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Diaspora Diplomats 2025: Reception Celebrating Atlanta’s African Consular Corps
December 3 at 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Long an important gateway for business with Africa, Atlanta’s global prominence continues to rise — driven by expanding transatlantic connections in business, culture, and diplomacy.
As the leading news platform focused on Atlanta’s engagement with the world, Global Atlanta has consistently highlighted stories of trade, investment, and innovation linking the city to nations across Africa — from logistics and aviation to education, technology, and creative industries.
But perhaps no development better reflects how Africa’s 55 governments are viewing the Peach State than their increasing diplomatic engagement. Eleven African nations are now represented in Atlanta’s consular community — a testament to the city’s rising profile — with many more expressing interest in establishing a presence as investment and ties deepen and the World Cup approaches.
Sponsored by Kennesaw State University, a leading institution fostering international education and global partnerships, join Global Atlanta for a special reception celebrating the diplomats advancing Atlanta–Africa relations and driving new opportunities across dynamic and fast-growing economies.
Hosted at Constellations in historic Sweet Auburn, the birthplace of both MLK Jr. and the civil rights movement, the evening will feature exceptional food and drink and unmatched networking — forging connections that will sow seeds of transatlantic collaboration for years to come.
Sponsored By:
Featured Diplomats
Alcides Vicente,
Honorary Consul of Cape Verde
Al Vicente is a retired Broadcaster and former CEO of Archway Broadcasting. He spent more than thirtythree years in Radio including nearly ten years in Atlanta. Mr. Vicente is now a Community Activist. He is currently President of the Cape Verdeans of Atlanta organization formed in 1993. The CVA is actively promoting Cape Verdean culture and Heritage. In 2024 he was inducted into the Cape Verdean Museum’s Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Diaspora. Vicente was appointed as Honorary Consul representing the Republic of Cabo Verde for Georgia, North and South Carolina. He has been actively involved as a Travel Agent primarily guiding groups to Cabo Verde since 2007 to reconnect with their roots. He has a Bed and Breakfast Business, Villa Vicente in Nova Sintra, Brava Cabo Verde where he was born.
Yvonne Horsley McCowin,
Honorary Consul of Ghana
Anna Ndashe Katema Banda, Honorary Consul of Zambia
Isaac E. Taggart Jr., Special Envoy – U.S. Trade & Investment for the Republic of Liberia
Honorable Isaac E. Taggart, Jr. is a dynamic force in community development, social entrepreneurship, and international economic engagement, with a global perspective anchored in his deep Liberian roots. A native of Oakland, by way of Liberia West Africa and alumnus of Morehouse College, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, enriched by transformative global service-learning experiences in Japan, Egypt, and Haiti. His professional journey spans impactful leadership roles across the United States and West Africa, blending diplomacy, development, and strategic partnership-building.
Hon. Taggart currently serves as the Special Envoy for U.S. Trade & Investment for the Republic of Liberia, an appointment under the leadership of H.E. President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr. In this role, he drives high-level diplomatic engagement, investment facilitation, and strategic collaborations to advance Liberia’s economic transformation. His portfolio includes mobilizing U.S. private sector investment across energy, mining, agriculture, technology, education, and infrastructure, key pillars of the ARREST Agenda.
As the founder and CEO of T&T Sustainable and Organic Farms, Hon. Taggart is deeply committed to revitalizing Liberia’s rural economy. His vision focuses on transitioning smallholder farmers into profitable producers through organic agriculture, modern farming practices, and community empowerment. Under his leadership, T&T Farms is helping strengthen Liberia’s food security, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic development in underserved communities.
His leadership extends into the education and philanthropic sectors. As former Vice President of Planting A Seed International, Isaac championed the development of educational programs that provided hundreds of students across the USA, with the opportunity to visit Liberia, Senegal, and Tanzania. His expertise in program design, grant acquisition, donor engagement, and proposal development has driven resources toward building educational infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and expanding service-learning opportunities.
Hon. Taggart’s work has earned recognition from U.S. institutions, including the Oakland City Council, the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and Oakland Mayor’s Office, for his leadership and commitment to community advancement.
A beacon of modern leadership, strategic foresight, and global collaboration, Hon. Isaac E. Taggart, Jr. embodies the qualities of a forward-thinking diplomat. His experience in project management, negotiation, coalition building, and international development positions him as a leading representative for Liberia, one committed to strengthening global partnerships, expanding investment, and shaping a prosperous future for his nation.
