Bridging the Gap

In the month of June 2023, a Virginia Union University team of individuals under the direction of Dr. Mark James, Assistant Dean of Students has partnered with Drs. Deborah and Reginald L. Freeman, Jr., Bridging The Gap International (BTGI) to visit the country of Uganda. This shall mark the second step in the program of “Bridging The Gap” between Africans and Americans of African Descent. In 2021 we began with representatives from Uganda coming to the United States which has paved the way for this step for the future.

During a recent visit to the university campus, representatives from the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Washington, DC and BTGI presented artifacts to the university museum/library. At the conclusion of that visit we met with Director Lakendra Brunston-Parker, Office of Study Away/Study Abroad 4711 and Dr. James to discuss a group visit to
the Pearl of Africa. This trip will help launch a series of visits to the continent of Africa (Alkebulan) that will ultimately cover all 52 countries. The hope is to be able to visit one country each year, and establish the groundwork for future endeavors with HBCU’s. Please follow the events of this trip in our July edition of the newsletter.

A Special Tour Guide in the Western Region

One of the amazing things is that the group from Virginia Union University will experience having an incredible host from the Bunyoro Region to tour in Uganda. Nangooba Rose Jacent Akiiki, the first run-ner up for Miss Tourism Bunyoro 2022/23. On September 23, 2022, she was crowned, Ambassador of Bridging The Gap International for Miss Tourism Uganda at the Miss Tourism Uganda Grand Finale, held at the Serena Hotel in Kampala. Although she wasn’t crowned Miss Tourism Uganda, she gained the attention of the Bridging The Gap International Team and captured the International crown. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Muni University. She has ready stated that she is looking forward to the groups visit.