3rd Annual Holiday Gala
Benefiting The Endeavor for Hope Foundation
AfriPRO Houston will host its 3rd Annual Holiday Gala. Join us as we dine, dance, network, and give to a worthy cause. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to The Endeavor for Hope Foundation.
Below, you'll find more information!
Event Information
Date: Saturday, December 5, 2009Location: AACCC
(10555 Stancliff Road, Houston, TX 77099)
Cocktail Hour begins PROMPTLY at 6:00 pm
Program Begins at 7:00 pm PROMPT
Formal/African Attire Required
Black Tie Optional
This year, we will award the AfriPRO Houston Merit Award, the AfriPRO Houston Image Award, and the AfriPRO Houston Community Heroes Award and are pleased to announce the inauguration of the Distinguished Professional Award.
The Merit Award is AfriPRO Houston's most prestigious award and is reserved for a person with accomplishments on a national/international scale, who has made public statements in the African community generally, and who has had an impact in the African community generally.
The Image Award recognizes a person who is building a new positive image of and appreciation for Africa and Africans.
The Distinguished Professional Award recognizes the efforts of distinguished Houstonians - professionals and entrepreneurs - who have excelled in their fields of endeavor and made indelible contributions to the development of their communities.
The Community Hero Award recognizes a person who has served the community with their efforts, time, and energy and whose conduct and accomplishments significantly benefit the African community.
We will also honor the Member of the Year and Officer of the Year.
Dr. Kase Lawal is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CAMAC International Corporation, a global energy corporation with interests in oil and gas exploration and production, engineering services and crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, South America and North America. He is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and the Vice Chairman of the Unity National Bank Board of Directors, the only licensed and federally insured African-American owned bank in Texas. He is a major shareholder in the bank.
CAMAC has consistently ranked on the Forbes Magazine list of the 400 largest privately-owned corporations in the United States and on the Black Enterprise Magazine list as the second largest African-American ownded in the United States. In 2006, CAMAC was named the Company of the Year by Black Enterprise Magazine and in 2008 was named the ninth largest privately owned companies by the Houston Chronicle. CAMAC has affiliate offices located in Bogota, Colombia; London, England; Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The corporate headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. CAMAC's annual revenues in 2008 were $2.43 billion.
Committed to community service, Dr. Lawal provides key leadership on several boards and commissions, including as a Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority Board, where he served as the first-ever Vice Chairman of the largest Seaport in ofeign tonnage in the United States with over $92 billion dollars in cargo value. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Houston Airport System Development Corporation (HASDC), the fourth largest airport system in the United States, a member of the Board of Directors for the Port of Houston Authority International Corporation and the Greater Houston Partnership Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Lawal serves as a member of the National Urban League Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for Fisk University, a director with the Cullen Engineering Research Foundation and a trustee for The Kinkaid School, a leading national preparatory school. He also co-chairs Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS, a $300 million dollar UNICEF campaign with his wife Eileen Lawal.
Stephanie Okereke, the A-list actress with an infectious personality, is the sixth child of eight children. She has always entertained her family but now she entertains the world. In 1997, she featured in two films titled "Compromise 2" and "Waterloo". A year later she took a break from acting and pursued school to study English and literary studies at the University of Calabar. Not long after, she got a call from Nollywood to act in Teco Benson's movie" Terror". The rest as they say is history. In 2002, Stephanie won 2nd place in "The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria" beauty pageant, putting her on the map. The next year, she was nominated for eight awards, of which she won two: Reel Awards Best Actress English and Reel Awards Best Actress of the Year. Stephanie's' features include "Private Sin", "Eye of the Gods", "Reloaded", and "Adora" which was shot in South Africa. In 2004, she graduated from the University of Calabar.
Stephanie made her mark with the movie Emotional Crack that premiered at the African Film Festival (New York) in April 2004. With over 90 films to her name, Stephanie Okereke is continually building her brand in the movie industry. A recent graduate of the New York Film Academy, Stephanie has expanded her title to include Director, Producer and Writer with the introduction of her latest movie: "Through the Glass" which premiered on October 18, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood, California. Stephanie received a Recognition Award from the California State Legislature and the city of Carson for the movie "Through the Glass".
