African Focus Inc. (AFI) is presenting the 11^th Annual African Goodwill Recognition Awards & Induction ceremony on April 12, 20-14 at the Radisson Hotel LAX, in Los Angeles, CA.

According to Grace Neequaye, chair of the Executive Management Committee for AFI, "Our 11th year celebration promises to continue with our tradition of good company, celebrating each other and a lot of dancing. This year marks the beginning of a new decade of celebrations and we are delighted to kick it off by recognizing more honorees that have been a part of what we do for the last 10 years. Some of our honorees this year are familiar faces who have worked hard in the background, helping African Focus as well as other organizations in the community. We have a few other surprises in store so be sure to be there for a fulfilling night of family celebrations and achievements." 

AFI's Lifetime Achievement Honoree this year is Barbara Morrison. Other honorees include Patricia Cochee, Dawn Sutherland, Mohammed Yahaya, Barbara Goldberg, Dr. Joseph A. Bailey II, George C. Fraser, Lara Okunubi, and Justina Mutale, among others.  Each individual has been a part of a cause of breaking barriers, providing financial support and empowering members of our community to the betterment of their lives and that of their families. 

"We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the honorees and hope to continue to partner with them as they persist in their philanthropic and selfless endeavors," said Neequaye..  "In addition to our Goodwill Awards, we will reunite several families and create an opportunity for dialogue between Continental Africans and Africans in the Diaspora. The African Family Induction ceremony has been a medium through which Africans separated by slavery have come together in solidarity and in celebration of our common heritage.

"Among the cultural highlights will be blessings from two Kings from Nigeria: His Royal Highness Igwe Sylvester Ozoekwem, Traditional Ruler of Umumba Ndiuno Kingdom of Enugu State, and His Royal Highness Igwe Ezebuilo Ozobu OFR, Traditional Ruler of Umuagba Owa, Ezea-gu, Enugu State and Chief Judge Emeritus of Enugu State. We are very grateful for the opportunity to have the ceremony officiated by kings from Africa."

Countries represented in this year's African Family Induction ceremony are Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon and Uganda welcoming about 29 inductees.