KONO CONFERENCE IN DC 2017

Nemata Blyden specializes in African/African Diaspora history, and has researched women's issues in nineteenth century Liberia. She has also done work for Encyclopedia Britannica and for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (New York Public Library). Professor Blyden has lived in Africa, Europe and the Soviet Union, and remains engaged with issues pertaining to African development.

● "The Search for Anna Erskine: African American Women in Nineteenth Century Liberia" in
    Stepping Forward: Black Women in Africa and the Americas (Ohio University Press, 2002);
● West Indians in West Africa, 1808-1880: A Diaspora in Reverse (University of Rochester Press, 2000); and
● "Edward Jones: An African American in Sierra Leone" in Moving On: Black Loyalists in the
    Afro-Atlantic World (Garland Publishing, Inc. 1999)

Located in the historic Foggy Bottom district at the heart of Washington, DC, The Elliott School of International Affairs at the George Washington University (GWU) is a professional school of international relations founded in 1898 as the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy.

The Elliott School is a leading professional school of international affairs and a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, a grouping of the world's foremost academic institutions in the field of international relations.

The school is strategically located opposite to the U.S. State Department's headquarters, the Harry S Truman Building and walking distance from the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and the White House. With more than 2,100 undergraduates and 750 graduate students, the Elliott School is the largest school of international affairs in the United States.

Ambassador Reuben E. Brigety II, former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and ambassador to the African Union (pictured here) has served as the Dean of the Elliott School since October 2015.

The Kono community in the United States is honored to host the Kono Conference at such a distinguished academic institution. We hope that this Conference will help put the issues of Kono District and of Sierra Leone in general as an important consideration in US foreign policy and international relations.

Kono Union Ball (Friday, August 4th, 2017)

After two days of exciting but grueling discussions on the future of Kono development, we look forward to seeing you grace the walls of the exquisite Camelot by Martin's for a beautiful experience of the diversity of Konoland’s rich cultures and traditions. Modern and elegant, the Camelot is an impressive venue you will not forget. Located on the grounds of the historic Evangel Temple in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, this is a chic entertainment spot for Prince George’s County’s classy elite. You can expect five-star service and food, the latest Salone music vibes including some traditional Kono, Mandingo, Fula and other ethnic throwback songs we all enjoyed over the years in America, our home away from home.

As Konos we are proud to have one of our own sisters and participant at the Kono Conference, Sia Finoh, as a contender for the House of Delegates in Prince George’s County where many of us call home. Buy your tickets now and reserve your premier seating at the long awaited Kono Union Inaugural Ball, the grand finale of the Kono Conference in DC 2017!