In April 2009, Stephanie was honored with a Jewel Award at the 6th Annual African Goodwill Awards for her positive representation of African women through her charity work and her evolving movie career. Celebrities like, legendary singer Chaka Khan, actor Isaiah Washington, comedian & actress M'onique, and iconic soloist Hope Foye attended the event. Stephanie's passion for community service continues to inspire her dedication to bringing awareness to many issues that need focus in Africa and around the world.
Stephanie is the CEO of Next Page Productions (www.nextpageproductions.com) and currently an executive of DEL YORK International, a media and marketing communications company. Del-York international will be bringing the New York Film Academy to Nigeria, for a one-month intensive workshop to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers. For more information, please visit www.delyorkinternational.com.
Kenneth Yellowe is a well-known international entrepreneur and among the most dynamic businessmen currently operating on the African continent. He has founded and led several successful companies over the years, including those founded in his homeland of Nigeria to those in the United States. Mr. Yellowe served as Partner for a hydrocarbon trading company in the Republic of Nigeria before relocating to Houston, Texas in the early 80's for studies. In 1987, Mr. Yellowe joined Credit Systems International, Inc (CSI) as Partner and Vice President and later went on to serve as President and CEO of Best Marketing, Inc.
In 1997, Mr. Yellowe founded Global Energy USA Inc., where he currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Yellowe is also founder of Abuja Global Gas Company and Global Gas & Refining Ltd, which is operationally headquarted out of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, an area internationally recognized as one of the most prolific petroleum producing regions in the world. As founder and owner of Abuja Global Gas Company and Global Gas & Refining Ltd, Mr. Yellowe's companies represent the largest and only independent, indigenously owned, gas processors and LPG producers in Nigeria.
In addition to Mr. Yellowe's active role as Chairman of various international energy companies, he avidly pursues his life-long dream of empowering the less fortunate in the local populations in which he operates: Houston and Nigeria. Mr. Yellowe, the Philanthropist, actively shares and promotes his commitment to be socially responsible through educational, cultural, environmental and healthcare development programs. He serves on numerous boards, civic and community organizations, advisory councils and foundations. He is regularly invited by national and international organizations to speak on business and social issues. He has been written about and quoted in several local and international publications including the Houston Business Journal, Wall Street Journal, Vanguard, ThisDay and US Africa.
Uche Baker has worked as an assistant for Houston Surgical Group for the past 23 years in Houston. She has been dedicated to the "Save the Children" program for over 20 years but the first ten years of her involvement were sporadic and only used as a hobby. It wasn't until 1998, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, that she began to make this her life endeavor. Uche Baker prayed and said, "God if you help me survive this I will dedicate my life to saving children." After being declared cancer free in 1999, Uche Baker did just that and over the last few years, she has provided over a thousand toys and meals for the poor children in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
One of her biggest accomplishments occurred when her charity recruited a team of plastic surgeons from Houston to donate over $100,000 of free plastic surgery services toward a young Nigerian girl born with a severe facial defect that threatened her life and emotional well being. For her efforts, she was a recipient of Hollywood's MGM Studios "Heroes Among Us." Uche Baker also received an award for the Obosi Development Union International acknowledging her, not only in the U.S., but also in the European and West African chapters.
Charles Duze grew up in Nigeria and developed a real understanding and passion for the plight of orphans. One of the defining moments of Charles' childhood occurred when he saw children going through the garbage behind his high school cafeteria in search of food. He planned on starting a nonprofit to help the needy once he made his fortune, but later determined he could help without immense wealth.
In addition to his full time position as a software engineer at Microsoft, Charles started LittleDrops Orphanage Fund in 2005 with the idea that every child should have the best chance at a successful future. LittleDrops, through generous donations and incredible volunteers, provides orphans and vulnerable children with a variety of support in their formative years, including food, clothing, and education, which would in turn improve their chances of a bright future. From the time it was founded, LittleDrops has gone from supporting 6 orphanage homes to 26 throughout Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda), and has helped 2,000 children.
Okechukwu Ofili is AfriPRO Houston's Professional Development Officer. He is currently a design engineer in the Manifolds Group of FMC Technologies. Ofili graduated from the University of Houston in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of work Ofili spends his time giving back to the community through his website www.ofilispeaks.com which he created to assist students to get through college. Ofili is a an avid writer and speaker, he enjoys reading and playing soccer.
Ofili is well deserving of the Officer of the Year title. He has planned and executed numerous Professional Development events including Financial Empowerment Series 2.0 and Getting Heard at Work. He's also gone above and beyond the call of duty by chairing the Houston African Business Expo and the Scholarship committee. Without his invaluable contributions, our success this year would not have been possible.
