Volume I, Issue 1 | January 15, 2026

💌 Message from the Founders

Hey Certified Africa family!

Welcome to the very first issue of our newsletter - a space where we can connect, celebrate, and dream together. As we step into 2026, we're filled with gratitude for every one of you who makes this family what it is. You're not just travelers; you're the heartbeat of a movement reconnecting the African diaspora with the continent that calls us home.

This year, we're going beyond just creating unforgettable journeys. We're launching the Certified Africa Foundation, turning our shared love for Africa into lasting impact through education, empowerment, and connection. We're hosting events where we'll dream and plan together. And most importantly, we're continuing to build this beautiful family - one trip, one story, one moment of joy at a time.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for trusting us with your adventures and your hearts. Let's make 2026 a year of profound connection, celebration, and transformation.

With love and gratitude,

Kristin & Nii

🔥 Featured Stories

🌸 Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Makes History: 118th Founders' Day Celebration & First Ghana Chapter Chartering

Today, January 15, 2026, marks a monumental moment in the history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®—one that has been 118 years in the making. Over 500 members of this legendary sisterhood have gathered in Accra, Ghana, not just to celebrate Founders' Day, but to witness something truly historic: the chartering of the sorority's first-ever chapter in Ghana.

This isn't just an organizational milestone—it's a homecoming. A return to the Motherland. A full-circle moment where the legacy of nine visionary African American women who founded Alpha Kappa Alpha at Howard University in 1908 now extends its roots back to African soil.

A Sea of Pink and Green in the Motherland

Under the leadership of International President & CEO Dannette Anthony Reed, members from across the globe have traveled to Ghana for a week-long celebration that includes cultural immersion, sacred ceremonies, community service, and the official chartering of the Black Star Pearls Interest Group—Ghana's newest Alpha Kappa Alpha chapter.

From visits to Cape Coast Castle and the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum to a traditional Ghanaian naming ceremony, the week has been filled with moments of deep connection, reflection, and joy.

Walking in Maya Angelou's Footsteps

This celebration carries special significance. The legendary Maya Angelou, poet, author, and proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, lived in Ghana during the 1960s, where her connection to her African roots deepened and inspired her transformative work on identity and belonging. Today, her sorors follow in her footsteps, honoring her legacy and the legacy of all who came before them.

The Chartering Ceremony

On January 16, 2026, the Chartering will take place, officially establishing the Ghana Chapter as the sorority's second chapter in West Africa (alongside Eta Beta Omega in Liberia) and the fourth chapter on the African continent. This expansion strengthens Alpha Kappa Alpha's presence in Africa, joining established chapters in Liberia, Nigeria, and South Africa.

From Howard University to Accra, Ghana, the story of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority continues to inspire. Tomorrow, a new chapter begins.

Congratulations to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® on 118 years of excellence, and welcome home to Ghana. 🌸🇬🇭

👟 Ghana Steps Into History: Free The Youth Makes Waves with Exclusive Nike Collaboration

Free The Youth, an Accra-based creative collective, just made history as one of the very few African brands to officially collaborate with Nike. Yes, you read that right—Nike. And if that doesn't make you want to stand up and applaud, we don't know what will.

This isn't just about sneakers. This is about Ghana's creative heartbeat being recognized on the global stage. This is about the artists, designers, musicians, skaters, and storytellers who've been building something powerful in Accra's streets—and now the world is watching.

The collaboration comes in the form of a Friends & Family FTY x Nike Air Jordan 1, a release that feels less like a product drop and more like a cultural declaration. The design captures Free The Youth's visual language—bold, rebellious, and unapologetically proud—filtered through the unmistakable legacy of the Jordan brand.

Why This Matters

For too long, Africa's creativity has been celebrated quietly, appreciated from a distance, or—let's be real—borrowed without credit. But this? This is different. Free The Youth's partnership with Nike is recognition. It's a signal that the creative energy pulsing through Ghana's youth communities isn't just local—it's global. It's a reminder that African design, African innovation, and African storytelling deserve their seat at every table.

And here's what makes us proudest: Free The Youth isn't just creating fashion. They're building a movement that connects artists across disciplines, giving young creatives in Ghana a platform to dream bigger, create louder, and own their narrative.

