scholars. academia. academic

Global Black Impact Summit to Celebrate Black Academic Excellence in Dubai

The contributions of Black scholars and leaders in academia have been instrumental in shaping the course of history and paving the way for future generations.

Advancing knowledge and understanding across various fields that are critical to society and development, the global Black academic community continues to spearhead the next wave of thought, providing society with the tools it needs to thrive.

The Global Black Impact Summit – taking place from November 30 to December 1 in Dubai this year – stands as a powerful testament to the potential for unity, growth, and empowerment within the global Black community. By celebrating the achievements of educational pioneers and providing a platform for collaboration, the summit reinforces the importance of education as a catalyst for positive change. The summit brings together the global Black community to honor and uplift the legacy of Black excellence in academia.

Scholars and academics have shaped society to what it is today and will shape it to what it will be tomorrow. Educators have been responsible for developing almost every aspect of modern society. From fostering community to developing skills and capacities to spearheading technological innovation and economic progress, scholars and academics have and will continue to serve as catalysts for modernization. Educators have provided the research that has charged development; challenged societal norms and inequality; introduced new concepts, ideas and inventions; while setting the stage for widespread personal, professional and economic development. Without Black contributors and educators, society would not be where it is today.

At its cusp, education is important in the creation and strengthening of any democracy, and over the centuries, many Black academics have given rise to a new era of knowledge and progress. As Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” And many educational pioneers across the global black community have done just that.

Prominent figures include Thomas Sowell, an American social theorist and economist; Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegalese historian, anthropologist and physicist whose work is considered foundational to the theory of Afrocentricity; Mohammed Bagayogo Es Sudane Al Wangari Al Timbukti, a Malian scholar; Sadie T. M. Alexander, America’s first Black economist and many more. Modern figures such as Ahmed Zewail, Nobel Prizewinner for Chemistry; Aziza Baccouche, Tunisian-born physicist; Fatsah Ouguergouz, international law scholar and judge on the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, among many others.

Black scholars and academics have also spearheaded the fight against racial inequality through education. Mary McLeod Bethune, for instance, was a visionary educator, civil rights leader and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. She believed that education was the key to racial advancement and worked tirelessly to provide quality education to African-American students. Additionally, Carter G. Woodson, known as the ‘Father of Black History,’ dedicated his life to recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Black people. He founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History and established Black History Month.

Across the entire educational spectrum, academics have made impactful contributions to people, communities and society as a whole. As Malcom X, human rights activist, stated, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

Are you a scholar looking at connecting with other thought-leaders, innovators and thinkers? Or are you an academic looking to expand your influence across the global academic community? The Global Black Impact Summit represents the pivotal platform to foster connections, engage with counterparts while celebrating the global Black academic community.

There is still time to secure your place at this exciting forum. Visit globalblackimpact.com today and secure your spot among global Black academic leaders.

Entrepreneurs

Global Black Impact Summit to Build Next Generation of Entrepreneurs

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) – taking place in Dubai on November 30 – December 1 – serves as the premier platform for championing talent among the global Black business community.

While the rate of Black business ownership has increased dramatically post-pandemic – rising by as much as 28% in the U.S., for example – work remains to be done in positioning Black professionals at the forefront of leadership and innovation.

Effective leadership skills – which rely on active communication, acute self-awareness and an unwavering commitment to ideas – are recognized as a prerequisite for successful entrepreneurs and an essential building block to creating a strong Black entrepreneurial community.

Under the theme, “Black Excellence: The Untapped Potential to Unite Our Global Community,” the two-day summit focuses on developing effective leadership skills to equip and enable the next generation of Black professionals to become leaders in their fields and cultivate successful relationships within their organizations. Among the event’s core objectives are investing in Black education, innovation and entrepreneurship; promoting equal access to opportunities in society; creating opportunities for Black talent; and stimulating and supporting Black ownership across industries.

In addition to dynamic panel discussions and networking opportunities, GBIS will feature interactive workshops designed to enhance personal and professional skills and facilitate access to valuable learning resources. A strategic session on the first day of the event will explore the latest trends in education, skills development and technical training, highlight the role of education in economic development and wealth creation, and discuss initiatives that focus on improving access to quality education within the Black community.

A key targeted outcome of fostering leadership skills is creating more Black entrepreneurs and business owners. During the session, “Building Black Wealth: Exploring the Power and Potential of Black Entrepreneurship,” a panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders will share insights into the strategies and resources needed to succeed in today’s economy, as well as identify barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs to both starting and scaling their businesses, which largely center around a lack of funding and support. Discussions will also explore how to use the power and influence of the existing Black entrepreneurial community to expand its global footprint, educate the public on the power of investing in Black businesses and highlight emerging opportunities for Black small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Lastly, a series of technical sessions on Day 1 will highlight various tracks on empowerment across industries: “Entrepreneurship and Innovation” will examine the journey of successful Black entrepreneurs, host a workshop on scaling successful businesses, and allow aspiring entrepreneurs to directly pitch their ideas. “Leadership and Advocacy” will help participants develop effective leadership skills, provide training in community organizing and activism, and strive to empower youth to become future leaders. With the ability to start your own business being a key precursor to building and retaining wealth, fostering skills that can result in successful entrepreneurs and business owners will be critical to bridging the socioeconomic gap and capitalizing on the untapped potential of the global Black community. 

