Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Congressman Rush honored for work on African Investment



Congressman Bobby L. Rush (Dem, IL) will receive the prestigious Leon H. Sullivan Foundation’s Champion of African Diaspora Economic Growth Award on Thursday, December 15, 2011. Rush will be honored for his work in Congress towards strengthening U.S.-Africa trade relations.In acknowledging Rush’s work, Foundation Chairman Ambassador Andrew Young wrote:

This year, you have distinguished yourself as a great advocate for the African Diaspora with your exemplary contribution to promoting Africa’s economic growth. We salute you for being a visionary by introducing H.R. 656, the African Investment and Diaspora Act (AIDA) of 2010. This legislation is a milestone in strengthening U.S. Africa trade relations.

The AIDA Act directs the President to appoint a special representative for United States-Africa Trade with the State Department. It directs the State Department to Establish the Office of United States Africa Trade, sets up five public outreach, education and liaison centers and requires that the U.S. government consult with African Union and United Nations agencies about Africa-related trade and economic development.

In accepting the Sullivan Award, Rush says he believes the reconnection of Africans and African Americans is essential. Rush said:

The African Diaspora constitutes a growing economic force for the U.S. economy, including African immigrants, who census data reports are the most highly educated of any immigrant group in this nation. I believe the reconnection of America’s workers with Africa’s workers will spark economic growth and development that will benefit us all.

The awards ceremony takes place in Washington DC. More information on the 2011 Sullivan Honors can be found at www.thesullivanfoundation.org.

Congratulations to Congressman Rush!

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