Yoruba

Africa is entering a defining economic decade. Rapid urbanization, infrastructure expansion, agricultural modernization, and digital transformation are reshaping markets across the continent. Yet many professionals and members of the diaspora in the United States lack structured, grounded insight into how development actually works — beyond headlines and social media narratives. The **Africa Development & Capital Forum** invites you to our inaugural in-person gathering in Washington, DC. This session will explore: • Key macro trends shaping African markets • Infrastructure and real asset development opportunities • The evolving role of diaspora participation • Risks, realities, and responsible engagement • What disciplined, long-term development looks like This event is educational in nature and designed to foster meaningful dialogue and relationship-building among professionals interested in Africa’s long-term economic trajectory.

We are Metro Voices, the treble chorus associated with the Alexandria A Cappella Collective (The Collective). On Tuesday, March 17th from 7-9pm we will be rehearsing at the Fairlington Presbyterian Church at 3846 King St, Alexandria, VA 22302. Please visit and sing with us or just listen to our rehearsal...we love guests. We rehearse at the same time and place as The Harmonizers, the lower voiced chorus associated with The Collective who also welcome all guests. Here's an article about our success in a barbershop style convention. https://www.alxnow.com/2025/03/27/notes-alexandria-singers-win-top-honors-at-regional-contest/ Hope to see you soon.

We've never read Eudora Welty here, so we're going to discuss her best-known work, the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Optimist's Daughter." This short novel, which began as a story in the New Yorker, is about a woman who travels to New Orleans to take care of her father after surgery. I've been meaning to read Welty for years, so I'm happy we're doing this now.

Join the DC Portuguese Conversation Group on the third level of Roofers Union in Adams Morgan (may do the heated rooftop or second floor depending on weather) for an evening filled by practicing Portuguese. Come practice Portuguese over beers while building new connections and broadening your cultural/lusophonic horizons with us! (IF YOU ARE STILL LEARNING THAT IS FINE, ALL LEVELS WELCOME). Whether you are a native Portuguese speaker, an English-speaking expat looking to practice Portuguese, or simply interested in making international friends, this event is perfect for you. Come ready to engage in stimulating conversations and make new friends. Ate ja, tchau!

Chronic inflammation can be linked to conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline. In this session, learn how to prepare anti-inflammatory dishes while enjoying flavorful, nutritious recipes! Registration required. All ages welcome; FREE. **Bladensburg Community Center** **[Register Here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=nl6K640407732E2Y293C2L4F4T4Y6P6E0G5M535L4Y1H5J4R5K6I6Z5O52475708074T5P5J725V4G5A6R016S4E4A5D0A5P526M480G5G4R59591Q724B6H5I6C5Z4O5H&keyword=sPD-SPEC-GA-20260317&keywordoption=Match+One&dayoption=All&beginyear=&location=&display=Detail&module=global&multiselectlist_value=&globalwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly via email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

Calling all Crew Members! 🚢 BBaddies On A Track! We will be meeting at 6am to hit the track. We will do a warm up and then a few drills and sprints on the track! We will also have fun and be in community!

Zoom Link: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/7051101188?pwd=ZkUFbaR6Og2OUgJ06vEMnScDXN7UyQ.1&omn=88307943498 Join us for a vibrant gathering where we explore the rich traditions of Yoruba culture and language. Whether you are a beginner or a proficient speaker, all levels are welcomed to immerse themselves in the beauty of this West African language. Through interactive activities and engaging discussions, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of Yoruba heritage and its influence on African culture. Don't miss this chance to connect with others who share a passion for language learning and cross-cultural appreciation. Join us and expand your horizons in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

To Attend, Please Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038) **BE AMONG THE FIRST TO MEET THE NEW AMBASSADOR AT THE EMBASSY OF ZIMBABWE!** Experience a unique African cultural evening on foreign soil as we travel halfway across the world without ever leaving the DMV. Join us for a special night of Zimbabwe food, drinks, music, cultural dancing, diplomats, film, and more! Dress semi-smart business casual and enjoy this unique party with the Ambassador and his staff at this African treasure. Featuring: A) **African Food with a Zimbabwe Flavor** B) **Bar:** Sample the best and most unique African beverages. C) **Special Native Zimbabwe Musical Presentation:** Enjoy a world-renowned presentation of an authentic Mbira Player. **D) Diplomatic Greeting:** Hear from the HE Ambassador, Ambassador David Douglas Hamadziripi and feel free to schmooze the diplomatic and staff from Zimbabwe **E) Zimbabwe Art:** Throughout the Embassy, they have arranged for the presentation of special African artifacts and paintings unseen to most Americans' eyes. **F) Zimbabwe Cultural Film:** At your leisure, you are invited to watch recurring films showcasing cities, mountains, borders, landscape, people, tribes, animals, safari tours, everyday culture, and much more. Note: The *event is presented as a cultural event organized by us at the Embassy of Zimbabwe. Your registration fee is used by Things to do DC solely to present diverse cultural events to our membership. No part of the admission fee is related in any way to the Embassy of Zimbabwe or staff at the Embassy of Zimbabwe. We appreciate your support of our events!* To Attend, Please Register at: [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/evening-at-the-embassy-of-zimbabwe-tickets-1985245268038)

A weekly networking meeting where we have a lot of fun and of course, meet other busy professionals!

