Today, the Africa Center announced that Dr. Uzodinma Iweala will be stepping down from his position as CEO in December 2024, concluding seven impactful years at the helm. Under Dr. Iweala’s guidance, the Africa Center underwent a significant transformation, transitioning from a visual arts museum to a dynamic interdisciplinary institution with an expanded mission encompassing culture and policy initiatives. This evolution aimed to reshape narratives and foster new opportunities for Africa and its Diaspora.
Inaugurating its enhanced mission, the Africa Center, situated at Aliko Dangote Hall, opened its doors to the public in 2019, swiftly establishing itself as a vibrant cultural nexus in Harlem. Since then, the Center has curated over 280 programs spanning culture, policy, and business, all pertaining to contemporary African affairs. These initiatives have attracted more than 177,000 visitors, offering a diverse array of experiences ranging from cultural exhibitions and art installations to performances, film screenings, author discussions, policy dialogues, and various special events, including Harlem-Day celebrations.
“After seven years of dedicated service to The Africa Center, I have decided that it is time to turn the page and write my next chapter. My journey at The Africa Center has been incredibly rewarding, not just professionally but personally, as our team has worked tirelessly to fulfill and expand our mission. I am proud of what we have accomplished together, from opening our doors to hosting programs and exhibitions centered on African people and the African Diaspora that may not have happened anywhere else but here. We’ve built a resilient and supportive community around our mission. I am confident that the Center is in a strong position to welcome new leadership to carry the institution to even greater heights.”
Iweala's noteworthy achievements encompass the establishment of the Future Africa Forum, which pioneered The Africa Center's interdisciplinary approach to policy programming. This forum brings together heads of state, senior political figures, industry leaders, philanthropists, and cultural luminaries for discussions during the United Nations General Assembly. Additionally, Iweala spearheaded a groundbreaking partnership between The Africa Center, Africa No Filter, and the University of Cape Town to create the Global Media Index, setting a benchmark for media coverage of Africa. Notable curatorial endeavors include collaborations with the Museum of Food and Drink to co-present the groundbreaking exhibition "African/American: Making the Nation's Table" and with Independent Curators International to co-present "States of Becoming," showcasing the work of 17 cutting-edge African artists from both the continent and the Diaspora.
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