Humphrey Nnadiotu grew up in Owerri, Imo State in the Eastern region of Nigeria where he pursued his passion of football (soccer) while struggling through school. Raised in a lower middle class family, he missed the comforts some of his wealthier friends enjoyed but he was also blessed with the ability to count his blessings and to appreciate the little things. Living next to him were other less privileged kids who had to hawk oranges, mangos, or whatever fruit was in season to be able to pay their own school fees. To them, he was rich and his friendship, his every kind word, and his smile were like a million bucks to them. He came to learn that as much as he missed the comforts that wealth could provide, he was very fulfilled by the positive impact he could make on others' lives. He has since dedicated himself to finding small ways to create that positive impact on others' lives, whether by being a friend or doing volunteer work. He believes that the fulfillment is always greater than the effort.
Humphrey has been an invaluable part of the AfriPRO Houston membership. He's served on the Houston African Business Expo committee, the Holiday Gala committee, and has always been willing to lend a hand when needed. Humphrey holds the United States Soccer Federation national"D", "C" and "B" coaching licenses and has coached and inspired youth across the state and internationally. He also holds a BBA Accounting degree from the University of Houston. Humphrey currently runs his own travel business The Diotu Group (TDG) Travel.
Ebbe Bassey was born in the Bronx but raised across the
Atlantic in the city of Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa. She attended the William Esper Studio and under the tutelage
of the estimable Maggie Flanigan, honed her craft as a method actor. Ms. Bassey went on to be a co-founding
member of the Tupu Kweli Theatre Company through which she explored
socially conscious work such as the award nominated Reality, TRAPPED,
Guilty But Mentally Ill, One Wish etc. She has worked with
esteemable companies such as the Classical Theatre of Harlem (Medea),
Manhattan Theatre Source (Swift Encounter), and 29th
Street Rep/PACT (Issues).
After working on a Virgin Mobile commercial with R & B singing sensation, Kelis, Ebbe was chosen from amongst a hundred actors to be part of the first New York ABC's Diversity Talent Showcase in 2003 at the Acorn Theater. This venture led to a part on NYPD Blue and several stints on Law & Order: SVU. Her first film role was in "A Spoonful of Sugar" that first aired on World AIDS Day on Showtime Network on December 1st, 2003. This inspiring film introduced by Alec Baldwin has gone to touch hearts at film festivals in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa.
Ebbe has appeared in Nikyatu Jusu's "African Booty Scratcher." The film had its premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Los Angeles, California; was accepted at the Pan African Film Festival and has a steady presence on the cable network, HBO. She is the writer, executive producer and lead actress in the short film "Siri Oko Fo (Mending Fences)," which explores the themes of love, family bonds, same sex parenting, female gender mutilation in Nigeria. The film made its debut at the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival in Nice, France and has gone on to screen at other prestigious festivals such as the Hollywood Black Film Festival (Los Angeles, California), Urban World Film Festival (New York, NY), and Boston International Film Festival (Boston, Massachusetts), Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival (Norfolk, Virginia) etc. The film won Best Short Screenplay and Audience Choice Awards at the Nigerian Entertainment International Film Festival in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Ms. Bassey has been profiled in several magazines and newspapers such as the Nigerian Sunday Guardian, Daily Independence's Positive People, Momentum MV magazine, LadyBrille Blogspot and Obaasema magazine.
She is currently working on pre-production for her second short film, "Saving Father" that will explore the theme of HIV/AIDS amongst senior citizens.
DJ Tunes
DJ Tunes is one of the Texas entertainment industry's premier Nigerian DJ's. A member of multiple DJ organizations including the worldwide coalition of Nigerian DJ's, MixMasters International, GO DJ's, and others, his name is synonymous with what's happening in both music and culture in Texas. His schedule and reputation as a top quality DJ have taken him as far as the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, and all over the United States to play for special engagements in clubs, radio, private parties, weddings, festivals, and major events. DJ Tunes has travelled to over 50 cities globally for events and shared sets with top name industry artists and DJ's. His ability to read the party to set the right pulse and mood across many cultures is his strongest selling point and continues to set him apart. His style is best described as uplifting, groovy, and "shoe moving". DJ Tunes is just as comfortable handling a complete hip-hop event as he is handling a complete African traditional event. His ability to combine everything from 80's pop and disco, to house, dance, reggae, modern day R&B, hip-hop, to all types of Nigerian and African music help make him one of the best party DJ's around.
deejaytunes@hotmail.com
Driven Under the Influence (DUI)
Driven Under the Influence (DUI) is an ensemble group of singers, musicians and dancers, from Africa and the African Diaspora, who bring a refreshing word of encouragement through songs performed primarily in African languages. We believe that words don't get lost in translation, when we sing in our mother tongue. But, rather they stir the soul and take you to a primordial place. A place of true vulnerability.
