NYC Health + Hospitals and Office of Ethnic and Community Media held on September 29, 2023, a roundtable to discuss a new health program called lifestyle medicine program. Dr. Michelle McMacken and Dr. Itha Harewood have explained what the program is about and answered several questions related to the program. “Our program is designed to support and make lifestyle choices including exercises, healthy eating, healthy sleep, coping with stress,” Dr. Michelle McMacken executive director of nutrition and lifestyle medicine at NYC Health + Hospitals said. “ We help people learning how to put healthy food in their plate like fruits and vegetables, bean, etc.” The program was launched a month ago and will help prevent medical conditions like pre – diabetic, type 2 diabetic, obesity, high blood pressure, and heart diseases that impact the communities. According to Dr. Itha, the program that was started in the Bronx will be launched... Read more
New York : Bassolma Bazié face à la diaspora Burkinabè des USA après son discours au siège de l’ONU
Une délégation gouvernementale conduite par le ministre d’Etat et de la fonction publique, Bassolma Bazié, a rencontré la diaspora Burkinabè des Etats – Unis d’Amérique pour échanger sur les sujets brûlants de l’heure. La délégation qui a pris part à la 78 e session ordinaire de l’Assemblée générale des Nations – Unies a profité donc de l’occasion pour discuter à bâtons rompus avec la communauté burkinabè des Etats – Unis d’Amérique qui est venue non seulement pour écouter la délégation gouvernementale mais aussi présenter leurs préoccupations. Noraogo Jean – Baptiste Gagré le chargé d’affaires de l’ambassade du Burkina Faso à Washington DC, a été le premier à prendre la parole pour souhaiter la bienvenue à la délégation. A la communauté il leur dira tout simplement de passer des bons moments avec la délégation. Viendra le tour de Madame Olivia Ragnaghnewendé Rouamba ministre des Affaires étrangères , de la coopération régionale... Read more
The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut ‘s 4th Annual African Heritage Month Parade and Festival is coming soon
The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut incorporated is organizing its 4th Annual African Heritage Month Parade and Festival 2023, which is starting on September 28,2023. Who: The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut incorporated, a community-based organization (CBO) that advocates for issues important to our community. What: 4th Annual African Heritage Month Parade and Festival 2023. African Heritage Month Parade is an annual free cultural event that recognizes the amazing contributions of our Community leaders, Business leaders, and community-based journalists. Moreover, we promote the arts and culture of the African immigrant community in New York and Connecticut and encourage unity among all people of different races, creeds, and ethnicities. When: First day, September 28th 2023- press conference. Time: 5pm-6pm Second day, September 29th,2023- A street fair (a display of African textiles outside on tables, merchandise, Food, Music, fashion show, art). Time:10 am to 6:00 pm Third... Read more
African Heritage Month at Gracie Mansion: African community wanted to stand and build together with the Mayor.
The New York City’s Mayor African Heritage Month took place on September 14,2023 at the Gracie Mansion. African communities from all over New York city have massively attended the event, which has been dedicated to them for several years. An event that celebrates, commemorates, and showcases African community. “This is our moment to reunite Africa and we must know each other,” said Mayor Eric Adams who knows well Africa . “I went all over the continent: Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Morocco, etc. and I know the power of Africa,” he added. The trip to Africa for the Mayor is a historic one as a black Mayor of a powerful state like New York. “ We came here as a slave and I go back to Africa as a Mayor of the powerful state of New York,” The Mayor pointed out. The protocol wanted the Mayor to avoid the crowd... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Slamming the Brakes on Car Theft
Not only is New York the greatest city in the world, it is the safest big city in America. Since day one of this administration, public safety has been our priority. And for the last 20 months, we have delivered on our promise to drive down crime. Our precision policing model is working. Our streets, neighborhoods, and subways are safer. In almost every major category, crime is down. Shootings have declined 26 % for the year, homicides are down nearly 10%, and transit crime is down over 4% for the year. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the men and women of the NYPD. Every day, they are making our city safer—and New Yorkers can feel the results. They feel safer. But we can always do more and one category we are zeroing in on is Grand Larceny Auto, or as many New Yorkers know... Read more
MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL, MTA LAUNCH “SUBWAY SURFING KILLS – RIDE INSIDE, STAY ALIVE” PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” — a new comprehensive, multi-channel public information campaign in partnership with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). The new campaign centers around, is designed for, and was created by New York City teenagers — putting the youth voice front and center in a peer-to-peer effort to deter this dangerous behavior among young people. “Each subway surfing death takes tragically strips young New Yorkers of promising futures said Mayor Adams. “We cannot endure another tragedy on our trains. That’s why we are partnering with the MTA on an innovative campaign to raise awareness, and we have recruited true social media experts to help lead... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Outdoor dining is here to stay in New York City
This past week we made it official: outdoor dining is here to stay. New Yorkers were hungry for an outdoor dining program that was cleaner, safer, and healthier. And by signing a new bill to bring al fresco dining to all five boroughs, we’ve delivered for them. Our new outdoor dining program, “Dining Out NYC,” will be the largest outdoor dining program in the nation and will shape New York City’s streets going forward. It’s going to help our small businesses thrive, get visitors and residents alike to spend money in our neighborhoods, and support good jobs for working-class New Yorkers. Before the pandemic, outdoor dining was largely limited to Manhattan — and only allowed on the sidewalks. On top of that, the city charged thousands of dollars in fees to restaurant owners, many of them small business owners. When the pandemic started, outdoor dining was temporarily expanded to every borough in the... Read more
Grand “Dasandaga” is coming in the Bronx
The 5th edition of Grand “Dasandaga” will be held on August 26, 2023, at Claremont Park in the Bronx. Initiated by the “Association des Femmes Battantes” or “Association of Fighter Women” in French, the Grand “Dasandaga” or Big Street Fair is an annual event that has been organized for 5 years and has always brought together several people from all over New York. The event will be held this year in the Bronx at Clearmont Park. According to the organizers hundreds of people are expected to attend the historic event. Here are some activities : sale exhibition, exposition, recreational activities, business promotion, quizzes. It is not too late to register. Just contact the organizers for more information. Read more
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW YORK CITY HAS CARED FOR MORE THAN 100,000 ASYLUM SEEKERS SINCE LAST SPRING
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the city has provided shelter and care for more than 101,200 asylum seekers that have arrived in the five boroughs since April 2022. “With more than 101,200 asylum seekers arriving in New York City and asking for shelter, our city has now provided shelter and care for more migrants since last year than there are people in Albany,” said Mayor Adams. “Our team of thousands of dedicated public servants are working around the clock in the absence of sufficient state and federal support and have pulled off miracles. They have stretched this city’s compassion and capacity beyond imagination, and it is thanks to their efforts that no asylum-seeking families with children have slept on our streets. But, quite honestly, while our compassion is limitless, our resources are not, and we’re out of miracles. We’re grateful for the help we’ve received to this... Read more
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the city has provided shelter and care for more than 101,200 asylum seekers that have arrived in the five boroughs since April 2022
“With more than 101,200 asylum seekers arriving in New York City and asking for shelter, our city has now provided shelter and care for more migrants since last year than there are people in Albany,” said Mayor Adams. “Our team of thousands of dedicated public servants are working around the clock in the absence of sufficient state and federal support and have pulled off miracles. They have stretched this city’s compassion and capacity beyond imagination, and it is thanks to their efforts that no asylum-seeking families with children have slept on our streets. But, quite honestly, while our compassion is limitless, our resources are not, and we’re out of miracles. We’re grateful for the help we’ve received to this point from our partners in Albany and Washington, DC, but the fact remains that we need more. We need our federal and state partners to ensure that their efforts match the magnitude... Read more
9th anniversary of September 18th HWPL world peace summit in Seoul, the HWPL New York branch has held a pre – event
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light ( HWPL) will hold on September 18, 2023, the World Peace Summit in Seoul, South Korea. In prelude to that summit, the HWPL New York branch has held on August 13, 2023, a pre – commemoration event in New York to take a look at the progress made within the past decade to promote harmony among religions, spread a culture of peace and create a world free from war and conflict. [caption id="attachment_7512" align="alignleft" width="300"] chairman of HWPL Lee Man – hee[/caption] Amanda Dixon, the administrative manager of HWPL New York branch has given a presentation that summed up some initiatives that were carried out by HWPL in its effort to build a sustainable peace. And that includes: “ HWPL peace education that fosters peace values among futures generations is being conducted in 90 countries; and the International Peace Youth Group ( IPYG),... Read more
Big Concert in New York with TANYA from Burkina Faso and DIDI B from Ivory Coast
The nonprofit organization Bethel Hamliri Inc. is organizing on September 16, 2023, a big concert in New York in Manhattan. Hundreds of people are expected to attend that great event. Two famous singers from Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast will perform from 7:00 Pm to 11:00 Pm at this address: 120 West 14th Street. This is by Union Square. TANYA from Burkina Faso and DIDI B from Ivory Coast are two international singers who have traveled over the world not only to perform for thousands of people around the world but also to promote African culture through music. They have decided now to land in New York to share with you guys the best dance and music from Africa you never seen in your life. They said they are ready for you and want to see you there. Tickets are $80.00 in advance at Ticketmaster and $100.00 at the door.... Read more
MAYOR ADAMS, GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION TASK FORCE RELEASE “A BLUEPRINT FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY”
Blueprint Outlines More Than $485 Million in Investments to Create Safer, More Resilient Communities Prioritizes Investments and Resources for Six Precincts That Experienced Highest Rates of Gun Violence in 2022 Recommendations Product of Months of Engagement With More than 1,500 Community Residents Across City NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams, First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, and the New York City Gun Violence Prevention Task Force today released “A Blueprint for Community Safety,” outlining a forward-thinking roadmap with upstream solutions to address gun violence throughout the five boroughs. The report builds upon all the work the Adams administration has undertaken over the last 18 months to reduce gun violence by double digits and culminates months of engagement with communities most impacted by gun violence, including young people, whose feedback was critical in shaping the strategies and recommendations that will ensure the city continues to build on the public... Read more
SUMMER STREETS BEGINS THIS WEEKEND, KICKING OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS
New Yorkers Will Enjoy 20 Miles of Car-Free Streets and Programming Over Five Saturdays This Summer, starting with Queens and Staten Island this Saturday, August 29 Builds on Mayor Adams’ Expansion of Summer Streets Into East Harlem Last Year and Ongoing Efforts to Equitably Provide Vibrant Public Spaces Across New York NEW YORK –New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today announced the beginning of Summer Streets, with the biggest expansion in the program’s 15-year history. The popular program, which opens select streets for people to play, walk, and bike, will expand to all five boroughs for the first time and will now extend to 125th Street in Manhattan. The expanded Summer Streets will span five Saturdays between July and August and is now doubled in size to feature 20 miles of car-free streets. Free performances and other activities will be available at stops along each route. The... Read more
Community Op Ed: The new leadership keeping New York City Safe
As Mayor of New York, I know just how important public safety is to our city, and how important the right leadership is in achieving it. Over the last 18 months, this Administration has made major progress driving down major crime, and last week I named a new leadership team at the NYPD that will continue to improve safety across our city and keep New York the safest big city in America. This new team is not just making news – they are making history. Police Commissioner Edward Caban is the first Hispanic Police Commissioner in our city’s history, bringing decades of experience and leadership to this role. Our incoming First Deputy Commissioner, Tania Kinsella, is the first woman of color to serve in this role. Rebecca Weiner, our new Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence and Counterterrorism, is also the first woman to serve in her position. And when I reflect on my time... Read more
Bink International Charity put a smile in the face of 80 children
Bink International Charity has held on July 15,2023 in the Bronx its second annual children’s play and learn day. Our goal and mission are to create a space for kids to play, learn, connect and bond with one another. Children enjoyed many games: They got to play different relay race games including the sack relay race, the 4-legged relay race, the sponge relay race, the dart board and the tug of war game. They competed in groups and individually. The purpose of these games was to teach children how to collaborate and work together as a team to complete a specific task. For instance, during the 4-legged relay race between two groups of four, one group chose to move their right legs all together at the same time first and then the left legs and so forth; and the second group decided to crawl. This task fostered discussion among teammates... Read more
Community Op Ed: Keeping Our Communities Safe: One Young Person at a Time
The old saying, ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is truer than ever today. There are many problems that we face now, which—if we deal with them at the source—can be handled effectively and with less suffering. Gun violence among our young people is one of them. Our administration’s historic $89 million investment in New York City’s Crisis Management System as well as landmark investments in our Summer Youth Employment Program and Summer Rising will give our young people a sense of purpose and keep them engaged and safe. Our Crisis Management System is based on a widely recognized public health approach to addressing violent conflict and aims to change New Yorkers’ attitudes towards using violence in tense situations. Taken together, our Crisis Management System and the summer programs will provide our young people with the opportunities and skills they need to build a better future and help prevent gun violence before it arises. These... Read more
Are aliens the one who prevented humanity from descending into a nuclear war? That’s what a former NASA astronaut claims.
Edgar Mitchell, who was part of the Apollo 14 mission to the moon, gained notoriety with the dissemination of various conspiracy theories since his return from the moon in 1971. Mitchell, the sixth man to set foot on the moon, was interviewed back in 2016, where he admitted to being convinced of the existence of aliens and extensively spoke about claims that aliens have visited Earth. In that conversation with the Daily Mirror, he raised the astonishing claim that aliens were responsible for preventing a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union during the peak tension of the Cold War. During that conversation, Mitchell also discussed the White Sands missile testing facility in New Mexico. He said, "White Sands was a testing ground for atomic weapons and that's what the extraterrestrials were interested in. They wanted to know about our military capabilities. My conversations with people in the military and intelligence community showed... Read more
Community Op Ed: Risky Business Kills. We Can Stop It.
Last week, our city witnessed two tragedies that could have been prevented: A deadly fire at an e-bike shop and a subway surfing attempt that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old boy and serious injury for another young person. Our hearts go out to the families of those who were lost or injured in these tragedies. This pain is real, because each of us know – that could have been me. That could have been my child. We must turn that pain into purpose and do all we can to keep our city safe – and that means taking action to reduce the risks of these accidents. Last week, we announced a massive new education and enforcement campaign that will reach out to E-bike shops and riders all over the city. While most of the micro-mobility devices in our city are safe, there are some that do not meet safety standards... Read more
Bink International Charity has made donations to asylum seekers
In celebration of Juneteenth, Bink International Charity distributed care packages to Asylum Seekers in the Bronx. Each care package contains an American Towel, an 8 oz Colgate Toothpaste, a Toothbrush and a perfume. A total of eighty-eight (88) families were served. Bink International Charity also invited other organizations to help support these families. [caption id="attachment_7413" align="alignleft" width="225"] Bintou Kone[/caption] Metroplus Health, a longtime partner of Bink International Charity was also present to provide health insurance and goodies to the people. The Yerman Attorneys Law provided free legal consultation to them and last but not least, the Burkinabe In Action organization made a monitory contribution which was used to provide pizza and drink to the families. The event took place in a hotel used as a shelter in the Bronx. This event was meant to welcome these asylum seekers in America. Recently, there is a huge influx of asylum seekers and... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Summer Streets is Coming to All Five Boroughs
In New York City, our streets aren’t just streets. They are where we walk, eat, play, and come together as one city. As mayor, I am committed to reclaiming our streets for everyone to enjoy safely. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to travel to Europe to experience open summer streets. We have them right here in our own backyard. And this summer we are expanding Summer Streets to all five boroughs. On five Saturdays in July and August, from 7am to 1pm, select streets will be open to pedestrians citywide. New Yorkers will be able to enjoy outdoor activities with their neighbors, all car free. And now they can enjoy Summer Streets in their own borough for the first time. Last year, we added two miles, brought the program to East Harlem, and brought back the third Saturday of Summer Streets. This year, we are bringing Summer Streets to all five... Read more
The funeral Service and interment of Alfa Ousmane Barrie are scheduled for June 23,2023.
A Janaazah ( funeral) service will be held on June 23, 2023 in the Futa Islamic Center on 3400 Third Avenue at 1: 15 PM for Alfa Ousmane Barrie who apparently died from drowning. His body was recovered in May from the Hudson River in Harlem . The event will be followed by the Maqbarah ( interment) of Barrie at the Marlboro Muslim Memorial Cemetery in New Jersey. Alfa Ousmane Barrie, 11, and Garrett Warren,13, went missing on May 12, 2023, and their bodies were found in the Hudson River. Both boys attended Democracy Prep Public School in Harlem. Read more
Welcome to the people’s money!
The people’s money is NYC’s first participatory budgeting process. You have an opportunity to vote on projects created by fellow New Yorkers and decide how a portion of the budget should be spent. All New Yorkers aged 11 and up, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to decide how to spend $ 5 million of mayoral expense funding on projects in their community. Residents in Fordham Heights and University Heights : Zip codes: 10453, 10458, please use the link to vote: www.participate.nyc.gov/. You can walk in to vote in person at the voting station: 14th Council District Office 2065 Morris Avenue Bronx, NY, 10453 Share this information with your friends and family and encourage them to vote. For further information please call: 3476070380 Read more
Community Op-Ed: Making Outdoor Dining Permanent
Summer weather is here, and there is no better time to be on the streets of New York—especially at our city’s bustling outdoor restaurants. At the height of the pandemic, our temporary outdoor dining program served millions of New Yorkers and saved 100,000 jobs. It allowed cooks, waiters, busboys, and all those who depend on the restaurant industry to get back to work – and New Yorkers to get back to socializing safely after being cooped up indoors. Outdoor dining transformed our cityscape for the better, making our sidewalks and neighborhoods livelier and more welcoming and helping our small businesses thrive. While it may have been an improvised solution at first, outdoor dining helped us reimagine how we use our public spaces, and quickly became a beloved feature of New York City life. But outdoor dining brought challenges too. Abandoned and poorly maintained sheds became a haven for rats and an eyesore for... Read more
Africa Day was celebrated at the City Hall, NYC
The council chambers have organized on May 30, 2023, at City Hall the Africa Day, the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union. Several people from Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Manhattan have come together to celebrate the foundation of the African Union, which is commemorated its 60th anniversary. [caption id="attachment_7367" align="alignleft" width="300"] Adrienne E. Adams[/caption] “ The foundation of the African Union was a break from the colonization,” the New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams said. She reminded everyone that Africa is the cradle of civilization. “ We have to honor our motherland who gave birth to women and men,” she added. Africa Day is going beyond a simple celebration of an anniversary. It is also about African Culture. “ We are part of keeping our culture alive,” said Althea Stevens the New York City council member, district 16 Bronx that has the largest west... Read more
HWPL New York Branch Celebrates 10th Anniversary in Times Square
International Peace Group Commemorates the Declaration of World Peace and Peace Walk. Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the New York branch of HWPL has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a program followed by a peace walk in Times Square. HWPL is an international peace non-governmental organization affiliated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the Department of Global Communications. Under the theme, “New Decade, Making Institutional Peace Take Root,” its May 28th event in New York City commemorated the proclamation of the Declaration of World Peace before the World Peace Gate in Seoul, South Korea, on May 25, 2013. Attendees initially gathered at the historic Knickerbocker Hotel to listen to commemorative speeches from speakers such as HWPL Chairman Lee man-hee, live performances and remarks from high-profile community and religious leaders. The peace walk that concluded the festivities began near West 42nd Street and Broadway and ended in... Read more
Africa Day celebrated by and in The Africa Center
The Africa Center has organized on May 27, 2023, in Harlem Africa Day to commemorate the foundation of the African Union, which was known as Organization of African Unity created on May 25, 1963. “Africa Day reminds us of the resilience of Africa and Africa people and symbolizes progress and peace for Africa people,” Uzodinma Iweala the CEO of The Africa Center said. [caption id="attachment_7356" align="alignleft" width="300"] Fatima Mohammed[/caption] For Her Excellency Fatima Mohammed permanent observer of the African Union to the United Nations, “Africa Day reminds us of our share responsibility to shape Africa. " And she added: “ Our strength relies on our unity” that will help Africa to confront and overcome obstacles such as poverty and climate change. “ Together we can overcome obstacles,” she said. The Manhattan deputy borough president Keisha Sutton – James whose ancestors came from Africa said that African diaspora in New York... Read more
Community Op-Ed: The People’s Money—Your Money to Improve Your Community
Have you ever looked around your neighborhood and thought—it would be great if we could have a community garden here, or maybe more afterschool programs for students, or special services for seniors? Now, you can bring those ideas to life. “The People’s Money” is the first ever citywide participatory budgeting process run by our Civic Engagement Commission (CEC), and from today until June 25th, all New York City residents ages 11 and older - regardless of immigration status - can vote on how to spend $5 million dollars of our city’s budget. To do so, go to our website: on.nyc.gov/pb and vote on projects that your fellow New Yorkers have proposed. You can vote on projects for your borough, and the residents of 33 equity neighborhoods can vote on one additional project that will be funded in their neighborhood. The projects have been carefully selected from hundreds of proposals that were brainstormed by New... Read more
Community Op-Ed: A Historic Shift in How We Teach Our Children To Read
New York City has the largest public school system in the nation, and we are proud of our dedicated teachers and administrators who do so much to educate our talented students from so many different backgrounds and countries. We want to set up our students for success, and teaching them to read confidently is crucial to our efforts. That is why we are making a historic shift in our curriculum, and launching NYC Reads, a program based on proven science-of-reading techniques. We will teach our students skills that they can fall back on to decode words when the level becomes difficult, and we will train our teachers so they can provide instruction effectively. When our young people don’t learn to read properly they are more likely to struggle, and they can fall into a cycle of poverty and even incarceration. A staggering 40% of our jail population cannot read properly,... Read more
“New York City Reads,” a new citywide literacy campaign to ensure that all our students learn how to read
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks on May 9, 2023, launched “New York City Reads”, a new citywide literacy campaign. Two days later after the launch of the new campaign, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks alongside with three New York City public schools’ deputy chancellors ( Kara Hamed, Danika Rux, Carolyne Quintana), hold an in-person roundtable with ethnic and community media to discuss the new citywide literacy campaign “New York City Reads”. A study shows that “ 51% of NYC elementary school students are not reading proficiently.” The same study states that 30% of Asian students are not proficient in reading; 33% of White students are not reading proficiently; 63% of Latino students are not reading proficiently; and 64% of Black students are not reading proficiently.” Those statistics according to Banks and... Read more
Community Op-Ed: NYC Executive Budget
Last week, the Adams Administration released our Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget. As President Joe Biden has often said: “Show me your budget and I will show you your values.” That is why this budget invests in our Working People’s Agenda, prioritizing education, jobs, housing, health care, and public safety. As Mayor, I'm committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of our people. But the challenges we face are real. It is no secret that our city is still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as spending over millions on the ongoing asylum seeker crisis. These are unavoidable realities that have made a massive dent in our city’s resources. The good news is that we were able to balance this year's budget with better than expected revenues and efficient budgeting. We were able to create $1.6 billion in savings across the two fiscal years – without... Read more
Democracy Prep Public Schools ‘ conversation with African Leaders: “ We educate the whole child, we value their identity”
Democracy Prep Public Schools ‘ superintendent and several principals have hold on April 28, 2023, a virtual conversation with African community leaders to talk about the holistic approach or education the Democracy Prep Schools offer to children. “We strongly believe we have the best options to serve all children and we understand they are people in our community, who can help us to get better,” said Emmanuel George the Democracy Prep Public Schools superintendent who also believes that partnership with community leaders is the best thing to do to succeed. “ We cannot do it alone,” he added. Democracy Prep Public schools is a growing network of high – performing public charter schools educating 6,500 PK – 12th grade scholars at 21 schools in four regions. Students are enrolled through a random lottery. There are elementary and high schools. [caption id="attachment_7312" align="alignleft" width="300"] Emmanuel George[/caption] For Shanique Clement, principal at... Read more
New York State senator Cordell Cleare sworn – in : I will take you to Albany, she said
New State senator Cordell Cleare ‘ swearing – in ceremony took place on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Wadleigh School for the performing arts and visual arts auditorium in Harlem. The chief judge of New York State Court of Appeals, the honorable Rowan Wilson has administered the oath of office to senator Cordell Cleare before several guests and constituents. Senator Cleare who represents the 30th district in the State of New York, which includes Central Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Upper West Side and Washington Heights, was so excited as she was swearing in. “ I am excited to share this special moment with the people who have entrusted me to be their voice in Albany,” Senator Cleare said. “ I am going to continue to be your voice. I will take you to Albany and advocate for you. When they will talk about job, education, housing, etc., I will... Read more
African Nations Soccer Cup, Burkina Faso 2, Cameroon 1
The kick off of the African Nations Soccer Cup took place on April 15, 2023 at Mullay Park in the Bronx. This is the twelfth time in a row that the organizer of the cup, Ambroise Ngande has doing his best to make this African Nations Cup a reality. Several African soccer teams have participated the twelfth edition of the cup that was placed under the presidency of the Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson. Women were also in the spotlight because they were the ones who opened the match. It was therefore the women's team of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who competed in a fun and fair play game. Final score: 0 – 0. The men enter the dance Ghana and Senegal face each other. In the first half, the two teams played at the same pace with each on their side for the chance to win. During... Read more