What This Means for the Certified Africa Family

When you travel with us to Ghana, you're not just visiting a country—you're stepping into a living, breathing hub of creativity and innovation. You're walking the same streets where collectives like Free The Youth are rewriting what it means to be African in the 21st century. You're shopping at the boutiques, meeting the designers, and feeling the pulse of a generation that refuses to be overlooked.

This collaboration is a celebration of that spirit. And when you come home to Ghana with us, you'll feel it everywhere—from the art galleries in Osu to the fashion studios in Labone, from the music venues in Accra to the creative spaces where the next big thing is being dreamed up right now.

Congratulations to Free The Youth for this historic moment. You've made Ghana proud. You've made Africa proud. And you've reminded the world that when it comes to creativity, culture, and style—Africa has always been leading the way.

Ready to experience the creative energy of Ghana for yourself? Our next Ghana trip is coming up, and we can't wait to introduce you to the people, places, and stories that make this country unforgettable.

Learn more about Free The Youth x Nike →

🎺 Jazz is Calling from Johannesburg: Newtown Jazz & Heritage Festival 2026

Something special is happening across the continent—the kind of moment where you can feel the ancestors smiling. The Newtown Jazz & Heritage Festival is returning to Johannesburg's vibrant Newtown Precinct from January 30 - February 1, 2026, and if you've ever wanted to experience the soul of South African jazz, this is your invitation.

Anchored in the legacy of the iconic Niki's Oasis, this festival isn't just a concert—it's a celebration of South African and Pan-African jazz heritage, the kind of music that moves through generations and reminds us where we come from. Over two unforgettable days, you'll witness performances from powerhouse artists like Ncesh Nonxishi, Lex Futshane, the Sydney Mnisi Quartet (featuring legends Stanley Matlou and Sanele Phakathi), Maleh, Yonela Mnana with Echoes of Marabi, Andile Yenana, Steve Dyer, and Ngwako Manamela.

This is the kind of experience that makes you close your eyes, sway to the rhythm, and remember why music is the heartbeat of our culture. And here's the thing—if you miss it this year, 2027 might just be the year you plan that South Africa trip to catch this festival live. Imagine yourself in Newtown, surrounded by the sounds of jazz echoing through the streets, feeling that connection to heritage, to home, to family.

Mark it down. Tell your people. South Africa's jazz scene is alive and thriving, and it's waiting for you.

✈️ Important Travel Update: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Flight

TSA ConfirmID Launches February 1, 2026 – Here's What It Means for You

Hey family, we need to talk about something important that could affect your travel plans. Starting February 1, 2026, TSA is rolling out a new system called TSA ConfirmID, and we want to make sure you're prepared so nothing gets in the way of your journey home to Africa.

Here's the deal: If you show up to the airport without a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, passport, or other acceptable form of identification, you'll need to use TSA ConfirmID to verify your identity. And here's the catch—it costs $45 and can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes to 30+ minutes to complete. Nobody wants to pay extra fees or risk missing their flight, so let's make sure you're ready.

What's REAL ID? Look at your driver's license right now. Do you see a star ⭐ in the upper right or left corner? If yes, you're good to go! That's a REAL ID-compliant license, and you can breeze through security like always. If you don't see that star, you'll need to either get a REAL ID from your DMV or travel with your passport (which is always accepted).

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• U.S. Passport or Passport Card
• REAL ID or Enhanced Driver's License (look for the star!)
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• DHS Trusted Traveler Card (like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry)
• Federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe photo ID

Our advice? Don't wait until the last minute. If your license doesn't have that star, visit your local DMV now to upgrade to a REAL ID, or make sure your passport is current and packed in your carry-on. We're looking out for you because we want you traveling stress-free and ready to make memories, not stuck in long verification lines.

Need more info? Visit tsa.gov/realid to check your state's requirements.

Safe travels, family. We've got your back. ✈️💙

Learn more about TSA ConfirmID →

Kumasi Central Prison Makes History with First-Ever Inmates' Runway Fashion Show

This is the Ghana we know—a place where hope walks the runway and second chances get styled with purpose. On December 29, 2025, Kumasi Central Prison made history by hosting its first-ever inmates' runway fashion show as part of the annual Inmates Funfair. Alongside dance competitions and celebrations, incarcerated individuals stepped into the spotlight, showcasing creativity, dignity, and the undeniable truth that everyone deserves a chance to shine.