Join us at GBIS 2023, taking place in Dubai from November 30 to December 1, and be a part of this transformative event. To secure your participation at this important, high-level event, register now at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com.

stem. women

GBIS 2023 Celebrates Black Excellence, Advocates for Women in STEM

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) – taking place from November 30 to December 1 in Dubai – celebrates the remarkable achievements and ongoing efforts by Black women in STEM while offering a platform for greater collaboration and professional advancement. Themed, Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity, the summit features a strong lineup of thought leaders, experts and innovators in STEM. Delegates stand the chance to network with some of the best in the industry while opening up pathways for partnerships and investment.

Black women have been trailblazers in STEM for decades, breaking barriers and unlocking waves of societal advancements. From pioneering computer scientists like Dr. Shirley Jackson to the visionary aerospace engineer Mary Jackson, their impact has been profound. Katherine Johnson completed the NASA calculations that made it possible for land on the moon in 1969 while Dr Gladys West spearheaded the mathematics that enabled the invention of the Global Positioning System. These women, along with many others, have demonstrated that excellence knows no bounds, irrespective of gender. They serve as role models, inspiring countless young Black girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Their stories epitomize the essence of Black Excellence.

Today, we see a new generation of formidable figures, such as Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and Dr. Jedidah Isler, an astrophysicist breaking new ground in the study of supermassive black holes. In 2021, Senamile Masango became the first Black women to ever have worked on a project at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Switzerland, having obtained her Masters in Nuclear Physics. Charlette N’Guessan Desiree won the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Africa prize for engineering innovation in 2020, becoming the first women to ever win the award. Her work in facial recognition technology through her company BACE Group continues to set a strong precedent in the field of tech.

These women and many more STEM innovators are a testament to the critical role Black women play in this field, and the GBIS 2023 aims to promote the achievements made, drive engagement and inclusion while inspiring innovation for years to come.

GBIS 2023 provides a unique platform for Black women in STEM to share their experiences, knowledge and expertise. The event brings together a diverse array of professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs from around the world, creating a fertile ground for the exchange of ideas and collaboration. Workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions will facilitate meaningful engagement, enabling attendees to forge valuable connections.

Inclusivity is a core principle of the summit. It acknowledges that diversity is not only a moral imperative, but opens new opportunities for innovation and creativity. Collaboration across different STEM disciplines, as well as with industries and institutions, will pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries and advancements. In this regard, the event serves as a launchpad for initiatives that support and empower Black women in STEM. From mentorship programs to scholarships and grants, the summit aims to provide tangible resources and opportunities that will help bridge gaps and propel careers forward.

GBIS 2023 builds on two successful editions to unite the global Black community under a common goal of celebrating, promoting and advocating for Black excellence. Taking place in Dubai, GBIS 2023 offers a comprehensive program that covers a multitude of industries under efforts to foster greater collaboration and inclusion. Time is running out to secure your place at this exciting event. Visit www.globalblackimpact.com and register.

daily paper.

Jefferson Osei to Speak at Global Black Impact Summit 2023

The highly anticipated Global Black Impact Summit 2023 is proud to announce that Jefferson Osei, Co-Founder, Director, and CEO of Amsterdam-based menswear and womenswear fashion brand, Daily Paper, will speak at the prestigious event.

Taking place under the theme, ‘Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity’, the summit will take place in Dubai from November 31 to December 1, 2023.

Leveraging Africa’s diverse, vibrant, and rich cultural heritage as a source of inspiration for contemporary fashion, Onei’s participation as a speaker serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements in the industry. Blending motifs from traditional African design to emphasize cultural heritage and individuality, Daily Paper leads a new generation of African creatives in promoting and developing trends that celebrate the continent’s identity.

Today, the Daily Paper continues its growth as a premier luxury fashion brand inspired by African heritage, featuring retail stores in Amsterdam, New York and London. The company was founded by Osei, Hussein Suleiman, and Abderrahmane Trabsini, whose distinct heritages – Somali, Moroccan, and Ghanaian – have resulted in a unique brand that celebrates the global African diaspora, emphasizing the theme of the summit, ‘Black Excellence: Unveiling the Untapped Potential’.

Available at its flagship stores, the Daily Paper revealed its Fall/Winter 2023 collection in August 2023, unveiling a collection of styles designed in collaboration with African artists that blend cultural references with modern design. What’s more, Daily Paper has stated its commitment towards sustainability and ethical production, reducing waste generation by manufacturing premium apparel from long-lasting materials.

This year’s summit promises to be an event of profound significance, as attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Osei and other thought-leaders who continue to pave the way for Black Excellence. The summit will serve as a platform to unveil the boundless potential that resides within the Black community.

Global Black Impact Summit 2023

The Global Black Impact Summit is an annual event that seeks to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, promote excellence, and explore untapped potential across various fields. This year’s summit is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities that empower attendees to reach new heights.