Ramadan: The Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson has celebrated Iftar diner with Muslim community
The Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson has hosted on April 13, 2023, in Bronx borough hall her first annual Iftar Ramadan diner that brought together Bronx Muslim community in all its diversity. “ It is great to come together to celebrate Iftar Ramadan diner and we are so proud to work for each other,” Vanessa L. Gibson said. Her words were echoed by David Hamed Coulibaly, director of community services, office of Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson, who said that “ we are here not only to break the bread but to also celebrate diversity.” The Bronx borough hall was indeed full of Muslim Americans in the Bronx, and they came from different community groups. And the Bronx Borough president said: “ I am proud to stand with Muslim community.” Dr. Hammud Al Silwi has explained what the Ramadan is about it. “ Fasting is to treat others... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Helping Working Families Access Child Care
New Yorkers work hard twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. They should expect their city government to work at their pace — not the other way around. New Yorkers shouldn’t have to navigate layers of government bureaucracy or fill out pages of paper forms to have access to the services their tax dollars pay for. My Administration is committed to making it easier for New Yorkers to access city services, wherever they are, and on their schedule. That is why we’re launching MyCity, an online portal where New Yorkers can search, apply for, and track city services right from their smartphones and computers. The first phase of MyCity is focused on providing access to child care assistance for low-income New Yorkers. For the first time, New York City families who need help paying for child care can apply in one place, with one digital application. Before, families had to... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Supercharging Safety for E-bikes
Electronic transportation devices are everywhere in New York City now – and from daily commuting to food delivery, they are revolutionizing how we get around. E-bikes and e-scooters are a convenient and low-cost alternative to cars. They help reduce congestion on our streets and make our city cleaner and greener. Tens of thousands of our delivery workers rely on them for their livelihoods, and we all rely on them when we have goods delivered. E-bikes are here to stay, and our city wants to make sure they are safe and reliable for all - both on the street and when they are being stored and recharged. While most of the e-bikes and e-scooters in our city are safe, there are some that do not meet safety standards and contain uncertified lithium-ion batteries. These faulty devices are causing fires and explosions, putting New Yorkers and our first responders in danger. Last week, the City Council and... Read more
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Brooklyn Book Fair This Sunday
Several authors are hosting a book fair on Sunday, March 26, 3pm-7pm, at the Coal Pot, 1466 St. John’s Place, Brooklyn, NY. Authors include: Pat Chin, VP Records cofounder. Her book, My Reggae Music Journey, is cherished worldwide. Herman Hall, a recipient of a national journalism award and publisher of EVERYBODY’S Magazine. His two easy reading history books on revolutionary leader Julien Fédon have attracted major book reviewers. Burnett Coburn was celebrated last July at the St. Maarten Book Festival. The Skatalites were revered in pre-and-post independence Jamaica. James Haynes, Jah Jerry: Legacy of an Original Skatalites, is a must read. Claudette Joy Spence, an inspirational speaker, has written several books. Grenada’s Anthony W. Deriggs, Jamaica’s Keisha-Gaye Anderson and Trinidad & Tobago’s Dr. Meagan A. Sylvester have penned thrilling short stories and novels. Miss Pat Chin and Herman Hall who are organizing book fairs remind everyone of renowned authors the Caribbean and the diaspora have produced such as Nobel... Read more
7th annual commemoration of the declaration of peace and cessation of war of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light: “ Peace is close, and it will bear its fruits,” Lee Man – hee
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light ( HWPL) has held on March 18, 2023, in Manhattan its 7th annual commemoration of the declaration of peace and cessation of war. About 100 people from different sectors have attended the event, which was held under the theme of “ Institutional peace: strengthening communication to build the trust.” Talking about peace around the world is significant. According to Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light, “the current global community has the highest count of conflicts since World War II. One out of four people live in conflicted – areas, and the number of people forcibly displaced due to violence or human rights violations has gone over 100 million in 2022.” [caption id="attachment_7239" align="alignleft" width="300"] Lee Man – hee[/caption] Lee Man – hee the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light was optimistic about peace in the world during his videotaped... Read more
Community Op-Ed: On track to a safer New York City subway
I started my career as a transit police officer, so I know firsthand that subway safety is public safety. Our transit system is the key to getting to work, to school, visiting family and friends, and experiencing all that New York City has to offer. It makes life in our city possible. And everyone who uses this essential resource — regardless of their ethnicity, age, or gender — has the right to feel safe doing it. One year ago, Governor Kathy Hochul and I announced a Subway Safety plan, where we promised to devote more resources to helping those experiencing homelessness and facing mental health crisis get the shelter and the care they need. We announced our plan to disburse more homeless outreach teams in our subways and train NYPD officers to enforce the system’s rules of conduct in a fair and transparent way, addressing the fare evasion and disorder... Read more
Sidiki Donzo is the new elected Chairman of the African Advisory Council
The African Advisory Council (AAC ) has organized on March 9, 2023, an election to vote a new chairman and other members of the organization. Several people came out to cast their ballots and choose new people who will conduct AAC. Only three positions were about to fill out: Chairman/ woman, Vice chairman/ woman and Community liaison officer. There were three candidates who were running to be chairman/woman, two candidates to be community liaison officer and one candidate to be vice chairman/woman. After the counting of the votes Sidiki Donzo who competed against two women, was elected as the new African Advisory Council chairman. He takes over Mohammed Mardha who was the chairman since December 2018. “I did not win we all win,” Sidiki Donzo the new chairman said. “I cannot make it without you, I need you.” He also said he will follow Mr. Mardha’s footsteps. The first thing... Read more
Violence intervention summit: “Our aims were to put a spotlight on gang violence in the African community,” according to chairman Mory Kouyate
The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut in partnership with I Am My Community Inc, have organized on February 25, 2023 in the Bronx violence intervention summit. The African Journal has interviewed Mory Kouyate who gave us a big picture of the summit. The African Journal ( AJ): You organized on February 25, 2023 the violence intervention summit. How many people attended that summit? Mory Kouyate ( MK) : The attendance was not at a level we wanted . Our target audience was the youth in the 168th and Grand concourse area. They did not turn out as much . However, we cannot underestimate the impact the event had. We were able to shine a light on the violence in our community nationwide through the presence of national news outlets such as CBS News 2, and Bronx 12 News. They amplified our voice and our messages beyond our... Read more
UN official: Humanitarian situation dire in Burkina Faso
The humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso has become so dire that some women and children have only eaten leaves and salt for weeks, a top U.N. official said after a one-day visit to the country. U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said his Thursday visit to the West African nation “left a deep impression.” “Growing insecurity and blockades in many areas have left communities cut off from the rest of the country and facing growing hunger. Aid workers are struggling to reach these people who need assistance,” he said in a statement. A quarter of Burkina Faso’s population - nearly 5 million people - is in need of emergency assistance. That’s 40% more than at the beginning of the year, Griffiths said, yet less than a third of the needed $805 million for the country’s response plan is funded. Burkina Faso has for years battled... Read more
Burkina Faso marks official end of French military operations on its soil
France and Burkina Faso have officially marked the end of French military operations in the West African nation, the Burkinabe armed forces said on Sunday, after a flag-lowering ceremony at the French special forces' camp a day earlier. In January, Burkina Faso gave France one month to withdraw its troops as it ended a military accord that allowed French troops to fight insurgents on its territory, citing a wish for the country to defend itself. Their departure marks a new chapter in Burkina's battle with Islamist groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State, which have taken over large swathes of land and displaced millions of people in the wider Sahel region, just south of the Sahara. In a statement, the General Staff of the Burkinabe Armed Forces said it had participated with the leadership of France's Sabre special forces in "a solemn flag-lowering ceremony marking the official end of the Task... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Keeping New York The Safest Large City in America
A year into my administration, New York City remains the safest large city in America. We are following through on a 360-degree approach to fighting crime that includes both strategies for investing in our communities and excellent policing. Thanks to two years of tireless efforts and coordination between the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Unit and the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, on February 14th, we announced an 85-count indictment that charges 23 gang members in Queens with conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and gun possession. Eight of the men had fired a weapon previously. All of them had no regard for others’ lives or safety. The indictment covers eighteen acts of gun-related violence that took place in and around the Astoria Houses and the Woodside Houses. The gang members fired their weapons in broad daylight next to an ice-cream truck, in a courtyard and at a playground. Children... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Composting for All
New Yorkers know that rats love trash bags full of food waste. And they know that I hate rats. This week, our Administration declared that Restaurant Week for rats in this City is finally over. For too long, New Yorkers have had to bring their compost to neighborhood drop off sites, or deal with one-off collection programs that weren’t designed to reach everyone. This meant mountains of trash bags on our sidewalks, attracting rats day and night. New Yorkers have been saying loudly that they want a compost program across the City – they want the rat food out of the black bags and out of the landfills once and for all. For over twenty years, New York City has been trying to achieve citywide curbside composting that actually WORKS for everyone. We are finally getting it done. By the fall of next year, New Yorkers in all five boroughs... Read more
Community Op Ed: A Working People’s Agenda
Last week, in Queens — the borough I grew up in — I reported to New Yorkers on the state of our city. I outlined what we’ve accomplished in the year since I took office, and my vision for the future. We are going to build a city for working people, one that is more affordable, safer, cleaner, and more livable. We focused on four essential pillars: jobs, safety, housing, and care. Because without a strong working class, this city cannot survive. Working people need good jobs and pathways to get those jobs. And those jobs need to be able to support a home for New Yorkers and their families. That is why we are reimagining our workforce system, connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships through a new Apprenticeship Accelerator. It’s also why we are creating the jobs for the future, through our first of its kind biotech start up incubator that... Read more
Pope says homosexuality not a crime, but a sin
Pope Francis criticized laws that criminalize homosexuality as “unjust,” saying God loves all his children just as they are and called on Catholic bishops who support the laws to welcome LGBTQ people into the church. “Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” Francis said during an exclusive interview Tuesday with The Associated Press. Francis acknowledged that Catholic bishops in some parts of the world support laws that criminalize homosexuality or discriminate against LGBTQ people, and he himself referred to the issue in terms of “sin.” But he attributed such attitudes to cultural backgrounds, and said bishops in particular need to undergo a process of change to recognize the dignity of everyone. “These bishops have to have a process of conversion,” he said, adding that they should apply “tenderness, please, as God has for each one of us.” Francis’ comments, which were hailed by gay rights advocates as a milestone, are the first uttered... Read more
Community Op-Ed: Preliminary Budget Address
Every year, the Mayor presents a budget to the people of New York City. This budget is about much more than what we are spending and what we are spending it on. It is a statement of values and a declaration of purpose: Creating a safer, more prosperous and equitable city for all. This is the city that our responsible and focused Fiscal Year 2024 Preliminary Budget continues to make possible. Since Day One, fiscal discipline has been the hallmark of this administration. We are focused on governing efficiently and getting results. Over the past year, we have made our city safer and continued our economic recovery. We have funded and will continue to support programs that benefit everyday New Yorkers — including public safety, affordable housing, and clean streets. It can be tempting to add a bunch of new spending, and certainly there are many who will call for... Read more
Community Op-ed: Making New York Safer
When I came to office, I inherited a city with many crises, including increasing crime. And my top priority has always been public safety. From day one, I got to work with the Police Commissioner, our Deputy Mayor and our team to make our streets and subways safer. And our public safety strategy is working. New York City is getting safer. 2022 ended with crime trending downward in New York City. In December, we saw major crimes go down by 11.6 % and in the fourth quarter of 2022, overall index crime dropped by 1.5%. Last month, we saw murders, shootings, robberies, burglaries, grand larcenies, and hate crimes all going down. Our efforts — including taking 7,100 firearms and more than 400 ghost guns off our streets — are bringing gun violence down. What these numbers tell us is that we are turning the corner on crime in this city. And the results speak for themselves. New York City is back. You can see it and feel it across the five boroughs. Tourism is back at a... Read more
Media Roundtable at the City Hall: The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams answered without taboo all questions
The Mayor of New York City Eric Adams has hold on January 6, 2023, at City Hall a media roundtable to discuss topics related to community as well as topics related to 2022. A meeting that brought together local news outlets ‘reporters and publishers. The Mayor who is celebrating a one-year anniversary as a New York City Mayor, has decided to not make any statement as he gave the latitude to journalists and reporters to ask any question they wanted to and that came to their mind. After one year in office and when you looked back, what is your biggest achievement and what issue you think you failed on? I asked the Mayor. “My top achievement is my team,” Mayor Eric Adams said. “I built the right team, which reflects the diversity of New York, and I am proud of my team.” Several people in New York City are... Read more
The Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition celebrated Kwanza, the journey of freedom and liberation
The Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition in partnership with the office of City Council District 9, has celebrated on December 30, 2022, Kwanza, the annual celebration of African – American culture. There were several people who have joined the Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition and Kristin Richardson Jordan the New York City Council Woman to enjoy Kwanza in its fulness. [caption id="attachment_7137" align="alignright" width="300"] Kristin Richardson Jordan the New York City Council Woman[/caption] “I have been blessed for celebrating Kwanza, which is a celebration of our journey to freedom and liberation,” said Council Woman Kristin Richardson Jordan. “Kwanza reminds us of our struggle and how far we must go,” said Nova Felder the president of the Evolved Harlem Merchants Coalition. “Without struggle there is not progress.” [caption id="attachment_7136" align="alignleft" width="156"] Noa Felder[/caption] There are seven principles of Kwanza: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self – determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics),... Read more
Hanukkah celebrated by African American Jews in Harlem: Time of dedication to Jewish people and diversity
The office of City Council Woman Kristin Richardson Jordan and Prophetic Whirlwind Ministries have celebrated on December 19, 2022, in Harlem, Hanukkah the Jewish festival. The particularity of the celebration of Hanukkah in Harlem was that it brought together African American Jews and Jews. [caption id="attachment_7129" align="alignleft" width="139"] Onleilove Alston[/caption] “Celebrating Hanukkah is to stand in fulness of who you are, and a dedication against simulation,” said Morah Oneilove Chika Alston, Founder of HerWisdom LLC and Prophetic Whirlwind Ministries. “I do not have to hide my blackness.” And she added: “Here in Harlem in this time of hate and bigotry, we want to come together to honor people who are dedicated to Jews and diversity.” Together they broke bread and ate it. And together they sparked menorah light, the light of hope, love and resistance. “Harlem is always representing to me a place of resistance,” she said. Ms. Alston went... Read more
Mayor Adams Releases Community Driven “NYC Speaks Action Plan”
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the “NYC Speaks Action Plan” — created in partnership with civic and community leaders — outlining policy goals for five issue areas that are priorities for New Yorkers: Housing and public safety, youth mental health, community spaces, jobs in high-growth sectors, and civic engagement. NYC Speaks is a public-private partnership led by Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright, working alongside various philanthropic partners, community leaders, and civic institutions to inform the priorities and policies of the Adams administration. “New Yorkers deserve a seat at the table to share their vision for our city’s future. It is why I engage and speak with community groups in all five boroughs every day, making sure I hear their concerns and dreams,” said Mayor Adams. “Having that input from New Yorkers is helping us ‘Get Stuff Done’ the right way. But I am only just one person... Read more
Mayor Eric Adams’ Op-Ed: A Safer New York
While I was on the campaign trail, I met many New Yorkers who expressed their desire for a safer city. New Yorkers want to feel safe in their neighborhoods, at their places of worship, in the subway and on the streets. I vowed to make public safety my top priority, and under the bold leadership of NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell, our efforts are paying off. We have a lot more work to do, but I want to be clear to New Yorkers: we are making progress. For the first time this year, we saw a drop of 1.2% in overall index crimes in November compared to November of 2021. What does that mean? It means that in November of 2022 compared to November of 2021, we saw a 32.8% decrease in shootings, a 14.1% decrease in rapes, a 6% decrease in burglary, and a 5.5% in grand larceny. We have... Read more
2nd Oath Keepers Jan. 6 sedition trial to get underway
After securing seditious conspiracy convictions against two leaders of the Oath Keepers, the Justice Department will begin Monday to try to make its Capitol riot case against four others affiliated with the far-right extremist group. Openings statements are expected in Washington’s federal court less than two weeks after Stewart Rhodes, the founder of the Oath Keepers, and Kelly Meggs, who led its Florida chapter, were convicted of seditious conspiracy for what prosecutors described as a violent plot to overturn President Joe Biden’s victory. The defendants facing jurors in the latest trial are Joseph Hackett, of Sarasota, Florida; Roberto Minuta of Prosper, Texas; David Moerschel of Punta Gorda, Florida; and Edward Vallejo of Phoenix. They are charged with several other felonies in addition to seditious conspiracy. While the Rhodes’ and Meggs’ verdicts were a major victory for the Justice Department, three of their co-defendants were acquitted of seditious conspiracy. The major question in... Read more
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx Earns Top Teaching Hospital Award From the Leapfrog Group
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx today received the Top Teaching Hospital designation from The Leapfrog Group, one of only 58 hospitals nationwide to earn the award this year. This follows the award last month of an A grade from the Leapfrog Group for North Central Bronx, the only hospital in the Bronx to receive the designation. The Top Teaching Hospital award was based on the hospital’s high marks across various metrics, including strong safety and outcomes results for high risk surgeries and procedures, as well as measures to prevent medical and prescribing errors. The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization committed to quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. health system. Awardees will be honored tonight at the 2022 Leapfrog Annual Meeting and Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. “We are grateful that NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx is being recognized for the outstanding care our staff provides,” said NYC... Read more
Mayor Eric Adams’ Op-Ed: Action, Care and Compassion: My Administration’s Approach to Addressing Severe Mental Illness
Our city is facing a crisis. New Yorkers with severe and untreated mental illness are living out in the open, on our streets and in our subways. They are in danger and need help, yet often, the nature of their illnesses prevents them from seeking the support they require. My Administration is determined to do more to assist people with mental illness, especially those with untreated psychotic disorders who pose a risk of harm to themselves, even if they are not an imminent threat to the public. Moving forward, we will take several key steps. The most important is for our outreach workers, hospital staff, and police officers to be aware that New York law already allows us to intervene when untreated severe mental illness prevents a person from meeting their basic human needs, causing them to be a danger to themselves. https://youtu.be/2OVMFqc7tGI We will continue to do all we can to persuade those in need... Read more
“Hope For Desperate Hearts” has celebrated its tenth anniversary with this in mind: Improving the living conditions of disadvantaged populations
The non-for-profit organization "Hope For Desperate Hearts" has celebrated on November 12, 2022 in New York, Manhattan its tenth anniversary. Several guests and donors have come together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of an organization that cares about disadvantaged populations not only in Burkina Faso but also in the United States of America. Hope For Desperate Hearts works to improve the lives of disadvantaged populations in Burkina Faso and supports the African community in New York," said Ms. Barkissa Dabire Barro, founder and executive director of Hope For Desperate Hearts. According to the president of the Board of Directors, Angie O'Reilly, "Burkina Faso is in immense need." Hope For Desperate Hearts has indeed decided to meet the need of disadvantaged populations in Burkina Faso. Women, children, young people, etc., are getting the help they need from the organization. In 2021 alone, a total of 60 widows benefited in Burkina Faso... Read more
Participatory budgeting is another way for a civic engagement: #Vote4Harlem and BABA Inc, believe it.
#Vote4Harlem and Bridging Africa and Black America Inc ( BABA Inc) have organized on November 7, 2022, an online participatory budgeting idea generation session that brought together several people. The goal according to the two non-for-profit organizations, is to collectively generate ideas and submit those ideas to New York City Civic Engagement Commission. Apostle Onleilove Chika Alston Founder, Her Wisdom Consulting LLC and #Vote4Harlem said that “ participatory budgeting in both the city council and city wide, is a process where residents have a direct say in how public funding is spent.” “ This is a session for coming with ideas,” she added. Before generating ideas, Abdoulaye Cisse who is BABA Inc’s executive director, has laid out 5 community agreements. The 3rd one was : “ Together we know a lot, alone we don’t know it at all.” And together participants have generated ideas based on how the city spends... Read more
Mayor Adams Expands Efforts to Connect Patients Experiencing Homelessness to Stable, Affordable Housing, Delivers on Promise in Housing Blueprint Released Earlier This Year
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz today announced ‘Housing for Health’ — a comprehensive initiative to serve the health system’s large patient population experiencing homelessness by connecting them to affordable homes and housing supports. Recognizing that the chronic health issues of unhoused individuals cannot be treated without stable housing, this initiative seeks to improve their health and wellbeing of New Yorkers by focusing on four strategic areas: Navigation services, medical respite beds, affordable housing on hospital property, and social service support for patients in permanent housing. Over the course of the next five years, the health system plans to leverage land to create nearly 650 new affordable homes, which will be situated near NYC Health + Hospitals facilities to deliver continuity of care for vulnerable New Yorkers with complex medical needs. This initiative delivers on multiple aspects of Mayor... Read more
AFRICA LIFE CENTER ( ALC) RELEASES THE 2022 VOTER EDUCATIONAL AND MOBILIZATION VIDEO OF THE CURRENT NYC BALLOT INITIATIVE.
Africa Life center ( ALC) releases the 2022 Voter Educational and Mobilization Video of the current NYC Ballot Initiative. We urge all members of the African Community to flip your ballot on Election Day and vote for the 3 ballot questions aimed at increasing Racial Equity in NYC: 1) Add a statement of values to the city’s charter. 2) Create a racial equity office, plan & commission 3) Measure the true coast of living. Learn more …. [video width="780" height="552" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/racialjustice.mp4"][/video] Read more
Immigration: Cameroon American Council is advocating for Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroon
The Cameroon American Council is seeking Special Humanitarian Parole for Cameroonians living in Cameroon. Sylvie Bello, the founder and CEO of the Cameroon American Council has been championing for many years for that since 2016. "Cameroon has 5 armed conflicts," she said. [caption id="attachment_7050" align="alignleft" width="182"] Sylvie Bello and Congresswoman Elaine Luria[/caption] According to Prism Report, a news outlet, Ms. Bello’s fight in 2016 has led the “Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to finally designate 18 months of protected status for Cameroonian nationals in the U.S. The Temporary Protected Status (TPS) will protect qualifying Cameroonians from deportation and give them the ability to receive work permit.” TPS is for people who are already in the USA and are undocumented. https://prismreports.org/2022/05/16/cameroonians-were-granted-temporary-protected-status-in-the-us-but-advocates-say-more-protections-are-needed/ Ms. Bello has appreciated positively that decision. However, she said it is not enough. She still does not understand why Fombi Thomas who went to fight in Afghanistan as a... Read more
Tour de Bronx 2022: 1300 cyclists hit the streets of the Bronx
The Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson has kicked off on October 23, 2022, the Tour de Bronx in front of Bronx Borough Hall. There were hundreds of cyclists coming from all over New York and who hit the streets for 28th annual Tour de Bronx this Sunday October 23, 2022. [caption id="attachment_7036" align="alignright" width="300"] Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson[/caption] Tour de Bronx was temporally suspended due to covid – 19 pandemic and many cyclists were very excited that the Tour de Bronx is coming back. “I am very excited,” said the Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson who has encouraged everyone to be part of that. According to Ms. Gibson “several participants who represented the Bronx and elected officials were among the 1300 cyclists who hit the streets of the Bronx.” The cyclists have covered a distance of 25 miles that ended up at the Botanical Gardens. The... Read more
African Heritage Month: Mayor Eric Adams has called for Unity
Eric Adams the Mayor of the City of New York has hold on October 6, 2022, the African Heritage Month at Gracie Mansion in Manhattan. African diaspora in New York City in its diversity has massively responded to the Mayor’s call for the traditional celebration of the African Heritage. They came from all over the city with joy and enthusiasm. “This is an important gathering today,” said Eric Adams who is proud to be the Mayor of New York City “one of the powerful states of America.” After the Mayor told the origin of African Americans’ story, which related to slavery, he said that he went to Senegal and stood of the” Door of No Return,” where millions of Africans were shipped to a life of slavery in America and in other continents in the world. He said he also went to Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Maroc. “I realized... Read more
African Heritage Month: City Council’s woman Kristin Richardson Jordan has honored many people in Harlem
District 9, City Council’s woman Kristin Richardson Jordan has hosted on September 30, 2022, in the headquarter of Senegalese Association of America in Harlem an African Heritage Month to celebrate what she called “the beautiful people” and honor many of them. [caption id="attachment_6998" align="alignleft" width="113"] District 9, City Council’s woman Kristin Richardson Jordan[/caption] In the big room where the event was held, Ms. Jordan was socializing, interacting and discussing with anyone she came across. “I appreciated my African heritage,” she said. “We are beautiful people.” As an African American Woman, Ms. Jordan said: “We all have root in the African Continent.” The event was indeed an opportunity for her to take a panoramic look at the work her and her team have done so far after 180 days in office. She has laid out in a handout their accomplishments such as “the laws she has signed on to, initiatives her... Read more
African Heritage Month Parade and Festival: “The aim is to make a lot of noise about this concept,” said Mory Kouyate the CEO of the African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT, Inc.
