QUEEN AHNEVA AHNEVA FOUNDER CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
THE AFRICAN TEXTILE MUSEUM, WAS BIRTH OUT OF AHNEVA'S PASSION FOR INDIGENOUS AFRICAN TEXTILES WHICH INSPIRED HER TO BUILD AN INSTITUTION THAT PROMOTES, PRESERVES AND DOCUMENTS AFRICA'S RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE.
-EXECUTIVE TEAM MEMBERS-
DIANE EDITH WATSON EMIERITUS
Born in Los Angeles, California, Watson was raised Catholic as the daughter of William Allen Louis Felix Watson one of the four first African American police officers with Los Angeles Police Department and Dorothy Elizabeth O’Neal Watson. According to a DNA analysis, some of her ancestors were from the Central African Republic. She was educated at Dorsey High School, Los Angeles City College and the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned her BA in Education (1956) and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She earned an MS from California State University, Los Angeles in the school psychology (1967) and a PhD in Educational Administration from Claremont Graduate University in 1987. She also attended Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University.
Watson taught elementary school and was a school psychologist in the Los Angeles public schools. She has lectured at California State University, Long Beach and California State University, Los Angeles. She was a health occupation specialist with the California State Department of Education’s Bureau of Industrial Education elected and served on the Los Angeles Unified School Board (1973-1978). Watson was elected to the California State Senate from 1978 to 1998. The longtime chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, she gained a reputation as an advocate for healthcare for the poor and children. She was the first African American woman in the California State Senate.
Watson prompted the US Census to add the designation African American. While The US government proposed the addition of the category of "bi-racial" or "multiracial" to official documents and statistics, some African American organizations and African American leaders such as Watson and Representative Augustus Hawkins were particularly vocal in their rejection of and opposition to the category. They feared massive defection from the African American self-designation.
In 1999, President Bill Clinton appointed her United States Ambassador to Micronesia and she served in the post for two years. She stepped down to run in the April 2001 Democratic primary election, which was called by her community and she agreed to take the nomination as a candidate to replace Congressman Julian Dixon, who had died in office five months earlier. She carried the district with 75 percent of the vote in the June 2001 special election. In the US House of Representatives her committee assignments were: Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Heath Subcommittee on Asia, the Pacific, and the Global Environment Subcommittee on Terrorism Nonproliferation, and Trade; Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; Subcommittee on Domestic Policy; Chairwoman Subcommittee on Government Management, and Organization, and Procurement; Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives! H
er Caucus’ were: Chair of the Congressional Entertainment Industries Caucus… in which she was thus the founder and Co-chair of the Congressional Korea Caucus; Co-chair of the U.S.-UK Caucus; Congressional Black Caucus; Addressing racism in Congress she became a vocal leader on issues related to racism and xenophobia, supporting reparations for descendants of American slaves, reform of the educational system, subsidies for families lacking health care, and a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s criminal justice system. She also decried incidents of violence and racism against Arab Americans that she believed were a result of retribution for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In 2006, the National Journal ranked Watson as the most liberal member of Congress.
Throughout her career in Congress, she advocated for increased funding and research directed at the HIV/AIDS pandemic. She argued in favor of humanitarian assistance for African Nations that had been decimated by the disease.
AMB YVONNE CLARK
AMB YVONNE CLARK
AMB YVONNE CLARK
AMBASSADOR YVONNE E. CLARKE
Her Eminence Ambassador Yvonne E. Clarke was educated in England, UK, as a trained nurse before moving to the
United States to complete her nursing degree with NY State. While working temporarily she fell in love with the
cosmetic, beauty industry, having years of experience as a cosmetics executive. Her last pos
AMBASSADOR YVONNE E. CLARKE
Her Eminence Ambassador Yvonne E. Clarke was educated in England, UK, as a trained nurse before moving to the
United States to complete her nursing degree with NY State. While working temporarily she fell in love with the
cosmetic, beauty industry, having years of experience as a cosmetics executive. Her last position in Corporate
America was as a Regional Account Executive for Groupe Clarins USA. Before her tenure with the U.S.
government. She enjoyed the hospitality/restaurant industry in Washington, DC. highlighted by associations with
two world renowned celebrity Chefs. She finally transitioned from Corporate America and worked as a civil
servant for the U.S. Department of Transportation, and currently work as a FEMA Reservist for the Department of
Homeland Security.