Kuumba House
Kuumba House, Inc. (Kuumba House) was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a Texas non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1984. Kuumba House Dance Theatre (KHDT) is a community-based performing arts organization whose mission is to produce, preserve, present, create and teach African-centered art forms of dance, theater, music, visual arts and other creative expression. Through its programming, KHDT is committed to educating children and adults about the value of cultural arts and promoting cultural diversity.
Estella Couture
Estella Couture's designs are unique, trendy and exotic. Her designs brings a breathe of fresh attitude on all runways. With styles & fabric creativity that distinguishes itself with its standout designs and engaging fashion dynamics, especially in her use of African fabrics/textiles to create awesome designs. Estella Couture launched with a bang in 2005, and within a very short period became well known for her elegant, versatile and sculpted evening gowns and traditional pieces. Unmistakably classic yet fresh, Estella Couture designs offer creative fashion options to the young sophisticated, fashion-forward woman who dares to express an uncommon style. Her designs rendered in unusual fabric blends are imbibed with cultural earthy tones and textures. Her elegant red carpet ready ensembles range from vibrantly colored silks to African prints. With designs inspired by the ethnic and exotic found in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, Estella Couture has mastered the creative afro-centric design worn for all occasions.
The Merit Award is AfriPRO Houston's most prestigious award and is reserved for a person with accomplishments on a national/international scale, who has made public statements in the African community generally, and who has had an impact in the African community generally.
The Image Award recognizes a person who is building a new positive image of and appreciation for Africa and Africans.
The Distinguished Professional Award recognizes the efforts of distinguished Houstonians - professionals and entrepreneurs - who have excelled in their fields of endeavor and made indelible contributions to the development of their communities.
The Community Hero Award recognizes a person who has served the community with their efforts, time, and energy and whose conduct and accomplishments significantly benefit the African community.
We will also honor the Member of the Year and Officer of the Year.
Dr. Kase Lawal is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CAMAC International Corporation, a global energy corporation with interests in oil and gas exploration and production, engineering services and crude oil and refined products trading for markets in Africa, Europe, South America and North America. He is also the Chairman of Allied Energy Corporation and the Vice Chairman of the Unity National Bank Board of Directors, the only licensed and federally insured African-American owned bank in Texas. He is a major shareholder in the bank.CAMAC has consistently ranked on the Forbes Magazine list of the 400 largest privately-owned corporations in the United States and on the Black Enterprise Magazine list as the second largest African-American ownded in the United States. In 2006, CAMAC was named the Company of the Year by Black Enterprise Magazine and in 2008 was named the ninth largest privately owned companies by the Houston Chronicle. CAMAC has affiliate offices located in Bogota, Colombia; London, England; Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The corporate headquarters is located in Houston, Texas. CAMAC's annual revenues in 2008 were $2.43 billion.
Committed to community service, Dr. Lawal provides key leadership on several boards and commissions, including as a Commissioner on the Port of Houston Authority Board, where he served as the first-ever Vice Chairman of the largest Seaport in ofeign tonnage in the United States with over $92 billion dollars in cargo value. He is also the Vice Chairman of the Houston Airport System Development Corporation (HASDC), the fourth largest airport system in the United States, a member of the Board of Directors for the Port of Houston Authority International Corporation and the Greater Houston Partnership Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Lawal serves as a member of the National Urban League Board of Directors, a member of the Board of Trustees for Fisk University, a director with the Cullen Engineering Research Foundation and a trustee for The Kinkaid School, a leading national preparatory school. He also co-chairs Unite for Children, Unite Against AIDS, a $300 million dollar UNICEF campaign with his wife Eileen Lawal.