Is the gray weather leaving you feeling a little sluggish? It's time to trade the "winter hibernation" for some high-energy harmony! 🎶 Whether you’re a lifelong singer or haven’t read music since middle school, **Chesapeake Harmony Chorus** is looking for voices like yours. We’re more than just a choir; we’re a community that finds energy and purpose through four-part harmony. **Why Join Us?** * **Instant Energy:** Singing is a proven mood-booster (perfect for this time of year!). * **Find Your Tribe:** Connect with a supportive, fun-loving group of people. * **Get Spring-Ready:** We’re currently prepping for our spring season—it’s the perfect time to jump in. **What to Expect:** A typical rehearsal includes a physical and vocal warm-up, working repertoire, and plenty of laughs. No pressure—just come ready to listen or join in when ready! Come see what we're all about! You don't need experience, just a love for singing and the ability to carry a tune. We provide the rest: * 🎶 **Expert Vocal Coaching** (It's free!) * 👭 **Instant Sisterhood** and Lasting Friendships * 🎄 **Guaranteed Performance Opportunities** for the Holidays! **Ready to find your voice?** * **When:** Wednesdays at 7:00 PM * **Where:** 1358 Millersville Road Millersville, MD 21108 * **RSVP:** Just show up, or message us to let us know you're coming! * **What to bring:** "Just bring your voice. We can't wait to meet you!" Also suggested: wear comfortable shoes for the risers and maybe a bottle of water. **We can’t wait to meet you. Just show up and we’ll handle the rest!** You can find out more about us at our website, [[www.ChesapeakeHarmony.org](http://www.chesapeakeharmony.org/)]

The arrival of spring is reason for song! See you at SOJO! Seasoned SOJO'ers already know the program, but below are all the details which may be helpful to our new members. MOST IMPORTANT POINTS: 1. If you have copies of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again, please bring them. If you don't, we may have some extras available for you to borrow (one time only, please). Both books are easy to find and order online. And here's a link to find YouTube Videos of any song in either book. https://www.riseupandsing.org/songs/search 2. Feel free to bring lyrics and chords to hand out for songs not in the books. If you'd like to bring a song that most people don't know well, see if you can find a YouTube link and post it in the comments when you RSVP. We'd like to listen a few times before the SOJO to get the hang of it. 3. Bring something to drink, as singing is likely to make you thirsty. 4. We appreciate (but do not require) contributions to cover our room rental costs of $75 per session. 5. Please do RSVP. It helps us know how to set up the room and allows us to contact you if we have to cancel. *** FURTHER DETAILS, if you like: * Our regular gatherings take place on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. We meet from 2 to 5 p.m. with a break around 3:30. You can come for the whole time or just part of it. If you can arrive a little early to help set up or stay a little late to help put things back in order, that would be great. Occasionally we take pictures of our events. If you would rather not be photographed, just politely let the person with the camera know and step out of view. We'll be respectful of your wishes. Whether you're new to SOJO or not so new, we look forward to singing and playing with you!

Danceintime runs Cuban Salsa Classes & Social Dancing Every Saturday, all year-long. Come at 1:15 pm to sign in. Stay till 4 pm. Some of us go out for coffee or a bite to eat afterwards and everyone is welcome! $15/person. Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Card accepted. Chevy Chase Baptist Church; 5671 Western Ave. NW; Washington DC 20015. NOTE: Enter through back corner door of the church. Danceintime classes are great fun. The dance moves are beautiful, fun, and our class creates a bonded community... Check it out! Class will be held every Saturday in December....celebrate the holidays with dance! For more info: danceintime.com/classes Questions? Contact Barbbernsteintalks@gmail.com

Join us on Wednesday, March 18, 8:00-10:30 PM. Robert Mills (guest caller from PA) leads the dancing while David Knight (fiddle), Elisabeth Epstein (flute), Liz Donaldson (piano) play Register: [https://www.fsgw.org/event-6562814](https://www.fsgw.org/event-6562814?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExN1VrTWpnbmdRSXFSVWh3anNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR79SGqH65Tb9IFcJbJJ6IsRwK1PFBrKB6y-hYQco5FUNNO87CTTAM0fR-2Bog_aem_1x2xPYAqQMqgd2UvL4ayuA) (Please note, you are not registered by responding on meetup, you must register through the FSGW website, or at the door if tickets are available) The FSGW weekly English Country Dance offers delightful dancing, led by talented callers, accompanied by top-notch musicians playing a wide variety of instruments. The crowd is friendly and enthusiastic; new dancers are always welcome and can get an informal lesson if they arrive around 7:30. You don't need to bring a partner, or dress up. * If you have not previously attended a Wednesday night English country dance at Glen Echo, you may select "first time free" when registering. New dancers are welcome. If you have no previous English country dance experience or would like a refresher, please arrive at around 7:30 for a lesson. Covid Protocol: masks and vaccinations are encouraged but not required. Some dancers are sensitive to fragrances, and they are grateful when you skip the perfume and scented after-shave. Additional information about this weekly event is available on the English Country Dance (in-person) web page. [https://www.fsgw.org/ecd](https://www.fsgw.org/ecd) **Pay at the door:** Admission - $15 FSGW Members, $8 Students and those with limited income, $17 Others. **Questions?** Email English Country Dance * **We look forward to dancing with you!**