Ambassador Clarke earned numerous awards and recognitions, such as the U.S. Presidential Lifetime Achievement
Award for over 20,000 hours of service. Employee of the quarter at NHTSA. The prestigious Silver Medal
Humanitarian Meritorious award from the Secretary of Transportation; The Totlyn-Taylor Woman of Courage
Award – working with breast cancer survivors. Recognized by both The American Cancer Society at the annual
Beauty Industry “Look Good... Feel Better Program, and one of the official spokespersons for The Komen
Foundation for several years. Cancer Volunteer Service Awards – Daffodils & Diamond, The Arit Fuller Harris
Foundation, prestigious U.S. Representative Award for Africa, with citations from, the Mayor of New York, State
Senator and Congresswoman, along with the invitation to serve on their board globally, and their Key to The City of
New York—Awarded the Peace Conscience Clock from Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPA)
Was appointed an Eminent Peace Ambassador with a Chartered Fellowship Award from the International
Association of World Peace Advocates (IAWPA) a United Nations (ECOSOC) Organization as a Humanitarian and
peace volunteer. She served on an interviewing committee, the National Foundation Cancer Research. Ambassador
Clarke travel extensively to over 40 countries, providing medical, education and spiritual well-being services to
underserved communities, Served as board member on several non-profit organizations, both domestically and
internationally The Primary Founder of YHope Foundation and currently President Founder Partner, Hands for A
Cause, President, Powered Pink Possibilities, Acting President/Medical Mission Chair - Women at Real Risk
(WARR), Women’s Ministry Director - Greater Grace Community Church, Former board member - Jamaican
Association of Maryland. Two terms as President — Annapolis (MD) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated leadership
roles including Area Director for Toastmasters International, Washington, DC. Served as a judge and critique coach
for Miss America, Miss USA and other international beauty pageants. Charted member of the African Textile
Museum in Atlanta, GA, Conference and Administrative Advisor - the Africana Caribbean Faith Base Leadership
10th Anniversary Gala.
**2919 Strauss Terrace * Silver spring, MD 20904 * Telephone: 240*451*5268 - Email: cyeclarke@gmail.com**
MICHELE MADDOX
AMB YVONNE CLARK
AMB YVONNE CLARK
Michele Maddox
International Empowerment Coach, Speaker, Author
We live in challenging and uncertain times. Too many of us feel overwhelmed and ill – equipped to stay the course let alone become the light we were created to be for others.
Michele’s own story of survival has taught her that each of us has been created with the unlimited
Michele Maddox
International Empowerment Coach, Speaker, Author
We live in challenging and uncertain times. Too many of us feel overwhelmed and ill – equipped to stay the course let alone become the light we were created to be for others.
Michele’s own story of survival has taught her that each of us has been created with the unlimited potential to impact the world around us with compassion, healing, wisdom, our individual, unique God-given gifts or to serve as an example for just one person whose belief in herself can be re-ignited and renewed.
As an elder woman Michele knows how true this is about millions of “seasoned women” in western culture who have demonstrated their resilience and perseverance, unconditional love and compassion when the world feels dangerous and overwhelming. Too many accept the judgements of ageism and sit in the shadows instead of trusting in their strengths and using their voices.
As an Empowerment Coach and Life Strategist, Micheleserves “seasoned women” from Nassau to Soweto who are ready to expand their dreams and goals, confront perceived obstacles and re-write the narrative of their lives into a legacy which will fill them and their loved ones with pride.
Michele’s academic training includes a B.A. in French Language and Literature, an M.A. in Dispute Resolution, doctoral coursework in International Conflict Management And the study of Italian Language and Art of the Renaissance court in Florence, Italy. She also achieved certifications in Life Coaching and as a mediator with the Tennessee Supreme Court.
She has served on 14 boards of directors related to health care, community development, women’s empowerment, foster care and for international professional arts organizations.
Her three extraordinary adult children and two exemplary grandchildren represent Michele’s greatest pride and joy.