Stephanie Okereke, the A-list actress with an infectious personality, is the sixth child of eight children. She has always entertained her family but now she entertains the world. In 1997, she featured in two films titled "Compromise 2" and "Waterloo". A year later she took a break from acting and pursued school to study English and literary studies at the University of Calabar. Not long after, she got a call from Nollywood to act in Teco Benson's movie" Terror". The rest as they say is history. In 2002, Stephanie won 2nd place in "The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria" beauty pageant, putting her on the map. The next year, she was nominated for eight awards, of which she won two: Reel Awards Best Actress English and Reel Awards Best Actress of the Year. Stephanie's' features include "Private Sin", "Eye of the Gods", "Reloaded", and "Adora" which was shot in South Africa. In 2004, she graduated from the University of Calabar.Stephanie made her mark with the movie Emotional Crack that premiered at the African Film Festival (New York) in April 2004. With over 90 films to her name, Stephanie Okereke is continually building her brand in the movie industry. A recent graduate of the New York Film Academy, Stephanie has expanded her title to include Director, Producer and Writer with the introduction of her latest movie: "Through the Glass" which premiered on October 18, 2008 at the Pacific Design Center in Hollywood, California. Stephanie received a Recognition Award from the California State Legislature and the city of Carson for the movie "Through the Glass".
In April 2009, Stephanie was honored with a Jewel Award at the 6th Annual African Goodwill Awards for her positive representation of African women through her charity work and her evolving movie career. Celebrities like, legendary singer Chaka Khan, actor Isaiah Washington, comedian & actress M'onique, and iconic soloist Hope Foye attended the event. Stephanie's passion for community service continues to inspire her dedication to bringing awareness to many issues that need focus in Africa and around the world.
Stephanie is the CEO of Next Page Productions (www.nextpageproductions.com) and currently an executive of DEL YORK International, a media and marketing communications company. Del-York international will be bringing the New York Film Academy to Nigeria, for a one-month intensive workshop to help inspire the next generation of filmmakers. For more information, please visit www.delyorkinternational.com.
Kenneth Yellowe is a well-known international entrepreneur and among the most dynamic businessmen currently operating on the African continent. He has founded and led several successful companies over the years, including those founded in his homeland of Nigeria to those in the United States. Mr. Yellowe served as Partner for a hydrocarbon trading company in the Republic of Nigeria before relocating to Houston, Texas in the early 80's for studies. In 1987, Mr. Yellowe joined Credit Systems International, Inc (CSI) as Partner and Vice President and later went on to serve as President and CEO of Best Marketing, Inc.In 1997, Mr. Yellowe founded Global Energy USA Inc., where he currently serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Yellowe is also founder of Abuja Global Gas Company and Global Gas & Refining Ltd, which is operationally headquarted out of the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria, an area internationally recognized as one of the most prolific petroleum producing regions in the world. As founder and owner of Abuja Global Gas Company and Global Gas & Refining Ltd, Mr. Yellowe's companies represent the largest and only independent, indigenously owned, gas processors and LPG producers in Nigeria.
In addition to Mr. Yellowe's active role as Chairman of various international energy companies, he avidly pursues his life-long dream of empowering the less fortunate in the local populations in which he operates: Houston and Nigeria. Mr. Yellowe, the Philanthropist, actively shares and promotes his commitment to be socially responsible through educational, cultural, environmental and healthcare development programs. He serves on numerous boards, civic and community organizations, advisory councils and foundations. He is regularly invited by national and international organizations to speak on business and social issues. He has been written about and quoted in several local and international publications including the Houston Business Journal, Wall Street Journal, Vanguard, ThisDay and US Africa.
Uche Baker has worked as an assistant for Houston Surgical Group for the past 23 years in Houston. She has been dedicated to the "Save the Children" program for over 20 years but the first ten years of her involvement were sporadic and only used as a hobby. It wasn't until 1998, when she was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer, that she began to make this her life endeavor. Uche Baker prayed and said, "God if you help me survive this I will dedicate my life to saving children." After being declared cancer free in 1999, Uche Baker did just that and over the last few years, she has provided over a thousand toys and meals for the poor children in Obosi, Anambra State, Nigeria.One of her biggest accomplishments occurred when her charity recruited a team of plastic surgeons from Houston to donate over $100,000 of free plastic surgery services toward a young Nigerian girl born with a severe facial defect that threatened her life and emotional well being. For her efforts, she was a recipient of Hollywood's MGM Studios "Heroes Among Us." Uche Baker also received an award for the Obosi Development Union International acknowledging her, not only in the U.S., but also in the European and West African chapters.