This wasn't just a fashion show—it was a powerful reminder that rehabilitation, joy, and humanity belong everywhere, even behind walls. Ghana continues to show the world what transformation looks like when you lead with compassion and possibility. This is the kind of story that makes us proud to call Ghana home.

See the moments on Instagram →

💬 Join the Conversation

✈️ Trip Updates

We're just wrapping up an incredible season of travel, and the stories, photos, and laughter from our recent journeys have filled our hearts. From sunrise safaris to sunset celebrations, from bustling markets to quiet moments of reflection—every trip has been a testament to the magic that happens when our family comes together.

Thank you to everyone who traveled with us in 2025. Your energy, your openness, and your joy made each experience unforgettable.

🗓️ 2026 - 2029 Group Trip Calendar

Mark your calendars! Here are the adventures we have planned for our CA family:

• Ghana Group Trip: May 30 - June 6, 2026 → **Book Now**
• South Africa Group Trip: July 25 - August 1, 2026 → **Book Now**
• Ghana Twins Festival / Homowo: August 1-31, 2026 → **Book Now**
• Thailand Group Trip: September 22-29, 2026 → **Book Now**
• Ethiopia Group Trip: November 1-12, 2026 → **Book Now**
• December in Ghana Group Trip: December 1-10, 2026 → **Book Now**
• Zanzibar Group Trip: January 29 - February 4, 2027 → **Book Now**
• Trinidad Carnival: February 1-10, 2027, or February 21- March 1, 2028 → **Book Now**

Whether you're ready to book or just dreaming, we're here to help you find your perfect adventure.

📅 Upcoming Events

Travel Vision Board Party -

January 25th at 4:00 PM Eastern | Join us for an inspiring evening where we map dreams into destinations. Visualize your years all the way down to 2026 for your Africa adventure and connect with fellow admirers of travel. Come let’s dream and plan that dream into reality. Here is the meeting details to join.

Join us on Zoom:

Date: Jan 25, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern (9:00PM Ghana)

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89183020806 Meeting ID: 891 8302 0806

Ghana Roundtable

February 22nd at 4:00 PM Eastern (9:00 PM Ghana time) | Join us for an intimate conversation exploring Ghana's rich culture, travel experiences, and insider perspectives. This event is for both new CA family members planning their first trip to Ghana and past travelers who want to reconnect, discover what's new in the country, and share their experiences. Whether you're preparing for your journey or reminiscing about your time in Ghana, stop by to connect, learn, and say hello. Here is how you can join.

Join us on Zoom:

Topic: Certified Africa Ghana Round Table Date: Feb 22, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89424306243?pwd=dzRWtC8Mh3Iko2eXkh2lAqe6mXdrtB.1 Meeting ID: 894 2430 6243 Passcode: 061239

🌍 Certified Africa Foundation

Giving Back, Building Futures

We're thrilled to officially launch the Certified Africa Foundation - our commitment to transforming the joy of travel into lasting change. The Foundation channels a portion of our annual earnings and grants into three powerful initiatives: community water projects, tuition support for deserving students, and study abroad programs that bring African-American youth to Ghana.

🎓 Our First Project: Supporting Autistic Students in Ghana

This year, we're partnering with a local autism center in Ghana to cover tuition and participation fees for students with autism who need support. Education is a bridge to opportunity, and we're honored to help build that bridge for these incredible young people. We'll be visiting the center, meeting the students, and sharing their stories with you in upcoming issues.

✨ Exchange Program: Bringing Our Youth Home to Africa

Introducing the Certified Africa Foundation Exchange Program Scholarship

We're launching a transformative program to bring 2 African-American students (ages 15-25) to Ghana for an 8-day cultural immersion experience. This isn't just a trip - it's a homecoming, a journey of identity, resilience, and connection.