For media inquiries, registration details, and more information about the Global Black Impact Summit 2023, please visit www.globalblackimpact.com.

champions for impact

Renowned Social Advocate Alycia M. Powell to Address Global Black Impact Summit

Champions for Impact founder Alycia M. Powell will be a distinguished speaker at the highly anticipated Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS), scheduled to take place from November 29 to December 1 at the Address Marina in Dubai.

Themed, “Black Excellence: Unleashing the Unexplored Potential for Global Unity,” this summit promises to be a transformative event, uniting leaders, visionaries and changemakers from across the globe.

Champions for Impact is a distinguished organization committed to promoting social change, equity and inclusion. Powell’s advocacy work spans a wide range of initiatives, from education and youth empowerment to community development and beyond.

An influential advocate for social change, Powell will bring her wealth of experience and insights to the summit’s discourse. As the founder of Champions for Impact, her work has touched countless lives and inspired change in communities worldwide. Her commitment to championing equity, diversity and inclusion aligns seamlessly with the summit’s overarching theme, making her a natural choice to address the audience.

The GBIS serves as a platform to celebrate and harness the unexplored potential within the Black community for the betterment of global unity. It will bring together thought leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and activists, fostering meaningful conversations and forging connections that can drive lasting change.

Powell’s involvement in this summit underscores her dedication to advancing social justice, promoting unity and creating a brighter future for all. Her keynote address promises to inspire attendees, leaving an indelible mark on the summit’s proceedings.

 Global Black Impact Summit 2023

The GBIS is an annual event that seeks to celebrate the achievements of the Black community, promote excellence and explore untapped potential across various fields. This year’s summit is set to be a transformative experience, featuring influential speakers, engaging panel discussions, and networking opportunities that empower attendees to reach new heights.

For media inquiries, registration details, and more information about the GBIS 2023, please visit www.globalblackimpact.com.

scientists

GBIS 2023 to Highlight Scientific Pioneers, Trailblazers in the Black Community

The Black community is home to some of the world’s leading scientific minds, demonstrating a rich and varied history of innovation, intellectual curiosity and an unwavering commitment to creating a better future.

For many Black innovators, each step forward has been made possible only by the trailblazers that came before them, who overcame racial bias and discrimination to achieve tangible progress for all.

The Global Black Impact Summit (GBIS) – taking place on November 30-December 1, 2023 in Dubai, powered by the Black Impact Foundation and organized by Energy Capital & Power – serves to celebrate the achievements, contributions and potential of the Black community across a diverse range of industries. The scientific community, in particular, is home to innumerable Black pioneers and trailblazers that have made substantial contributions to their respective fields, changing the course of history through innovations in medicine, technology, agriculture, telecommunications, industry and aerospace, among others, and embodying the GBIS 2023 theme of #BlackExcellence.

One of the most prominent black scientists of the early 20th century, George Washington Carver was an American agricultural scientist and inventor known for his innovations in farming, soil restoration, botany and crop science. Carver’s research led to the development of crop rotation and methods to prevent soil depletion, as well as the concept of permaculture, in which agricultural ecosystems are designed to be self-sufficient and sustainable. Other innovations by Black inventors that are still in use today include mobile refrigeration technology by Frederick McKinley Jones; the three-way traffic light by Garrett Augustus Morgan Sr.; video home security systems by Marie Van Brittan Brown; street mailboxes by Philip B. Downing; automatic elevator doors by Alexander Miles; and carbon light bulb filaments by Lewis Latimer.

Within the medical community, Black scientists have been the driving force behind groundbreaking discoveries and treatments of modern-day diseases. American research chemist Percy Lavon Julian was a pioneer in the chemical synthesis of medicinal drugs from plants, laying the foundation for the production of steroids and birth control pills, while Charles R. Drew created the first blood bank and received several awards for his work with transfusion medicine and long-term storage of blood plasma. Sierra Leonean biomedical scientist and physician Abioseh Davidson Nicol was the first to analyze the breakdown of insulin in the human body, a breakthrough discovery for the treatment of diabetes. Congolese microbiologist Jean-Jacques Muyembe was part of the team that investigated the first Ebola outbreak in the 1970s and led the research that designed one of its most effective treatments.

Black scientists have also been at the helm of advancements in aerospace and astronomy. Katherine Johnson was one of the first Black women to work as a NASA scientist and was brought onto the Space Task Group during the US-Soviet Union Space Race, becoming the first woman to participate in mission debriefings and actively contributing to the Freedom 7, Friendship 7, Apollo 11 and Apollo 13 spaceflights. Gladys West is another prominent female mathematician known for her development of the Global Positioning System, better known as the GPS, as well as seminal astronomical studies on Pluto and Neptune.

While substantial contributions to the fields of science, medicine and technology have been made, the Black community – and particularly Black women – continue to be underrepresented within STEM careers. As a result, GBIS 2023 will not only celebrate the unparalleled achievements and perspectives of the global Black community, but also identify and discuss pathways to drive innovation, catalyze change and foster #BlackExcellence across every discipline.

 Join us at GBIS 2023, taking place in Dubai from November 30 to December 1, and be a part of this transformative event. To secure your participation at this important, high-level event, register now at www.GlobalBlackImpact.com.