We thought of one of the interesting things that can be enjoyed at this time of the year. We will be meeting at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for a "Fish Fry" in Marian Hall on Friday, March 27th at 5:00 PM. It might be fun for you to experience what has become a tradition on the Fridays before Easter. They will have fried fish or baked fish, French fries and Cole slaw, as well as beverages, all for $16.00 for adults. They will have other beverages and desserts available for sale, as well. We have never tried this, and sometimes there are quite a few people at these events so we hope that we will be able to find each other easily. I'll try to have signs outside Marian Hall that Identify our group. We hope to have you join us!

Main Library Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. This first gathering is a simple introduction to the spirit of the group and a chance to meet others seeking deeper meaning and community. All backgrounds are welcome.

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

**Community Dance – Every Friday at Unity of Columbus** Let go of the week’s stress and move into joy! Join us every Friday for an evening of community, connection, and dance at Unity of Columbus. It’s a chance to meet new friends, express yourself through movement, and experience the emotional healing that comes from music and rhythm. No dance experience needed — just bring your energy, an open heart, and your dancing shoes! Dance is freedom. Dance is healing. Dance is fun.

Let’s try some Filipino food at a well known Grandview area restaurant, This is the menu: https://www.canva.com/design/DAHByDNxwDA/TO8oxEmjQrBp_PP_mLPUag/view?utm_content=DAHByDNxwDA&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h435abfbbb3#1

Discover Kiro, AWS’s innovative development environment that adapts to your workflow. Whether you prefer specification-driven development or a more intuitive, vibe-based approach, Kiro empowers you to build applications your way. In this session, speakers will explore Kiro’s core functionality and its evolution through re:Invent 2025, along with demonstrations of prompts used to create APIs, hooks, and steering documents. In the latter part of the session, watch as we build a complete example from scratch, showcasing Kiro’s agentic AI workflow in action for spec-driven development and vibe coding. What You'll Learn - Core Kiro concepts and development philosophy Feature evolution: pre and post re:Invent 2025 Practical examples: API creation, hooks, and steering docs Live coding demonstration with real-time problem solving Who Should Attend - Developers, solutions architects, and technical leaders interested in modern AWS development tools and AI-assisted coding workflows. **Speakers Bio:** Matthew Jorat: Matthew Jorat is a Customer Solutions Manager at AWS with nearly three decades of expertise in AI, cloud transformation, migration, modernization, IT, technology, and business. His career spans infrastructure engineer, solutions architect, security auditor, customer success director, support and services director, and operations officer. He was an early adopter of AWS services as a customer, and his current role at AWS uniquely blends his technical and business skills as he partners with executive teams to translate strategic priorities into measurable business outcomes through cloud adoption, AI implementation, and operational excellence. Matt leads end-to-end AI initiatives for enterprise customers, identifying high-impact use cases and maintaining relentless focus on measurable ROI. He holds eight AWS certifications and serves as Adjunct Professor at Franklin University teaching cloud computing and AWS architecture. His expertise encompasses GenAI, agentic AI systems, migration, modernization, and optimization strategies that drive transformation at scale. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjorat/) Girish Bhatia: Girish Bhatia is a seasoned technology delivery leader with deep expertise in cross-domain program management. He holds multiple AWS certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, AWS Certified Developer – Associate, and AWS Generative AI Practitioner, and is also an AWS Community Builder. Girish brings over two decades of experience in the information technology industry. Throughout his career, Girish has led major technology-driven business transformation from modernizing on-premises applications to driving large-scale cloud migrations. His work includes API-based integration platforms, data-center and mainframe modernization, and enterprise cloud adoption initiatives. Based in Columbus, Ohio, Girish works at a tech-forward fintech company. He is passionate about AWS serverless architectures, Generative AI and emerging cloud technologies. An avid learner and builder, he continues to explore and apply the latest innovations in AWS to help organizations accelerate their digital transformation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/[https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbhatia/) **THANK YOU** *Franklin University* for hosting our meetup! To learn more about *Franklin University*, please visit their website: https://www.franklin.edu/ **DIRECTIONS** Franklin University Fisher Hall 300 E. Main St, Columbus, OH 43215 Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jxjBA2hUmS5qrvhq8 Parking is FREE! Please park in Lot C in front of Fisher Hall. See attached map. NOTE: Map the address only. When mapping with Google Maps it may use the Fisher Hall at OSU, which is NOT correct. **Want to sponsor the pizza and/or bar tab?** Please contact me if you would like to sponsor this meetup's pizza and/or bar tab: angelo@mandato.com