Tag: African diaspora in America

Music

Inspired by Fela, Nigeria’s Burna Boy blazes trail in the US
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By GARY GERARD HAMILTON, ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK 

Burna Boy was only six years old when Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti passed away, but that was enough time for the future musician to be inspired.

“Everyone’s got their hero,” the 28-year-old Nigerian performer said. “For me, that’s my hero.”

Kuti — the Nigerian musical icon and political agitator whose life and legacy was portrayed in the wildly popular Broadway musical “Fela!” — was once managed by Burna Boy’s grandfather, someone else he calls a hero.

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Communities

The Fabric of Nigerian Weddings
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By Adenike Olanrewaju

The color and flair of traditional ceremonies give brides and grooms a way to express a vibrant cultural heritage.

Dola Fatunbi Olutoye, 25, was ecstatic after becoming engaged last November to Dr. Yinka Olutoye, 26. She knew she wanted a traditional Nigerian wedding, but needed help executing the cultural elements of the ceremony, which took place on May 25 in Houston.

Mrs. Olutoye, a pharmacy student from Houston, and Dr. Olutoye, a recent medical school graduate, are both Nigerian-Americans who are part of the Yoruba ethnic group, which is heavily concentrated in the Southwest region of Nigeria.

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Communities

Remittances From Abroad To Nigeria Can Grow To $34.8 Billion In 2023 -PwC Report
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Migrant remittances were 77.2% of the Nigerian federal government’s budget in 2018, represented 6.1% of GDP and were more than 10 times the foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the country in the same period, according to PwC’s latest White Paper Series, Strength from Abroad: The Economic Power of Nigeria’s diaspora.

PwC estimates that migrant remittances to Nigeria could grow to $25.5 billion, $29.8 billion and $34.8 billion in 2019, 2021 and 2023 respectively.

Continue reading “Remittances From Abroad To Nigeria Can Grow To $34.8 Billion In 2023 -PwC Report” →
Communities

This is Where African Immigrants live in New York
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By John Campbell

The New York Times estimates that those born in Africa are about 4 percent of New York City’s immigrant population.

Africans, like any other group, live all over the city. However, Andy Kiersz has published two fascinating maps on Business Insider that shows where in New York people speak specific foreign (not English) languages at home. Not surprisingly, Spanish is dominant in most neighborhoods in all five boroughs.

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Communities

Minneapolis’ Somali-American Community Can Soon Bypass the Bank to Buy Homes
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by  EMILY NONKO    

Said Sheik-Abdi describes himself as “one of the Somali-Americans residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.” The state has 52,333 people who report Somali ancestry — the largest concentration of Somalis in America — and many live in the Twin Cities. But since his arrival to Minneapolis 20 years ago, Sheik-Abdi has distinguished himself as a community activist skilled in mobilizing fellow community members.

Almost a decade ago, he began collaborating with the American Refugee Committee on ways Minnesota’s Somali-American residents could support their home country. The result was the Neighbors for Nations initiative, which engaged the community in fundraisers including a sambusa cook-off, charity walks and a “1,000 giving $1,000” campaign to raise $1 million.

Continue reading “Minneapolis’ Somali-American Community Can Soon Bypass the Bank to Buy Homes” →
Appointments

Uganda’s Winnie Byanyima to lead UNAids
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The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, has announced the appointment of Ugandan Winnie Byanyima, as the next executive director of UNAids. Her appointment followed “an open and wide-ranging search”, UN chief Antonio Guterres said. Winnie Byanyima heads UK charity Oxfam.

Continue reading “Uganda’s Winnie Byanyima to lead UNAids” →
Communities

Ethiopian neighborhood in Las Vegas could get official designation
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By Abby Theodros

A community informally known as Little Ethiopia could get that official designation, if a Nevada assemblyman has his way. Assemblyman Alexander Assefa, who is the first Ethiopian-American elected in to public office in the state, made the proposal this week before the Clark County Commission.

“The vast majority of the [Ethiopian] population and the businesses are located along Decatur,” said Assefa.

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Business

Winning the East and West African Markets In the United States and Abroad
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Bringing Africa Into the Fold

We talk about the United Kingdom. We talk about Canada. We talk about Singapore, Sweden, Australia, and Germany. In fact, when it comes to international expansion, there’s a buzz in just about every corner of the globe, but we rarely discuss the exciting progress taking place in several countries that make up the African continent. 

Even within the United States, companies looking to expand their target audience don’t often consider the growing African immigrant population right here at home. Traditionally, the entire African continent and the African diaspora have been largely left out of these conversations, but that’s all about to change. It’s high time we bring the youngest (and the oldest) continent, along with its people, into the fold. 