Mory Kouyate is the CEO of the African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT, Inc. He has initiated three years the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival. He answered our questions regarding the 3rd edition of the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival. Take a look to learn what he said. This was the 3rd edition of the African Heritage Month Parade and Festival organized by African Immigrants’ Commission of New York, what was the singularity of the 3rd edition? This year we zeroed in on the achievements and contributions of the African immigrant community to the American experiment. What do we bring to the table? What have we brought to the table as immigrants to this great country? The fact is we have contributed a lot to the economy. The African immigrant community among the most educated in the US. We are doctors, nurses, teachers, business leaders etc. We seize the opportunity... Read more
77th Summit of the United Nations: West African leaders Advocated for Peace in the Sahel
The 77th UN’s summit was held from September 20 to September 25, 2022, in New York City. The big annual rendezvous was an opportunity for the world leaders to take a look at what is going on a tumultuous world and gave some “remedies” for world peace. As an example, the war in Ukraine has created an unprecedented division between great powers since the end of the cold war. And the terrorism in Africa becomes a difficult plague to deal with. West African leaders has indeed pleaded for help to fight against terrorism in the continent. “Terrorism, which is giving ground in the continent is not only African matter. It is a global threat that falls under the primary responsibility of the council which is the guarantor of the collective security mechanism under the charter of our organization” has reminded Macky Sall, President of Senegal and African Union’s current president. Therefore, he... Read more
African Health Awareness Day: How and where to get medication or vaccination to prevent malaria
African Health Awareness Day was held on September 26, 2022, in the Bronx to raise awareness about health issues in African communities in New York City and exceptionally in the Bronx. Many people in the African Community travel every single year to Africa where malaria is a health issue. When they travel, they do not know where to get medication or vaccination against certain diseases such as malaria. So, they usually travel without taking any prevention regarding malaria and other illnesses. They usually come back with malaria, and they do not know where to go to get treatment. This a sad reality with its consequences.  “African Health Awareness is about to bring resources to our community and tell our people that there is malaria program for those who used to go to Africa. We indeed want to make sure they get medication or vaccination before any trip to Africa,”... Read more
Flavour, the Nigerian born musician has chosen New York City to celebrate the release his new single: “My Sweetie”
Flavour the Nigerian born musician has celebrated the release on September 21,2022 of his new single called “My Sweetie” at the POD Hotel in Times Square. The event has brought together fans and New York City show biz world in the same place to enjoy listening to the artist musician of “Sawa sawa sawale.” It was an opportunity for them to interact with the artist and asked him some relevant questions that relate to his music. “I want to use my God given talent to be a blessing for others,” said Flavour also known as (aka) Flavour N’abania to depict what music is about for him. Flavour who started his musical career at the age of 13, remembered how difficult it was at the beginning. “I come from a very poor background family,” he said. So, his mother did not want him to be a singer. To her, music was... Read more
International Day of Peace: Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light has pleaded for the end of the war between Russia and Ukraine
Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL) has held on September 14, 2022, in the headquarter of United Nations a meeting with its partners to talk about peace in the world. Man Hee Lee, the chairman of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), which is a Non – Governmental Organization, addressed in a video speech the importance or the urgency to spread the culture of peace in the world. In observance of the International Day of Peace celebrated each year on September 21st by the United Nations, the meeting was an opportunity according to the organization to “acknowledge the efforts being made to promote and achieve sustainable peace throughout the global village in order to create a better world for future generations.” [caption id="attachment_6943" align="alignleft" width="300"] Yong Min Shin HWPL East Coast Branch Director[/caption] Mr. Lee said that if we are living in the same world, we... Read more
Bink International Charity: Once again the non-for-profit organization helped parents and students in need
Bink International Charity has held on August 20, 2022, at Claremont Park in the Bronx, its annual back to school giveaway for three consecutive years now to help parents and students in need. The organization has provided 300 backpacks, school supplies and other assorted items. “We couldn’t do this without the help and support of MetroPlus Health that provided us with backpacks, pencil kits and other items for our communities and we are truly grateful for their continuous contribution and their commitment to make our communities better and healthier,” said Bintou Kone president of Bink International Charity. “This is not the first time that MetroPlus Health has supported our event and mission of providing educational equity for all children regardless of their race, gender, ethnicity, social class and immigration status,” She added. According to Samuella Tine, the president of Sam Charity, “Bink International Charity is doing an incredible job by... Read more
Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s longest-reigning monarch and a symbol of stability in a turbulent era that saw the decline of the British empire and disarray in her own family, died Thursday after 70 years on the throne. She was 96. The palace announced she died at Balmoral Castle, her summer residence in Scotland, where members of the royal family had rushed to her side after her health took a turn for the worse. A link to the almost-vanished generation that fought World War II, she was the only monarch most Britons have ever known. Her 73-year-old son Prince Charles automatically became king and will be known as King Charles III, it was announced. British monarchs in the past have selected new names upon taking the throne. Charles’ second wife, Camilla, will be known as the Queen Consort. A funeral was to be held after 10 days of official mourning. The BBC played the national anthem,... Read more
Federal monitor investigating how arsenic got into NYCHA’s water
The discovery of arsenic in the tap water of a Lower East side public housing development, first reported by THE CITY on Friday evening, has raised questions about how NYCHA handled the testing and triggered an investigation by the federal monitor overseeing the authority. Two weeks ago, after reports of cloudy water from residents, NYCHA received results declaring the water drinkable. NYCHA then decided for reasons not yet explained to retest the water, and on Thursday those results, from the private water management company LiquiTech Inc., detected arsenic, which the earlier test had not checked for. But NYCHA sat on those results for 24 hours, and there was no public acknowledgement or warning until City Hall confirmed the arsenic finding on late Friday—after THE CITY began asking about it. On Saturday the federal monitor who has jurisdiction over NYCHA announced he would be looking into the circumstances surrounding the testing at Riis. “We... Read more
Leave it to Serena Williams to not want to go quietly, to not want this match, this trip to the U.S. Open, this transcendent career of hers, to really, truly end. Right down to what were, barring a change of heart, the final minutes of her quarter-century of excellence on the tennis court, and an unbending unwillingness to be told what wasn’t possible, Williams tried to mount one last classic comeback, earn one last vintage victory, with fans on their feet in a full Arthur Ashe Stadium, cellphone cameras at the ready. The 23-time Grand Slam champion staved off five match points to prolong the three-hours-plus proceedings, but could not do more, and was eliminated from the U.S. Open in the third round by Ajla Tomljanovic 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-1 on Friday night in what is expected to be her final contest. “I’ve been down before. ... I don’t really give up,” Williams said. “In my career,... Read more
Trump search: What may come next in inquiry with legal peril
A newly released FBI document helps flesh out the contours of an investigation into classified material at former President Donald Trump’s Florida estate. But plenty of questions remain, especially because half the affidavit, which spelled out the FBI’s rationale for searching the property, was blacked out. That document, which the FBI submitted so it could get a warrant to search Trump’s winter home, provides new details about the volume and top secret nature of what was retrieved from Mar-a-Lago in January. It shows how Justice Department officials had raised concerns months before the search that closely held government secrets were being illegally stored — and then returned in August with a court-approved warrant and located even more classified records at the property. It all raises questions whether a crime was committed and, if so, by whom. Answers may not come quickly. Trump search: What may come next in inquiry with legal peril By ERIC TUCKERyesterday 1... Read more
Russia’s war at 6 months: A global economy in growing danger
Martin Kopf needs natural gas to run his family’s company, Zinkpower GmbH, which rustproofs steel components in western Germany. Zinkpower’s facility outside Bonn uses gas to keep 600 tons of zinc worth 2.5 million euros ($2.5 million) in a molten state every day. The metal will harden otherwise, wrecking the tank where steel parts are dipped before they end up in car suspensions, buildings, solar panels and wind turbines. Six months after Russia invaded Ukraine, the consequences are posing a devastating threat to the global economy, including companies like Zinkpower, which employs 2,800 people. Gas is not only much more costly, it might not be available at all if Russia completely cuts off supplies to Europe to avenge Western sanctions, or if utilities can’t store enough for winter. Germany may have to impose gas rationing that could cripple industries from steelmaking to pharmaceuticals to commercial laundries. “If they say, we’re cutting you off,... Read more
“Africans in Harlem: An Untold New York Story “ is the new book of Dr. Boukary Sawadogo: “This is a very useful contribution,” according to Carol A. Thompson
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... Read more
A gunman opened fire, striking one person, along the route of the bustling Bronx Dominican Day Parade on Sunday evening.
The victim was struck in the arm by gunfire near Grand Concourse and Eliot Place shortly before 5 p.m. as the parade was still winding down the Concourse, police sources said. The man walked into BronxCare Health System hospital where he was listed in stable condition Sunday night. The shooting occurred as Dominicans throughout the city gathered in the Bronx to celebrate the Caribbean country’s culture Sunday. The annual parade had been canceled the previous two years due to the pandemic. Flag-waving spectators lined the Concourse as colorful floats and dancers marched along the street throughout the afternoon and Latin music filled the air for much of the day before the gunshots rang out. When the bullets flew, people ran for their lives, according to a resident who witnessed the aftermath. Nathalie Peña, who lives in an apartment building adjacent to the crime scene, said she saw people franticly running... Read more
“Children’s Play and Learn day” is about bringing kids together according to Bink International Charity a non-for-profit organization
Bink International Charity has organized on July 23, 2022 “Children’s Play and Learn day”, which has taken place in Claremont Park in the Bronx. Several children from the Bronx have come to enjoy themselves and play games such as: crafts, outdoor nature play, treasure hunts, storytelling, interactive games, and relay race. “It is about bringing kids together and giving them the opportunity to know each other and enjoy themselves,” Bintou Kone the chairwoman of Bink International Charity, said. “ Such activity also allows us to do something else other than going to work.” The event was sponsored by many organizations including Metro Plus Health, New York Public library, New York Life as well as community organizations. “Metro Plus Health is our biggest sponsor and support as they gave us four big boxes full of sand pail set toys that were distributed to the kids,” Ms. Kone said. “ Every kid... Read more
Monkeypox’s forum : Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson wants to make sure you have the right information
The office of the Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson has organized on July 18, 2022 a virtual Monkeypox’s forum in partnership with New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and healthcare professionals as well. “My goal is to share information with all of you,” said the Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson. “Many of you are serving very vulnerable communities and we want to make sure you have the right information so that you share that information to your community.” It was for Ms. Gibson an opportunity to tell people not only what her borough but also the New York City have done and keep doing to protect citizens against the new disease. “Bronx has 10% of the cases and I want to make sure Bronx is prioritized,” she said. According to Ms. Gibson there are 618 cases in the Bronx and 1800 cases nationwide. And around... Read more
Video shows bike-riding pervert in Manhattan who sexually assaulted two women on streets
Police need the public’s help in finding the bike-riding pervert in Manhattan who sexually assaulted two women on the streets early Saturday morning. The NYPD released video footage of the first incident, which happened at about 4 a.m. on July 16 near the corner of Central Park West and West 82nd Street on the Upper West Side. The video shows the creep riding a bicycle alongside the victim, a 23-year-old woman, through a nearby intersection. Seconds later, as shown on video, the woman is walking alone under a scaffold-covered sidewalk when the creep — no longer on the bike — approached her from behind, then grabbed her legs and tackled her to the concrete. Following a brief struggle, cops said, the perpetrator held the victim down and then digitally penetrated her. About an hour later, authorities said, the pervert attacked a 28-year-old woman at the corner of Avenue A and... Read more
Serial stabber: West Village park killer sought for two non-fatal stabbings of sleeping men on Manhattan streets
Detectives have linked the suspect behind a cold-blooded, deadly stabbing at a West Village park earlier this month to two other recent knife attacks on sleeping men around Manhattan. “These are senseless acts on defenseless people experiencing homelessness and somebody knows this person,” Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell said of the pattern Tuesday. “We need to get this killer off our streets as and as safely as possible.” Law enforcement sources said the serial stabber struck early on Monday morning, July 11, at Stanley Isaac Playground along the FDR Drive on the Upper East Side. According to authorities, the assailant approached the 28-year-old man at about 3:30 a.m. that morning as he lay on a park bench and knifed him in the abdomen, then fled to parts unknown. EMS rushed the victim to Metropolitan Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition. Three days earlier, cops said, the suspect similarly stabbed a 59-year-old... Read more
Police-involved shootings in Queens and Brooklyn leaves two suspects dead
A police-involved shooting in Queens on Saturday evening left both an armed suspect dead and an officer hospitalized, it was reported. According to sources familiar with the investigation, a man allegedly fired at cops at around 6:25 p.m. on 205-17 116th Ave. in St. Albans. Sources said that officers returned fire, killing the suspect with a barrage of bullets. Several officers were taken to a nearby hospital for ringing in the ears and high blood-pressure following the incident. NYPD brass Chief of Patrol Jeffery Maddrey and Chief of Transit Jason Wilcox spoke from the scene later that night. According to Maddrey, the NYPD received several 911 calls from the suspect who made threats to both elected officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and law enforcement about 20 minutes prior. “He clearly stated that he was going to blow the head off of the first police officer he saw,” Maddery said. “The... Read more
‘Revolutionary’ high court term on abortion, guns and more
Abortion-rights and anti-abortion demonstrators gather outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, Friday, June 24, 2022. The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years, a decision by its conservative majority to overturn the court's landmark abortion cases. Abortion, guns and religion _ a major change in the law in any one of these areas would have made for a fateful Supreme Court term. In its first full term together, the court's conservative majority ruled in all three and issued other significant decisions limiting the government's regulatory powers. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Abortion, guns and religion — a major change in the law in any one of these areas would have made for a fateful Supreme Court term. In its first full term together, the court’s conservative majority ruled in all three and issued other significant decisions limiting the government’s regulatory powers. And it... Read more
Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade; states can ban abortion
The Supreme Court on Friday stripped away women’s constitutional protections for abortion, a fundamental and deeply personal change for Americans’ lives after nearly a half-century under Roe v. Wade. The court’s overturning of the landmark court ruling is likely to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. The ruling, unthinkable just a few years ago, was the culmination of decades of efforts by abortion opponents, made possible by an emboldened right side of the court fortified by three appointees of former President Donald Trump. Both sides predicted the fight over abortion would continue, in state capitals, in Washington and at the ballot box. Justice Clarence Thomas, part of Friday’s majority, urged colleagues to overturn other high court rulings protecting same-sex marriage, gay sex and the use of contraceptives. Pregnant women considering abortions already had been dealing with a near-complete ban in Oklahoma and a prohibition after roughly six weeks in Texas. Clinics... Read more
African Diaspora Civic Engagement Awareness Day: Coming Together and Celebrating our city
Government agencies and African community organizations have come together on June 9,2022 at the Bronx Borough Hall in the Bronx to celebrate African diaspora civic engagement awareness day. The event that was sponsored by New York City commission on human rights, New York City Health and Hospitals, Test and Trace, New York City civic engagement commission, African Communities Together, and the Bronx Borough President, was focused this year on civic engagement and civil rights. “This is about coming together and celebrate our city,” Christelle N. Onwu lead advisor for African communities, New York City commission on human rights, said. For Ms. Onwu, civic engagement is about being involved in city boards, reaching out to community groups, paying attention to what is going in the city and the community… Saba Haile Hazel, chief of staff, New York City commission on human rights has explained the role the commission on human rights... Read more
Shootings expose divisions on gun issue in faith communities
After a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, several pastors around the country challenged their conservative counterparts with this question: Are you pro-life if you are pro-gun? One of those faith leaders is the Rev. Steven Marsh, senior pastor of Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. That’s where a gunman, who officials say was fueled by hate against Taiwan, opened fire on May 15 at a luncheon organized by members of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church, killing one and injuring five others. “I’ve heard people tell me I’m not Christian because I’m pro-choice,” Marsh said. “I ask those people: How can you be pro-life and not support getting rid of assault rifles? You can’t pick and choose where you want to be pro-life.” Marsh’s emotional statement is a vignette in the larger narrative of a nation divided on how – or... Read more
Uvalde tells Biden to ‘do something’; he pledges ‘we will’
President Joe Biden grieved with the shattered community of Uvalde on Sunday, mourning privately for three hours with anguished families of the 19 schoolchildren and two teachers killed by a gunman. Faced with chants of “do something” as he departed a church service, Biden pledged: “We will.” At Robb Elementary School, Biden visited a memorial of 21 white crosses — one for each of those killed — and first lady Jill Biden added a bouquet of white flowers to those already placed in front of the school sign. The couple then viewed individual altars erected in memory of each student, the first lady touching the children’s photos as they moved along the row. After visiting the memorial, Biden attended Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where several victims’ families are members, and one of the families was in attendance. Speaking directly to the children in the congregation, Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller tried to... Read more
Sankara’s Orphans — award-winning documentary — comes to Harlem May 21
Sankara's Orphans, an award-winning documentary by Geraldine Berger, will be featured Saturday, May 21, at the Maysles Documentary Center in Harlem. The screening is sponsored by the 29th New York African Film Festival in conjunction with The Africa Center of New York. The film tells the story of 600 youth from Burkina Faso in West Africa who went to study in Cuba in 1986 during the 1983-87 Burkina Faso Revolution led by Thomas Sankara. The Cuban government, headed by Fidel Castro, offered them an education to learn a profession or trade and then return to help develop their country, one of the poorest in the world. The documentary describes who was chosen to study in Cuba and why. It shows how the Cuban people worked with the Burkinabè youth, the relationship between the two countries and revolutions, and between Castro and Sankara. Viewers get a chance to see Thomas Sankara, a... Read more
New York. Discussion on war, crisis, and terrorism in West Africa, the example of Burkina Faso : “The situation is going to get worse until Burkinabe get a leader like Sankara, a speaker said
The socialist worker party in New York has organized on April 30, 2022 a “discussion” that was focused on “ War and crisis in West Africa today”, and presented by two speakers who “draw the lessons of the 1983 – 1987 Burkina Faso revolution led by Thomas Sankara.” Lassane Ouédraogo a lecturer from University of Ouagadougou and Peter Thierjung from the Socialist worker party were the two speakers who have discussed the topic in a room full with members of the party. For Mr. Ouédraogo, the hope that came with the advent of the democracy in 1990 in most of west African countries, has been trapped with the returning of military in power in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso and a coup that failed in Guinea Bissau. “ In Burkina Faso 76 % of the population supported the coup,” said Mr. Ouédraogo who also mentioned that in the other countries... Read more
Burkina Faso attempts uncertain dialogue with armed groups
In early April, the junta that overthrew elected president Roch Marc Christian Kaboré on 24 January announced the creation of “local dialogue committees” with Burkinabe groups with no links to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS), which have been destabilising Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso through violence for several years. In Burkina Faso alone, jihadist violence has killed more than 2,000 people in seven years and forced at least 1.8 million people to flee their homes. When the jihadist attacks began, the enemy “was essentially crossing borders,” notes François Zoungrana, commander of the Special Intervention Unit of the National Gendarmerie (USIGN), which is spearheading the fight against jihadism. “Currently, the enemy is essentially composed of Burkinabe citizens” and “is very often invisible and confused with the population”, he says, which “forces us to rethink the war, the way we wage war”. Dialogue committees These groups are “a kind of metastasis... Read more
In victory for Sankara’s legacy, court finds killers accountable
Thirty-five years after a counterrevolutionary coup in 1987, a court in Burkina Faso, West Africa, rendered guilty verdicts April 6 after a six-month trial for the assassination of President Thomas Sankara, and 12 of his comrades and guards. Blaise Compaore, along with his right-hand man Gen. Gilbert Diendere, and Hyacinthe Kafando, the soldier charged with leading the hit squad, were found guilty and sentenced to life in jail. Eight others were also found guilty and sentenced from three to 20 years in jail. Two had their sentences suspended. Three were acquitted. Compaore, who lives in exile in neighboring Ivory Coast, and Kafando, who is on the run, were tried in absentia. Diendere is already serving jail time for a 2015 coup attempt. He and others charged in the assassination were present at the trial. Sankara was 33 years old when he led a popular democratic revolution in 1983, one of... Read more
Russia’s Chernobyl seizure seen as nuclear risk ‘nightmare’
Here in the dirt of one of the world’s most radioactive places, Russian soldiers dug trenches. Ukrainian officials worry they were, in effect, digging their own graves. Thousands of tanks and troops rumbled into the forested Chernobyl exclusion zone in the earliest hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, churning up highly contaminated soil from the site of the 1986 accident that was the world’s worst nuclear disaster. For more than a month, some Russian soldiers bunked in the earth within sight of the massive structure built to contain radiation from the damaged Chernobyl nuclear reactor. A close inspection of their trenches was impossible because even walking on the dirt is discouraged. As the 36th anniversary of the April 26, 1986, disaster approaches and Russia’s invasion continues, it’s clear that Chernobyl — a relic of the Cold War — was never prepared for this. With scientists and others watching in... Read more
Ukraine hospital attack killed 3, wounded 17, officials say
An airstrike on a hospital in the port city of Mariupol killed three people, including a child, the city council said Thursday, as Russian forces intensified their siege of Ukrainian cities. The attack in the southern port city wounded women waiting to give birth and doctors and buried children in the rubble. Bombs also fell on two hospitals in another city west of the capital. The World Health Organization said it has confirmed 18 attacks on medical facilities since the Russian invasion began two weeks ago. Turkey, meanwhile, was hosting the highest-level talks so far between the two sides on Thursday. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he hoped the meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba “will open the door to a permanent cease-fire.” But Kuleba said he did not have high expectations. Ahead of those talks, artillery fire was heard on the western edge of... Read more
Russia-Ukraine War: What to know about the war in Ukraine
Minor progress has been made on establishing safe corridors to allow civilians to escape the fighting. A top Ukranian official says both sides agreed to a 12-hour-long cease-fire Tuesday for the evacuation of civilians from a key eastern city. Meanwhile, Russian aircraft continued to bomb cities in eastern and central Ukraine overnight, Ukrainian officials said. Shelling pounded suburbs of the capital, Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging his people to keep resisting the assault, which United Nations officials say has forced more than 1.7 million to flee the country. Ukraine’s foreign minister says more than 20,000 people from 52 countries have volunteered to fight in Ukraine. The Russian coordination center for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine said Russia will begin a cease-fire at 10 a.m. Moscow time (0700 GMT) Tuesday to allow civilians to flee through special corridors that the Russians say was agreed upon with Ukrainian authorities, according to Russian media. Most of those corridors... Read more
Africans trying to flee Ukraine complain of being blocked and of racist treatment
