Alkebulan (Africa) Speaks
and Americans of African Descent answers back, "We are One"
On both sides of the Atlantic Ocean there are myths about the African and their descendants during and after the times of slavery, which has brought resentment, and even hatred to many. The lies have been exaggerated in such a way that the history books depict the African as being inferior to people of other races and cultures.
On February 2nd in 1835, Lord Macaulay addressed the British Parliament with this statement: "I have traveled across the length and breadth of Africa and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief and such wealth I have seen in the country, such high moral values, people of such caliber, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage and therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Africans think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation.
"Our spiritual cry to bridge the gap is about the oneness of God's people, not to undo what has been done. We must reconcile, reunite and become part of a re-birthing as a Nation in the Kingdom of God".
For more information please contact us on email: actnimusa@gmail.com
Dr. Dickson Obwoya
Life Ministry Uganda
on
"Bridging the Gap International"
and the role of the
Black Man in the World
Uganda Embassy & ACTNIM
"Bridging The Gap International"
The idea for "Bridging The Gap International" was born out of the desire to bring together believers in Jesus Christ from Africa with Americans of African Descent that have been removed from their countries and cultural identity. In so doing, the program seeks to dispel myths about Africans and their descendants during and after the times of slavery, and tackle lingering issues of resentment, and even hatred that are still harbored on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Ugandan Embassy, in Washington, DC, has been working to strengthen it's Cultural Diplomacy Section in order to facilitate areas of deeper cultural understanding, tolerance and respect through people to people diplomacy. The objective is to foster understanding, appreciation, and mindset change both among Ugandans and Americans at the grass root. ACTNIM supports this endeavor by bridging the gap with trips between Uganda and America to exchange and bring ideas together.
Dr. Deborah A.M. Freeman, ACTNIM; Anne Babinaga, Minister Counselor for Economic and Commercial Diplomacy at the Embassy of Uganda to the U.S.; Margaret A. Kafeero, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the Embassy of Uganda to the U.S. at the Farewell Dinner for Ambassador Katende.
H.E. Mull S. Katende and Mrs. Katende share a photo with friends and well wishers at Farewell Dinner in Washington, DC.
Dr. Deborah A.M. Freeman, ACTNIM; Sonia Komugisha, Miss Tourism Uganda 2020-21; Birungi Gloria Freeman, Ambassador Bridging The Gap International; Dr. Reginald L. Freeman, Jr., ACTNIM at the CNN Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia
2024
Bridging The Gap International
Trip To America
BTG International Support Team
Dr. Miracle Pettenger, Th D
Founder, Proceeding Word Bible Institute
Founder/Producer, Vision 2 Reality TV
Dr. Pettenger is a wife, mother, pastor, author, speaker, retired corporate professional and entrepreneur, Pastor Miracle preaches and teaches the Proceeding plans and promises of God while sharing her personal testimonies of God's favor and glory in her life. Pastor Miracle's divinely inspired mission is to bring healing, deliverance and hope to those who have a desire to know God's purpose for their lives and demonstrate His glory in a productive and practical way.
Dr. Sujata Ives, PhD GCDFI, OWDSI
Chief Executive Officer, Center for Global Alliance & Leadership Expansion
Associate Chair, International Committee of the American Counseling Association
Leadership Support Liaison, Global Connections Committee of the National Career Development AssociationCoordinator, Community-based sector of the World Council on Intercultural & Global Competency
Executive Advisor, NFL Alumni Performance Lab Board Senior Service Fellow, Society for Human Resource Management
Margaret Awino Kafeero
Head of Public Diplomacy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kampala, Uganda
Head, Joint Cultural and Educational Outreach Programs, "Bridging The Gap International" with ACTNIM since 2020, curated for Americans of African Descent to explore and embrace their Heritage.
Dr. Reginald Lloyd Freeman, Jr.
Dr. Deborah Ann Marie Freeman
Executive Directors
Bridging The Gap International
Bridging The Gap International launched this program to bridge the gap in several countries in Alkebulan. Our program started with Uganda and now we're on our way to Nigeria and Kenya.
We want to bring awareness to Alkebulan one country at a time.
Anne Babinage
Minister Counselor, Economic and Commercial Diplomacy
Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, Washington, DC
Joint Cultural and Educational Outreach Programs, "Bridging The Gap International" with ACTNIM, curated for Americans of African Descent to explore and embrace their Heritage.
A Journey of Discovery and Connection
My name is Jacent Rose Nangooba, a passionate advocate for bridging the gap between Black Americans and Africans. Hailing from Kakumiro, a small town in the Bunyoro region of Uganda, my journey as Miss BTG Ambassador and 1st runner up Miss Tourism Bunyoro 2022/2023 has taken me across continents, sparking profound insights and fostering connections.
In February, during Black History Month, I had the opportunity to represent Uganda in the United States. This experience transformed my perspective, instilling a deep appreciation for the richness of cultural diversity. I discovered that despite being separated by geography and history, there are striking similarities in the way of life and traditions between Black communities in the US and Africa.
Driven by a desire to amplify these shared experiences and dispel misconceptions, I embrace the mission of BTG (Bridging The Gap) wholeheartedly. I acknowledge the invaluable contributions of individuals and organizations like Dr. Deborah and Dr. Reginald Freeman, founders of BTGI and ACTNIMUSA (A Cross The Nations International Ministries), in fostering understanding and unity between Americans of African Descent and Africans over the past two decades.
I extend my gratitude to various stakeholders, including HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in Virginia and Maryland, the Ugandan Embassy in Washington DC, community organizations, and churches, for their commitment to the cause of cultural exchange and collaboration. Despite facing hardships while growing up in a less privileged environment, my unwavering faith and determination propelled me to pursue education. Armed with a Bachelor's Degree in Information Systems, I aspire to further my studies with a Master's Degree in Cybersecurity. However, my heart remains with the children in my village and across Uganda who struggle to access education due to financial constraints.
Motivated by a desire to make a difference, I founded "SMILE" during my university years, a grassroots initiative aimed at providing essential school supplies to underprivileged children. Through community support and donations, I dream of expanding "SMILE" into a full-fledged NGO, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to receive quality education.
As I reflect on my journey, my message is one of gratitude and hope. I envision a future where cultural barriers are dismantled, and mutual respect and understanding flourish between Black communities worldwide. God bless Uganda, and God bless the United States of America. For God and my Country Uganda.
BRIDGING
THE
GAP
INTERNATIONAL