What Students Will Experience:

• Deep cultural immersion and heritage connection
• Education about art, history, and African traditions
• Meeting young Ghanaians their age
• Discovering their roots and reclaiming their identity
• Learning that the world is bigger and more beautiful than they imagined

Program Details:

• Ages: 15-25 years old
• Eligibility: Current students (middle school to college), U.S. citizens who have not previously traveled to an African nation
• Application: Registration form + 2-3 minute video and 500-word essay answering "How do you feel about travel?" and "How could a trip to Africa impact your life?"
• When: Late May through July 2027 (summer break)
• What's Covered: Airfare, accommodation, meals, insurance, and vaccinations in Ghana (approximately $5,000 per student)

How You Can Help:

Imagine if 50 members of our CA family donated just $16 per month - that's $200 per person for the year, which would fully fund both students' life-changing journeys. Your monthly contribution doesn't just support study abroad; it fuels other CA Foundation projects: village water wells, autistic students tuition, and cultural exchange programs etc.

Your $16/month helps:

• Send 2 students to discover their heritage in Ghana
• Provide clean water to communities in need
• Cover school fees for deserving students
• Build bridges between the diaspora and the continent

You can do a one time, monthly or yearly recurring monthly donation.

**Donate Monthly →** |

Every dollar plants seeds of transformation. Join us in giving back to the continent that gives us so much.

🔥 Hot Itineraries: What the Family is Planning

Hey Certified Africa family! 👋🏾 These are the real custom itineraries that members of our family are actively planning right now. Why start from scratch when you can choose a journey that's already been perfectly curated? Browse what's hot and let us know if you want to make one of these your own adventure.

🌅 Sandra's Anniversary Trip | June 2026 | Ghana 🇬🇭 & Kenya Romantic East African escape combining luxury beach relaxation and safari adventures. They have also done African Ancestry, so this trip is about connecting them to their specific tribe that has been identified (Ga)—a homecoming woven into every moment. Perfect for: Couples, anniversaries, heritage connection

🎂 Tiara's Birthday Escape | October 2026 | Ghana 🇬🇭 & Tanzania 🇹🇿 An 8-day birthday journey celebrating you across two countries with parties, nightlife, and unforgettable moments. Perfect for: Birthday celebrations, friend groups

💍 Erika's Vow Renewal | November 2026 | Ghana 🇬🇭 & Tanzania 🇹🇿 Intimate vow renewal with traditional Ghanaian ceremony, Tanzania safari and Zanzibar escape post vow renewal, and celebration with 20 loved ones. Perfect for: Vow renewals, multi-generational travel

📚 Educational Journey | April 2026 | Ghana 🇬🇭 A classroom without walls for 14 students featuring Ghanaian University visits, cultural exchange between students, Ghana vs USA basketball game, innovation hubs, Cape Coast Castle, and cultural immersion. Perfect for: Student organizations, school groups

🎉 Jen's Epic 50th Birthday | April 2027 | South Africa 🇿🇦, Egypt 🇪🇬, Nigeria 🇳🇬 & Ghana 🇬🇭 Four countries, two and a half weeks of safari, pyramids, Lagos culture, and Ghana heritage. Perfect for: Milestone birthdays, group celebrations

💫 See one that speaks to your soul? These itineraries are live and ready for you. We can customize any of these to fit your dates, budget, and dreams. Payment plans available. Contact us: contact@certifiedafrica.com

🌟 CA Family Updates

Our Certified Africa family continues to grow and thrive! We're celebrating the connections made, the memories created, and the bonds that turn strangers into lifelong friends. Whether you've traveled with us once or ten times, you are family—and we can't wait to welcome more of you home to Africa in 2026.

Stay tuned as we share highlights from recent trips, celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our community members, and introduce you to new members of the CA family throughout the year.

💌 Don't Miss the Next Issue

Want to make sure you receive Volume I, Issue 2 on January 28, 2026?

If you're reading this and aren't already subscribed, we'd love to have you subscribe. Our next issue drops on January 28, 2026, and we don't want you to miss out on upcoming trip highlights, community celebrations, exclusive travel insights, and the stories that connect us all.

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Once you're subscribed, you'll be the first to know about everything happening in our family—from the latest travel updates to the beautiful moments our community is creating around the world. We can't wait to keep you connected. 💙

🎂 Tracey Celebrates Mama Branson's 85th Birthday Under the Stars

This year, we had the honor of hosting Tracey, an incredibly talented TV producer, who brought her family to Ghana for a celebration that was truly special - her mother's 85th birthday. Traveling alongside her sister, son, and nephew, Tracey created memories that will last for generations—complete with a safari in the Northern part of Ghana, a Christmas day packed with ceremonies for her family’s traditonal naming and returns to Assin Manso and Cape Coast Dungeons, Batik making and so much more.