African students trapped in Ukraine say they face extra challenges as they try to escape the war, including being blocked from getting off trains or barred from crossing borders to neighbouring countries. “My boyfriend is stuck in Ukraine and his phone is not reachable for the past two days. The last time we spoke he said he’s waiting for the train from Lviv to Poland, ” said a Nigerian woman who asked to go just by her first name, Precious. “He said they didn’t allow them to board the train. Only white people [could] and his phone had low battery so he had to go offline.” Roughly 20 per cent of Ukraine’s foreign students are African, including 4,000 Nigerians. African activists and students have been raising awareness of their plight through the Twitter hashtag #AfricansInUkraine, as well as creating group chats on WhatsApp and Telegram to organise assistance. At least one Telegram group... Read more
40-mile Russian convoy threatens Kyiv; shelling intensifies
A 40-mile convoy of Russian tanks and other vehicles threatened Ukraine’s capital Tuesday, the sixth day of the war. But even as Russia intensified shelling of the country’s second-largest city, the Kremlin has found itself increasingly isolated by tough economic sanctions that have sent its currency plummeting. After a first, five-hour session of talks between Ukraine and Russia yielded no stop in the fighting, both sides agreed to another meeting in coming days. Ukraine’s embattled president, however, said he believed the stepped-up shelling was designed to force him into concessions. “I believe Russia is trying to put pressure (on Ukraine) with this simple method,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late Monday in a video address. He did not offer details of the talks that took place Monday, but he said Kyiv was not prepared to make concessions “when one side is hitting another with rocket artillery.” Six days into the invasion, the... Read more
EU officials meet for emergency refugee talks
European Union foreign ministers are holding emergency talks later Sunday to discuss ways to help Ukraine’s armed forces fight back against the Russian invasion. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell will chair the videoconference, starting at 1700 GMT. Borrell says he will urge the ministers to endorse “a package of emergency assistance for the Ukrainian armed forces, to support them in their heroic fight.” The 27-nation bloc has set up a European Peace Facility, a fund with a ceiling of around 5.7 billion euros ($6.4 billion), to bolster its military training and support missions around the world. Some of the money can be used to train and equip partner countries, including with lethal weapons. The meeting comes a day after Germany announced a major shift in policy to send weapons and other supplies directly to Ukraine. Read more
Russians advance on Ukraine’s ports, meet resistance in city
Street fighting broke out in Ukraine’s second-largest city and Russian troops squeezed strategic ports in the country’s south Sunday, advances that appeared to mark a new phase of Russia’s invasion following a wave of attacks on airfields and fuel facilities elsewhere in the country. The capital, Kyiv, was eerily quiet after huge explosions lit up the morning sky and authorities reported blasts at one of the airports. Only an occasional car appeared on a deserted main boulevard as a strict 39-hour curfew kept people off the streets. Terrified residents instead hunkered down in homes, underground garages and subway stations in anticipation of a full-scale Russian assault. “The past night was tough – more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. “There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.” Following its gains to the east... Read more
Ukraine’s capital under threat as Russia presses invasion
Russia pressed its invasion of Ukraine to the outskirts of the capital Friday after unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order. Explosions sounded before dawn in Kyiv and gunfire was reported in several areas, as Western leaders scheduled an emergency meeting and Ukraine’s president pleaded for international help to fend off an attack that could topple his democratically elected government, cause massive casualties and ripple out damage to the global economy. Among the signs that the Ukrainian capital was increasingly threatened, the military said Friday that a group of Russian spies and saboteurs was seen in a district on the outskirts of Kyiv, and police told people not to exit a subway station in the city center because there was gunfire in the area. Elsewhere in the capital, soldiers established defensive positions at... Read more
Russia attacks Ukraine as defiant Putin warns US, NATO
Russian troops launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.” Ukrainian border guards released footage of what they said were Russian military vehicles moving in, and big explosions were heard in the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv in the east and Odesa in the west. As the Russian military claimed to have wiped out Ukraine’s entire air defenses in a matter of hours, Ukrainians fled some cities and European authorities declared Ukrainian air space an active conflict zone. World leaders decried the start of a long-anticipated invasion with far-reaching consequences, as global financial markets plunged and oil prices soared. Russia’s actions could cause massive casualties, topple Ukraine’s democratically elected government and upend geopolitics and Europe’s post-Cold War security balance. Governments from the U.S. to Asia and Europe readied new sanctions after... Read more
Russia flexes military for Ukraine move; West to respond
Russia set the stage for a quick move to secure its hold on Ukraine’s rebel regions on Tuesday with new legislation that would allow the deployment of troops there as the West prepares to announce sanctions against Moscow amid fears of a full-scale invasion. The new Russia bills, which are likely to be quickly rubber-stamped by the Kremlin-controlled parliament, came a day after President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of the regions in eastern Ukraine. The legislation could be a pretext for a deeper move into Ukrainian territory as the U.S. and its allies have feared. Quickly after Putin signed the decree late Monday, convoys of armored vehicles were seen rolling across the separatist-controlled territories. It wasn’t immediately clear if they were Russian. Russian officials haven’t yet acknowledged any troop deployments to the rebel east, but Vladislav Brig, a member of the separatist local council in Donetsk, told reporters that the Russian... Read more
West African man accused in nationwide scheme to steal fancy cars, including two in Pittsburgh
A West African man living in Maryland stole multiple identities and used fake money orders to buy or lease 10 expensive cars, or try to, from dealers in Pittsburgh, Omaha, Neb., Savannah, Ga., and other cities, the Pittsburgh FBI said. Serge Ahmed Zeba, 30, of Alexandria, Va., was charged in a federal complaint Friday with aggravated identity theft and wire fraud. Agent Glen Galeone of the Pittsburgh FBI office said in an affidavit that Mr. Zeba applied for credit using stolen IDs and then bought or leased high-end cars in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio, Maryland and elsewhere. After he obtained credit, he paid for the purchases with fraudulent money orders, the agent said. Mr. Zeba's scheme victimized two Pittsburgh dealerships, Rohrich Lexus on West Liberty Avenue and P&W BMW on Baum Boulevard. The affidavit starts with an incident on Aug. 16, 2021, when a man initiated an online inquiry with... Read more
Kamou Malo: Former police chief who has brought hope to Burkina Faso as a football coach
What would make one quit the chance of being a police commissioner to become a football coach? For 59-year-old Kamou Malo, passion was his only driving force. Kamou Malo gave up the police commissioner's exam in Burkina Faso for a coaching diploma and now here he is in the semi-final of the African Cup on Wednesday (20:00) against Senegal, with the prestige of the local coach. "It was a difficult choice. I had to take the competitive examination for commissioner, the dates overlapped," Kamou Malo, told AFP. "I was a police officer in Koudougou, where I also coached ASEC (Association Sportive des Employés et Commerçants) in the first division, then I had the opportunity to go to Germany for a training course to get a coaching license," said the coach who guided the "Stallions" to the last four of AFCON. Born in Fing in 1962, not far from Bobo-Dioulasso, he... Read more
The Black’s Pain
Kristin Richardson Jordan is a 35 -year – old political newcomer District 9 councilwoman who defeated longtime City Council member Bill Perkins. She was unknown by the public. She got mainstream media attention when she sent condolences to family members of two police officers who were gun down by Lashawn McNeil, and she also sent condolences to McNeil’s family. In this essay she sent us, she describes how painful it is to be a black. And she explains why there are guns and gangs’ violence in New York streets and proposes a remedy. Dear New Yorkers, Just over a week ago Harlem has experienced a tragic loss. Three families have been decimated and three mother’s lost their son. This sadness and loss are profound for each of these (respective) family members. Our hearts are full of love and aligned with sympathy as this is a tragedy that challenges our humanity... Read more
The Black Pain Kristin Richardson Jordan is a 35 -year – old political newcomer District 9 councilwoman who defeated longtime City Council member Bill Perkins. She was unknown by the public. She got mainstream media attention when she sent condolences to family members of two police officers who were gun down by Lashawn McNeil, and she also sent condolences to McNeil’s family. In this essay she sent us, she describes how painful it is to be a black. And she explains why there are guns and gangs’ violence in New York streets and proposes a remedy. Dear New Yorkers, Just over a week ago Harlem has experienced a tragic loss. Three families have been decimated and three mother’s lost their son. This sadness and loss are profound for each of these (respective)... Read more
African President Was Ousted Just Weeks After Refusing to Pay Russian Paramilitaries
Coup leader tried, and failed, to persuade the Burkina Faso president to sanction the introduction of Russian mercenaries before kicking him out of office. One of the Burkina Faso president’s final acts in office was refusing to sanction the use of Russian paramilitaries on his soil. The leader of this week’s successful military coup against him was the very man who tried to pressure him into accepting help from Moscow, sources in the former president’s camp told The Daily Beast. Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, a lieutenant colonel, was promoted last month to oversee security in the capital city of Ouagadougou. On two occasions he sought to persuade President Roch Kabore to engage Russia’s black ops outfit the Wagner Group, according to two officials who were part of the president's communications team. Damiba was appointed as commander of Burkina Faso's third military region in December, a unit responsible for security in the capital and in... Read more
Burkina Faso coup: How President Kabore’s ouster unfolded
Here's a look at the events in Burkina Faso, where the military announced Monday that it had seized power. Incidents in demonstrations On Saturday, January 22, 2022, incidents broke out in Ouagadougou and other cities in Burkina Faso between the forces of order and demonstrators who once again defied a ban on gathering to protest against the powerlessness of the authorities in the face of the jihadist violence that has ravaged the country since 2015. Sometimes mixed with inter-communal clashes, jihadist violence has killed more than 2,000 people in the past six years and forced 1.5 million to flee their homes. Gunfire in barracks On Sunday, January 23, shots rang out in several barracks in the country: in the Sangoulé Lamizana camp, west of Ouagadougou, in the Baba Sy military camp, south of the capital, at the airbase near the airport, as well as in the barracks of Kaya... Read more
Bronx Fire tragedy: “I find this difficult to believe it is the will of God,” said the Bronx district attorney as the 17 victims lay in peace
A public funeral service for the victims of the Bronx fire tragedy was held on January 16, 2022 at the Islamic cultural center in the Bronx. Thousands of people across the city have come together to mourn and say adieu to the 17 people who died when the deadly fire broke out in the Twin Parks North West Tower building in the Bronx. Elected officials, religious and community leaders, citizens from different backgrounds were there to pay tribute to those 17 men, women and children who died. “This a test for us, Allah decided, we have to agree, “ said Imam Musa Kaba. 15 coffins were brought and displayed in front of the elected officials. “ I know it is uncomfortable, but we did it by purpose so that what has happened never happens again,” said Sheikh Musa Drammeh the funeral master of ceremony. The Lieutenant governor of the State... Read more
The Bronx Fire Tragedy : Eric Adams the New York City mayor revealed during a media roundtable that $ 2,000 000 was raised so far
The New York Mayor Eric Adams has hold on January 14, 2022 an ethnic media roundtable to discuss the fire tragedy that killed 17 people all originally come from Gambia, West Africa. The mayor along with his team has discussed the matter with journalists from different media. The African Journal was invited. 17 people have died in the blaze that broke up on January 9, 2022 in the Twin Park North West building, in the Bronx. Among the victims were 8 children. “ How to prevent this to not happen again is our goal.” The mayor said. After visiting a mosque in the Bronx, he has praised some grass root organizations as he said they “did an amazing job.” He has revealed that $ 2, 000 000 was raised when The African Journal asked the mayor to give a number regarding the money that was raised so far. According... Read more
New York City African Immigrant Community: 60 community leaders came together with many topics in the menu
New York City African Immigrant Community has hold on January 9, 2022 a zoom Town Hall to review what the community has done during the past year and to embrace the new year. Initiated by Abdoulaye Cisse and Ajifanta Marenah, the Town Hall that brought together 60 African community leaders, was indeed an opportunity for the community to focus on topics such as public health , civic engagement and politics, women’s rights and domestic violence, immigration, economic empowerment. Although some panelists were able to discuss their topic, some other were not as the tragic event, the blaze that killed 17 Africans in the Bronx, quickly became the main topic. David Coulibaly an employee at Test and Trace Corps, has the chance to talk about the covid – 19 and the importance to get testing and vaccinated. Dr. Jamila Sly from Mount Sinai Hospital has focused her discussion on breast cancer... Read more
Opening Over 100 New COVID-19 Testing Sites in Response to Omicron Surge
In response to the unprecedented surge of omicron cases and citywide testing demand, the NYC Test & Trace Corps announced today that, since the surge began in early December, it has doubled the number of City-run test sites available, opening over 100 new fixed and mobile COVID-19 testing sites and currently operating over 200 testing sites throughout New York City. “The NYC Test & Trace Corps’ ability to so quickly expand the number of COVID-19 testing sites by triple digits underscores its ability to respond to the changing waves of this pandemic and threats its variants pose to New Yorkers,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “Our City’s public health system and our partners remain committed to ensuring every New Yorker has timely and convenient resources to better protect themselves and those around them from infection. This has been our basic mission for over 20 months... Read more
Insurrection prompts year of change for US Capitol Police
A year after thousands of violent pro-Trump rioters overwhelmed police officers at the U.S. Capitol — severely injuring dozens in the process — the force dedicated to protecting the premier symbol of American democracy has transformed. The leaders who were in charge of the U.S. Capitol Police on Jan. 6 were ousted following criticism for intelligence and other failures that left the legislative branch vulnerable to the stunning attack. And more broadly, the agency that was once little-known outside of Washington now has an elevated profile, leading to a roughly 15% increase in funding and a greater awareness of its role in the patchwork of groups that protect the region. With the nation’s political divide running deep and an unprecedented number of threats against lawmakers, there is still concern about the readiness of the Capitol Police to thwart another attack. But experts say the shock of the insurrection has prompted needed changes, including better... Read more
When African Journal Wishes Happy New Year To Its Detractors And …
Thanks to Almighty God who has given us grace and who will allow us to see a new day to mark the end of a year marked by successes for some and failures for others and unfortunately crowned by a thorny halo that is the Covid 19 pandemic caused by a tiny microbe that reminds us of the limits of human beings and of the greatness of God. The other pandemic if it is necessary to name it thus, it is the barbarity of the human being, this terrorism which has become hell on earth for the innocent people who lose their lives daily under the murderous bullets and machetes of their torturers. There is no more respite in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger where the terrorists who were fabricated by the Western countries and who were driven by them from their continents to take up residence in Africa, give... Read more
Biden, Putin square off as tension grows on Ukraine border
Face to face for over two hours, President Joe Biden and Russia’s Vladimir Putin squared off in a secure video call Tuesday as the U.S. president put Moscow on notice that an invasion of Ukraine would bring sanctions and enormous harm to the Russian economy. With tens of thousands of Russian troops massed on the Ukraine border, the highly anticipated call between the two leaders came amid growing worries by the U.S. and Western allies about Russia’s threat to its neighbor. Putin, for his part, came into the meeting seeking guarantees from Biden that the NATO military alliance will never expand to include Ukraine, which has long sought membership. The Americans and their NATO allies said that request was a non-starter. There appeared to be no immediate breakthroughs to ease tensions on the Ukraine question, as the U.S. emphasized a need for diplomacy and de-escalation, and issued stern threats to Russia on the... Read more
Burkina Faso facing ‘multitude of challenges’ – human rights chief Bachelet
She noted the landlocked West African nation faced the on-going threat of violent extremism, climate change and humanitarian crises, but Michelle Bachelet also stressed that her fact-finding mission was “a testament” to the State’s openness the promotion and protection of human rights, in collaboration with the UN. Armed Islamist groups have killed hundreds of civilians there, as well as in Mali and Niger, while Government security forces and pro-Government militias have also killed terrorism suspects and civilians. Meanwhile, climate change is robbing farmers and herders of their livelihoods – sparking more conflicts and hindering access to water, food, healthcare and education. “An already difficult humanitarian situation has become much more dire, with more than 3.5 million in need of humanitarian assistance – a 60 per cent increase since January last year. Of these, nearly three million are food insecure”, she explained. ‘Incredible resilience’ Ms. Bachelet discussed the country’s complex challenges with President... Read more
Five new Omicron cases detected in New York, Hochul and de Blasio urge calm and cooperation
Five new cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 have been detected among New York State residents, including four in New York City, Governor Kathy Hochul announced late Thursday, Dec. 2. The new cases came after the new strain showed up in a Minnesota resident who recently traveled to the Big Apple contracted the virus of the new strain. “We still don’t have specific information on how the vaccines are holding up or the boosters are holding up to this variant, but it is real, we said it’d be coming here shortly,” said Hochul at a joint briefing with Mayor Bill de Blasio at City Hall. “In terms of the information we received, literally there are five cases identified today in the state of New York.” Two cases were found in Queens, one in Brooklyn and another in one of the Five Boroughs. One case on Long Island’s Suffolk County... Read more
“The Peace and Unity rally in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall is to let New Yorkers know that the same way we worked hard to elect Eric Adams is the same way we have to support him,” Eunice Ukwuani the President of New York Political Coalition
The New York Political Coalition In partnership with the Gorgeous Mosaic Coalition has organized on November 23, 2021 a rally in Brooklyn that aimed to take the New York City back from violent criminals, young gang members and their political enablers. The pro-Eric Adams’s public safety rally under the leadership of Eunice Ukwuani, President of New York Political Coalition (NYPC) took place on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 from 1-2pm at the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall by Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn. Eric Adams supporters and New Yorkers for Public Safety came out in the cold to show their support. The Gorgeous Mosaic Coalition is for Mayor Eric Adams for the next eight years to reclaim our city for good. "I thank my fellow New York warriors and leaders from different communities of the Gorgeous Mosaic Coalition for coming out today in a freezing cold weather to join me in support... Read more
Testing for All: NYC Test & Trace Corps Announces Doubling of Mobile Fleet and Deployment of Mobile Testing to Over 1,400 Locations
The NYC Test & Trace Corps announced today that its mobile testing fleet will be doubling the number of mobile units over the course of the next month and that its mobile testing teams have deployed to over 1,400 locations, including over 1,000 unique locations. These mobile testing sites have provided New Yorkers access to fast, flexible, no-cost COVID-19 testing when and where it’s needed most. Mobile testing deployments, guided by partnerships with community organizations, have provided more than 800,000 tests over 18,000 testing days, ensuring nearly two thirds of those deployments were dedicated to neighborhoods most severely impacted by COVID-19. “Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our mobile testing teams have provided New Yorkers with reliable, adaptable, no-cost testing able to reach communities at thousands of locations wherever access, community need and the conditions of the pandemic necessitated,” said Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at New York City... Read more
Gun violence in New York City : African teens widely involved, the community looks for solutions
The involvement of African teenagers in the surge of gun violence in New York City has become a dire situation and a real concern and has prompted several African leaders to hold on November 17, 2021, a zoom community conversation to tackle the issue at its root. “ A lot of teens gun violence in New York City whether they are victims or perpetrators, they are African teenagers,” said Mona Davids founder of Social Impact Strategies and who works actively with New York City School Safety Coalition and African families as President of New York Charter Parents Association and the New York City Parents Union. She said the epicenter of guns violence in New York is Harlem and the Bronx. They are many examples where African teenagers are involved in gun violence. From a teenager who shot and killed his own mother in the Bronx, to another who fatally shot... Read more
Burkina Faso: Death toll in security post attack jumps to 53
The death toll from a weekend attack on a gendarmerie post in northern Burkina Faso has risen to at least 53, according to officials. The attack, near a gold mine in Inata, killed 49 military police officers and four civilians, government spokesperson Ousseni Tamboura said on Wednesday, updating a previous estimate of 32 killed. Fortunately, we have found 46 gendarmes” alive, Tamboura said after a cabinet meeting. However, there were fears the toll could yet rise further as reports quoted local sources as saying that approximately 150 gendarmes were stationed at the facility. Sunday’s bloodshed in the northern Soum region was one of the deadliest to hit Burkinabe defence and security forces since violence perpetrated by armed groups erupted six years ago. It has provoked protests about the authorities’ failure to curb the years-long conflict that has killed thousands of people and forced more than a million people to flee their homes.... Read more
Hundreds go missing in Burkina Faso amid extremist violence
The last time Polenli Combary spoke to her son on the phone she prayed for God to bless him. Shortly after, she called back but the line was dead. Her 34-year-old son was returning a truck used to move the family’s belongings from their village in eastern Burkina Faso after jihadis forced everyone to leave. He disappeared in March. “We will keep searching ... I’m just praying to God to have him back,” said Combary, 53, sitting despondently in the eastern city of Fada N’Gourma where she now lives. Islamic extremist violence is ravaging Burkina Faso, killing thousands and displacing more than 1 million people. And people are going missing. Reports of missing relatives quadrupled from 104 to 407 between 2019 and 2020, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross, which defines a missing person as someone whose whereabouts cannot be accounted for and requires state intervention. “With... Read more
NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus Organization Application Form
On June 14, Mayor De Blasio announced the NYC Vaccine Referral Bonus—New York City’s latest initiative to encourage New Yorkers to receive the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The City is making up to $4,000,000 of direct payments available to civic, faith, tenant and other associations for referring their community members to receive the vaccine. The City is seeking civic groups to perform outreach to encourage New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Approved organizations will receive $100 for every individual they refer that receives their first vaccine dose at a City-run vaccination site. Organizations will be able to earn up to $20,000 (i.e. 200 referrals). Once an organization is approved for participation in the program, individuals making appointments or walking up to City-run vaccine sites will be able to select their referring organization. The individual must receive their first dose in order for the organization to receive credit. No personal information for... Read more
Former police captain Eric Adams easily won the race for New York mayor Tuesday, and Boston elected its first woman and Asian American to the city’s top job as voters across the U.S. picked local leaders who were largely defined by their stances on police and crime. Adams, who will become the second Black mayor of the nation’s largest city, first triumphed this summer in a crowded Democratic primary after he struck a nuanced stance on law enforcement issues. His message on crime and his experience as a police officer largely insulated him from attacks from his Republican opponent Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels anti-crime patrol. He described being beaten by police officers as a teenager when he was arrested for trespassing. When he later became a cop, he was a vocal critic of the police department, advocated for Black officers and spoke out about injustices. But... Read more
DIAFASUD: A Non-for-Profit Organization that will bring in Africa more money, knowledge and professional experiences to boost African’s economy
The Founder President of a new non-for-profit organization called Diaspora for African Sustainable Development (DIAFASUD) has held on October 23, 2021 in Ouagadougou , Burkina Faso a press conference as a kick off of the organization’s activities. He was surrounded by all the staff including the general coordinator and country representative of DIAFASUD in Burkina Faso. “It is about to introduce the organization to the public,” said Issifou Ouédraogo Founder President of DIAFASUD, which was created in 2017 in New York ( USA) and legally recognized in Burkina Faso in February 2021. For Mr. Ouédraogo “ DIAFASUD is a panafrican organization that gives an opportunity to African diaspora to endow in several sustainable development programs in Africa, such as education, health, environment , social and economic development.” The press conference was also about to inform the public about the “72 hours” of the diaspora, which will be held on August... Read more
Who won the first NYC mayoral debate between Eric Adams and Curtis Sliwa?
