It is exciting to see the ever-increasing interest in Africa in all parts of the world — Africa is Rising! Consequently, it is important that progressive minded people remain engaged and stay in the forefront of its ascent because the opportunities are endless, particularly for the African American community.  Since 2019 Ghana has led the way in welcoming the Diaspora to Africa with the official Year of Return, and subsequent ten-year commitment in the Beyond the Return initiative.  Ghana has seen over 1 million visitors since leading this movement including celebrities like Boris Kodjoe, Idris Elba, Steve Wonder, Chance the Rapper, Steve Harvey, Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu, Usher, Kendrick Lamar and many more.  It is our commitment to continue to be a bridge between Continental Africa and the Diaspora.

 In 2019, America acknowledged 400 years since the first enslaved Africans arrived in this land, this was the same year as the “Year of Return” Ghana’s initiative. Our founder was inspired to create The Exchange Ceremony as an event symbolic of unity, end of separation and healing for the Global African Diaspora. The event is designed to fully embrace, educate, heal, and understand the ethnicities, cultures, and traditions within the African, Afro-Caribbean, African American, Afro-Latino, and South American communities.   Further, it is an annual celebration of humanity through cultural engagement and acknowledgement of the African and Black excellence in economic and academic empowerment across the diaspora. This is our vision for celebrating community engagement and promoting the dismantling of social barriers. Reclaiming our narratives and our birthrights, our very essence and our future. We must tell our own stories, celebrate our heroes and restore pride in our history and cultures.  This year’s ceremony will again benefit our Westside Communities who continue to struggle with a lack of economic and cultural opportunities amongst other alarming disparities.  The event is celebrated in the month of June to align with the Spirit of Juneteenth.