Sankofa African Network celebrates SANIA 2025
The Sankofa African Network hosted its 2nd annual Impact Awards (SANIA) at the Waterford Event Center in Springfield, Virginia, United States, on Saturday, September 20. The event served as a vibrant celebration of culture and community, and a crucial fundraising initiative for the non-profit organization.
The awards ceremony celebrated the remarkable contributions of community organizations, and philanthropic individuals of the African diaspora in the U.S., attracting distinguished and high-profile guests.
Attendees, dressed in formal and traditional African attire, walked a red carpet before enjoying a night of live entertainment, including performances by traditional African dancers and international musical artists.
Holding its inaugural edition last year, SANIA announced their vision to unite all Africans in celebration of great acts of service and build a greater sense of unity and connection within the Afro-Ghanaian community.
“We want to encourage our people to embrace our roots, celebrate our culture, and honour our achievements. The Afro-Ghanaian and Afro-Caribbean communities will shine bright at this awards ceremony,” SAN emphasized to TheAfricanDream.net.
The organizer and host of the event, Sankofa African Network (SAN) is a Virginia-based nonprofit founded in 2020. It has provided services to the DC Metro community in many ways since 2009. The nonprofit primarily serves the growing African diaspora and Afro-Caribbean immigrants.
The evening program began with a powerful symbol of unity, as guests stood for the African Union Anthem and the United States Anthem. Each honouree was introduced with a short video clip that told their story and impact before accepting their award.
Honourees
- Community Impact Award: CASA
- Education Leadership Impact Award: Dr. Thelma Wright
- Community Leadership Award: Abigail Owusu Ansah
- Philanthropist Impact Award: Nerida Lobo
- Business Impact Award: Rahanna
- Creative Impact Award: Hassan Daramy
- Humanitarian Impact Award: Agbeko Kumordzie
- Royal Charity Award: Nana Kwasi Appiah
- Youth Impact Award: Team Fever
- Public Charity Award: Joyful Hands
Following the ceremony, attendees continued to mingle, dine, and dance to conclude the momentous occasion. Sankofa African Network looks to continue building community support as it begins operations for its Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved radio station WSAY-LP at 97.7 FM. Donations by mail can be sent to Sankofa African Network P.O. Box 57 Dumfries, VA 22026.
Author
Sarah Artin is a business communications consultant and creative. She writes on topics that highlight economic development, travel, the arts community, and motherhood. She is currently located in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area.
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