From Africa, to New York City, to the World!

New York City in the third week of September: traffic blockades, scores of dignitaries, and meetings galore. The city takes on an extra buzz atop its usual constant hum, all in the name of the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). With many African leaders and philanthropists who work in Africa being in one place all at once – slightly fewer this year, given heightened U.S. visa restrictions – Segal Family Foundation uses the opportunity to interconnect our vast community. We call this side gathering Spotlight Africa, and it’s a sanctuary in a city of suits and sirens. 

Held in midtown Manhattan, this year’s Spotlight Africa featured vibrantly decorated convening spaces and engaging speaker sessions that attendees described as “timely and insightful, especially in light of today’s shifting aid landscape.” The gathering’s warm energy stood out in contrast to the drab concrete and overcast mood outside; each day came alive as connections were made, ideas exchanged, and encouragement shared. The sessions were collaborative and spanned topics such as the arts for humanity, empowered motherhood in the African context, and artificial intelligence. After a week that was intense for many of our attendees who were taking multiple meetings across the city, Spotlight Africa closed out with an awards cocktail gala – a celebration of five visionary leaders in the Segal Family Foundation portfolio. This annual tradition was as exuberant as always, with loud cheers and silent tears as the awardees’ mini documentaries were aired and their organizations’ accomplishments were read aloud.

During these unprecedented times, it was especially meaningful to have a space dedicated to African voices on a stage as prominent as New York City. We are so grateful to our peer funders and friends who helped us make this possible: Judith Neilson Foundation, Livelihood Impact Fund, and Rippleworks. Developments under the current U.S. administration have put a damper on affairs nationally and globally, but guess what? The doom and gloom shrouding the world can’t darken this community; not even close. We are still finding the inspiration to celebrate one another and collaborate, and we will continue doing so. We may be biased, but even Nadia Kist from Blood:Water said to us, “Hands down, Spotlight Africa was the feature of UNGA week.” Peruse our LinkedIn and Instagram for more pictures and videos from Spotlight Africa!