During a recent government meeting, representatives from the United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland and AfroPact presented a collaborative initiative aimed at fostering community engagement and economic development among people of African descent in the region. The meeting highlighted the upcoming AfroPact summit, scheduled for September 26-27, which aims to bring together approximately 100 participants from Cuyahoga County and beyond.

Cecil Thomas, President and CEO of the United Black Fund, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting AfroPact both financially and through resources. The Fund has been active in the community since 1981, distributing around $400,000 annually in grants to various initiatives. Thomas urged the council to consider providing additional financial support for the summit, which is projected to cost around $20,000.

Kwame Bachewe, co-founder of AfroPact, explained that the organization was established to create a platform for dialogue and collaboration among individuals of African descent. He noted the growing relationship between the United States and Africa and expressed the need for local champions to facilitate discussions on economic opportunities and community integration.

Crystal Bryant Ajimang, also a co-founder, detailed the summit's structure, which will include educational sessions on cultural differences and strategy-building workshops focused on cooperative economics. The goal is to empower participants to leverage their collective resources and knowledge to enhance their contributions to the local economy.

The meeting also addressed the potential for increased export opportunities for local African American businesses, particularly in light of Cleveland's recent designation as a sister city to Tema, Ghana. This partnership could open avenues for manufacturing and trade, although specific opportunities will be identified following the summit.

Council members expressed support for the initiative, with discussions centered on the expected outcomes and follow-up actions post-summit. The AfroPact summit represents a significant step towards uniting the community and fostering economic growth, with organizers optimistic about the potential impact of their efforts.