Books For Africa Hosts Ambassador of the African Union for an Evening of Conversation in Saint Paul
Books For Africa was pleased to host Her Excellency Hilda Suka-Mafudze, Ambassador of the African Union to the United States, for a conversation at the University Club of Saint Paul.
The event was a celebration of the collaboration between the African Union and Books For Africa, following up on the Ambassador’s inauguration of the new BFA warehouse in Marietta, Georgia, and BFA Executive Director Patrick Plonski’s attendance at an African Union hosted event in Washington DC in September.
The event was also a fundraiser, with four container match sponsors making matching donations to ensure that projects fundraised during the month of October will receive 2 containers of books for the price of 1.
The Ambassador congratulated Books For Africa on its commitment to education and its strong belief in Africa, and thanked donors for their support and commitment.
She added, “The scope and reach of Books For Africa is truly impressive, making it a good partner for collaboration with the African Union…. The African Union looks forward to working with Books For Africa to ship many more books of all types in the years ahead.” Read the Ambassador’s full remarks here!
In addition to the local Kilimanjaro Society members in attendance, the event was also streamed on Zoom and attended by the Ambassador of Zambia to the United States, Lazarous Kapambwe, as well as BFA supporters on three continents.
Thanks to our premier sponsor, Thomson Reuters, which was represented by Sharon Sayles Belton and John Elstad, as well as our bronze sponsors Lerner Publishing, represented by BFA Board President Joni Sussman, and Bremer Bank. Media sponsor Mshale was present recording, broadcasting and covering the event.
The Ambassador also attended the MINN Summit on October 7th, an event sponsored by Books For Africa, where she delivered a keynote address speaking to the future of Africa and how the U.S. can engage with the continent, and answered questions from attendees.
It’s not too late to be part of the celebration! Our goal is to raise $150,000 in the month of October in honor of our collaboration with the African Union. You can donate via our website (just put “AU Fundraiser” in the Comments field) or by check to help send books to the children of Africa.
Check out more of our photos from the event below and the full slideshow here!
