African Diaspora Council Act

This bill creates an Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement inside the U.S. Department of State. The council would have up to 12 unpaid members who serve two-year terms and reflect the diversity of African American and African immigrant communities. They would advise the President, through the Secretary of State, on how to strengthen ties with African diaspora communities in the United States and with Africa. Their advice would focus on equity and opportunity, cultural and economic ties, education exchanges, public–private partnerships, and increasing diaspora participation in trade and investment related to Africa. The council may also support international efforts like the U.N. forum on people of African descent.

The State Department would provide funding and support using existing resources. The council would meet at least every quarter and brief key congressional committees after each full meeting.

• Who is affected: African diaspora communities in the U.S. (including African Americans and African immigrants), and programs linking the U.S. and Africa.
• What changes: A new federal advisory council gives recommendations on equity, inclusion, cultural and educational exchanges, and economic ties such as trade and investment. Members are unpaid, serve two-year terms, and meet quarterly.
• When: If enacted, the State Department would set up and run the council.