Continue reading “Winning the East and West African Markets In the United States and Abroad” →
Communities

Ghanaians in Columbus, Ohio celebrate culture and community at annual family picnic
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With highlife legend Abrantie Amakye Dede and entertainer Kwadwo Nkansah (Lil Win) as special guests, Ghanaians resident in Columbus, Ohio recently marked the 18th GhanaPic, an annual health and wellness community festival.

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Entertainment

Meet the SA choirmaster who has ‘America’s Got Talent’ in rhapsodies
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BY ALEX PATRICK  | Herald Live

“Just because you’re born in poverty doesn’t mean you are poverty.”

These were the powerful words of the Ndlovu Youth Choir choirmaster Ralf Schmitt after the Limpopo-based group knocked the socks off the judges at America’s Got Talent in July. The choir had been selected to perform at the show, and on Wednesday, after making it through a second round of the competition, they leave for Hollywood and the finale.

Continue reading “Meet the SA choirmaster who has ‘America’s Got Talent’ in rhapsodies” →
African Politics, Communities

Complexities Of Conflict In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo Come Up In Arizona
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By Matthew Casey

The new president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took office in January. Al Jazeera reported that his first message was one of reconciliation in the vast and diverse country located in sub-Saharan Africa.

Refugees living in Phoenix say Félix Tshisekedi, the new president, got more specific at the end of June, calling for an end to conflict in parts of eastern DRC. The area is home to people named Banyamulenge, an ethnic minority with Rwandan ancestry.

https://africans-in-america.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/c83e1-matt-casey-congolese-08122019.mp3
Continue reading “Complexities Of Conflict In The Democratic Republic Of The Congo Come Up In Arizona” →
Communities

Ugandans get set to celebrate their heritage in New York
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Ugandans in North America under the UNAA Causes group are set to celebrate their heritage in Manhattan, US.

The event that will run from August 29 to September 2 will take place at the iconic Grand Hyatt in New York.

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Communities

Nigerians in U.S establish diaspora cooperative society
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The Nigerian community in the U.S. has embarked on the registration of members for its proposed Nigerian Federal Credit United Union in the country.

Inaugurating the exercise at the Nigerian House in New York, the Consul General, Mr Benayaogha Okonye, said a credit union for the Nigerian community was long overdue.

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Policy

Ethiopia’s financial reforms hold promise for its diaspora business community
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By Haleluya Hadero

Ethiopia’s parliament this week passed a bill to allow members of the Ethiopian diaspora, who have taken up nationalities in other countries, to invest, buy shares, and set up lending businesses in the country’s state-dominated financial sector.

It’s the latest step in a general push to liberalize the country’s economy. The government has previously said it will privatize Ethio Telecom, the state-owned telecommunication monopoly.

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Uncategorized

You’ll Soon Finally Be Able to Fly Directly From Philly to Africa
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By Fabiola Cineas

American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier, will finally fly to Africa. Its first-ever route to the continent will launch on June 4, 2020 and fly to Casablanca, Morocco from the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The flight is PHL’s first scheduled service to Africa and makes American the only U.S. carrier with a direct flight to Casablanca.

Continue reading “You’ll Soon Finally Be Able to Fly Directly From Philly to Africa” →
Uncategorized

Tennessee woman could become first Muslim voted to Nashville city government
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By Sinclair Broadcast Group

A Nigerian-born woman running for office in Nashville, Tennessee could become the first Muslim elected to the Metro Nashville Council.

Zulfat Suara won a run-off amid a crowded field for an at-large seat on the city government. With just five vacant at-large seats, there were 15 candidates. Incumbent Bob Mendes won one of the seats outright, leaving Suara and seven others to fight for the other four seats in a run-off election.

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News

Parliamentarian Proposes Diaspora MP Seat for Kenyans Living Abroad
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Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi has proposed the creation of a diaspora Member of Parliament position in the Kenyan Parliament.

In his memorandum to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) task force, which was formed after the handshake between President Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga, Hamisi says the role of the occupant of the diaspora MP seat would be to push for the interests of Kenyans living and working abroad.

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Business, Communities

Former NBA star, Luol Deng, helps South Sudanese forge a path in America
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Deng, the son of a former Sudanese education minister who has returned to Africa, has become an economic force as well as a substantial taxpayer.

By Neal St. Anthony

Luol Deng, a 15-year NBA veteran and former Minnesota Timberwolf, was hanging with a bunch of South Sudanese immigrants and their kids one weekend last month.

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Achievements

From Agege to Harvard: Nigerian Narrates Joy, Pain of Studying Medicine in America
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Studying medicine and surgery in the United States of America is both academically and financially demanding. It’s hard for international students to get into medical schools due to several challenges. In this interview with SaharaReporters, Nigerian doctor and MBA holder, Ayobami Olufadeji, who recently completed his studies at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency Program, narrates his 12-year academic journey.

