NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson to Present at the 36th Annual Awards Gala of the Africa-America Institute

(NEW YORK, New York – September 18, 2020) – On Tuesday, September 22, 2020, Mr. Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP, will participate in the 36th Annual Awards Gala of the Africa-America Institute (AAI). During the Awards Gala, which will be virtual, Mr. Johnson will provide congratulatory remarks during the presentation of the National Achievement Award to His Excellency Macky Sall, the President of the Republic of Senegal. Steaming will be at the following times: 1:00 PM EST/5:00 PM GMT and 6:00 PM EST/10:00 PM GMT.

Other honorees for the evening are:

*The Presidential Leadership Award: AAI Alumnus, H.E. Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger

*The AAI African Diaspora Justice & Equity Award: Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF)

*Distinguished Alumni Award: Claude Borna, Managing Director and Chief Innovation Officer, Sèmè City Development Agency

*International Institution of Excellence Award: Dr. Benedict Oramah, President and CEO, The African Export – Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK)

*The Africa Illuminated Leadership in Arts & Culture Award: Issa Rae, Emmy Nominated Actress, Writer & Producer

Stated Kofi Appenteng, President and CEO of AAI, "AAI and the NAACP are partners here in the United States as well as on the continent of Africa, to both protect and advance the interests of people of color through meaningful programs of education and cultural understanding and appreciation. I am especially pleased that Derrick has agreed to join us in celebrating the People of the Republic of Senegal. AAI looks forward to a continued partnership between AAI and the NAACP."

Since 1984, the AAI Annual Awards Gala has been the most anticipated African-centered event in New York City. In 2020, AAI is excited to take the Awards Gala digital, for the first time hosting the awards ceremony online and streaming the ceremony to over 23,000 AAI alumni, students, partners, and supporters across the globe.

For more information about AAI's 36th Annual Virtual Awards Gala and to register, please visit aaionline.org/gala. You may also contact Jourden Warren, Chief Development Officer of AAI, either via email jwarren@aaionine.org or (646) 645-7286 (m).