Black business leaders, entrepreneurs met at Morehouse College to invest and initiate bilateral partnerships at the first U.S.-Colombia Binational Summit for Afro-Descendant Leaders hosted by the Global Black Economic Forum

Atlanta, GA (June 7, 2024) – Nearly 300 leaders and entrepreneurs from the United States and Colombia met last month in Atlanta for the First U.S.-Colombia Binational Summit for Afro-Descendant Leaders. The event, “Connecting the African Diaspora,” was the first of its kind, in which representatives from both countries came together to confront shared challenges
and opportunities in entrepreneurship, culture and entertainment. Hosted by the Global Black Economic Forum, the Summit was a historic moment in cooperation between Black communities from Colombia and the US.

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Guests were welcomed by Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombia’s first Black Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Minister emphasized shared challenges and obstacles for Black Colombians and
Black Americans. “By elevating the voices of Afro-descendant communities and promoting inclusive policies, progress can be made toward a future where opportunities and representation for all become the norm,” said Minister Murillo.

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"The Global Black Economic Forum was pleased to be a host and convener of the first US-Colombia Binational Summit for Afrodescendant Leaders," said Alphonso David, President
and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum. "Creating a collaborative space for business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and elected leaders is vital to advancing economic
opportunity between Black communities in Colombia and the United States. We look forward to this being the first of several Binational Summits for Afrodescendant Leaders as we continue to bring leaders across the Diaspora together who are committed to working with one another to empower our communities."

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The Summit explored opportunities for growth and collaboration across key areas, including education, music and copyright, immigration, and social movements. Representatives, entrepreneurs and community leaders from both countries participated in panel discussions, roundtables, conversations and working groups to address the most pressing issues facing Black leaders and communities in both countries to forge paths forward. The Summit was held at Morehouse College, a symbol of the city synonymous with Black
leadership nationwide. This initiative came in response to a bilateral, robust, and diverse agenda between leaders from both nations to foster racial equality, promote knowledge-sharing, and create support networks to close the equity and opportunity gaps.