That was the general takeaway from three independent analysts, who said that Democratic mayoral nominee Eric Adams notched a win during the general election’s first televised mayoral debate Wednesday as he stayed on script for the hour-long forum and largely ignored attacks from his Republican opponent, Curtis Sliwa. The three independent analysts were chosen by New York Post Before that debate "Team Eric Adam" has organized a rally in the city as a mean of victory. [video width="848" height="480" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ericvid.mp4"][/video] Adams’s decision to brush aside Sliwa’s pointed one-liners — honed through years of practice as a radio talk-show host — deprived the conservative activist of any chance at reshaping the Nov. 2 contest, in which Democrats already enjoy massive voter registration and fundraising advantages. “Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 7-to-1 margin and regardless of how well Sliwa does in debates, New York City grades on a curve and he’ll never... Read more
Interview : Shana Harmongoff candidate for Senate District 30 is talking about her vison for the district
Shana Harmongoff is a native New Yorker who is running as an independent democrat candidate for Senate District 30. She has explained in that interview what she will do if she get elected. African Journal (AJ): You are running for Harlem State senator race . Can you describe yourself in a few words? Shana Harmongoff ( SH): I’m Shana Harmongoff a native New Yorker. I graduated from South Carolina State University where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. I graduated from the Appalachian School of Law where I received my Juris Master and Juris Doctorate. I’m a mom and a community servant who loves giving back to the community. AJ : Are you running as a Democrat or as a Republican? SH : I’m a democrat who is running on the Independent line “Hope 4 NY” AJ : Why do you want to be... Read more
African agriculture without African farmers
With the passing of the United Nations’ highly contested Food Systems Summit last month, the task of “feeding the world” has taken on a newfound urgency. But one point apparently lost on the summit’s attendees is that the project of “agricultural modernisation” which many of them have supported for decades is only making food insecurity worse in recent years, especially in Africa. Since the 2007-08 world food price crisis, Western governments and philanthropies, led by the United States and the Gates Foundation, have backed a multitude of programmes across the continent to raise farmers’ productivity and connect them to commercial supply chains. Together, these efforts carry the banner of an “African Green Revolution” – an approach not unlike the primarily Asian and Latin American Green Revolution before it. But at the heart of this massive philanthropic and governmental undertaking lies an essential contradiction: agricultural “modernisation”, we are told, will benefit... Read more
Street Health Outreach & Wellness Mobile Units Offer Services to Over 50,000 New Yorkers
The NYC Test & Trace Corps announced today that its Street Health Outreach & Wellness (SHOW) mobile units have offered services to over 50,000 New Yorkers, with a focus on people experiencing homelessness, including COVID testing and vaccinations, medical care including wound care, mental health and substance use care, and referrals to harm reduction services. “Our Street Health Outreach and Wellness mobile units have been able to deliver care to the City’s hardest to reach and most vulnerable communities, ensuring that thousands of homeless New Yorkers can get the help that they deserve,” said Dr. Ted Long, Executive Director of the NYC Test & Trace Corps and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals. “The extension of health and social resources to people experiencing homelessness, including our street canvass teams who bring vital services to people where they are, will have a lasting impact... Read more
Burkina parties agree strategy to tackle security crisis
Government and opposition parties in Burkina Faso say they have agreed on a strategy to tackle the country's security crisis after jihadist killings that have claimed hundreds of lives and stoked political turbulence. A forum seeking national consensus on the country's six-year-old insurgency wrapped up late Wednesday, more than three months after it was launched. The dialogue, opened by President Roch Marc Kabore on June 17, had hit rocky waters after just three days. Opposition leaders walked out, demanding the resignation of the defence and security ministers after scores of villagers were killed in a fresh jihadist onslaught. After mass protests forced the ministers out and the president himself took over the defence portfolio, the talks resumed on Monday. Kabore, summing up the talks, said security and national reconciliation issues needed to be addressed. "We cannot provide relevant responses to the key concerns of our nation about security and national... Read more
The murder of Thomas Sankara: a popular revolution overturned
Blaise Compaore, the iron-fisted ruler of Burkina Faso for almost three decades, will stand trial along with 13 others before a military tribunal Oct. 11 for the 1987 assassination of former President Thomas Sankara. Sankara was the central leader of the 1983-87 Burkina Faso Revolution. His murder was the beginning of a bloody counterrevolution led by Compaore, a member of the National Council of the Revolution. In 1983 Sankara led a mass uprising that established a popular and democratic revolutionary government. The 33-year-old leader became president of Upper Volta, the West African country’s name under the former French colonial rulers. At his initiative the people adopted a new name, Burkina Faso, which means Land of Upright Men. With a population that remains among the poorest in the world, Sankara’s political course opened the road to economic and social development. He led millions of working people in carrying out deep-going economic... Read more
African heritage month parade and festival: The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York, and Connecticut honored 70 people
The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York, and Connecticut has organized on September 25, 2021 its annual “African heritage month parade and festival.” The event took place at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building in Harlem where several people joined the organization to celebrate “the cultural event that recognizes the amazing contributions of our community leaders, business leaders, and community – based journalists.” The Manhattan borough president Gale Brewer who was present at the event agreed with the organizers as she said :” African community ‘ s contributions are a lot for the city.” “We will build on African heritage month parade and festival,” said Mory Kouyate the president of The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York, and Connecticut. “ We hope to hold it in Harlem next year.” Some community leaders, business leaders and journalists were honored as they received citation from the organization. “ 70 people were... Read more
The Nonprofit organization Bethel Hamliri is organizing “African Health Summit”
The Nonprofit organization Bethel Hamliri is organizing “African Health Summit” on September 25 and 26, 20021 in the Bronx. Discussions will be focused on “diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and interdependence between traditional and modern medicine.” This event will also be an opportunity for everyone to get some network connections and participate in forum. A gala will be held at the night on September 25, 2021 in the Bronx. BBQ, and street fairs will be held on September 26,2021. It is now time to register by clicking the link on the flyer. Read more
African Heritage Month celebration in New York: Achievement of African leaders honored
Africans in New York have celebrated on September 9, 2021, at African Center, “African Heritage Month,” which is designed to honor the Africans' contributions in diverse ways in New York. Organized in collaboration with the African Heritage Month celebration committee, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the Mayor’s office of Immigrant Affairs, the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit, New York City Health and Hospitals, the Mayor’s office of faith and community partnerships, NYC department of cultural affairs, the Africa Center, DSI International, and African Communities Together, the event brought together some African leaders, some political leaders, and some African organizations. Manhattan Brough president Gale Brewer thanked African Community in Manhattan and gave a certificate to a hair braider to honor the hardworking of all those African women who every single day occupy the streets of Manhattan singing that lovely mantra: “Hair braiding Miss.” The chair of the New York... Read more
Guinea’s new junta leaders seek to tighten grip on power
Guinea’s new military leaders sought to tighten their grip on power Monday after overthrowing President Alpha Conde, ordering the soldiers from his presidential guard to join the junta forces now in charge of the West African nation. After putting the country back under military rule for the first time in over a decade, the junta also said Guinea’s provincial governors would be replaced by regional commanders. A nightly curfew was put in place, and the country’s constitution and National Assembly were both dissolved. The military junta has refused to issue a timeline for releasing Conde, saying the 83-year-old deposed leader still had access to medical care and his doctors. The West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS, though, called for his immediate release and threatened to impose sanctions if the demand was not met. Conde’s removal by force Sunday came after the president sought a controversial third term in office last... Read more
Air Senegal has launched service between Dakar, New York, and Baltimore
Air Senegal has launched service between its country's capital of Dakar to Baltimore in the US. The route will run with a layover in New York, but most Americans can't fly on the domestic leg. One of Airbus' newest wide-body jets, the A330-900neo, will operate the route. The African airline Air Senegal launched flights from its capital of Dakar to Baltimore on Thursday. The unique route includes a layover in New York before continuing on to Baltimore, but most Americans cannot fly the domestic leg. As of September 2, Air Senegal will fly twice weekly between its country's capital of Dakar to Baltimore in the US. The route will operate on Thursdays and Sundays and include a short layover at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport in both directions, according to the airline. Here's the schedule (all times are local): Depart Dakar at 1:30 a.m. and arrive in New York-JFK at 6:00... Read more
US says drone kills IS bombers targeting Kabul airport
A U.S. drone strike blew up a vehicle carrying “multiple suicide bombers” from Afghanistan’s Islamic State affiliate on Sunday before they could attack the ongoing military evacuation at Kabul’s international airport, American officials said. The strike came just two days before the U.S. is set to conclude a massive airlift of tens of thousands of Afghan and foreign civilians and withdraw the last of its troops, ending America’s longest war with the Taliban back in power. The U.S. State Department released a statement signed by around 100 countries, as well as NATO and the European Union, saying they had received “assurances” from the Taliban that people with travel documents would still be able to leave the country freely. The Taliban have said they will allow normal travel after the U.S. withdrawal is completed on Tuesday and they assume control of the airport. At around the same time as the drone... Read more
Census shows US is diversifying, white population shrinking
The U.S. became more diverse and more urban over the past decade, and the non-Hispanic white population dropped for the first time on record, the Census Bureau reported Thursday as it released a trove of demographic data that will be used to redraw the nation’s political maps. The new figures offered the most detailed portrait yet of how the country has changed since 2010, and they are sure to set off an intense partisan battle over representation at a time of deep national division and fights over voting rights. The numbers could help determine control of the House in the 2022 elections and provide an electoral edge for years to come. The data will also shape how $1.5 trillion in annual federal spending is distributed. Americans continued to migrate to the South and West at the expense of the Midwest and Northeast, the figures showed. The share of the white... Read more
New York: Two African brothers were shot, one died, and one other severely wounded, and a rally to ask for justice
A rally was held on July 19, 2021 in the Bronx to protest against gun violence and ask for justice for two brothers who were respectively shot on July 4 and 9, 2021 in the Bronx by a gun man who is still on the loose. Mamadou A. Bah 22, was fatally shot at 172 Street Boston Road in the Bronx and his young brother Aloussenou Bah 20, was shot twice and severely wounded outside the familly’s residence at 1382 Crotona Avenue in the Bronx. The whole family is now afraid and has to hide to protect herself. The rally has brought together elected officials, family members, and community leaders who protested in front of Bronx Borough Hall building against gun violence and demanded justice for two brothers who were shot. “We still don’t know who the killer is and why he/ she specifically targeted the same family,” said Mamadou... Read more
New Jersey: Who kill Moussa Fofana?
A Columbia high school student was shot and killed on June 6, 2021 in New Jersey and the killer is still on the loose . Moussa Fofana, 18, was pronounced dead at the scene at 10: 24 pm in the area of Underhillfield where he was playing soccer with other friends. Masane Fofana, the victim sister still wondering why the killer is not yet arrested. “There is a camera there, if the camera did not see that, this is a problem,” she said. “ It happened at a white school.” According to Tapinto.net, a local news outlet, Moussa of Maplewood was shot at “approximately 9: 38 pm on Sunday, June 6, 2021,” and was pronounced dead at the scene. “This is not a mistake. The shooter was in a car ; they run after him and shot him,” Masane said. Moussa Fofana was originally from Ivory Coast, West Africa,... Read more
Angelina Jolie visits Burkina Faso as UN special envoy
Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has visited war-weakened Burkina Faso to show solidarity with people who continue to welcome the displaced, despite grappling with their own insecurity, and said the world isn’t doing enough to help. "The humanitarian crisis in the Sahel seems to me to be totally neglected. It is treated as being of little geopolitical importance," Jolie told the Associated Press. "There’s a bias in the way we think about which countries and which people matter." While Burkina Faso has been battling a five-year Islamic insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State that’s killed thousands and displaced more than one million people, it is also hosting more than 22,000 refugees, the majority Malian. As Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Jolie marked World Refugee Day on Sunday in Burkina Faso’s Goudoubo refugee camp in the Sahel, where she finished a two-day visit. She spoke with the camp’s Malian... Read more
City Council District 16: African Journal has chosen its Candidate
New Yorkers will choose on June 22, 2021, a new Mayor, Comptroller, four Borough Presidents, and two – thirds of City Council positions. Over 400 candidates are running. Among those candidates they are Africans who are running for example in the Bronx for City Council positions. One of the goals of The African Journal is to see our brothers and sisters succeed in anything they will embrace. We are proud that we have Africans who are running to be elected officials in New York. For City Council district 16 in the Bronx, two young Africans are running for the same position. Our readers wanted to know for whom candidate we stand for? When we decided to run this news outlet three years ago, we let people know that we embrace unity not the opposite. We hate division and we censure it. Our vision did not change, and it will remain... Read more
All New Yorkers have the right to get support: The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs
New York City residents can access many health and social services including emergency Medicaid, food assistance, tenant protection, free legal help, and COVID-19 vaccination, testing, and care. Your immigration status, ability to pay, and employment status do not matter. Learn more at NYC.gov/Immigrants. The NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) want all New Yorkers to trust that they can seek the care they need, without fear of immigration consequences, to be empowered by knowledge about their right to get support, and to know that their City has their back. For connections to City-funded, free and safe immigration legal help, call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365. Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Read more
Big US job gain expected, if employers found enough workers
With viral cases declining, consumers spending again and more businesses easing restrictions, America’s employers likely delivered another month of robust hiring in April, reinforcing the economy’s steady rebound from the pandemic recession. Economists have forecast that the nation added 975,000 jobs last month, according to a survey by FactSet, after adding 916,000 in March, and that the unemployment rate slipped from 6% to 5.8%. The size of such job gains was essentially unheard-of before the pandemic. The government will issue the April jobs report at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time Friday. Yet most of the hiring represents a bounce-back after tens of millions of jobs were lost when the pandemic flattened the economy 14 months ago. Even if economists’ estimate for April hiring proves accurate, the economy would remain about 7 million jobs short of its pre-pandemic level. At the same time, optimism about a sustained recovery is rising. Americans are,... Read more
Biden’s declaration: America’s democracy ‘is rising anew’
President Joe Biden declared that “America is rising anew” as he called for an expansion of federal programs to drive the economy past the coronavirus pandemic and broadly extend the social safety net on a scale not seen in decades. Biden’s nationally televised address to Congress, his first, raised the stakes for his ability to sell his plans to voters of both parties, even if Republican lawmakers prove resistant. The Democratic president is following Wednesday night’s speech by pushing his plans in person, beginning in Georgia on Thursday and then on to Pennsylvania and Virginia in the days ahead. In the address, Biden pointed optimistically to the nation’s emergence from the coronavirus scourge as a moment for America to prove that its democracy can still work and maintain primacy in the world. Speaking in highly personal terms while demanding massive structural changes, the president marked his first 100 days in office by... Read more
New York School Safety Agents: “nobody is going to allow 5,000 brown women to lose their job,” Gregory Floyd, president of Teamsters Local 237
New York School Safety Coalition has organized a rally on April 11,2021 to protest against some electoral officials’ campaign promises that will aim to eliminate completely school safety agents who will be replaced by guarding counselors. [caption id="attachment_5977" align="aligncenter" width="455"] Mona Davids founder and president of New York Charter Parents Association, and the New York City Parents Union[/caption] Since school safety agents are hired under New York Police Department (NYPD) and trained by the same entity, those electoral officials said there is not way to make a difference between police officers and school safety agents as they promise to defund the police. For that reason, New York School Safety Coalition and several other organizations in New York City took to the street to protest against what Mona Davids founder and president of New York Charter Parents Association, and the New York City Parents Union, has called “outrage, absurd, and ludicrous... Read more
‘Sliver of hope.’ Relief, caution as America absorbs verdict
When the verdicts came in — guilty, guilty and guilty — Lucia Edmonds let out the breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. The relief that the 91-year-old Black woman felt flooding over her when white former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted for killing George Floyd was hard-earned, coming after a lifetime of seeing other cases end differently. “I was prepared for the fact that it might not be a guilty verdict because it’s happened so many times before,” the Washington, D.C., resident said. She recalled the shock of the Rodney King case nearly three decades ago when four Los Angeles officers were acquitted of beating King, a Black motorist. “I don’t know how they watched the video of Rodney King being beaten and not hold those officers to account,” Edmonds said. About the Chauvin verdict, she said, “I hope this means there is a shift in this county, but it’s too early... Read more
Protest after chief says officer meant to use Taser, not gun
BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. (AP) — Police clashed with protesters for a second night in the Minneapolis suburb where an officer who authorities say apparently intended to fire a Taser, not a handgun, fatally shot a Black man during a traffic stop. Brooklyn Center Police Chief Tim Gannon described Sunday’s shooting death of 20-year-old Daunte Wright as “an accidental discharge.” The shooting sparked protests and unrest in an area already on edge because of the trial of the first of four police officers charged in George Floyd’s death. Hundreds of protesters faced off against police in Brooklyn Center after nightfall Monday, and hours after a dusk-to-dawn curfew was announced by the governor. When the protesters wouldn’t disperse, police began firing gas canisters and flash-bang grenades, sending clouds wafting over the crowd and chasing some protesters away. A long line of police in riot gear, rhythmically pushing their clubs in front of them, began slowly... Read more
Biden aims for bipartisanship but applies sly pressure
President Joe Biden has begun publicly courting Republicans to back his sweeping infrastructure plan, but his reach across the aisle is intended just as much to keep Democrats in line as it is a first step in an uphill climb to any bipartisan deal. Biden’s high-profile Oval Office meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers on Monday was just one piece of a fulsome attempt to win over GOP lawmakers, White House aides said. But even if it doesn’t succeed, it could prove useful — boxing in Republicans while helping keep the widely disparate Democrats in line. Some moderate Democrats, notably Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, have urged an effort at bipartisanship to pass the $2.3 trillion bill. And while Biden has made clear, publicly and privately, that he wants Republican support, the White House is also preparing to go it alone, if necessary, to get the bill passed. That would leave... Read more
Brazil’s virus outlook darkens amid vaccine supply snags
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — April is shaping up to be Brazil’s darkest month yet in the pandemic, with hospitals struggling with a crush of patients, deaths on track for record highs and few signs of a reprieve from a troubled vaccination program in Latin America’s largest nation. The Health Ministry has cut its outlook for vaccine supplies in April three times already, to half their initial level, and the country’s two biggest laboratories are facing supply constraints. The delays also mean tens of thousands more deaths as the particularly contagious P.1 variant of COVID-19 sweeps Brazil. It has recorded about 350,000 of the 2.9 million virus deaths worldwide, behind only the U.S. toll of over 560,000. Brazil’s seven-day rolling average has increased to 2,820 deaths per day, compared with the global average of 10,608 per day, according to data through April 8 from Johns Hopkins University. The death toll... Read more
Guineans Succeeding in America hosts second annual Women’s Conference virtually
New York City — Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA), a nonprofit organization that empowers the Guinean-American community through education and professional development, will be holding its fifth annual GSA conference on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the conference is taking place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Every year, the conference seeks to not only address the issues and challenges that Guinean women face but also inform, inspire, empower and build a network of women who are actively involved in bringing positive change to their community. The conference aims to bring together students, job seekers and young and experienced professionals to network with and motivate one another. The theme for this year’s conference is “Navigating the workplace as a woman.” This year, the conference is taking place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “This year, Guineans Succeeding in America seeks to... Read more
African Life Center has celebrated International Women’s Day: “A day to remember women who fought for women,” Ms. Ramatu Ahmed
“Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID - 19 world,” was the theme that was chosen this year to celebrate International Women’s Day. As always, International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every single year on March 8tth, was celebrated in different ways and in different countries. African Life Center, which is a 501C organization has commemorated that historical Day by engaging a discussion related to the theme as three women with extensive experience in the medical field debated the topic. They were: Mariama Bah Sow MD, Physician, Maimouna Coulibaly, MD, MPH, medical doctor and epidemiologist, and Dr. Lois Bookhardt, chief medical officer. Ramatu Ahmed, founder of Africa Life Center, who has initiated the discussion, said the goal is to acknowledge any woman who fought and continue to fight as we navigate through covid – 19. For Ms. Ramatu, African Life Center, which purpose is to serve African... Read more
Embassy of Burkina Faso in Washington DC and Azaaba give the opportunity to some Americans to know better Burkina Faso and its people
Azaaba, a nonprofit organization in collaboration with the Embassy of Burkina Faso in the United of America, has organized on March 6, 2021, a zoom meeting, which was focused on African Americans who wanted to be reconnected with their root in Burkina Faso. The organization has been doing that for a while for African Americans who after a DNA test, were identified as Burkinabe. It was the turn last week for those who were identified as belonging to Samo people, one of the more than sixty ethnic groups who are living in Burkina Faso and the theme was: the Samo people of Burkina Faso. It has been a long time Antonio Williams, an American was looking for a way to know where exactly in Africa his ancestors came from. After a DNA test, he has found out that his family story starts In Burkina Faso, a country located... Read more
Attorney Pierre Gooding: “I have chosen a life in politics to help my community”
Pierre Gooding is running for the second time for City Council in District 9, Harlem. Born and raised in Harlem, Mr. Gooding who is an attorney, a teacher, and a politician, thinks Harlem his neighborhood still struggles in several ways and one of that issue is called injustice. Defender of the window and the orphan, Mr. Gooding wanted to take the fight beyond to help his community in a macro level. African Journal met him for you. African Journal (AJ): Can you introduce yourself in a few words? Pierre Gooding ( PG): My name is Pierre Gooding and I am an attorney, Deacon and former teacher taking my second run for City Council in District 9, Harlem. I was born in the Grant Houses and am proud to advocate for my community. AJ: You describe yourselves as a teacher, attorney, and politician. What will be your choice If you have... Read more
Women fleeing Burkina Faso violence face sexual assault
KAYA, Burkina Faso -- A 20-year-old woman could no longer live in her village amid the rising violence caused by Islamic extremists. But she needed to return and retrieve the family's cows in hopes of selling them. If her husband went, jihadists would almost certainly kill him. She went instead, and was dragged into the bush, beaten and raped at knifepoint. “I screamed, but I couldn’t overtake him, so I cried,” she recalled in a phone interview from Barsalogho town in the Center North region where she now lives. The Associated Press does not identify victims of sexual violence. The extremist violence in Burkina Faso linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group is fueling an increase in sexual assaults against women, especially those displaced by attacks. Many are preyed upon as they attempt to collect belongings they left behind. The violence killed more than 2,000 people last year, according to... Read more
Anatomy of a conspiracy: With COVID, China took leading role