Charles Duze grew up in Nigeria and developed a real understanding and passion for the plight of orphans. One of the defining moments of Charles' childhood occurred when he saw children going through the garbage behind his high school cafeteria in search of food. He planned on starting a nonprofit to help the needy once he made his fortune, but later determined he could help without immense wealth.In addition to his full time position as a software engineer at Microsoft, Charles started LittleDrops Orphanage Fund in 2005 with the idea that every child should have the best chance at a successful future. LittleDrops, through generous donations and incredible volunteers, provides orphans and vulnerable children with a variety of support in their formative years, including food, clothing, and education, which would in turn improve their chances of a bright future. From the time it was founded, LittleDrops has gone from supporting 6 orphanage homes to 26 throughout Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Cameroon, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda), and has helped 2,000 children.
Okechukwu Ofili is AfriPRO Houston's Professional Development Officer. He is currently a design engineer in the Manifolds Group of FMC Technologies. Ofili graduated from the University of Houston in 2004 with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Outside of work Ofili spends his time giving back to the community through his website www.ofilispeaks.com which he created to assist students to get through college. Ofili is a an avid writer and speaker, he enjoys reading and playing soccer.Ofili is well deserving of the Officer of the Year title. He has planned and executed numerous Professional Development events including Financial Empowerment Series 2.0 and Getting Heard at Work. He's also gone above and beyond the call of duty by chairing the Houston African Business Expo and the Scholarship committee. Without his invaluable contributions, our success this year would not have been possible.
Humphrey Nnadiotu grew up in Owerri, Imo State in the Eastern region of Nigeria where he pursued his passion of football (soccer) while struggling through school. Raised in a lower middle class family, he missed the comforts some of his wealthier friends enjoyed but he was also blessed with the ability to count his blessings and to appreciate the little things. Living next to him were other less privileged kids who had to hawk oranges, mangos, or whatever fruit was in season to be able to pay their own school fees. To them, he was rich and his friendship, his every kind word, and his smile were like a million bucks to them. He came to learn that as much as he missed the comforts that wealth could provide, he was very fulfilled by the positive impact he could make on others' lives. He has since dedicated himself to finding small ways to create that positive impact on others' lives, whether by being a friend or doing volunteer work. He believes that the fulfillment is always greater than the effort.Humphrey has been an invaluable part of the AfriPRO Houston membership. He's served on the Houston African Business Expo committee, the Holiday Gala committee, and has always been willing to lend a hand when needed. Humphrey holds the United States Soccer Federation national"D", "C" and "B" coaching licenses and has coached and inspired youth across the state and internationally. He also holds a BBA Accounting degree from the University of Houston. Humphrey currently runs his own travel business The Diotu Group (TDG) Travel.
The Endeavor for Hope Foundation is a non-profit charitable foundation devoted to providing access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa. They work towards this goal by organizing projects on the local level in areas such as rural communities where access to education is the most limited. Within the scope of these projects, they help fund and support all aspects of education, including but not limited to providing and supporting equal access to education in Sub-Saharan Africa. They believe education is crucial to giving marginalized African families the opportunity to improve their standard of living, as well as to combating the spread of preventable diseases and establishing strong democratic societies in the region.
They are currently soliciting donations and logistics services to ship textbooks and teaching materials to The University Of Nigeria Primary and Secondary Schools in Nsukka, Nigeria and are also scouting for school building projects in Malawi, Chad, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and Niger.
In 2006-2007, the Endeavor for Hope Foundation (EFHF) teamed up with Karrus Hayes and the Carolyn A. Miller Elementary School in Accra, Ghana in order to provide the school's teachers with their modest salaries. Mr. Hayes worked with the EFHF to make certain that the school met the requirements to receive funding from our foundation, and our support helped ensure these needy refugee children (from countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) received quality instruction.
For more information checkout their website.
Ebbe Bassey was born in the Bronx but raised across the
Atlantic in the city of Calabar, Nigeria, West Africa. She attended the William Esper Studio and under the tutelage
of the estimable Maggie Flanigan, honed her craft as a method actor. Ms. Bassey went on to be a co-founding
member of the Tupu Kweli Theatre Company through which she explored
socially conscious work such as the award nominated Reality, TRAPPED,
Guilty But Mentally Ill, One Wish etc. She has worked with
esteemable companies such as the Classical Theatre of Harlem (Medea),
Manhattan Theatre Source (Swift Encounter), and 29th
Street Rep/PACT (Issues).
