Howard University students and faculty enjoy cultural exchange with Robie Kakonge, Ugandan ambassador to the U.S.
By Patricia McDougall Special to the AFRO
The visit included scholars from other local institutions, all looking to enjoy
an evening of culture, food, dialogue and shared reflection. Discussions centered on the importance of cross-cultural understanding. Those present highlighted a shared commitment to fostering connections that extend beyond borders and the event reaffirmed the necessity of enduring partnerships between academic institutions and communities worldwide.
All AFRO photos / Patricia McDougall
On Feb. 28, Ugandan Ambasssador Robie Kakonge hosted a delegation of students and faculty from Howard University at her official residence in the Georgetown area of Washington, D.C.
Robie Kakonge, ambassador for The Republic of Uganda to the U.S. (right), with Dr. Phiwokuhle Mnyandu (left), assistant director for the Center for African Studies at Howard University.
Howard University students Amaya Johnson (left) and Candace Charles enjoy an evening at the Ugandan ambassador’s residence.
Students and faculty enjoy time at the residence of Ambassador Robie Kakonge (front, center), of the Republic of Uganda.
Winston Owens, a Howard University student, takes in the culture and history of Uganda.
Krista Johnson (left), director of the Center for African Studies at Howard University, shares a moment with Kadmiel Van Der Puije, CEO of the Voice of Africa Group, and his brother, Kemuel Van Der Puije, COO of the Voice of Africa.
Howard University students Sharif Nelson (left), Bineta Gueye and Dejahnay Davis use the dinner to expand their networks.
Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy hosts annual Excellence Gala
By Alexis LaRue AFRO Intern alarue@afro.com
On Feb.12, Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy (FLT Preparatory Academy) held its Annual Excellence Gala. Teachers, students, parents and community partners gathered to celebrate a night of excellence, uplifting the legacy, leadership and commitment to the school’s community.
Ladaisha Ballard, principal of FLT Preparatory Academy, used the evening to celebrate the journey and growth that the school has gone through over the past few years.
“We are stronger together, and our children are worth every effort,” said Ballard.
The awards gala was a joyful celebration, highlighting the academic achievements of the honored children, much to the delight of their proud parents.
Rosalind Lockwood, executive director of FLT Preparatory Academy and organizer of the award ceremony, celebrated the honorees’ dedication before presenting the special Furman L. Templeton Award.
Lockwood said the award “honors individuals who lead with conviction; Who advocate for children without hesitation, and who strengthen our schools community not for recognition, but because it is necessary
“We’re not just presenting an award, we are affirming the legacy of Furman L. Templeton is alive in this very room,” she said, before bestowing the award upon Deyane Moses, director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities.
Moses has spearheaded efforts to support students, families and the broader community around FLT Preparatory Academy as a community partner.
Deyane Moses addressed students, teachers, and parents at the event. Her remarks were encouraging as she discussed the life and legacy of Furman L. Templeton, as well as accepting the honorary award on behalf of Afro Charities.
“History is all around you, and the legacy lives through you,” Moses said. “Together, we are keeping Furman Templeton’s dream alive and well.”
The program featured students showcasing their diverse talents, including both dance and vocal performances. Among the performers, Jahzel Winkler delivered a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Greatest Love of All,” alongside her duet partner, Junn Myers.
Myers was not just a performer on the gala stage, but she was also recognized as a student with
great academic achievement. She spoke about how inspired she was over the pin she had received, and how amazing it felt to receive this accomplishment.
“It’s really amazing and I really, really appreciate it!” said Myers. When speaking about her performance, her unwavering determination gave her the confidence to step up on the stage and perform, “I was really nervous at first, but I knew I could do it!”
Winkler, who wants to be a singer when she grows up, also spoke about her performance on the stage.
“I knew that If I stood up on the stage and sang, it would give me the opportunity to do the same in the future,” said Winkler.
Student awardees gathered on the gala stage towards the middle of the ceremony, accepting their awards with smiles on their faces and proud parents accompanying them.
Parents and staff were also recognized for their achievements.
Among those recognized was parent Shantell Brightful, who shared her feelings about receiving the honor alongside her son and what their awards meant to them,
“Me and his dad always try our best to make sure that he follows rules at home and at school, and it means a lot to be recognized,” said Brightful. This year was her son’s second year attending FLT Preparatory Academy and her first year as a parent volunteer.
“It’s great to be a part of a community, and I’m grateful to be a part of this community,” she said. The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt pinning ceremony, where parents gathered with their children to exchange carnations and special pins to honor the vital and supportive roles that families play in their children’s life.
All AFRO Photos / James Fields
Students Junn Meyers and Jahzel Winkler perform “Greatest Love of All” By Whitney Houstion at the Furman L. Templeton Excellence Gala.
De’Aandre Dingle’El shows off his Excellence Award.
Troy Smith beams with pride as he holds his Excellence Award next to Assistant Principal Randolph Scott.
Jameria Lewis addresses the crowd.
Deyane Moses, director of programs and partnerships at Afro Charities, discusses the need to uphold the legacy of Furman L. Templeton.
Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (left) and Principal Ladaisha Ballard (right) congratulate Kyng Parker (center) for his hard work.
Brooklyn Pryor (front, left) accepts her Excellence Award from Principal Ladaisha Ballard, as Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (back, center) looks on.
Family and friends enjoy the program.
Deyane Moses (left) accepts an award from Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy Assistant Principal Randolph Scott (center) and Principal Ladaisha Ballard (right) for her work as an amazing community partner on behalf of Afro Charities. Moses serves as director of programs and partnerships for Afro Charities, the sister company of AFRO News that cares for and curates the AFRO Archives. The organization adopted Furman L. Templeton Preparatory Academy to foster community connections ahead of moving into the nearby Upton Mansion.