GEOVANI BREWER
DAPHNE MICHELLE TITUS
DAPHNE MICHELLE TITUS
Geovanni Brewer is a trailblazing media entrepreneur and creative strategist with 25+ years of experience. As an Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Black & White TV, Inc., she has a proven track record of creating, developing, and producing original content for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
Achievements include being the
Geovanni Brewer is a trailblazing media entrepreneur and creative strategist with 25+ years of experience. As an Executive Producer and Co-Founder of Black & White TV, Inc., she has a proven track record of creating, developing, and producing original content for broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms.
Achievements include being the first African American female Executive Producer at 20th Century Fox Television, leading a late-night talk show, and creating syndicated court shows. She's also produced specials for PBS and worked with iconic figures like Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, and Michael Jackson, and Barack Obama to name a few. Fluent in multiple languages due to her international travel experience, Geovanni is known for her ability to manage multimillion-dollar budgets and inspire teams. She's received NAACP Image Awards, Emmy Nominations, and a National Endowment for the Arts Award for her cultural documentary: “ Bahia Africa in the Americas.” Geovanni remains influential by engaging with streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, and TikTok.
DAPHNE MICHELLE TITUS
DAPHNE MICHELLE TITUS
DAPHNE MICHELLE TITUS
Daphne Michelle Titus, Founder/CEO of Mapasa Strategies is a renowned international consultant that assists both domestic and international clients in the realm of foreign affairs, focusing on Africa, Asia and the Americas. A member of the Maryland-KwaZulu Natal Sister State Committee, an advisor to America’s Voices Against Apartheid /
Daphne Michelle Titus, Founder/CEO of Mapasa Strategies is a renowned international consultant that assists both domestic and international clients in the realm of foreign affairs, focusing on Africa, Asia and the Americas. A member of the Maryland-KwaZulu Natal Sister State Committee, an advisor to America’s Voices Against Apartheid / Hayes Group LLC and African Agriculture board member, she is an alumna of the U. S.Department of State (DOS) Senior Foreign Service and a member of the United Nations Senior Women’s Talent Pipeline who has also encumbered senior advisory positions at the U.S. Agency for International Development as well as the U.S. Department of Defense. Ms. Titus has served overseas in Haiti, Cameroon, Kenya, the Gambia, Nigeria, Djibouti and Congo-Kinshasa (twice) as well as in WDC as a Senior Advisor in the Bureaus of African, Western Hemisphere, Human Resource and Consular Affairs and encumbered temporary duty positions on every continent.
DR. JAMAL BRYANT ENDOWED US WITH A HOME FOR THE MUSEUM...
Thanks to Dr. Jamal Bryant's visionary leadership He has endowed The African Textile Museum with a new home on the New Birth MBC Campus @ 6400 Woodrow Road, Stonecrest Georgia 30038
-advisory board members-
THIERRY ARMEL KONGUEP
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
Thierry is an innovative, a visionary, enthusiastic about the advancement of corporate and governmental entities. He is admired and revered by his peers and colleagues and is truly and outstanding professional, whose professional repute precedes him. He is equipped with a strong sense of leadership and timely delivering of quality work a
Thierry is an innovative, a visionary, enthusiastic about the advancement of corporate and governmental entities. He is admired and revered by his peers and colleagues and is truly and outstanding professional, whose professional repute precedes him. He is equipped with a strong sense of leadership and timely delivering of quality work and remarkably honors his clients, by completing projects ... usually under the proposed and projected budget. Thierry similarly serves, as the North America Representative and Board member of GivHOPE Africa, a non-profit organization based in Yaoundé Cameroon, and is also the Director of African Affairs for the Conference of Black Mayors organization. He is also one of the Vice-Presidents Cameroon for WaterLight Save Initiatives and charged with spearheading, negotiating, executing and sustaining trade and investment relationships which will help fund the various WaterLight Save Initiatives initiatives, while bilaterally improving the lives, environment, health and wealth of Cameroon. Thierry is the President of TAK Enterprises, LLC and Founder and CEO ASEDE where he has devoted 90 percent to international development mostly promoting public-private partnership between the USA and in Africa for more than 10 years. He has intensive experience in unusual and innovative management development. While in Côte d’Ivoire, Thierry was also responsible for conducting business negotiations with the government, with his strategic goals focusing on the Implementation and the long-term investment program in urban development Thierry also has experience working in Sierra Leone, where he likewise was tasked with handling investment and trade-related business negotiation with the government. Such negotiations were predicated on the environmental challenges and advancement sought by Thierry, and said negotiations involved ideations and implementation of water, waste management, solar power and electricity related initiatives. Thierrys Armel Konguep, is also an ordained Minister and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He enjoys Christian literature and music, travelling around the world for new ideas and partnerships ... and occasionally playing soccer! Most importantly, he values spending time with his beautiful family and his foundation.
