Afro Lifestyle 05-10-2024

Passport DC hosts “Around the World” embassy tour

By Patricia McDougall

On May 4 Passport DC’s “Around the World” embassy tour opened its door to thousands of people despite the rain. The success of this event was due to the 60 embassies that opened their doors and participated in the occasion. The embassies are the heart and soul of the tour, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience different cultures and traditions.

The embassy tour provides a platform for cultural exchange and understanding, allowing visitors to explore various countries without leaving Washington D.C. It showcases the diversity and richness of different nations, fostering a sense of global unity and appreciation for different cultures. The tour not only brings people together, but also celebrates the cultural heritage and diplomatic relationships between nations.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and the African Union to the United States of America hosted many of the embassies. This has become a cherished tradition in Washington D.C., as many include locals and tourists alike participate in the festivities.

The Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago collaborates with Passport DC to bring music, food and dancing to those in attendance.

Dania Jolley (left), director cultural programs for Events DC enjoys the event with Jan Du Plain, embassy liaison for Passport DC’s “Around the World” embassy tour, and Allyson McKithen, executive director of the World Trade Center in Washington, D.C., at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China US Passport DC Event.

Ambassador of Chad to the United States, Kitoko Gata Ngoulou, welcomes attendees looking to learn more about her country.

Peniella Ndayizeye, of the Embassy of Burundi, participates in Passport DC at the University of the District of Columbia.

Sarah Mutesi, of the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda to the United States, participates in the Passport DC tour as part of the African Union Representation Mission to the U.S.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia displays camels, which are a staple in their native land.

Shown here, Emile Wallace-Waddell (left), a community relations officer for the Embassy of Jamaica, and Joshua Collins, a public information officer with the Office of the Secretary of State of the District of Columbia.

Latisha Malcolm (left) and Delita McCalam at the Embassy of Jamaica to the U.S.

Coppin State University hosts second annual gala

Ericka Alston Buck

Special to the AFRO

On the evening of May 4, Coppin State University hosted their second annual gala at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.

The event served as a celebration of the historically Black instution’s growth and included testimonies from students, speeches from esteemed honorees and a moving call to action by the university’s president, Anthony L. Jenkins, Ph.D.

The school currently has a goal of raising $25 million over five years through the ‘BE MORE’ campaign, as they work to expand courses offered, resources available to students and increase their impact on the City of Baltimore.

Prior to the main event, a VIP reception was held. Once the main program began, audience members heard from students like Tori Haynes-Harrison, a senior enrolled in the early childhood education program, and Mister and Miss Coppin State University, Jawaad Williams and Kailah Griffin-Randall, respectively.

Event sponsors included CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Baltimore Gas and Electric. Throughout the evening a host of awards were presented, including the Eagle Legacy Award to Joseph H. Lewis, a Coppin alum who has displayed exemplary service in the community.

The night ended with guests grooving to the sounds of DJ Ryan Kersey on the dance floor, as Coppin– for a second year in a row– proved to be home to one of the best galas in town.

New Psalmist Baptist Church installs new pastor

By AFRO Staff

n May 4, New Psalmist Baptist Church installed a new pastor. The torch was officially passed

from Bishop Walter Scott Thomas Sr. to his son, Dr. Walter Scott Thomas Jr. in a ceremony complete with all the appropriate pomp and circumstance.

Though Dr. Walter Scott Thomas Jr. is taking over the helm, he will be under the guidance of his

father for the remainder of the year, gleaning bits of wisdom all along the way.

See story on C1

Members of the congregation look on as Dr. Walter S Thomas Jr. (center) becomes pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church with his wife, First Lady Jarrette L. Thomas (front, left), kneeling alongside him.

Bishop Walter S. Thomas Sr. (back) prepares for the installation of his son as pastor with Minister Benny Thomas.

First Lady Jarrette L. Thomas (left) stands proudly with her husband, Dr. Walter S Thomas Jr., who is only the fourth man in the history of New Psalmist Baptist Church to serve as pastor.

Photos by Belinda Merritt

Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott shares a moment at the 2024 Coppin Gala with AFRO Director of Public and Community Relations, Diane Hocker.

Rachel Graham, who currently serves as CEO of the Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts, is spotted in the crowd.

Tori Haynes-Harrison, a senior at Coppin State University studying early childhood education speaks about her time at the institution.

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks listens intently as members of the Coppin community speak on the institution’s growth and the limitless potential of its scholars.

Joseph H. Lewis Jr. accepts the Eagle Legacy Award for his exemplary service in the community, spanning more than a decade.

Photos courtesy of the Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen

Help a student reach their full potential by donating to Coppin State University today. Using the camera feature on a cell phone, scan this image and click the website link that appears on the screen. Donations can also be made by texting “giveCSU” to the number, 71777.

Mister Coppin State University, Jawaad Williams, looks out at the gala audience with pride with Miss Coppin, Kailah Griffin-Randall, at his side.