Atlanta on the Global Stage | Showcasing Congo Through Community and Culture
Atlanta on the Global Stage | Showcasing Congo Through Community and Culture
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ACC supports Atlanta’s global engagement efforts ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
ACC supports Atlanta’s global engagement efforts ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The Atlanta Congo Coalition (ACC) participated in the City of Atlanta’s Global Ambassadors Certificate Program, led by the Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs in partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The program helps prepare Atlanta employees to better welcome and serve international visitors ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
As part of the Culture in Context series, ACC presented a session on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), sharing insights on Congolese culture, communication styles, hospitality, and community values.
The session highlighted the DRC’s cultural diversity, music, traditions, and strong sense of community, while helping participants better understand how to engage respectfully with Congolese visitors and communities.
ACC’s participation reflects its broader work through ATLDRC — a platform coordinating cultural, business, diplomatic, and community engagement activities around FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta. Through partnerships with the City of Atlanta, community organizations, and international stakeholders, ACC continues working to ensure the Congolese community is represented in Atlanta’s growing global engagement efforts.
ACC appreciates the leadership of the Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for creating opportunities that promote cultural understanding, inclusion, and global connection as Atlanta prepares to welcome the world.
fifa world cup 2026 | Bringing the Community Together
fifa world cup 2026 | Bringing the Community Together
Mobilzing partners and the diaspora for a global moment
In preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta, ACC leadership—led by the president of the Congolese Community of Atlanta (COCOMATL), Mr. Dede Ntumba—convened community leaders in Atlanta alongside a delegation from the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Washington, D.C., including Mr. Trésor Pumbu and Ms. Catherine Bemba, to coordinate support events for the Leopards. The meeting provided a collaborative platform to align on logistics, representation, and engagement, strengthening coordination between community leadership and the DRC delegation.
ATL X DRC
Building on this momentum, ACC is advancing ATLDRC, a unified platform designed to align cultural, business, and community engagement during the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Atlanta. In coordination with the City of Atlanta and the DRC Embassy, ATLDRC connects and structures ongoing initiatives into a cohesive, citywide effort—delivering high-impact experiences that elevate Congolese culture and strengthen global engagement.
The platform brings together cultural programming, community activations, business engagement, and diaspora participation to ensure meaningful representation and visibility throughout the World Cup. Beyond the event, ATLDRC is designed to foster long-term partnerships, expand economic opportunity, and position Atlanta as a hub for African diaspora connection and collaboration.
ATLDRC—A unified platform led by the ACC Planning Committee, coordinating cultural, business, and community engagement across Atlanta for World Cup 2026.
QUARTER 1 ACTIONS | Expanding Partnerships and ADVANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
QUARTER 1 ACTIONS | Expanding Partnerships and ADVANCING COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Strengthening connections, elevating community voice, and driving engagement between Atlanta and the Democratic Republic of Congo
In recent months, the Atlanta Congo Coalition (ACC) strengthened strategic partnerships, advocacy, and community engagements efforts across the Congolese community in Atlanta and beyond.
A key priority has been deepening engagement with institutional and business partners. ACC expanded its collaboration with the Atlanta Black Chamber’s Global Opportunities Committee (ABC/GOC) through targeted meetings and networking engagements, laying the groundwork for a formal partnership centered on trade, business collaboration, and coordinated initiatives tied to upcoming global opportunities, including planning for 2026 World Cup activities.
In parallel, ACC has remained active in civic and policy spaces to ensure that the voice and priorities of the Congolese community are represented. The coalition participated in the 3rd Annual Georgia Africa Legislative Caucus reception, strengthening connections with policymakers and African diaspora leaders while contributing to broader conversations on Africa–U.S. relations.
ACC also contributed to discussions on responsible mineral sourcing through a presentation on mineral traceability, emphasizing the importance of ethical and transparent supply chains. As part of its advocacy efforts, ACC collaborated with partners to support advocacy and peace efforts in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, ACC participated in One Voice Africa’s 2026 Africa Day at the Capitol, reinforcing its commitment to unity and collaboration across African diaspora communities.
Together, these efforts reflect ACC’s continued focus on building meaningful partnerships and advancing advocacy priorities that connect local engagement in Atlanta with broader developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
asa conference 2025 | path to peace and self-determination
asa conference 2025 | path to peace and self-determination
Exploring Sustainable Peace and Equitable Development for Congo’s Future
The Atlanta Congo Coalition (ACC) was proud to participate in a dynamic panel titled: "The Congo: Defending Its Sovereignty, Creating Economic Pathways, Driving Its Narrative, and Carving a Path Toward Peace and Sustainability." The session was organized by Muadi Mukenge of the Congolese Studies Association (CSA) during the African Studies Association (ASA)'s Annual Conference in Atlanta, November 20–22, 2025.
The panel brought together scholars and advocates working to center Congolese leadership and lived experience in conversations around sovereignty, development, and justice.
📢 Carl Kananda (ACC President) presented a thought-provoking analysis of the economic exploitation of natural resources in DRC that has fueled instability—from colonial rule to today’s mineral markets. He argued that lasting peace must come from dismantling these extractive systems and replacing them with inclusive, sovereign development.
This is not about aid—it’s about justice,” said Carl. “True sovereignty means Congolese people must benefit from their own land, labor, and resources. The international community can play a key role in supporting that vision through fair partnerships and sustained engagement.
The panel was part of a broader weekend of Congo-focused programming at the conference, which elevated the voices of both emerging and esteemed Congolese scholars and leaders—including Prof. Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Prof. Eyamba Bokamba, and Hon. Prof. André Mbata—alongside local advocates and diaspora changemakers.
We look forward to building on this momentum and deepening partnerships across sectors in pursuit of a just and peaceful future for the Congo.
The Congolese Studies Association (CSA)—member of the Atlanta Congo Coalition—promotes scholarship and advocacy centered on justice, peace, and development in the DRC.
The Congolese Studies Association (CSA)—member of the Atlanta Congo Coalition—promotes scholarship and advocacy centered on justice, peace, and development in the DRC.
Congo Week 2025 | Atlanta Stands with the Congo
Congo Week 2025 | Atlanta Stands with the Congo
Building Solidarity in Atlanta for Congo Week 2025
Congo Week in Atlanta began with a dynamic kickoff event on October 18, co-hosted by the Atlanta Congo Coalition (ACC) and Friends of the Congo (FOTC). The gathering drew an enthusiastic and engaged audience — all eager to learn, connect, and stand in solidarity with the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
🎤 Muadi Mukenge, ACC Senior Advisor, serving as both co-host and a core member of the Coalition, infused the evening with energy, warmth, and clarity — helping to ground the discussions in purpose and community.
Two powerful speakers brought critical perspectives to the forefront:
Aimé-Stéphane Mukendi, ACC Education and Economic Development Lead, delivered forward-looking talk on business and development in the DRC, highlighting the resilience of the Congolese people and the vital contributions of the global Diaspora.
Gaetan Nzomo offered a deep and urgent analysis of current humanitarian and socio-political conditions in the DRC, calling attention to the silence — and complicity of international institutions.
This kickoff event was more than a moment — it was a movement in motion. It strengthened ties between local community members, Friends of the Congo, and our Coalition, while setting the tone for meaningful action throughout the week and beyond.
This was a gathering of hearts and minds committed to truth, dignity, and change.
🌍 Congo Week — Oct 19 - 25 — is a global movement honoring lives lost and promoting peace in the DRC.
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