The rumors began almost as soon as the disease itself. Claims that a foreign adversary had unleashed a bioweapon emerged at the fringes of Chinese social media the same day China first reported the outbreak of a mysterious virus. “Watch out for Americans!” a Weibo user wrote on Dec. 31, 2019. Today, a year after the World Health Organization warned of an epidemic of COVID-19 misinformation, that conspiracy theory lives on, pushed by Chinese officials eager to cast doubt on the origins of a pandemic that has claimed more than 2 million lives globally. From Beijing and Washington to Moscow and Tehran, political leaders and allied media effectively functioned as super spreaders, using their stature to amplify politically expedient conspiracies already in circulation. But it was China -- not Russia – that took the lead in spreading foreign disinformation about COVID-19’s origins, as it came under attack for its early... Read more
When Michelle Obama and Amanda Gorman Discuss Art, Identity and Optimism
Amanda Gorman captivated the world when she read her poem “The Hill We Climb” at President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ Jan. 20 Inauguration ceremony. Sitting just feet away from the 22-year-old that day was former First Lady Michelle Obama, who had met Gorman twice before—in 2016 at a White House event for the National Student Poets program and again at a 2018 event for Black Girls Rock, an organization that seeks to empower women and girls. Gorman, who was named the first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, emerged in an instant as the latest inspiring young artist of the renaissance. Her three upcoming books shot to the top of Amazon’s bestseller list and the NFL soon announced plans for her to recite an original poem at Super Bowl LV. In a remote interview, Gorman and Obama covered topics ranging from the role of art in activism to the pressures Black women face in the... Read more
A rally to end the violence against Black women: electoral officials, clergy, community leaders, and Harlem residents stand together
A rally to call for justice, and to end the violence against Black women has brought together on January 30th 2021, New York City electoral officials, clergy, community leaders, and Harlem residents in Harlem as the police is actively searching for three men who assaulted a 31 – year – old mother. The young woman whose name has not been revealed was bitten, beaten, spit on, and robbed on Monday January 18, 2021 on West 128th street by three assailants upon leaving a liquor store on West 128th street. “We will come together and bring those who commit this crime to justice,” said New York State Senator Brian A. Benjamin who wondered why the assailants are still on the loose. He has promised that “we will keep doing anything to bring these guys to justice.” “We feel what you feel,” said Eric Adams the Brooklyn Borough President as he spoke... Read more
Arisa Diane Oliver has authored two wonderful books: “A Strange World” and “Black And White”
When she came to the United States of America, she could not either speak or write in English. She never dreamt she will one day speak fluently English or write academically books in English. However, she did it in less than four years. Her name is Arisa Diane Oliver AKA Diane Bertille Olivia Kabore and she is 24 years old. Daughter of a diplomat from Burkina Faso ( West Africa) , her native country, Arisa Diane Oliver authored two books: a novel ( A Strange World) and a poem ( Black and White), which are written in English. Although she said writing is like expressing herself, Oliver got her inspiration from watching movies. “They made me dream and discover a new world,” She said. And she wrote “ I am a big fan of movies. One day while watching a movie where the lead was a writer made me realize... Read more
Records: Trump allies behind rally that ignited Capitol riot
Members of President Donald Trump’s failed presidential campaign played key roles in orchestrating the Washington rally that spawned a deadly assault on the U.S. Capitol, according to an Associated Press review of records, undercutting claims the event was the brainchild of the president’s grassroots supporters. A pro-Trump nonprofit group called Women for America First hosted the “Save America Rally” on Jan. 6 at the Ellipse, an oval-shaped, federally owned patch of land near the White House. But an attachment to the National Park Service public gathering permit granted to the group lists more than half a dozen people in staff positions for the event who just weeks earlier had been paid thousands of dollars by Trump’s 2020 reelection campaign. Other staff scheduled to be “on site” during the demonstration have close ties to the White House. Since the siege, several of them have scrambled to distance themselves from the rally. The riot... Read more
“The city, the mayor, the governor, and the teacher’s union only pay attention when you take them to court,” said Mona Davids Founder and President the New York Charter Parents Association and the New York City Parents Union
Founder and President of both the New York Charter Parents Association and the New York City Parents Union, Mona Davids is one of The African Journal’s (Theafricanjournalonline.com) honorees as we thank her for supporting the news outlet by all means. South African-born and Brooklyn-raised, Mona Davids 47, is also the owner of Social Impact Strategies, which is a communications and political consulting firm based in New York. Dr. Steve Perry, who is the Founder and Head of Schools, Capital Preparatory Schools said this about her: “Mona Davids is an activist who gets it done. Her ability to communicate a message and bring people together separate her from most. Mona Davids was essential in the establishment of our charter school in Harlem and the residual impact of her work helped us to get another charter school approved in the Bronx.” As an activist and education advocate for over a decade, Mona... Read more
Trump just signs massive measure funding government, COVID relief
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals. It also averts a government shutdown. Trump announced the signing in a statement Sunday night. The massive bill includes $1.4 trillion to fund government agencies through September and contains other end-of-session priorities such as money for cash-starved transit systems and an increase in food stamp benefits. Democrats are promising more aid to come once President-elect Joe Biden takes office, but Republicans are signaling a wait-and-see approach. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below. The fate of an end-of-year COVID-19 relief and spending bill remained in doubt Sunday as millions lost unemployment aid, the government barreled toward a mid-pandemic shutdown and lawmakers implored President Donald Trump to act. Trump blindsided members of both parties and upended months of negotiations when he... Read more
Lawmakers press Trump on relief bill as jobless aid expires
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The fate of an end-of-year COVID-19 relief and spending bill remained in doubt Sunday as millions lost unemployment aid, the government barreled toward a mid-pandemic shutdown and lawmakers implored President Donald Trump to act. Trump blindsided members of both parties and upended months of negotiations when he demanded last week that the package — already passed the House and Senate by large margins and believed to have Trump’s support — be revised to include larger relief checks and scaled-back spending. If he continues his opposition, the federal government will run out of money at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday while he spends the holidays golfing in Florida. Days ago, Democrats said they would call House lawmakers back to Washington for a vote Monday on Trump’s proposal to send out $2,000 relief checks, instead of the $600 approved by Congress. But the idea is likely to die... Read more
GOP blocks $2,000 checks as Trump leaves COVID aid in chaos
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s sudden demand for $2,000 checks for most Americans was swiftly rejected by House Republicans as his haphazard actions have thrown a massive COVID relief and government funding bill into chaos. The rare Christmas Eve session of the House lasted just minutes, with help for millions of Americans awaiting Trump’s signature on the bill. Unemployment benefits, eviction protections and other emergency aid, including smaller $600 checks, are at risk. Trump’s refusal of the $900 billion package, which is linked to $1.4 trillion government funds bill, could spark a federal shutdown at midnight Monday. “We’re not going to let the government shut down, nor are we going to let the American people down,” said Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the majority leader. With its fate still up in the air, the bill arrived Thursday night in Florida, where the president has been spending the holiday s golfing and tweeting, a person... Read more
COVID-19 vaccine shipments begin in historic US effort
PORTAGE, Michigan (AP) — The first of many freezer-packed COVID-19 vaccine vials made their way to distribution sites across the United States on Sunday, as the nation’s pandemic deaths approached the horrifying new milestone of 300,000. The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine, the first to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration, ushers in the biggest vaccination effort in U.S. history — one that health officials hope the American public will embrace, even as some have voiced initial skepticism or worry. The first of two shots are expected to be given in the coming week to health care workers and nursing home residents. Quick transport is key for the vaccine, especially since this one must be stored at extremely low temperatures — about 94 degrees below zero. Early Sunday, workers at Pfizer — dressed in fluorescent yellow clothing, hard hats and gloves — wasted no time as they packed... Read more
NYCHA, Affordable Housing Groups, And Private Developers Forge $271M Deal To Upgrade Public Housing Throughout Manhattan
NYCHA has revealed plans to significantly renovate and repair its aging portfolio of affordable housing properties in a deal valued at $271 million. Referred to as PACT, or Permanent Affordability Commitment Together, the consortium of public and private entities has committed to renovations on 16 individual buildings including 1,718 apartments throughout Manhattan. “Moving forward with PACT transactions is a central part of our strategy to help ensure all NYCHA residents have quality housing and permanent rights and affordability,” said NYCHA chair and CEO Greg Russ. “This closing will generate significant capital to address the infrastructure needs of these developments and serve to improve the quality of life for our residents in a meaningful way.” The development team includes Monadnock Development, Community Preservation Corporation, Community Development Trust, Kalel Holdings, Lemor Development Group, and Community League of the Heights. For all PACT transactions, the New York City Housing Development Corporation will oversee loan financing funded... Read more
Election in Ghana: Longtime Presidential Candidacy Rivals Sign Peace Pact
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo — who is seeking a second presidential term, and longtime political opposition rival, John Mahama, who also happens to be a former president and Akufo-Addo’s predecessor, have signed a peace pact before facing off at the polls in the upcoming election on Monday. The two have already gone head to head for the presidency twice before — with Mahama emerging victorious in 2012 and Akufo-Addo catching up to lead in 2016. This year’s election will be the tiebreaker in the ongoing tug for power in Ghana between the two — in addition to the ten other candidates in the running. As such, although Ghana has traditionally managed to contain post-electoral violence, many of the over 17 million Ghanaians registered to vote — who hope for a peaceful election, are worried that "vigilantes" hired by parties and the over 62,000 personnel deployed to provide security for politicians... Read more
World AIDS Day 2020 : The African Immigrants’ Commission of NY& CT Inc joined other Non – Profit Organizations in the fight against the AIDS pandemic
The African Immigrants' Commission of NY& CT, Inc in partnership with African Advocates Against AIDS and the Alliance for positive Change kicked off on Sunday, November 22nd,20220 in Harlem, World AIDS Day 2020 with Mobile HIV and HEPATITIS C testing. “Everyone who got tested was provided with a $20 gift card from Amazon,” said Mory Kouyate chairman of African Immigrants' Commission of NY& CT, Inc .He added that “it was not a day to celebrate but to educate and create awareness about prevention and to discuss resources available to those that are living with AIDS.” The Kickoff of World AIDS day 2020 with a mobile free testing of HIV/AIDS & Hepatitis B.World AIDS Day "designated on 1st December every year since 1988,is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. Government, health... Read more
Guineans Succeeding in America hosts fifth annual networking conference virtually
New York City — Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA), a nonprofit organization that empowers the Guinean-American community through education and professional development, will be holding its fifth annual GSA conference on Saturday, November 28, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the conference is taking place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Every year, the conference brings together students, distinguished professionals and government officials so they can network, empower and inspire one another. This year’s theme, “Embracing Change in the Face of COVID-19,” is centered around giving students and professionals advice on how to navigate college, job hunting and the workplace environment in a pandemic. We will have keynote speakers as well as three breakout sessions on personal branding, mentorship and professional development and college environment and enrollment. Students and young professionals will hear from students as well as professionals from a variety of backgrounds. “This year,... Read more
Biden seeks to move quickly and build out his administration
It’s unclear for now whether President Donald Trump and his administration will cooperate. He has yet to acknowledge Biden’s victory and has pledged to mount legal challenges in several closely contested states that decided the race. Biden adviser Jen Psaki pressed for the Trump-appointed head of the General Services Administration to quickly recognize Biden as the president-elect, which would free up money for the transition and clear the way for Biden’s team to begin putting in place the transition process at agencies. “America’s national security and economic interests depend on the federal government signaling clearly and swiftly that the United States government will respect the will of the American people and engage in a smooth and peaceful transfer of power,” Psaki said in a Twitter posting. A GSA official said Sunday that step had not been taken yet. A bipartisan group of administration officials from the Barack Obama, George W.... Read more
Injustice and violence in Guinea and Nigeria: “ “I am going to take this fight to the New York State Assembly” said Assemblyman Charles Barron
African communities in New York - most of them were Guineans – took the streets in New York on October 31st, 2020 “ to denounce the violence and injustices happening in countries across the African continent,” specifically in Guinea and Nigeria. They held a meeting in front of the United Nations building where they were joined by some New York’s elected officials such as Assemblyman Charles Barron, New York State Assembly District 60, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, New York State Assembly District 78, and Jumaane D. Williams New York City Public Advocate who came to support the protesters. ” Africa is bleeding from police brutality in Nigeria to post-election violence in Guinea,” organizers said. Cellou Dalein Diallo the opposition leader in Guinea who run for presidential election in Guinea appeared on computer screen and talked directly to the audience. He accused Guinea president Alpha Conde of killing 240 people after... Read more
Be Clean Campaign is to sensitize underserved Black communities to sanitation and hygiene
“Be Clean Campaign” organizers have cleaned up on October 24,2020 Joyce Kilmer Park located on 161st street and Grand Concourse in the Bronx. “The goal of the “Be Clean Campaign” is to sensitize underserved Black communities to sanitation and hygiene and the importance of not only asserting our agency by utilizing the tools and resources at our disposal to keep our neighborhood clean but also demonstrate by example that we are not powerless,” said Nikki one of the organizers. The “Be Clean Campaign” is not only about cleaning up our physical environment but also cleansing our mental state, elevating our consciousness,” she added. The organizers have targeted five cities including one city in Africa. Here is the list of the five: Bronx in New York, York in Pennsylvania, Washington D.C, Shreveport in Louisiana, and Sierra Leone in Africa. According to Nikki, the choice of those five cities is based on... Read more
Presidential elections: early voting has begun
Early voting has started this October 24,2020 as Americans have to choose between Republican president Donald Trump and former Democrat vice – President Joseph Biden to be their president for the next four years to come. New Yorkers in the Bronx have voted at the family court one of early voting places in the city and where a long line has formed, and people have come across the borough to cast their vote. This election is a must - win matter for both Democrats and Republicans as more challenges are ahead of us. It is also a must - win for each of us as our well- being depends on that. Do not be a simple contemplator. Just go and cast your vote if you are eligible to vote. “Your vote is your voice and we want to ensure all eligible New Yorkers are heard in this election,” the Mayor's... Read more
Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation is fighting for Women and girl-child the most vulnerable in the society
Attorney Eunice Ukwuani is the Founder and the President of Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation, which is a non – governmental organization that champions girl-child and women/children with disabilities. Let’s meet Ms. Ukwuani and her organization. [video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/eunv.mp4"][/video] African Journal ( AJ): Can you introduce yourselves to our readers? Eunice Ukwuani (EU): My name is Eunice Ukwuani, an Attorney and Founder/President of Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation (PEUF). A lawyer by profession and I also studied Public Administration. AJ: Princess Eunice Ukwuani Foundation (PEUF) is a Non-For-Profit Organization you found in the midst of a coronavirus pandemic. What is the main goal of PEUF? EU : PEUF is a non-governmental organization that caters for the needs of the girl-child and women/children with disabilities in Africa and around the world. It is basically founded to cater for education needs of the vulnerable children that are affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic. AJ: PEUF... Read more
Guineans vote in high-stakes presidential election as Conde seeks third term
Guineans started voting on Sunday in a tense presidential election which sees the 82-year-old incumbent Alpha Conde running for a controversial third term. The leader bypassed a two-term limit in March by reforming the constitution. The move sparked mass protests, which resulted in dozens being killed in security crackdowns. Campaigning for the first round of the vote was marked by insults traded between Conde and his leading rival Cellou Dalein Diallo. Sporadic clashes between rival supporters have broken out across Guinea in recent days, sparking fears of further violence on polling day. Diallo, 68, now Guinea's leading opposition politician, was formerly a prime minister under authoritarian leader Lansana Conte. Guinea's election is the first in a string across West Africa, which will be followed by Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Niger. Activists are concerned if Conde wins, it could bode ill for democratic norms in the region. Conde promised... Read more
New York: Two hours in the “Kingdom” of homeless people
Homelessness is an undeniable issue in New York City. Although the city provides homeless people with shelters, there are those who end up on the streets. 125th street and Lexington avenue in Harlem is one of few places in the city homeless people live in a different world. It was exactly 6: 30 am in October 10, 2020, when I got off the train at 125th street and Lexington Avenue in Harlem. Martin Luther King Boulevard was almost empty although earlier few bus and car drivers were crossing the neighborhood from west to east and vice versa. Street and traffic lights at that time illuminated or enlightened the almost dark streets. Harlem was about to wake up. However, some of its inhabitants have already woken up: homeless people. I spent two hours in their “kingdom.” “A breezy nice day,” said a bystander who was busy on phone talk. I took... Read more
Election in Burkina Faso: Former Prime Minister Zida and opposition main leader Zephirin register as candidates
The president of the Union for Progress and Change (UPC), Burkina Faso's main opposition party, Zephirin Diabré, and former Prime Minister Isaac Zida, filed their candidacies for the November 22 presidential election with the National Electoral Commission (Ceni) on Friday. In the 2015 elections, Diabré, 61 years old, came second with 29.65% of the votes, defeated by current President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, who is seeking a second term and whose record he criticized. "Five years of managing the MPP (People's Movement for Progress, President Kaboré's party), have brought Burkina Faso to the brink of chaos. We are obliged to save it today because that is what it is all about," he said. Former minister of Blaise Compaoré in the 1990s, Zéphirin Diabré had gone into opposition in 2011 by founding the UPC, three years before a popular uprising ousted his former boss after 27 years in power. Threat of... Read more
Rihanna is back with a new lingerie extravaganza for Amazon Prime Video – “Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/1311685297663606784 The pop icon's event celebrating her Fall 2020 collection debuts on the streaming service October 2 and features an array of models and guests including Rosalia, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, Irina Shayk, Christian Combs and Willow Smith. Models of all shapes, sizes and skin colors will showcase lingerie that offers consumers extravagant lines at affordable price points. Rihanna says her latest collection – a follow up to last year's Savage X Fenty range – is about empowerment and inclusivity. "I want to have representation and aspects that are outside of that where women aren't usually projected as sexy, but they are, they're sexy, and they need to know that," she said. "They need to be validated about that no matter what size they are." she stressed. Read more
UN General Assembly: World leaders to stay at home, in first ‘virtual’ UN General Assembly
The General Debate of the General Assembly, traditionally the most high-profile UN event of the year, will be a slimmed-down affair this September, with world leaders staying away from New York, and contributing set-piece speeches via video link, a UN spokesperson confirmed on Thursday. The new virtual format is largely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic with many countries continuing to grapple with the health, social and economic fallout from the crisis. While the number of new cases of COVID-19 in New York has dramatically fallen, since the city was for a while the global epicentre of the pandemic in April, the US as a whole has almost four million reported cases, higher than any other country. Pre-recorded speeches In a press briefing on Thursday, Reem Abaza, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, said that each Member State, Observer State, and the European Union, was invited to submit a pre-recorded... Read more
ADGG : THAT’S NOT THE AMERICA WE LOVE !
[video width="640" height="352" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ugo.mp4"][/video] Read more
Mali’s coup leaders meet mediators seeking return to civilian rule
A key meeting on Saturday between Mali's coup leaders and mediators from West Africa's regional bloc seeking a return to civilian rule ended after just 20 minutes. Tuesday's overthrow of Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has been condemned abroad but celebrated by many in a country battling an Islamist insurgency and months of political unrest. A delegation from the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) earlier arrived in the capital, Bamako, for talks aimed at reversing the overthrow of Keita. The bloc has taken a hard line on the coup, shutting borders and halting financial flows - a move diplomats said was as much about warning opponents at home as stabilizing Mali. Ahead of a series of meetings with the mutineers and other groups, the head of the delegation, Nigeria's former President Goodluck Jonathan, sounded optimistic. "I believe at the end of the day we will come up... Read more
Big L: When a film is telling the story of one of a legend rappers in America
A film to honor the legacy of “ Big L” one of the biggest legend rappers in America history has been shot in Harlem. The cast has gathered on August 15,2020 in Harlem to launch the big project. “This is a story of Harlem, this is a story of Hip – Hop culture,” said Kevin Townley the director of the film and who flew from Georgia to New York to shoot the film. [caption id="attachment_5323" align="alignleft" width="1707"] Meloni, actor[/caption] According to Mr. Townley more than 50 people are involved in that project and Harlem, Bronx, and Brooklyn will be the three main places where all the scenes and actions will be recorded. “ ‘Big L’ has been a such of inspiration. I heard from his friends and colleagues that he was a legend,” said Paula J. Price who is playing Melonie, Big L’s girlfriend. “ I want everybody to know... Read more
Rashad McCrorey the American who fell in love with Ghana
Born and raised in New York ( Harlem), Rashad McCrorey never thought that one day he will leave the great New York with all the billboards, television anchors, actors, business owners, etc. and end up in Ghana in West Africa not only to visit that part of Africa but also to stay there forever, thanks to “ Africa Cross – Culture,” a tour company he owns. Yeah! Mr. Rashad has fell in love with Ghana: “I appreciate the sense of community in Africa. America and Western civilization are so individualistic. I love the sense of community and family in Ghana and in many of the other African countries I have visited,” he said. The journey of Mr. Rashad almost started with the outbreak of COVID – 19. He has been in Ghana since Feb. 27 due to a tour trip he has organized. Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo has closed... Read more
Oliver Brewster an expert in family law gives more details on child support
Oliver Brewster is a lawyer at Brewster Law. He was invited on July 29, 2020 by "The African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT" to talk about child support during a workshop. He has decided throughout that interview to give more details on the subject. What is child support? Child support is money paid by a parent to pay for a child’s needs until that child turns 21 or is emancipated prior to turning 21. Child support covers general expenses as well as child care, health care, and other expenses. The parent may be ordered to pay for the child’s health insurance if it is affordable. Who gets child support? The parent or person who lives with the child more than half of the time can get child support from the other parent. If the child lives with each parent equally, there could still be a child support order. How do I get child support? A parent or custodian may... Read more
Census 2020: Census takers will knock at your door if you have not yet completed the census
U.S. Census Bureau enumerators, commonly known as “census takers,” started going door-to-door to the homes of New Yorkers who have not yet completed the census. While census takers are well trained to help all residents complete the census, New Yorkers can avoid a knock at their door by simply going to my2020census.gov and filling out the census in just a few minutes. The census can also be completed over the phone at 1-844-330-2020. Additional phone numbers for direct service available in 13 languages are included below. We need all New Yorkers to fill out the census now before the new September 30th deadline. Also included below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about this door-knocking period, also known as Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU). You can also find a video guide from the U.S. Census Bureau about the Non-Response Follow Up period in different languages here. Additional 2020 Census language guides and videos are available... Read more
Boko Haram Terrifies Refugees in Cameroon
Just under 2000 people poured into Mozongo, panic-stricken and desperately fleeing for their lives from a refugee camp housing 800 internally displaced people in the village of Nguetchewe in Cameroon's far north region. The area, already one of the poorest in the world, has seen a significant increase in violent incidents in recent months with around 87 terrorist attacks by the Islamic extremist group, Boko Haram. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Tuesday condemned an attack this weekend the camp for in which 17 civilians were killed and 16 others wounded, according to an official army report. In the very early hours on Sunday, “a "terrorist attack coupled with suicide bombings left 19 civilians dead — including two suicide bombers and "16 injured", the Cameroonian defence ministry had previously announced in a statement. Camp residents are extremely afraid and feel very unsafe, "There is a lot of... Read more
Child support: What do you need to know about it?
