a traditional gift as a sign of respect and appreciation to the African American community.

Reverend Jesse L. Jackson’s award is well deserved because his legacy directly aligns with the Vision, Mission and Objective of The Exchange Ceremony.

The Event was streamed live and was viewed by people both within and outside the United States with dignitaries, government officials and leaders from the business community in attendance.