CBI AFRICAN ICONS AWARD

African Icons Merit Award (AIMA)

Honoring African Excellence in the Diaspora

If we don’t tell our stories, no one will tell them for us…

By sharing our stories in the reflection of our culture, we gain the power to shape our narratives and fulfill our purpose.

For so long, Africans have been misrecognized of their true identity and their uniqueness. Hence, their accomplishments, impacts, and contributions to global development have often been overlooked and undermined. Their bravery, determination, adaptability, resilience and curiosity to explore have always been misperceived as pauperdom. For several years, Africans, especially in the diaspora have recorded great accomplishments in science, art and technology while making significant impacts and contributions to the social, economic and political development across the world.

In view of this, the CBI Community Network is launching a prestigious annual merit award to honor distinguished members of African diaspora communities in Indiana who are making exceptional impact and contributing to the development of their community through their services.

This initiative aims at rewriting the miscomprehended narrative of Africans in diaspora, by honoring individuals who exemplify leadership, innovation, service, and community impact. This reflects a mission to preserve African heritage, promote legacies, and inspire the future generations of Africans in the diaspora

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to celebrate African Excellence by recognizing and honoring distinguished Africans in our diaspora communities whose exemplary achievements and contributions reflect positively on the African identity and inspire pride across global communities.

Vision Statement

This initiative envisions cultivating a legacy of excellence by positioning award recipients as mentors and exemplary figures who inspire, guide, and influence the next generation of Africans in the diaspora.

We Believe That


🎨 By sharing our stories through the reflection of our art, we gain the power to shape our own narratives and fulfill our dreams.

🗣️ If we don’t tell our stories, no one will tell them for us.

🌟 This award is our way of spotlighting and celebrating the uniqueness, excellence, and strength of the African people in the diaspora.

Across business, education, entertainment, arts, technology, healthcare, community advocacy, and politics, our honorees represent the resilience, brilliance, and beauty of African excellence.

Our Goals

⭐ To spotlight African excellence in the diaspora

🌍 To inspire the next generation of African leaders and changemakers

📚 To preserve our heritage and promote the pride of Africa through storytelling and recognition


Honorees are celebrated annually through a grand award ceremony, supported by advocacy campaigns and cross-platform publicity to highlight African stories, legacies, and cultural pride.

Why CBI Matters

CBI is not just a media platform. It is a movement — a force for unity, inclusion, empowerment, and social engagement.

In every feature, every brand, and every community project, we are:

  • Preserving our heritage
  • Empowering our people
  • Building a global network of Africans shaping the future

Join the Movement! Be the Voice! Inspire the Future!

Here’s how you can get involved:

📺 Watch and Share our community programs and interviews

🤝 Partner with Us to promote your business, events, or initiatives

🌐 Join Our Network and become part of a growing movement of African excellence

 

Together, we are shaping narratives and inspiring generations.
CBI Community Network — we stand tall among equals… and now is the time for the world to see why.