The African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT has organized on July 29, 2020 a zoom’s workshop on child support/ paternity. “Child support is a payment one parent makes to another parent,” said Oliver Brewster lawyer at Brewster Law. If you are a parent who is paying a child support, it is good to know that you will do so until the kid is 21 years old. However, and according to Mr. Oliver, if the child is emancipated before he or she gets 21 years old, child support payment can be dropped. For instance, a child who get married before 21 years old is emancipated. For Mr. Oliver, the family court is the jurisdiction that deals with child support. It is the family court that can decide how much a parent needs to pay to another by taking consideration of both parents’ income. The family court can also intervene in... Read more
Americans stuck in Ghana: They are going through two realities and have two stories
Hundreds of U.S. citizens got stuck in Ghana ( West Africa) due to coronavirus after the President Nana Akufo-Addo has closed on Mars 13, 2020 Ghana’s borders, and are asking Trump’s administration to bring them back home. Nova Felder from New York and others stranded in Ghana cannot fly back to U.S. as airports have closed their doors for international travelers. As the majority of them say they are forgotten and neglected ones, Rashad McCrorey thinks Ghana looks good. “ A majority of people are Black,” said Mr. Felder a former teacher from Queens. “We deserve the same treatment,” said Mr. Felder who is a social entrepreneur and owner of "The Afrika Is The Future Investment Group," which is focused on communities and their collective future. According to the United States Department of State’s website and as of June 10, 2020 the U.S. embassy in Ghana has organized 7 Government-chartered... Read more
Louise Ouimet, Former Ambassador of Canada to Mali: Some personal reflections on the situation in Mali
After having worked in Mali for 8 years, during the period 1989-1993 and 2001-2005 and continued to follow the development of the country, I can only see today how much democracy, which was nevertheless a bearer of hope in the first pluralist elections in 1992, proved to be a sinkhole for this country. At independence, Malians modeled French institutions instead of taking the time to develop governance mechanisms and institutions of their own. At the start of the so-called democratization, we are once again copying the West and opening the floodgates to multiparty politics. What happens? More than 200 political parties are created - in fact agglomerations of people around valued personalities, with whom one has family, friendships, or other ties. Fortunately, And what happens? The exercise of political power being essentially an exercise of personal enrichment for his family and for his clan, knowing that its duration is a maximum... Read more
Covid – 19: Large Events Are Canceled Through September 30
Under the Mayor’s Executive Order, large events requiring a city events permit will be canceled through September 30 as the City works to prioritize open spaces for public use. The City will not issue a permit for any event in a location that interferes with the Open Streets or Open Restaurants programs. Permits will also be denied for all events larger than one block, stage/video events that require amplification, street fairs, and events in parks that may unreasonably diminish public use. The City will refund or defer fees paid in connection with a denied permit. Events that do not conflict with Open Streets or Open Restaurant areas and are for locations, one city block or smaller, can still apply for a permit. Demonstrations, religious events, and press conferences will be exempt from the Mayor’s Executive Order and may receive permits. Keeping New Yorkers Cool and Safe This Summer The first... Read more
NYC Schools Families: $420 per child in money for groceries guarantee
New York State’s Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) is a new benefit that gives $420 per child in money for groceries to all NYC public school families. No sign-up is required. All families of NYC public school children, regardless of immigration status, income, or employment, will receive this money. If you already have an EBT card or a Medicaid card, the money will automatically be added to your card. If you do not have an EBT card, you will receive one in the mail. If you are concerned that the State of New York may not have your correct address, please call 833-452-0096 Families of non-public school students should contact the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance at otda.ny.gov to learn if they are eligible. Read more
USA: « Mouvement du 5 Juin, Rassemblement des Forces Démocratiques aux Etats – Unis d’Amérique Wants the United States Ambassador to Mali to remain neutral
We have received that press release from « Mouvement du 5 Juin, Rassemblement des Forces Démocratiques aux Etats – Unis d’Amérique » in which the Movement “ appeals to the United States government to urge the Malian authorities to immediately stop brutalities against innocent and peaceful populations.” It also “ appeals to the United States government to invite the United States Ambassador to Mali to advise him to remain neutral.” On Friday July 10, 2020, more than a million of Malians took to the streets of Bamako, the capital of Mali, and all major cities, to demand the resignation of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. Under the order of his administration, Malian security forces shot real bullets on nonviolent protesters. During this peaceful rally, many people were arbitrarily arrested and other kidnapped, including members of the civil society and key opposition leaders. As of Saturday July 11, over a dozen peaceful demonstrators... Read more
All Votes Must Be Counted’s movement has protested again in front of the Board of Elections building in the Bronx
Members of “All Votes Must Be Counted,” a new movement created after New York City Board of Elections removed from its list three candidates from Assembly districts 79th and 87th in the Bronx, took the street on July 14,2020 for the second time in front of the Board of Elections building in the Bronx to ask for justice. Ahmadou Diallo, Joselin Mejia, and Mohammed Mujumder were respectively Democratic male and female leader candidates in the Assembly district 79th in the Bronx, and Democratic male district leader in the Assembly district 87th in the Bronx . Their names were removed from the New City Board of Elections list during the primary elections held on June 23, 2020 after a court decision. . As their names were removed from the Board of elections list, the same names remained on the different ballots. So, people went to vote for them. “Nobody told us our names... Read more
Ahmadou Diallo and others: Protesters took the streets, demanding NYC Board of Elections to count their Votes
Peaceful protesters took the street on July 8, 2020 in the Bronx to demand New York City Board of Elections to count their votes after three Democratic candidates in the Assembly district 79th and 87th names were removed from the Board of Elections lists during the primary elections held on June 23, 2020. Ahmadou Diallo, Joselin Mejia, and Mohammed Mujumder who were respectively Democratic male and female leader candidates in the Assembly district 79th in the Bronx, and Democratic male district leader in the Assembly district 87th in the Bronx, along with others were peacefully protesting against what they called “ an unfortunate bias relating to the candidates Ahmadou Diallo, Joselin Mejia and Mohammed Mujumder.” The New York State Board of Elections has removed Ahmadou Diallo, Joselin Mejia, and Mohammed Mujumder names from the Board of Elections lists in March 2020 as a cover sheet was missing in their... Read more
Burkinabè’s woman accuses her white’s husband of human trafficking
Ms. A. B has declared before the American jurisdictions that she was sold as an animal by her uncle and by the village chief to a white American citizen and who, according to her, forcibly married her. At a press conference on June 18, 2020 in Columbia County in New York State, A. B has explained how things have unfold. Indeed, it all started in 2001. According to A.B, a White man landed in a village in Est – Center of Burkina Faso where A. B lived with her family. The white man contacted A.B's uncle and the village chief, A.B's father having passed away. And this, after a call from A.B’s cousin who lives in Germany. According to A.B, the cousin is the friend of the white man and he is who has ordered A.B's marriage to the white man. At the time A.B was 18 – years -... Read more
Ahmadou Diallo Versus New York State Board of Elections: Something Is Fishy
The primary elections held on June 23, 2020 in New York has triggered a controversy within African community in the Bronx as some candidates who have campaigned did not have their name on the New York State Board of Elections list. Ahmadou Diallo was candidate as Democratic male leader for district 79 in the Bronx although his name was missing on the list. Several people were confused and angered that Mr. Ahmadou who campaigned, raised funds and made flyers that bore his name had not his name on New York State Board of Elections list . They allegedly said that was a scam. “ I gave him $100,” said a man who was furious about the situation. We have reached out to Mr. Ahmadou to solve the puzzle. “My name was on the paper ballot 54 & 51 and tell the complainant to contact us to request for the contribution... Read more
Immigrant Heritage Month Celebration in the U.S : Many elected officials have weighed in
Immigrant heritage month was celebrated on June 28, 2020 through webinar as many elected officials from across America joined their voices to other voices to tell their stories and Democratic nominee Joe Biden delivered a message of hope. Several elected officials including Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, New York Congresswoman Grace Meng, Alexandria, Virginia Councilman Mohamed Seifeldein, and Florida State Senator Annette Taddeo, have tuned in to celebrate immigrant heritage month as descent of immigrants or immigrants themselves. “Immigration is part of the DNA of this country… It is essential to who we are as a nation,” said Biden for President Senior Advisor Karine Jean-Pierre. In a speech that was read, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. the presumptive Democratic nominee said his grand grandparents came from Irish Island, his grandfather delivered furniture in New Jersey, and his father went on to fight World War II before he became a bank manager. [caption id="attachment_5090" align="alignleft" width="289"] Karine Jean-Pierre[/caption] “My... Read more
The Forum for World Education will tackle issues related to global education system through debate
The Forum for World Education ( FWE ) is holding on June 30, 2020 a global webinar discussion on education at 2: 00 PM Eastern Daylight Time ( GMT – 4) under the topic: “Education Disrupted, Education Rebuilt – How does the pandemic shape the future of education.” The discussion will not only focus on issues related to education globally, but also on the impact of the covid – 19 pandemic on education systems worldwide as several panelists including national leaders, policymakers, leading education experts, scholars, private sector, and foundation leaders are inviting. The education system is said to be at a crossroad. According to education experts, “Globally, education systems fail to prepare students with the skill sets that business leaders and their employees need.” Here are some statistics: In 2020, 54% of employers across 43 countries reported not being able to find the talent they need, a figure that... Read more
Terrorism and ethnicity in Burkina Faso: Ismael Diallo a former UN expert is talking about with RFI
The problems in West Africa, specifically the Sahel, where internationally supported military operations continue to battle a jihadist insurgency, could be better understood if political leaders concentrated on the bigger picture of identity and nationhood, according to a renowned Burkinabé governance and rights specialist. Ismael Diallo, a former UN expert and MP, sees a number of challenges created by the ongoing security situation in the Sahel, and not just crimes committed by armed jihadist groups or alleged rights abuses by various military forces. "First of all, it's a cultural bias, also it is bad training, and thirdly, we can add that the governance itself is very weak," he tells RFI. "When you have personnel not well paid and not well managed by the hierarchy, you can expect all kinds of mismanagement," adds the former UN representative in Burundi for the High Commissioner for Human Rights French Defense Minister Florence Partly... Read more
Mali’s president agrees to hold dialogue aimed at forming unity government
Mali’s President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita announced on Tuesday that he would hold talks on establishing a new unity government, after weeks of escalating criticism from the country’s political opposition. In a speech in the capital Bamako, the president also suggested first steps towards reforming the constitutional court and the national parliament. The series of announcements came as Keita has been struggling to maintain political support in the volatile West African state over a jihadist revolt that first broke out in the north in 2012. The violence has since spread to the center of the country, inflaming ethnic tensions, as well as to neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger. Thousands of soldiers and civilians have died in the conflict, while hundreds of thousands more have had to flee their homes. But Mali’s economic stagnation, faltering public services, and a widespread perception of corrupt governance has also fed opposition to Keita. On June... Read more
Yankassa community has endorsed Michael Blake for Congressman
Yankassa community held on June 12, 2020 in the Bronx a press conference to call the entire community to support Assemblymember Michael Blake a former White House aide to President Obama. “The Yankassa community will not let you down,” said El hadj Shaib Gali, Yankassa interim chairman who emphasized how Mr. Blake has been with the community for many years. “He has supported us, let’s support him,” he said. Famod Koney, the deputy director of Census 2020 Partnership said that the community has supported Mr. Blake when he was running for assembly member, and that it will support him as he is running for Congressman. “ The district 15 is our home,” he said. “ Give Mr. Blake the opportunity to be our congressman.” [caption id="attachment_4986" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Assemblymember Michael Blake[/caption] Mr. Blake said he knows the community for many years. He added he has been with the community several... Read more
The African Journal ( Theafricanjournalonline.com) sheds light on its role as a community newspaper
On April 11, 2018 “The African Journal” was born. Its online version is Theafricanjournalonline.com. It is a bilingual ( English and French) news outlet. We have a mission to accomplish: “ The freedom to tell our stories, the African diaspora and African -Americans’ stories, to educate our people in America, and in the rest of the world as a community newspaper, and to support in Africa our ‘young’ democracies.” Our primary goal is to cover any event related to African diaspora and minority groups. The news outlet has a story. The idea of running a community newspaper etched in my mind when I was still a student at a journalism school in New York city. I was also an intern as a journalist in one of the mainstream newspapers in New York. As an intern, I have had the opportunity to cover many events in the city. I was surprised... Read more
Ex-Chadian dictator Hissene Habre returns to prison
Chad’s former dictator Hissene Habre will return to prison in Senegal on Sunday after a two-month release aimed at protecting him from the coronavirus. Habre seized power in Chad in 1982, fleeing to Senegal in 1990 after he was overthrown. The former leader — who is now in his late 70s — was jailed in Senegal in 2016 over abuses committed during years of iron-fisted rule in Chad. Some 40,000 people are estimated to have been killed under Habre’s leadership of the semi-desert country. But on April 6, a judge granted Habre a 60-day release from prison after his lawyer argued that his age left him particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Habre’s supporters are ramping up efforts to have him freed, which has fueled fear among his victims that the authorities might be gearing up to release him permanently. However, Babacar Dione of Senegal’s justice ministry told AFP that Habre would return to... Read more
African Diaspora for Good Governance calls for Justice for George Floyd and Other People of Color Killed by the Police
African Diaspora for Good Governance condemns the Spate of Police Brutality in the United States and Calls for Justice for George Floyd and Other People of Color Killed by the Police in America and Around the World. Read more here: [googlepdf url="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ADGG-PRESS-RELEASE-1-2.pdf"] Read more
Student’s Life: Emamsy Mbossa, from Congo to the honor roll of the prestigious Columbia University
This year The African Journal joins many African students to celebrate together their success. We start with Emamsy Mbossa from Congo. The incredible journey of Emamsy Mbossa, who’s life in New York started in 2016 as a pizza delivery guy from Papa John’s and Dominos. Having left the Congo in 2012 for Morocco thanks to a scholarship, Emamsy Mbossa brilliantly obtained his bachelor’s in international law, before going to the United States in 2016 to pursue his dreams. His first “tour” of Columbia was non-traditional: In 2016, he took a job delivering pizzas for Papa John's on the Upper West Side. His first delivery was to a Columbia student studying at 116th and Amsterdam. it was his dream to be a Columbia student, too. Although he was nervous to apply, he eventually did—to Columbia university in the Master program in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Encouraged by his mentor who once... Read more
Pelosi joins protests against George Floyd’s death outside Capitol
Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday joined a crowd of demonstrators outside the Capitol protesting police brutality toward black Americans following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed man who died in Minneapolis police custody. Pelosi wore a mask and was accompanied by her usual entourage of staff and members of her security detail while walking through the crowd, which a spokesman confirmed was on the Capitol's East Front. Pelosi's show of solidarity with the protesters comes as House Democrats weigh legislative options for responding to the public outrage over the recent string of deaths of unarmed black Americans. Her appearance also comes two days after law enforcement cleared protesters outside the White House on Monday night with tear gas to make a path for President Trump to hold a brief photo opportunity outside St. John's Episcopal Church after it had been vandalized. Demonstrations against police brutality and racial profiling have been ongoing in Washington, D.C., and other cities... Read more
Coronavirus in Africa: 152,500 cases; 4,344 deaths; 64,047 recoveries
There are now more than over 150,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus across the continent, with a number of African countries imposing a range of prevention and containment measures against the spread of the pandemic. According to the latest data by the John Hopkins University and Africa Center for Disease Control on COVID-19 in Africa, the breakdown remains fluid as countries confirm cases as and when. As of May 13, every African country had recorded an infection, the last being Lesotho. We shall keep updating this list largely sourced from the John Hopkins University tallies, Africa CDC and from official government data. Major African stats: June 2 at 7:00 GMT: Confirmed cases = 152,500 Number of deaths = 4,344 Recoveries = 64,047 Active cases = 84,109 Countries in alphabetical order Algeria – 9,513 Angola – 86 Benin – 243 Botswana – 38 Burkina Faso – 847 Burundi – 63 Cameroon – 6,397 Cape Verde – 458... Read more
African Community supports Ydanis Rodriguez as candidate for Congress Member
A Council member who has been championing for several years for the minority groups is running now to be a Congress member as African community stands for him. Ydanis Rodriguez who represents the 10th Council District for 11 years, has had a zoom conference on May 31, 2020 with African leaders in the Bronx to talk about his program as candidate for a congress member, and ask for their support. The meeting was moderated by Mohammed Mardah the Chairman of African Advisory Council ( AAC) who said that Mr. Ydanis has been advocating for mamy many years for all community groups. “As a teacher, as an organizer, as a council member, as an immigrant, I have been there with African community,” Mr. Ydanis said. Ambroise Ngande and Boureima Niambele as well as many other leaders said it is a good sign to have that conversation and to be... Read more
George Floyd : Thousands protesters clashed with police in Harlem and many were arrested
Protesters took the streets this morning in Harlem and across New York City to demand justice for George Floyd. A group called Harlem’s Solidarity for George Floyd has initiated a peaceful march and thousands gathered at 125 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard defying social distance restrictions as protesters clashed with the police and many were arrested. “Justice for George Floyd, Black lives matter, we can’t breathe, no justice no peace, NYPD police suck my d…” protesters chanted. Protesters led by three leaders blocked for awhile 125 street and 7th avenue before they walked down to 111 street. They took 111 street down to FDR Drive, but they came across with several police officers at Madison avenue where police officers with bicycles and motorcycles blocked both the avenue and the street. Protesters stopped to think about what to do. They were those who said to find another way and... Read more
Africa Day in New York: ” Covid – 19 is our common enemy.”
Africa Diaspora in New York has celebrated on May 25, 2020 “Africa Day” amid coronavirus under the African Union ( AU) theme: “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development.” “Africa Day” is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union (formerly known as Organization of African Unity) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963. It has been celebrated for several years in New York and in many other countries. Due to covid – 19 the celebration was this year virtual. “African Union invites and encourages the full participation of Africa Diaspora as an important part to our continent…” said His Excellency, Ambassador Jerry Matjila, Permanent Representative of South Africa to the United Nations. “Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development,” was the theme for this year. “ This theme underscores the fact that today conflicts still remains one of the biggest challenges for the... Read more
Africa Day NYC
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 2020 Contact: Mona Davids 646-872-7149, mona@socialimpactstrategies.us Bourema (Naby) Niambele 347-928-1394, nymalians@gmail.com AFRICANS IN NEW YORK CITY UNITE TO COMMEMORATE AFRICA DAY WITH VIRTUAL CELEBRATION WHO: The New York City African Community, Diplomats, and Elected Officials WHAT: Virtual Celebration of Africa Day NYC WHY: Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union (formerly known as Organization of African Unity) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963. The purpose of Africa Day NYC is to celebrate African unity, the diversity of Africa, our cultures, and the potential of our people on the continent and throughout the diaspora. WHEN: May 25, 5PM - 8PM WHERE: Streamed live on the Africa Day NYC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaDayNYC ### WWW.AFRICADAY.NYC Read more by clicking here: Africa Day NYC Read more
City College Professor Gives Coronavirus Aid In Africa
“It’s the community that makes us who we are. With no community we are nothing,” Boukary Sawadogo said. That’s why he has worked to educate and help the African community in New York and people in his native Burkina Faso during the COVID-19 outbreak. Dr. Sawadogo, a professor at The City College of New York, teaches African cinema, film history and theory. The forty-two-year-old came to the United States for graduate studies in 2006 and has maintained close ties with fellow African immigrants. When the scope of the pandemic became clear, he had to postpone the book tour for his recently-published West African Screen Media: Comedy TV Series and Transnationalization from Michigan State University Press. The world was locked down. [caption id="attachment_2160" align="alignleft" width="1800"] Boukary Sawadogo[/caption] He looked around and wondered how he could help. He reached out and put on a mask and gloves, bought food and made a delivery to the Association... Read more
AFRICANS IN NEW YORK CITY UNITE TO COMMEMORATE AFRICA DAY WITH VIRTUAL CELEBRATION
WHO: The New York City African Community, Diplomats, and Elected Officials WHAT: Virtual Celebration of Africa Day NYC WHY: Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the African Union (formerly known as Organization of African Unity) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on May 25, 1963. The purpose of Africa Day NYC is to celebrate African unity, the diversity of Africa, our cultures, and the potential of our people on the continent and throughout the diaspora. WHEN: May 25, 5PM - 8PM WHERE: Streamed live on the Africa Day NYC Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AfricaDayNYC ### WWW.AFRICADAY.NYC Contact: Mona Davids 646-872-7149, mona@socialimpactstrategies.us Bourema (Naby) Niambele 347-928-1394, nymalians@gmail.com Read more
Sign up for free online English classes for immigrants
In response to COVID-19, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ We Speak NYC program, a free English language learning program that provides civic-focused instruction through videos centered on topics relevant to immigrant New Yorkers, will be offering online conversation classes. Participants can register to be a part of an online community and have an opportunity to safely meet people, learn about NYC resources that are still available in light of COVID- 19, and practice their English conversation skills. We Speak NYC 2nd Cycle of Online Classes Start Today! Register Here to sign up for a class, get reminders, and educational materials, or click here to check out different class times and drop in! Classes are led by trained facilitators and encourage learner participation - safe space to practice and make mistakes. Classes are intended for intermediate English language learners. Read more
Guineans Succeeding in America ( GSA) has launched its Mentorship Program
Guineans Succeeding in America ( GSA) has officially launched its “EachOne LiftOne,” Mentorship Program on May 17, 2020 through webinar as several people including a guest speaker have attended the event and given testimonies about the importance of the mentorship. “We believe that mentorship is essential to educational and professional development,” said Bernadette Sylla who is overseeing GSA’s mentorship program. The program exists since 2017. The launching event, which was moderated by Asuma Jalloh President of Guineans Succeeding in America ( GSA) is according to Ms. Sylla, to share what they have been doing and to say that they are opened to the city. “This is a mentorship that connects junior and senior students,” she said. “Professionals will mentor, guide, and help students to attain their professional and personal goal.” How the program works? The answer is simple: “ It is about to create sustainable mentors and mentees’ relationship in... Read more
Covid – 19 : If your child has a persistent fever …
Below you will find important updates and resources from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the City of New York. Pediatric Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome (PMIS) Update NYC families: if your child has a persistent fever, rash, abdominal pain, vomiting or other symptoms, call your doctor immediately. If you don’t have a doctor, call 311. So far there have been 110 cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome have been detected in children in NYC hospitals. Antibody Testing Update The City of New York will offer free antibody tests to 70,000 New Yorkers. 1,000 tests will be given at each site every day by appointment only. Five sites have been selected to perform these tests: Bronx:Morrisania- 4006 Third Avenue Brooklyn:East NY - 127 Pennsylvania Avenue Manhattan:Upper Manhattan - 21 Old Broadway Staten Island:Concord - St. John’s Villa 57 Cleveland Place Queens:Long Island City - 34-09 Queens Boulevard You can make an appointment through nyc.bioreference.com/antibodysurvey. If you... Read more
Covid – 19 and African youth: Hear voices from Africa
Covid – 19 has become a talking point for African leaders as a grassroot organization called “Today’s Youth” organized on May 16,2020 in Ghana a teleconference meeting to discuss the aftermaths of covid – 19 on African youth and found out ways to solve some possible problems. Many people from the United States of America, Ghana, Kenya, Cameroun, and Nigeria attended the event moderated by Dr. Phanuel Seli Gakpetor and gave their inputs. They all agree that coronavirus has a negative impact on African youth and that will last for several years.” Covid – 19 scares us, economies are thinning, and some are collapsing, jobs are scarce,” Dr. Al - Hadjj Abubakari Sidick Ahmed from Ghana said. One of the issues they pointed out was unemployment. “ Covid – 19 has direct and indirect consequences for African youth,” Emmanuel Abu Apenteng said. “ Youths will look for job for... Read more
Important News regarding Covid – 19
Support for NYC Small Businesses Owners and Nonprofits: The Federal government has expanded its loan programs allowing small business owners and nonprofits to apply for up to $10 million through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Loans are available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information about the Paycheck Protection Program in multiple languages can be found here: bit.ly/PPPNYCinfo Sign up for upcoming webinars from NYC Small Business Services to help business owners and nonprofits learn about financial assistance from the SBA: May 4 at 12:00PM: Assistance Overview for NYC Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19: bit.ly/SBSCOVID54 May 5 at 5:30PM: Assistance Overview for NYC Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19: bit.ly/SBSCOVID55 May 5 at 6:00PM: COVID-19: Programas de Ayuda Económica para Empresarias: bit.ly/WENYCSeminario May 6 at 9:30AM: Assistance Overview for NYC Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 bit.ly/SBSCOVID56 Sign up for COVID-19 Emergency Financing Assistance from NYC Small Business Services: bit.ly/NYCSBSCounseling Important... Read more
Are you facing eviction? NYC Commission on Human Rights has the answer for you
New York City Commission on Human Rights held in April 29, 2020 a virtual town hall to discuss fair housing amid covid – 19. Five panelists from diverse agencies that educate communities and enforce anti-discrimination law, gave specific information regarding the city Human Right Law with a focus on protection and housing. “Today we like to share with communities the awesome resources on protection and rights when it comes to housing in New York City,” said Sam Yang who is the housing liaison at NYC Commission on Human Rights. In addition to housing, New York City Human Right Law embraces many subjects. Kajori Chaudhuri assistant commissioner at NYC Commission on Human Rights has stated: “In New York City no one can be discriminated because of who you are, where you come from, and who you love.” Covid – 19 has impacted our lives in different ways. However, our... Read more
African Diaspora for Biden : A political movement to negotiate and to vote
African Diaspora for Biden has held in April 26, 2020 a teleconference meeting to lay out a strategy for the election of the democrat candidate Joe Biden and to address their preoccupations to one of Biden surrogates. A thousand of people from the 50 states of the United States of America have attended that very first meeting with a bold commitment not only to make their voices heard but also to support Joe Biden. [video width="480" height="256" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/video-biden.mp4"][/video] “This meeting is about to put our fate in our own hand,” said Chijike Ndukwu one of the initiators of the meeting. “Africans contribute a lot to this country, the only thing we do not have is a political power, a possibility to have a seat,” he added as he enumerated some statics showing how much Africans have been devoted to the United States of America. African Diaspora for Biden is indeed... Read more
Covid – 19 bias : New York City Commission on Human Rights has explained how to respond
New York City Commission on Human Rights through teleconference has trained in April 21, 2020 several people on how to respond to covid – 19 bias as many people are victims of any kind of harassment not only in the United of America but also across the world. Covid – 19 is not only killing human beings but it is also hurting people’s feeling and dignity. Since it appears in Wuhan in China, Chinese immigrants across some countries become legitimate targets of being responsible of the virus. Ironically African immigrants have been vilipended in the streets of China as they accuse them of spreading the virus. And recently two French doctors have overtly said that Africa is the right place to test coronavirus vaccine. Racism, bias, and so on, intertwin well with a deadly virus no one in the earth planet wants to associate with. New York City Commission on... Read more
New York City public schools are giving free internet-enabled iPads to students
New York City public schools will be continuing academic instruction through Remote Learning for the rest of the school year. To keep students connected and able to learn from home, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to students who are in need of a device. Families that want to request a device should call DOE at 718-935-5100 and choose Option 5 on the menu for help getting a device with internet connection. Or they can fill out the Remote Learning Device Request form at https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices. DOE will use the contact information provided on the form to reach out to the family to schedule delivery of the device. Everyone who fills out a request form online, with a staff member, or over the phone, will be sent follow up emails and texts. Priority will be given to students most in need. All devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to... Read more
Covid – 19 in the USA: Some African leaders are talking about it
Coronavirus keeps hitting hard in the United States of America specifically in New York the epicenter of the virus. The entire African community is also affected like all other community groups in the USA. We have interviewed some African leaders to understand how the pandemic of the century has impacted the African community. They are all unanimous how difficult it is to give precise statistics regarding the number of people who have been infected or who have died. This article was published in French few days ago and since people are asking for the English version, we have decided to do so. Many things have been evolved since then such as deaths toll and people who have been infected with the virus. [caption id="attachment_4592" align="alignleft" width="320"] Sadio Yaya Barry: Senegalese Association in the United States of America president of Senegalese Association in the United States of America[/caption] Sadio Yaya Barry president of... Read more
NYC Census 2020 African Coalition’s “Get Out the Count” campaign emphasizes the importance of getting counted and celebrates Immigrant Heritage Week through teleconference
New York Census 2020 African Coalition’s “Get out the Count” has held in April 17, 2020 a teleconference to amplify the importance of the census as it is celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week. “Our goal is to increase the self - response, self – engagement, and enforce a great collaboration, ” Famod Koney the deputy director of Census 2020 Partnership said. According to Famod New York City did not do well ten years ago when it comes to get New York City people counted. That bad experience has motivated the City to allocating $19 million to grass root organizations to help spread the word about the importance of getting counted. Six organizations from African community are among organizations that have been funding as they actively work with community groups. “ We rely on those organizations to arise awareness,” said Famod who has also focused on self – response as he has... Read more
Mayor’s office of Immigrant Affairs is celebrating Immigrant Heritage Week ( IHW) in the midst of covid – 19
Today, as we kick off our annual Immigrant Heritage Week (IHW), we are proud to join in recognizing our city’s essential workers as the super heroes they have always been. Among the one million essential workers who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic—delivery workers, EMS staff, drivers, health care personnel, and more—half are immigrants. In this spirit, this year’s IHW—running through April 19 and featuring virtual opportunities—is dedicated to those 500,000 immigrant New Yorkers who are keeping city running every day. At the center of our new IHW multimedia content is the IHW 2020 logo created by Brooklyn-based, immigrant artist Feifei Ruan. This logo represents our solidarity during these unprecedented times and heartfelt gratitude. We invite you to join us in thanking our essential immigrant workers, celebrating New York City’s legacy as a city of immigrants, and engaging your communities by: 1 Using MOIA’s IHW 2020 Social Media Toolkit, which includes the IHW 2020 logo and sample... Read more
Former Ambassador Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao of the African Union Mission to the United States condemns in an open letter the inhumane treatment against Africans in China
OPEN LETTER TO: EXCELLENCY MR. XI JINPING, PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, ZHONGNANHAI, XICHENGQU, BEIJING. FROM: THE AFRICAN DIASPORA AROUND THE GLOBE SUBJECT: HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS AND INHUMANE TREATMENT OF BLACK PEOPLE LIVING IN CHINA. Your Excellency, The Africa Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) is the umbrella organization of over 210 million people living in the diaspora. For centuries, Africa has warmly and wholeheartedly welcomed Chinese nationals onto her shores, allowing them to settle, marry and prosper without a hint of racial discrimination, bigotry, harassment or intimidation. The former Chairperson of the African Union (between 2008 – 2012) Mr. Jean Ping was the child of a Chinese diaspora from Wenzhou, Zhejiang who came to Gabon as a timber harvester. Currently there are over 10 million Chinese nationals living in Africa and are being treated with the dignity and respect that any human being deserves. It is against this backdrop... Read more
When are stimulus checks coming? Money set to roll out to Americans next week
Americans have received conflicting information on when they will receive stimulus checks due to the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. But there’s good news: Checks will be hitting their bank accounts soon. Automatic payments are set to begin next week. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 and chose direct deposit for their refund will automatically receive a stimulus payment of up to $1,200 for individuals or $2,400 for married couples and $500 for each qualifying child, the IRS said Friday. Individuals who receive Social Security retirement or disability benefits, or who receive Railroad Retirement benefits but didn’t file a return for 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive a payment in the “near future,” the agency said. The government is prioritizing the first few waves of payments in the coming weeks toward low-income Americans and Social Security beneficiaries, according to Lisa Greene-Lewis, a certified public accountant... Read more
The Director General of World Health Organization condemns the remarks of the French racist doctors
The Director-General of World Health Organization ( WHO) Dr. Tedros Adhanom hold this morning a press conference regarding Covid – 19 and The African Journal was part of that. Here is a very important quote from Dr. Tedros who condemns the remarks made by two French scientists ( Jean-Paul Mira and Camille Locht ) who said that vaccine against covid – 19 should be tested in Africa. “ On the vaccine issue , there was a comment last week from some couple of scientists who said the testing ground for the new vaccine would be in Africa. To be honest, I was so appalled . It was a time when I said when we need solidarity this kind of racist remarks actually will not help. It goes against the solidarity. Africa cannot and will be not a testing ground four any vaccine. We will follow all the rules to test... Read more
Covid – 19 : 2 top French doctors said on live TV that coronavirus vaccines should be tested on poor Africans, leaving viewers horrified
Two highly respected French doctors discussed on live television how a new COVID-19vaccine under development should be first tested in Africa, "where there are no masks, no treatment, nor intensive care." One of them, Jean-Paul Mira, even compared Africans to prostitutes who were the focus of past AIDS studies. "We tried things on prostitutes because they are highly exposed and do not protect themselves," he said. Several African soccer stars who played in Europe, including the former Chelsea star Didier Drogba and the former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o, tweeted their outrage at the two medics' remarks A discussion between two top French doctors on live TV left viewers horrified when they proposed that Africa should become a giant laboratory for coronavirus vaccine testing because the continent lacked the resources to defend against COVID-19. In the segment broadcast on the French TV channel LCI, Jean-Paul Mira and Camille Locht raised the idea of testing... Read more
IRS Gives Stimulus Check Distribution Details, Says Payments To Begin Within Three Weeks
The Treasury Department and IRS today announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and that they will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. See IR 2020-61. However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the stimulus payment. Who is eligible for the economic impact payment? Tax filers with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 for married couples filing joint returns will receive the full payment. For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$150,000 thresholds. Single filers with income exceeding $99,000 and $198,000 for joint filers with no children are not eligible. Eligible taxpayers who filed tax returns for either 2019 or 2018 will automatically receive an economic impact payment of... Read more
Coronavirus Aid Relief: Know everything about it
President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act into law on March 27, 2020, to address the effects of the novel Coronavirus on the American economy. Below is a brief outline of critical categories in the bill. Direct payments Individuals (non-dependents) who make an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) up to $75,000, and filed 2019 or 2018 taxes, will receive a one-time payment of up to $1,200 Couples who make a total AGI of up to $150,000, and filed 2019 or 2018 taxes, will receive a one-time payment of up to $2,400 Parents will receive an additional $500 per child that is age 16 and under. Individuals who make an AGI between $75,000 and $99,999 or couples who make an AGI between $150,000 and $198,000 will receive a smaller payment, with a phase-out rate of $5 per $100 of income. Unemployment The CARES Act offers expands unemployment eligibility to independent... Read more
The African Empowerment Project : Actualize and institutionalize progress within the African diaspora
The African Empowerment Project, which was launched last year is striving to bring more helpful resources to African community as it sets several goals to fulfill its mission. “We need to take first care of ourselves here in America and then think about those who are in our native countries,” said Abdourahamane Diallo who initiates the project as covid - 19 the unforgettable pandemic hits merciless New York and the rest of the world. The African Empowerment Project is indeed “a collective effort of Africans who are determined to actualize and institutionalize progress within the diaspora in New York City.” Its four (4) core goals match with its mission statement that “ aim to actualize and institutionalize progress within the African diaspora through initiatives that address political & socio-economic needs.” Here are those goals: Ensuring that all Africans participate in the census 2020. This will position our African community to... Read more
Coronavirus in New York : 32,308 positive coronavirus cases and 678 related fatalities.