After working on a Virgin Mobile commercial with R & B singing sensation, Kelis, Ebbe was chosen from amongst a hundred actors to be part of the first New York ABC's Diversity Talent Showcase in 2003 at the Acorn Theater. This venture led to a part on NYPD Blue and several stints on Law & Order: SVU. Her first film role was in "A Spoonful of Sugar" that first aired on World AIDS Day on Showtime Network on December 1st, 2003. This inspiring film introduced by Alec Baldwin has gone to touch hearts at film festivals in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa.
Ebbe has appeared in Nikyatu Jusu's "African Booty Scratcher." The film had its premiere at the American Black Film Festival in Los Angeles, California; was accepted at the Pan African Film Festival and has a steady presence on the cable network, HBO. She is the writer, executive producer and lead actress in the short film "Siri Oko Fo (Mending Fences)," which explores the themes of love, family bonds, same sex parenting, female gender mutilation in Nigeria. The film made its debut at the 2008 Cannes International Film Festival in Nice, France and has gone on to screen at other prestigious festivals such as the Hollywood Black Film Festival (Los Angeles, California), Urban World Film Festival (New York, NY), and Boston International Film Festival (Boston, Massachusetts), Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival (Norfolk, Virginia) etc. The film won Best Short Screenplay and Audience Choice Awards at the Nigerian Entertainment International Film Festival in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.
Ms. Bassey has been profiled in several magazines and newspapers such as the Nigerian Sunday Guardian, Daily Independence's Positive People, Momentum MV magazine, LadyBrille Blogspot and Obaasema magazine.
She is currently working on pre-production for her second short film, "Saving Father" that will explore the theme of HIV/AIDS amongst senior citizens.
DJ Tunes
DJ Tunes is one of the Texas entertainment industry's premier Nigerian DJ's. A member of multiple DJ organizations including the worldwide coalition of Nigerian DJ's, MixMasters International, GO DJ's, and others, his name is synonymous with what's happening in both music and culture in Texas. His schedule and reputation as a top quality DJ have taken him as far as the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe, and all over the United States to play for special engagements in clubs, radio, private parties, weddings, festivals, and major events. DJ Tunes has travelled to over 50 cities globally for events and shared sets with top name industry artists and DJ's. His ability to read the party to set the right pulse and mood across many cultures is his strongest selling point and continues to set him apart. His style is best described as uplifting, groovy, and "shoe moving". DJ Tunes is just as comfortable handling a complete hip-hop event as he is handling a complete African traditional event. His ability to combine everything from 80's pop and disco, to house, dance, reggae, modern day R&B, hip-hop, to all types of Nigerian and African music help make him one of the best party DJ's around.
deejaytunes@hotmail.com
Driven Under the Influence (DUI)
Driven Under the Influence (DUI) is an ensemble group of singers, musicians and dancers, from Africa and the African Diaspora, who bring a refreshing word of encouragement through songs performed primarily in African languages. We believe that words don't get lost in translation, when we sing in our mother tongue. But, rather they stir the soul and take you to a primordial place. A place of true vulnerability.
Kuumba House
Kuumba House, Inc. (Kuumba House) was founded in 1982 and incorporated as a Texas non-profit, tax-exempt organization in 1984. Kuumba House Dance Theatre (KHDT) is a community-based performing arts organization whose mission is to produce, preserve, present, create and teach African-centered art forms of dance, theater, music, visual arts and other creative expression. Through its programming, KHDT is committed to educating children and adults about the value of cultural arts and promoting cultural diversity.
Estella Couture
Estella Couture's designs are unique, trendy and exotic. Her designs brings a breathe of fresh attitude on all runways. With styles & fabric creativity that distinguishes itself with its standout designs and engaging fashion dynamics, especially in her use of African fabrics/textiles to create awesome designs. Estella Couture launched with a bang in 2005, and within a very short period became well known for her elegant, versatile and sculpted evening gowns and traditional pieces. Unmistakably classic yet fresh, Estella Couture designs offer creative fashion options to the young sophisticated, fashion-forward woman who dares to express an uncommon style. Her designs rendered in unusual fabric blends are imbibed with cultural earthy tones and textures. Her elegant red carpet ready ensembles range from vibrantly colored silks to African prints. With designs inspired by the ethnic and exotic found in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe, Estella Couture has mastered the creative afro-centric design worn for all occasions.