Beyond being an amazing traveler and family woman, Tracey is one of the creative forces behind a powerful documentary about DC's Go-Go music, a cultural treasure that deserves to be celebrated. Her storytelling brings communities and their rich histories to life - much like the journey she experienced with us in Ghana.

Thank you, Tracey, for choosing Certified Africa to be part of such a meaningful milestone. Your spirit, creativity, and dedication to preserving culture inspire us deeply.

Watch Tracey's Go-Go documentary here:

💕 Love, Music, and Ghana: Gary & Melissa's Anniversary Celebration

Some love stories deserve their own soundtrack, and Gary and Melissa's is one of them.

On December 31, 2025, Gary and Melissa celebrated their wedding anniversary— with something that'll make you believe in love all over again. Gary wrote a song for his wife. Not just any song—a full music video production titled "Melissa," capturing the depth of his love and the beauty of their journey together.

And here's the part that makes our hearts full: last year, they celebrated their wedding anniversary right here in Ghana 🇬🇭, walking the same roads, feeling the same rhythms, and connecting with the motherland in a way that only those who've been there can understand. You can catch glimpses of them renewing their vows in Ghana, woven throughout the music video.

Watch Gary's love letter to Melissa:

But wait—there's more. This December, Gary and Melissa are hosting 🇬🇭December in Ghana Group Trip (December 1-10, 2026) with Certified Africa, and they want YOU to experience the magic of Ghana alongside them.

Whether you're traveling solo, with your partner, or with friends, this is your chance to experience Ghana with hosts who know firsthand how transformative this journey can be.

Ready to join Gary and Melissa in Ghana this December?

**Book Your Spot on the December Trip →**

This is what we mean when we say celebrating life moments. Gary and Melissa—thank you for letting us be part of your story. 🎶💕🇬🇭

💼 Opportunities

Want to live and work in Africa? We love sharing opportunities that help our community members make the move to the continent. If you're a teacher or know someone who is, this one's for you.

Teaching Positions in Cotonou, Benin 🇧🇯

QSI International School of Benin is looking for US or Canada certified teachers for elementary and middle school positions.

What's Included:

• Competitive Salary
• Housing Accommodation
• Flight Stipend (for teacher and children)
• International Health Insurance (teacher and children)
• Free Tuition
• Signing Bonus

If teaching abroad has been calling your name, or if you know an educator ready to answer that call, this could be the door that opens.

Ready to take the next step? Text them on WhatsApp at +22962396778 to learn more and apply.

📚 Stay Connected

• Book Your 2026 Trip - Explore our upcoming group adventures
• Past Trip Highlights - Relive the magic through photos and stories
• Plan a Private Trip - Design a custom journey to explore, celebrate, or create unforgettable moments

💌 Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Don't miss a single issue of the Certified Africa Newsletter.

If you enjoyed this first issue, make sure you're subscribed so Volume I, Issue 2 lands in your inbox on January 28, 2026. Every issue brings you closer to the heartbeat of our community—featuring travel stories, cultural celebrations, family milestones, and opportunities to connect with the movement that's bringing the diaspora home to Africa.

Welcome to the family. We're so glad you're here. 💙

💬 Feedback & Contact

We'd love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, suggestions, or questions:

📸 Share Your Journey With the Family

Have photos or videos from your travels with us? Living your best life and want to share what you've been up to? We want to see it all! Your stories, your adventures, your beautiful moments—they deserve to be celebrated.

Send us your:

• Photos and videos from your Certified Africa journeys
• Updates on what you're up to these days—new projects, celebrations, milestones
• Stories worth sharing with the family

You might be featured in an upcoming newsletter issue, on our social media, or as part of the beautiful tapestry of testimonials that show the world what this family is all about. Every journey matters. Every story counts. And we can't wait to celebrate yours.

Send your submissions to: contact@certifiedafrica.com

• 📧 Email: contact@certifiedafrica.com
• 🌐 Website: www.certifiedafrica.com
• 📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and join our WhatsApp community

© 2026 Certified Africa. All rights reserved.🌟