Our organization was privileged to make history in 2022 by organizing the voyage of a King Nyaho Tamakloe VI from Ghana to Chicago, to perform an honorary coronation of Rev. Jesse Jackson, King of The African Diaspora I. We were honored that our efforts resulted in our goal to deepen the union amongst the Global African Diaspora. This historic moment was featured on notable media outlets such as CBS and MSNBC just to name a few and were pleased to have had former Mayor Lori Lightfoot participate by video. Further, as leaders in the African Diaspora - Chicago, we facilitated the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’s 2023 trip to Ghana. This effort led to the crowning of community leader and retired State Rep. Coy Pugh and Representative Carol Ammons by Togbi (King) Nyaho Tamakloe VI.  We continue to foster these connections.

 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, connecting Ghana / Africa and the Diaspora 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 urban, predominantly African American communities, some of which continue to struggle with a lack of economic and cultural opportunities amongst other alarming disparities. The event is typically celebrated in the month of June to align with the Spirit of Juneteenth.

We would present the events in a 3-day, conference-style format that would have the first day being geared towards a general audience with open sessions that are intended to give the broad focus, purpose and vision for the initiative. We will deal then deal with specific topics meant to address selected categories in Business, Dual Citizenship and Economic opportunities for international trade, an evening of dining with the Kings & Queens and culminating it with the ceremonial crowning of esteemed selected dignitaries.

The Exchange Ceremony programs will take place June 25th – 27th, 2026.   

• Thursday, June 25th at 5:30 – 8:00pm CST

Exploring the Intersections and Shared Heritage of Our Cultures. This is the Exchange Ceremony Panel Discussion which will focus on the youth. True education begins with understanding our history, cultural identity and empowerment and how to set our minds free. Panelists will include scholars, experts and some youth who will speak to the issues of the history, culture, and the effects of Slavery and Colonialism on Mental Health. This year, we will be introducing royalty among the youth as well.

• Friday, June 26th from 5:30 – 9:00pm CST

Business Exchange Forum – Manufacturing Symposium – Invest in Ghana

Empowering Futures: Leveraging the Diaspora and African (Ghana) Insights for Economic Opportunities, Dual Citizenship, Business Intelligence & Stability. This is an early evening reception for business leaders and entrepreneurs from Ghana - Africa, America and Caribbean. This will be a time to engage in business ideas and opportunities for these economies. We are particularly placing a lot of emphasis on this day due to the urgency of China and the UAE’s heavy influx of foreign investments in Ghana and the sub-Saharan region of Africa. The future of Africa’s economy must include the Diaspora.

• Saturday, June 27th from 5:30 – 9:00pm CST

Grand Gala: Ghanaian Royal Court Coronation Ceremony and Crowning Celebration. The Ceremony, the crowning of the Diaspora Kings and Queens by HRM Togbi Nyaho Tamakloe VI, Miafiaga of Anlo Kingdom, Volta Region - Ghana and other Royals that will be accompanying him. The crowning ceremony signifies honor and the restoration of Royalty, that which was lost due to trans-Atlantic slavery. These cultural celebrations will include taste of the Diaspora cuisine, dance, fashion, music, and culminate with the Royal Coronation Ceremony. 

We were pleased to have had the following notable individuals crowned through our initiative so far: Rev. Jese Jackson, Congressman Danny Davis, Businesswoman and Venture Capitalist to Africa & Co-owner of NBA Milwaukee Bucks Valerie Daniels Carter, Pastor Corey Brooks Author and Activist Carol Adams, Keeana Barber, David Anderson, Marsiel Jackson and Pastor Phil Jackson.

During this year’s historic ceremony and partnership with our global partners, Kings and Queens from Ghana will welcome their sons and daughters in the African Diaspora back into their royal lineage and heritage. Additionally, during our annual celebration of culture and honor/royalty, we would also create a safe place within our gathering to reflect upon the 400 years of African history and the significance of our connection with the Diaspora and the (Black Star Experience - Ghana).

We hold great confidence in the merits of this endeavor and the benefits you and your communities will derive from your attendance and participation, as our initiative continues to expand, bridging the divides and reuniting our people in heritage, culture, royalty, commerce and our collective spiritualism.

We eagerly look forward to your response. 

Most sincerely, 

The Board of Directors,

The Exchange Ceremony
N. Sena Amenyo,

Founder and CEO, The Progressive Minds Show