The dedication of “Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story “ the new book of Dr. Boukary Sawadogo, has taken place on August 3, 2022 in the African Center in Harlem.
“Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story is a narrative of the African presence and influence in Harlem from my own perspective as an African – born immigrant scholar at the City College of New York, writer, filmmaker, and founding director of the Harlem African Animation Festival who lives and works in the neighborhood,” wrote Dr. Boukary Sawadogo in the preface of his book.
The content of the book that counts 2003 pages is an “ academic research and personal reflection,” according to Dr. Sawadogo who has penned the long story between Harlem and African immigrants.
“I saw a very complex and nuanced Harlem when I arrived in Harlem,” he said. And he pointed out: “ Africans in Harlem examines the intellectual, artistic, and creative exchanges between Africa and New York dating back to the 1910’s a story that has not been told until now.”
The book is also about the prominent African leaders who visited Harlem from 1900 to 2017.
Several people from all over New York have attended the dedication’s ceremony depicted as a “special day,” by Dr. Dialika Sall Assistant professor of Sociology at Lehman College.
The permanent Representative of Burkina Faso to the United Nations, His Excellency Ambassador Ouinibani Konaté and the General Consul His Excellency Alain Kompaoré were there to support Dr. Sawadogo, a native of Burkina Faso.
“ Dr. Sawadogo depicted the life of the African Community in Harlem through his book; we are proud of him,” said Alain Kompaoré
For Hermane Somé President of Association of Burkinabe de New York ( Burkinabe Association of New York) , “ this is a plus for our community as there are useful information in the book, and that can facilitate our integration.”
Carol A. Thompson an Art Advisor to Estate & Curator is excited about the book: “ This is very useful contribution,” she said.
Beyond the simple dedication it was also a conversation between the audience and the author.
“ How a book that focuses in Harlem and Africans who live in Harlem can be relevant outside of New York?” was one of the multiple questions that were asked. For Dr. Sawadogo the experience the Africans in Harlem have is not different from the experience of Africans who live in the USA in general on many issues.
The Book is available in Amazon and ebay