Event

Afro-Optimism: A Positive Outlook on Africa

Cost includes appetizers and refreshments during the reception, 6:00-7:00 p.m.

What do you know about Africa? There are lions there? It's a continent not a country? That Kony is a bad guy? What else?

As an organization that exists to provide Seattleites with events that educate and connect them to the rest of the world, we have found that there is a huge information disconnect when it comes to Africa (mainly sub-Saharan) for a majority of the people living outside of the continent.

In response, to further the conversation around Africa in our area, the Young Professionals International Network and the World Affairs Council are working to increase awareness on this misunderstood and often under-represented continent.
Contrary to the majority of negative stereotypes that the media reports to us about Africa, there are many positive things happening in that part of the world. This event will be a great opportunity to see a more positive (or at least more complete) version of the story that has, up until now, been relatively narrow and focused on the negative issues, like child soldiers, disease, extreme poverty, and the political corruption.

At the event, we will be focusing on specific themes to increase our city's awareness of Africa. An expert panel will spend the evening talking about the areas of health care, business, politics, and media. The panel will be moderated by Kunle Oguneye the President of the Seattle chapter of The African Network, an author of children's books about Africa and a product development expert in the field of telecommunications.

For more information about the event, visit www.world-affairs.org.