June 18th, 2014 was a historical day for Africans in the state of Massachusetts. On this day, Governor Deval Patrick, issued a proclamation officially declaring June 18th - June 24th, Africa Week. A ceremony celebrating this milestone also occurred at the State house.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were; Mr Tarek Ben Youssef, Senior Political officer at African Union, Ambassdor Daouda Diabate, Ivory Coast, Ambassador to the US, Chairperson of the African Diplomats in Washington DC and members of the State congress. Many Ghanaian traditional rulers were also in attendance.
During the celebration, some members of the African community were recognized. Their accomplishments in community organizing,
entrepreneurship and public service has advanced the social, economic and political aspects of society.
The winners of the Awards were; Congressman Jim McGovern, Friend of Africans Award, Hon. Ken Asafo-Adjei, from Ghana - Community Leader Award, Mr Kaska Yawo - Liberia, Public Service award and Mr Asanterabi Malima - Tanzania, Entrepreneur award
Ken Asafo-Adjei is a Media Practitioner who works with WordFM,(www.wordonlineradio.com) and WCCA TV. He is the producer of Sing
Along, a multi-award-winning African Gospel music show, on WCCA TV. He is a Ghanaian resident in Worcester, MA, a true community leader who really deserves this award. He has dedicated his life promoting the African/Ghanaian culture in the state of Massachusetts.
Due to Ken's immensely contribution to the Worcester community and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, he has won many awards such as:
1. Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate
Recognition Award in 2003.
2. Central Region Citizen Advisory Board Award in 2003.
3.City of Worcester Mayor (Hon. Tim Murray) Award in 2006.
4. 3G Media Award for Excellence in TV and Radio in 2009.
5. Commonwealth of MA DDS Service Award (Central and Western Regions)
in 2011.
Furthermore, Ken was presented with a proclamation on March 3, 2012 by the Mayor of Worcester; Honorble Joseph Patty.
3G congratulates Mr. Ken Asafo-Adjei, a member of the Ghanaian media fraternity in the US on his major achievement and making Ghanaians in America proud.
The nominees we received for the respective categories are as follows:
Community Leader Nominees
Asafo-Adjei, Ken, Winner
Kokusima, Lucresia
Lomami, Francis
Maina, Harrison
Martinez, Hannah
Tushiminina, Mireille
Entrepreneur Nominees
Kasongo, Jeanne
Dr. Malima, Asanterabi, Winner
Mendy, Marie Claude
Oyedele, James
Public Service Leader Nominees
Ignegongba, Voury
Nubian United Benevolent International Association (NUBIA) INC.
Muvawala, Bukenya Charles
Mongo, Julia
Yawo, Kaska, Winner
Woya, Augustus
