Africa Speaks

                              and America                                      answers back,                                  "We are One"

The idea for "Bridging The Gap" was born out of the desire to bring together believers in Jesus Christ from Africa with Americans of African Descent that have been long removed from their countries and cultural identity. 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, 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

SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES FOR BRIDGING THE GAP

Instagram - the gap bridging

Facebook - Bridgingthegap256

Twitter - Bridgingthegap22

TikTok - Bridgingthegap7

Dr. Dickson Obwoya

Life Ministry Uganda

on

"Bridging the Gap"

and the role of the

Black Man in the World

Uganda Embassy & ACTNIM

"Bridging The Gap"

The idea for "Bridging The Gap" 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; Dr. Reginald L. Freeman, Jr., ACTNIM at the CNN Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia

Bridging The Gap Crowns 

BTG Ambassador for MTU

Nangooba Rose Jacent Akiiki, age 22 (born in Kakumiro District), is the first runner up for Miss Tourism Bunyoro 2022/23. On Friday night, September 23, 2022, she grabbed the International crown at the Miss Tourism Uganda Grand Finale, that was held at Serena Hotel Kampala. "Nangooba has secured a trip to the United States of America and will meet different people in line with boosting the tourism sector for Bunyoro and Uganda", according to Riita Karungi Abwooli, the Cluster head for Miss Tourism Bunyoro. Riita Karungi says, "Though our contestant wasn’t crowned the Miss Tourism Uganda, she managed to gain the attention of the Bridging The Gap Team and captured the International crown." Nangooba Rose Jacent is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems at Muni University, and she is Bafumambogo by Clan. Nangooba said she wants to be a direct participant in enhancing tourism development, boost self-confidence and test her abilities.  

During the three-week period of the "Boot Camp", that the contestants participated in, Nangooba several times impressed us as the contestants participated in different activities during their training, according to the Executive Director of Bridging The Gap, Dr. Deborah Freeman. This amazing young woman will be representing her region and her country in the United States at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, schools, churches and other organizations, building relationships along the way.  

Covered live on TV

2023

Bridging The Gap

Trip To America

In the spirit of unity and the acknowledgement of our History and Heritage as Americans of African Descent, Bridging The Gap Ambassador Birungi Gloria Freeman and Bridging The Gap Queen Sonia Komugisha from Uganda bring greetings from the Pearl of Africa. Their purpose for coming to America is to build a better relationship between Americans of African Descent and Africans with God's Truth about who we are as His people.

Ambassador Gloria is a 23 year old graduate of International University of East Africa with a Bachelors Degree in Public Administration.

Queen Sonia is a 26 year old graduate of Kyambogo University with a Bachelors Degree in Fashion and Design as well as a Fashion Design Instructor.

Both young women have words and photos they would like to share concerning this years visit.

Hey folks, this is your girl Gloria Freeman, the Ambassador of Bridging The Gap. When I came to the states I expressed very many things and different people that helped me to learn more about the Black American of African Descent. These are some of the things I have learned from them and I want to share them with you all. "Success" is best when it's shared when we share our works, thoughts, opportunities, advise and so much more. Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success. When we come together, work together by the end of it all we will succeed together because united we stand. There is power in gathering and coming together because it inspires us. Delightfully to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful and more alive together. With all that being said, I want to encourage and strengthen ourselves by coming together to unite in spirit, love, and truth as we Bridge The Gap between ourselves.

Our Queen Sonia for Bridging The Gap says this, "Every trip comes with its lessons and teaching moments to both sides (the American of African Descent and us the Africans). This year for me was about reminding the American of African descent that there are other ways to bond with their roots in Africa, like entrepreneurial partnerships and cultural embracing rather than the usual safari visits. On the other hand, I have learned that the small things, like sharing personal experiences and skills is just the start to create the bond step by step. As we Bridge the Gap, let's remember to believe in God's timing because souls do not meet for no reason. Stay Blessed and Love you all".

BTG 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 Association
Coordinator, 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

Minister Counselor, Cultural Affairs Officer

Embassy of the Republic of Uganda, Washington, DC 

Head the Embassy Adoption Program, an academic year global education program, organized by DC Culture and the DC Public Schools. It affords fifth and sixth grade students the unique opportunity to expand their global awareness through direct interactions with Diplomats and Embassies from around the world.

Head Joint Cultural and Educational Outreach Program, "Bridging The Gap" with ACTNIM since 2020, curated for Americans of African Descent to explore and embrace their Heritage.