Spelman College President Helene Gayle was recently appointed as one of 12 members of President Joe Biden’s inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. The announcement of the Council was first made by Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of the Biden-Harris Administration during 2022 the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit. According to the White House, the Advisory Council “represents the diversity of the African Diaspora from African American communities around the United States and African immigrant communities across the continent and the Caribbean. The Council’s members include individuals who have distinguished themselves in government, sports, creative industries, business, academia, social work, and faith-based activities. They will provide invaluable guidance to reinforce cultural, social, political, and economic ties between the U.S. and Africa, and promote trade, investment, and educational exchanges between the United States and Africa.”
Other members of the Council include Spelman Board Chair Emerita Rosalind Brewer, C’84, Silvester Beaman, the 139th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and critically revered artist, actress, producer and philanthropist Viola Davis. Read the full White House announcement.