City of Houston Chosen as First City Outside of Africa for Diaspora African Forum Location
This achievement is the direct result of relationships forged during the trade and investment mission, led by Mayor Sylvester Turner, to West Africa in July, with a 30-member delegation.
Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor 
Ambassador H. E. Dr. Erieka Bennett, founder and Head of Mission for the Diaspora African Forum (DAF), and leadership have visited Houston to scout locations for what will become the first DAF location outside of the African continent.
This achievement is the direct result of relationships forged during the trade and investment mission, led by Mayor Sylvester Turner, to West Africa in July, with a 30-member delegation.
“Our decision to choose Houston as our first location outside of Africa was a natural progression of the relationships nurtured during the mission", Ambassador Bennett remarked.
During the mission, Mayor Turner and the delegation engaged with African leaders, businesses, and communities with the intent to build on existing relationships, explore new bilateral economic opportunities and strengthen cultural and civic engagement between the City of Houston and Africa.
As the most diverse city in the nation and home to one of the largest diasporas in the United States, Houston is the perfect choice. "We are honored to be the first city outside of Africa to host a Diaspora African Forum location,” says Mayor Sylvester Turner. Maintaining, “Today's announcement reaffirms Houston's commitment to strengthening its bonds with the African continent and its diaspora".
Mayor Turner expressed his uttermost joy and recognition for the presence of Ambassador Bennett and the Diaspora African Forum upon their visit to the public session earlier today.
Dr. Luck (DAF), Mayor Sylvester Turner, and Ambassador Erieka Bennett (DAF) were in attendance to grace the colorful event.
“In the African tradition when someone comes to your house, you come back to their house, so we are here to say thank you to Mayor Turner and we are here to open an office,” says Ambassador Bennett.
The mission of the Diaspora African Forum to bridge the gap between Africa and its diaspora by fostering trans-Atlantic connections and promoting economic trade is on course.
