There are plenty of benefits to seeking to experience our African roots. One of the best opportunities in the U.S. to stay connected to the pan-African community is the Evrything Conference! Having taken place in Washington, D.C., the conference was created to encourage Americans to re-envision how they perceive Africa through being educated and having cultural experiences. Because this year’s festivities left attendees inspired, entertained and more tapped into the culture than ever before, we had to give you a recap!

Lasting from August 5-8, the conference began with a nighttime welcome party at 12 Stories in SW DC. An important highlight, however, was a keynote appearance from HBCU Buzz and L&Company founder, Luke Lawal, Jr. 

There were more opportunities to learn Saturday, with three panels as well as a screening for The Ones Who Walk. Yanet Adere moderated the Diaspora Engagement Panel, which will cover topics such as business and entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and travel. Panelists included:

• Helen Mesfin (Host & TV Personality, The Helen Show)
• William Asiedu (Founder, The Distant Relatives Project)
• Eric Martin (Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of Black & Abroad)
• DeMarius Jackson (Program Specialist, John’s Hopkins Center for Communications)
• Dr. Jennifer Hawkins (Global Strategists and Global Policy Leader)

DiscoverGidi co-founder Ugo Obilo moderated the Technology & Innovation Panel. The panel navigated how U.S. tech professionals and entrepreneurs can be a part of Africa’s digital innovation, as well as how international partners can help African countries create their own digital solutions. Panelists included:

• Lual Mayen (CEO, Junub Games)
• Bukky Ojeifo (Senior Manager, Global Culture & Community at Twitter)
• Boum III (CEO & Founder, Daba)
• Lionel Fotseu (CEO, Custom Scholar)
• Isaac Mbimi (Founder, Seremo)
• Ayodele ‘Ayo’ Duyile (Co-founder/Chief of Strategy, Back Door Tech)

The Creative Culture Panel was moderated by Hopeteller Media Founder and CEO Sheba Kereere. The panel discussed how African artists influence media, as well as how the panelists have navigated various experiences in the entertainment industry. Panelists included:

• Amarachi Nwosu (Visual Storyteller/Creative Executive and Founder, Melanin Unscripted) 
• Alexander Nate (Musician)
• Makki Araya (Celebrity MUA)
• Tambea Raye Stevenson (Founder and CEO, Wanda)
• Leslie Tita (Co-founder, I/O Spaces)

To cap it all off, there were giveaways throughout the weekend! Discover Gidi and Evrything Africa came together to offer the Experience Ghana Giveaway. Also, Turkish Airlines give away two tickets to anywhere in Africa! To learn more about Evrything Africa, and how to catch the next events, click here.