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
Prince Dr. Ero Ibhafidon is the Founder & CEO of Waterlight Industries Limited, WENDY Networking Solutions (International), Wendy Solutions INC (USA), and is also the Founder & President of Waterlight Save Initiative, a Non-profit organization designed to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of Africans both abroad, in the D
Prince Dr. Ero Ibhafidon is the Founder & CEO of Waterlight Industries Limited, WENDY Networking Solutions (International), Wendy Solutions INC (USA), and is also the Founder & President of Waterlight Save Initiative, a Non-profit organization designed to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of Africans both abroad, in the Diaspora and Worldwide. His initiatives focus on anywhere from accessing potable water, anti-human trafficking, agricultural and economic sustainment, orphanage housing and services, medical prevention and attention, so much more, other in Africa and the United States. Prince Ero community outreach programs and events , center on the recipient and isn’t restricted to anyone country, city or continent. His passion is found in being a Public Servant and an Ambassador of God. Through laser-focus, dedication and passion for excellence; he has been able to build a reliable business; a company poised for international achievements and engagement. With a resilient team of experts, Waterlight has partnered with International companies to achieve formidable objectives and admirable results. He has a knack for professional delivery, well conceived ideas and strategic planning. With these at the foundation; Waterlight has imbibed a culture of organic, intrinsic growth and excellence. Engr. Prince Ero ibhafidon was recently awarded ‘The Society Icon in Youth Entrepreneurship Award in Abuja Nigeria, The Papyrus Magazine Award on Immense Contribution To Social Development in Abuja, The young remarkable entrepreneur award in Atlanta Georgia USA, The Consulate General Of Nigeria Atlanta-Georgia citizens recognition Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to sustainable development, Honorary Georgia Citizen Award in Atlanta Georgia, and The US Presidential Lifetime achievement Award for community service and many others, He is also a member of the World Chamber of Commerce Atlanta, Georgia (United States of America)
Ambassador Dr. Tari Gold Okpurukre
PRINCE DR. ENGR. ERO MOSES IBHAFIDON
Ambassador Dr. Tari Gold Okpurukre
Amb. Dr. Tari Gold Okpurukre is a distinguished individual with a profound academic and leadership background. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree, a Doctor of Divinity Degree (Honoris Casusa) and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management (Honoris Causa) With a solid foundation in academia and leadership, he has made remarkable strides i
Amb. Dr. Tari Gold Okpurukre is a distinguished individual with a profound academic and leadership background. He holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree, a Doctor of Divinity Degree (Honoris Casusa) and a Doctorate in Leadership and Management (Honoris Causa) With a solid foundation in academia and leadership, he has made remarkable strides in various fields. As a global public relations consultant, he has showcased his expertise in fostering effective communication and enhancing the image of numerous organizations. Dr. Okpurukre's commitment to excellence has been recognized through his receipt of prestigious awards, including ''The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and 'The Outstanding Georgia Award'' both of which highlight his significant contributions. He proudly serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the State of Georgia, where he holds Senate approval. Furthermore, he serves as the President of Cornerstone Christian University for the continent of Africa, the CEO of Strategic Meetings and Leadership, and a World Peace Ambassador. His roles reflect his compassionate leadership style and cultural acumen, which he channels towards driving positive change and contributing to the betterment of society. In addition to his multifaceted roles, he is also recognized as a strategic business consultant, offering his insights to empower organizations and individuals for success. He is also a Fine Arts Agent, locally and internationally working with Nigerian and other African Artists in different countries.