African Diaspora Council Act

The African Diaspora Council Act would create a formal advisory council within the U.S. Department of State, named the Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. The council, capped at 12 members, would be appointed by the Secretary of State and represent the diversity of the African diaspora (African American and African immigrant communities) across government, sports, business, academia, culture, faith-based work, and more. Members serve 2-year terms without pay. The Secretary would designate a chair and an executive director from within the State Department. The council’s job is to advise the President (through the Secretary of State) on strengthening U.S. government connections with the African diaspora. Its guidance would cover strategies for equity and opportunity (including alignment with racial equity initiatives), support for the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, and a range of programs intended to deepen ties between African diaspora communities and the United States. This includes cultural, social, political, and economic linkages, educational exchanges (like the International Visitor Leadership Program), and efforts to boost public-private collaboration and socioeconomic well-being. The council could also address Trade, Investment, and Development initiatives such as Prosper Africa. The Secretary would provide funding and administrative support as permitted by law, and the council would meet quarterly or more often as needed, briefing Congress after plenary sessions.