Continue reading “From Agege to Harvard: Nigerian Narrates Joy, Pain of Studying Medicine in America” →
Achievements

Liberia Pays Homage to ‘Its Own’ With Independence Day Honor for VOA’s James Butty
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By Rodney Sieh

The Liberian Embassy in Washington, DC has paid homage to Mr. James Butty, the host and managing editor of the Voice of America’s breakfast show, Daybreak Africa, for his “invaluable and dedicated services to humanity and the people of Liberia.

Continue reading “Liberia Pays Homage to ‘Its Own’ With Independence Day Honor for VOA’s James Butty” →
Uncategorized

Nigerian-born Wale Omotosho defeats Curtis Stevens in Brooklyn, New York
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Nigerian-born junior middleweight boxer, Wale Omotoso won his first belt in America when he knocked out Brooklyn-born Curtis Stevens in the 3rd round of their scheduled 10 round fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Nigerian pugilist floored his opponent in each round and brutally cut Stevens down in the 3rd round, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Wale Omotoshos now has a 28-4, 22 KOs, 1 NC fight record.

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Communities

Itsekiri of the United States Gather in Washington DC for their 22nd Annual Convention
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 PRZen / WASHINGTON —  Over Labor Day weekend, Washington, DC will welcome 400 Itsekiri patrons and friends from around the country and the world to the 22nd Annual Ugbajo Itsekiri USA, Inc. National Convention. This year’s theme is Building Wellness and Healthy Communities.

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Uncategorized

Miss African Roots Will Deepen The Conversation About African Heritage In America —Cindy Makita
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By Newton-Ray Ukwuoma

Meet the new Miss African Roots 2019, Cindy Makita. Born and raised in South Africa, Cindy Makita has a Congolese heritage. She moved to Miami, Florida in 2014 to attend Florida International University. In 2018 she graduated Magna Cum Laude, as a Worlds Ahead Graduate and as an Honors student.

Miss African Roots is a unique, bi-annual pageant competition which promotes a sense of community, confidence, and pride for the motherland of Africa within the United States.

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Festivals

The Taste Of Africa Mini Fest Celebrates African Diaspora Culture In A Big Way
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By  MICHAEL FRANK

The distinctiveness of New Orleans’ cultural milieu, the city’s dance styles, and culinary flavors owe much to the African diaspora. So, on July 27, The Taste of Africa Mini Fest, a new collaboration between the Nola Caribbean Experience and Afrobeat Nola, will celebrate these cultural elements, showcasing just how thankful New Orleans is for its African influences.

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Appointments

Okoli to represent Penn State on Big Ten Advisory Commission
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Former Nittany Lion student-athlete Chima Okoli has been named Penn State’s new representative on the Big Ten Advisory Commission.

A 2011 graduate, Okoli is the associate director of admissions for Penn State Law. He replaces Curtis Johnson on the committee.

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Uncategorized

Prince Tega Wanogho discusses ‘Bobo the giraffe,’ misconceptions about life in Nigeria
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By Tom Green | AL.com

Prince Tega Wanogho wants to tell you about his pet giraffe. His name is Bobo. He’s about 20 feet tall, and he’s still growing. And before you ask, no, he isn’t actually real, but Wanogho wants you to believe he is. It’s something that Auburn’s preseason first-team All-SEC left tackle leans into, playing off the misconceptions of his native home, Nigeria, and it helps shed some light on what life has been like for him since emigrating to the United State five years ago.

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Immigration

3 ways South Africans are moving to the United States
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More South Africans are emigrating to the United  States (US) in search of a better lifestyle and job opportunities.

According to data provided by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, between 2015 and 2017 around 10,200 South Africans obtained permanent resident status.

Continue reading “3 ways South Africans are moving to the United States” →
Communities

Nigeria declares July 25 National Diaspora Day
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Adelani Adepegba

The Nigerian Government has set aside July 25 of every year as National Diaspora Day in recognition of the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora towards national development.

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Culture

DanceAfrica: Pittsburgh returns to Kelly Strayhorn Theater for three days of African cultural immersion
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By Amanda Waltz

Audiences will be immersed in three days of history and traditions of African art when DanceAfrica: Pittsburgh returns to Kelly Strayhorn Theater from Fri., July 26-Sun., July 28.

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People

Ghanaian media man, Charles Nimmo Ntiamoah-Mensah, honoured in New York
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The New Glory Fellowship International honoured Ghana’s own and the U.S. based Mr Charles Nimmo Ntiamoah-Mensah (Mr CNN). The Humanitarian God’s Glory Award was given to the Founder/CEO of 3G Media Inc. in recognition of his years of personal dedication to promote the best of Ghanaian achievements at home and abroad in art, music, sports, community, and business.

Continue reading “Ghanaian media man, Charles Nimmo Ntiamoah-Mensah, honoured in New York” →