African Renaissance and Diaspora Network
This morning, I logged on, and I plugged into purpose.It was an honor to join some of Africa’s boldest voices for the Africa–U.S. Forum: World Press Freedom Day: Perspectives from Africa, hosted by the USC Annenberg Center on Communication Leadership and Policy, in partnership with the Africa-US Forum on Strategic Communication and the African Centre for the Study of the United States at Wits University.
We weren’t just marking a day, we were making the case:Free, ethical, and purposeful journalism is essential for Africa’s future.
I spoke about ARDN’s work to shift the narrative through “Islands of Hope”, real stories of progress in health, gender equity, youth leadership, and climate action. But I also shared the hard truths:
• Many African journalists face daily threats to their safety • Too few have access to the tools they need • And African-owned media continues to struggle for visibility and resourcesThat’s why press freedom in Africa isn’t just about rights, it’s about resources, respect, and reality.It was a joy to speak alongside:
• Guy Berger, global champion for freedom of expression
• Anton Harber, veteran journalist and fierce defender of the press
• Chris Kabwato, who reminds us why stories and who tells them matter
• Sadibou Marong, fighting for the safety of journalists across the continentAll skillfully moderated by the ever-sharp Dr. Bob Wekesa, bridging worlds from JohannesburgSpecial thanks to Adam Clayton Powell III for his leadership in organizing this impactful forum, and to Richard Prince for his unwavering commitment to highlighting diversity in journalism.We need more spaces like this.
More voices.And more urgency.Because Africa’s transformation won’t be televised unless we make sure the cameras are rolling.#WorldPressFreedomDay #PressFreedom #AfricaSpeaks #ARDN #IslandsOfHope #JournalismMatters #RedCardCampaign #AfricaDiaspora #USCAfricaDialogue #UNSDGs #VoicesOfChange#GuyBerger #AntonHarber #ChrisKabwato #SadibouMarong #BobWekesa #AdamClaytonPowellIII #RichardPrince