New data that the city’s Health Department released Sunday morning shows the coronavirus pandemic continuing to take a horrific toll on the five boroughs. Approximately 3,150 new cases and 161 deaths occurred in the last day, the data revealed. As of 9:30 a.m. March 29, there were 32,308 positive coronavirus cases and 678 related fatalities. Nearly 24 hours earlier, the Health Department accounted for 29,158 positive cases and 517 deaths. In little more than 24 hours, the number of coronavirus patients went up 10.4%, while fatalities rose 31.1%. Queens now has more than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus patients and continues to be the city’s hot zone in the outbreak. The 9:30 a.m. March 29 numbers revealed that the “World’s Borough” has 10,373 cases, 219 of which were fatal. Brooklyn has the second-highest coronavirus cases in the city with 8,451 infections and 168 deaths, followed by the Bronx with 6,145 infections and... Read more
Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School To Open In August
A new school in the Bronx seeks to hire teachers for the upcoming school year as it prepares to open its door for children. Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School will begin its academic year in August 2020 with 6th and 7th graders, with the lottery deadline for parents to apply set for April 1st. “We can design a school that is so acutely aligned to our community’s needs,” said Dr. Steve Perry, explaining how important the institution is. A school of such high stature needs great teachers. Isaiah Brown, the Founding Principal for the Capital Prep, refers to their educators as illuminators stating, “illuminators spark interest in the minds of young persons and therefore inspire them to do great things.” The school is looking for 10 illuminators and administrators for all subjects. Being bilingual in foreign languages such as Arabic, French, Spanish, and Bengali, is a huge plus. “One of... Read more
New York goes on pause because of coronavirus: Understanding the concept behind that
At 8 p.m. on Sunday night, by order of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, the whole state will go on "PAUSE" in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 and preserve and protect our already-overwhelmed healthcare system. Broadly, the order, which could remain in effect until at least April 19th, forces all "non-essential" workers to stay at home, and creates new rules of social conduct that New Yorkers must adhere to. We're all about to begin our new lives under PAUSE ("Policies Assure Uniform Safety for Everyone"), so let's talk about what it means. Grocery stores are going to be open, right? Yes, grocery stores, bodegas, farmer's markets, pharmacies, hardware stores, and restaurants and bars that serve delivery and take-out only are considered essential and will be open. Just remember to keep six feet of distance between you and your fellow shoppers, and check to see if your local store has special hours... Read more
U.S Ambassador in Burkina Faso Andrew Young tests positive for coronavirus
“I was tested positive in coronavirus,” said in March 22, 2020, Ambassador Young who has indicated that the community in the Embassy will go into quarantine and employees will keep providing services to citizens, and the effort to sustain Burkina Faso Faso in the fight against coronavirus will continue as well, news outlets in Burkina Faso have reported. Four ( 4 ) ministers from Burkina Faso’s government including the Minister of Foreign Affair, Alpha Barry had also tested positive for coronavirus. 75 people had tested positive for coronavirus in Burkina Faso and 4 people among them died. Last week the ambassador of Italy in Burkina Faso had also tested positive for coronavirus. The African Journal Read more
Tik Tok is quietly snapping up creatives from Youtube and Instagram for a full Africa roll – out
Early this year, the short video app TikTok joined Nairobi Garage, a leading coworking space in Nairobi’s Kilimani district. The Chinese company behind the world’s fastest-growing social media app had already been holding “creator sessions” and meetups around the city in 2019, urging creative young Kenyans to learn about the benefits of joining the “fun, cool short video platform”. Last October it partnered with Chinese phone maker Transsion’s Infinix brand in Kenya with a hashtag campaign called #WeAreHot to boost a new phone model but also raise awareness of the app. TikTok has been investing quietly, but significantly, to usher in a new age of influencers in Africa. It’s part of a concerted strategy for the youth-friendly app to get a major foothold in the world’s youngest continent and home to some of the leading global pop culture movers across music and film especially with the recent rise of Afrobeats and... Read more
IN REVIEW: Cuba’s fight against Ebola in Africa is a beacon of light
Cuban doctors and Guinean staff at shift change at the Coyah treatment center in Guinea, January 2015. “As they reported for duty, Cubans always made jokes,” writes Ubieta. “It lifted their spirits and those of patients and colleagues.” During a winter when a new epidemic, the coronavirus, is spreading rapidly in China and beyond, when more traditional influenzas have killed some 20,000 people in the U.S. alone, and at a time when Washington is escalating its economic war against the Cuban Revolution, the Pathfinder Press publication of Red Zone: Cuba and the Battle Against Ebola in West Africa is a beacon of light. The book — a gripping account by Enrique Ubieta Gómez about the Cuban Revolution’s response to the 2014 epidemic of the deadly Ebola virus in West Africa — is a powerful argument for socialist revolution and a close-up look at the human beings such a revolution produces.... Read more
New Yorkers and Coronavirus : What do you need to know? A message from the Mayor office
COVID-19pdf[googlepdf url="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19pdf.pdf"] Read more
African Day Census Kick off : Be an ambassador for your community
A coalition of African organizations has gathered in February 28, 2020 at Bronx Community College to spread the word about census 2020 as counting U.S population is about to kick off in March 12, 2020. “Please spread the word, your community must be counted,” Bukok Shonagh from Yankasa Association, said. African community in New York must be counted. It is known that the African community is the fastest and most educated growing population in New York City. The issue is that “the number is lower than the one we have,” Ramatu Sy from USA – Mali charitable Association, said. Every household will start receiving in March 12, 2020 a mail in mailbox from U.S census bureau to give detail information to individual of how to respond to the 2020 census online, by phone or by mail. “People do not think they have to be counted,” David Coulibaly from African Community... Read more
African Pop – Up Festival is about supporting one another and African culture
African Pop – Up Festival one of the New York biggest cultural events was held in February 22, 2020 in Harlem as New Yorkers came together not only to celebrate African culture, and food, but also to support African small businesses. “Our goal is to highlight our culture and business and empower small business,” Akin Akinsanya Founder & Executive Producer of NY African Restaurant Week, said. Inside the hall there were multitude of people; they lined up to taste all kind of food; some sat down listing to music as the DJ increased the decibel; other just danced. A room was set apart for vendors. They were selling clothes, jewelries, cosmetics. I stood up by a stand. “Do you want me to take your picture mom?” I asked a beautiful mother who was selling traditional clothes. “Yes sure, this is a great day,” she said with a broad smile. ... Read more
New York City Census 2020 Bronx Media Roundtable: Get yourselves be counted, why is it so important?
New York City census 2020 in partnership with New York City , New York libraries, and community groups, has held in February 20, 2020 in the Bronx Kingsbridge library a media roundtable to discuss about the census activity in the Bronx and the importance to be counted. Seven panelists from Mayor’s office of immigrant affairs, New York census 2020, New York library, and from diverse community groups, have explain to the media how and why every single person should be counted. They also talk about the work community leaders have done to mobilize community groups. Why should we be counted? We should be numbered because “the decennial census determines how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed every year for key programs and services; the census also determines each state’s fair share of representation in Congress, as well as how local, state, and federal legislative district lines... Read more
African Pop – Up Festival 2020 Celebrating Black History Month in Harlem: Don’t Miss It
African Pop - up festival 2020 is just coming up with big surprises as we are celebrating “Black History Month.” Let’s our mind be etched by a unique day: Saturday February 22, 2020 in Harlem, we will enjoy “the sight, the sounds, and the taste of Africa.” This is a panoramic view of what you will expect if you just come out: ” Food tastings by chefs and restaurants, chef’s competition, special Afrobeats, and musical performances. Vendors offering special prices in honor of Black History Month. Business panel empowering up and coming entrepreneurs…” Let’s put it in a simple and easy way: We are “gonna” shop, eat, listen to music, and dance !!! Shopping: “Over 20 vendors/entrepreneurs across Fashion” will be there. Besides that, organizers will welcome “wellness, art, design, ad beauty - with vendors offering special prices in honor of Black History Month.” Eating: There will be “ over 12... Read more
Interview: When a lawyer is talking about immigration news rules
Immigration was the talking point of The African Immigrant’s Commission of New York and Connecticut as it has organized in February 2, 2020 , in partnership with Brewster Law Firm a workshop on that matter. The African Journal has interviewed the two organizations, which gave us interested and insightful information not only about the workshop but also and particularly about immigration news rules that everyone needs to know. African Journal ( AJ) : The African Immigrant’s Commission of NY & CT in partnership with Brewster law Firm has organized in February 2, 2020 a workshop that was focused on immigration. How a workshop like this one, can benefit African community in New York and Connecticut? Mory Kouyate ( MK): A workshop as such is highly important and it greatly benefited those of our community that attended. We receive invitations all the time to go on community - based radio stations to... Read more
Africa: Let’s Celebrate Quality, Not Just Quantity of Women-Owned Businesses
On the face of it, the progress is impressive: four out of the top 10 countries with high women business owner percentages are in Africa. Indeed, since the recent release of the 2019 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, Ugandans have been proudly sharing the report on social media. The Mastercard Index profiles the progress and achievements of women-owned enterprises in 58 countries around the world. It also measures changes in the environments within which these businesses operate. In this 3rd edition of the report, Uganda, Ghana, Botswana and Malawi are among the top ten countries with high women business owner percentages. In Uganda and Ghana, nearly 4 of every 10 businesses are woman-owned. This is a commendable achievement, especially in light of the high hurdles that women business owners in Africa must overcome in order to successfully pursue their business dreams. As we celebrate these numbers, I am reminded of Africa's drive for Universal... Read more
Trump’s new travel ban ‘targets’ Eritrea, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania
Four African nations are target of a new travel ban by United States president Donald Trump, multiple news sources have reported. An official announcement is expected by next week. Incidentally, only one of the quartets is a Muslim-majority nation i.e. Sudan. The others are Eritrea, Nigeria and Tanzania. During an engagement on the sidelines of the ongoing 2020 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump, told the Wall Street Journal that plans were afoot to upgrade the controversial list. He however remained mute on the affected countries. The measure will largely be affected specific types of visas as and when the list is finalized, sources close to the issue added. Analysts have averred that business or visitor visas could likely be impacted. Barely a year after coming into office, Trump issued his first controversial travel ban which barred people from Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. Libya and Somalia... Read more
Book Review: Red Zone: Cuba and the Battle Against Ebola in West Africa
Coming soon from Pathfinder Press Advance book information announcement Publication date: February 10, 2020 Red Zone: Cuba and the Battle Against Ebola in West Africa Author: Enrique Ubieta Gomez Publisher: Pathfinder Press www.pathfinderpress.com orders@pathfinderpress.com Languages: English; Spanish ISBN: 978- 1- 60488-114-1 (English) 978-1-60488-113-4 (Spanish) LCCN: 2019955382(English) 2019953442( Spanish) Page count: 278 Format: Trade paper Price: US$17.00 Book description : “Just as the Cuban combatants in Angola set an example that can never be erased, the heroic actions of Cuba’s army of white coats will occupy a place of honor.” FIDEL CASTRO, OCTOBER 2014 In 2014 three West African countries were hit by the largest epidemic on record of the deadly Ebola virus. In response to an international call for help, Cuba’s revolutionary socialist government provided what was needed most – and what no other country even tried to deliver. In a matter of weeks, more than... Read more
Africa: Facebook Removes Misleading HIV Drug Ads After Outcry
New York — HIV prevention medication has been deemed "highly effective" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading national public health institute in the United States Facebook said on Monday it had removed some ads that contained misleading information about HIV prevention drugs following an outcry from activists, health experts and U.S. lawmakers. The ads linked the drugs, which are known as PrEP and designed to prevent HIV, to severe bone and kidney damage and were placed by personal-injury attorneys. LGBT+ advocacy groups have for months been pressuring the U.S. company to remove the ads, pointing to a multitude of research showing that the medication is safe. Facebook initially declined, before doing so this weekend. "After a review, our independent fact-checking partners have determined some of these ads in question mislead people about the effects of Truvada," spokeswoman Devon Kearns told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, referring to... Read more
Round table : “Do not be afraid to take the 2020 Census, fill out the form and get counted,” Mory Kouyate said
A round table was held in December 21, 2019 in the Bronx by African Immigrants ‘Commission of NY & CT, Inc in partnership with NKO USA Inc and Mandingue NKO West Inc. 2020 Census was the talking point. Mory Kouyate, chairman of African Immigrants ‘Commission of NY & CT, Inc in this interview gives more details about this round table African Immigrants ‘Commission of NY & CT, Inc in partnership with NKO USA Inc and Mandingue NKO West Inc have organized in December 21, 2019 a round table that brought together NKO’ scholars and community leaders. What was the goal of that roundtable? This was an initiative taken by the African Immigrants' Commission of NY&CT Inc to conduct a NKO 2020 Census round table . The goal of this round table was to lay out the facts that it is possible to apply a written African language like NKO... Read more
At a Glance: Burkina Faso’s deepening crisis
560,000 people displaced, and numbers still rising. More than 1.2 million people short of food. Insecurity is cutting off swathes of the country to aid workers. Negotiating access with armed groups is proving difficult. Lack of funding is undermining the humanitarian response. A surge in violence by jihadists, local militias, and militants - along with spiralling inter-communal attacks - has created in Burkina Faso one of the fastest-growing displacement crises in Africa, according to the United Nations. The rapid escalation this year, in a West African nation not long ago held up as an example of peaceful religious and ethnic coexistence, has caught aid groups and the government by surprise. The slow shift by donors and the government away from a focus on development projects to addressing emergency needs has held back the response, aid workers and officials told The New Humanitarian earlier this month, during visits to the north... Read more
Guinea opposition rejects Conde’s ‘constitutional coup d’etat’ plans
Guinean opposition coalition have denounced what it calls a constitutional coup d’etat, after President Alpha Condé announced plans for a constitutional amendment, on Thursday (December 19). His opponents insist the move is part of a ploy for Condé to seek a third term in 2020, which the current constitution prohibits. The proposed draft sets the terms at six years instead of five renewable once, and does not state whether he would be allowed to run. Thursday’s announcement by 81-year-old Conde has further provoked Guineans who have recently staged weekly protests against a possible third term. The demonstrations have left at least 20 civilians dead and dozens arrested. Initially hailed for ushering in change when he came to power in 2010, Alpha Conde has cracked down on the opposition in recent years. Read more
Muslims Israel Dialogue Series : Peace and acceptance were the mantra.
Muslims and Jews met in December 10, 2019 for the second time in two years at Mercy College in Manhattan to talk not only about peace but also to spread the word of acceptance between these two religious’ groups, thanks to “Muslims Israel Dialogue Series, which is a platform that embraces an interfaith talk. One of the objectives of Muslims Israel Dialogue Series is about “to convince Muslim leaders to accept Israel as an independent Jewish’ State,” said Sheik Musa Drammeh co – host of Muslims Israel Dialogue Series. For him, every single person deserves a homeland. As an example, he mentioned the Organization of the Islamic Conference ( OIC), which is a permanent delegation to the United Nations representing the interests of Muslims in 57 countries, the Arab league members which constitute 22 members. According to Mr. Drammeh, Israel appears to be alone. Mr. Drammeh said he knows “... Read more
The International Committee of Sankara Annual Conference : Sankara’s legacy at the center of discussion
The International Committee of Sankara annual Conference was held in December 8, 2019 in Harlem in New York as participants came from many States of the United States of America as well as Canada. They came not only to listen to what five panelists who discussed the topic about “Thomas Sankara’s legacy today,” but also to opine on the matter. Paul Sankara the brother of Thomas Sankara was there too. “Education under Sankara’s revolution, the role of women under Sankara’s revolution, Sankara ’speech in Harlem, Sankara everywhere, Sankara nowhere, terrorism in Burkina Faso,” were the sub topics, which were at the center of the debate. Basninwende Isonore Dianda, teacher one of the panelists said that education in Burkina Faso before Sankara was functionalist as it was intended to serve the colonizer. Having a chance to attend school according to Dianda was a privilege. In fact, school was for the elite... Read more
Terrorism in Burkina Faso: A panoramic view by a Sankarist
French ground troops are being deployed to Burkina Faso. This is the first major dispatch of imperialist troops to that West African country, an attempt to shore up a weakening (…) regime in a region racked by instability. The deployment was announced Nov. 4. Two days later, gunmen slaughtered at least 38 gold miners and wounded 60 more in an attack on a five-bus convoy transporting workers to a mine in eastern Burkina Faso. Miners told the press that demands they made for greater protection five months earlier had been disregarded by Semafo, the Canadian-based owner. Burkina Faso is in the midst of a gold rush driven by imperialist interests, making it the fourth largest gold-producing country in Africa. Only a decade ago, Burkina Faso's primary export was cotton. But the discovery of gold has done little to better the lives of the vast majority of working people in... Read more
First decade of Peace December : Peace the leitmotif
Many New Yorkers who have been advocating for peace in the Bronx ( New York) and around the world gathered in November 30 , 2019, in the Bronx to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Peace December, which is a non profit organization that regroups many others peace organizations. As they came together at the Bronx County Building for peace building, news outlets have reported shootings not only in the Bronx but also in other boroughs. And peace in many countries has been jeopardized due to terrorism. “Every single thing you do will make difference when you learn to love yourselves. When you love yourselves, you do not do harm to yourselves, then you do not do harm to others,” said Edna Thomas Executive Director of Peace December. For sheikh Musa Drammeh, the Chairman, peace building is to reject domestic violence, hate crimes, gang violence, genocide, and terrorism. As peacemakers, they... Read more
Discussion about the legacy of Thomas Sankara
Hello everyone! You are invited to a special event December 8. Hear speakers and join in a discussion about the legacy of Thomas Sankara. Sankara's legacy is even more important today with developments in Burkina Faso, West Africa, and even in the US. Mark your calendar. Join in the discussion. See you there! Best regards, Peter Thierjung Read more
Wiping out the daughters: Burkina Faso’s controversial mosquito experiment
A radical experiment to genetically modify a strain of mosquito in order to stop them breeding malaria-carrying daughters is one of the latest efforts to tackle the deadly scourge of malaria At 6.30am five-year-old Osman Balama and his mother reach the state hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city in Burkina Faso. He hasn’t been feeling well for a few days and his mother is worried that he has contracted malaria. The waiting room is already full of mothers and grandmothers with young children on their laps, all with the same tired look as Osman. “The rainy season has started,” says Sami Palm, head of the clinic. “That means more mosquitos. I’m certain that almost everyone here has malaria.” Two red lines on the detection strip confirm malaria. “He doesn’t need to stay in the hospital, because he isn’t vomiting and isn’t extremely sick,” Palm says. Osman is sent home with medication... Read more
How the Jihadists Are Advancing in Western Africa ( Burkina – Mali)
Islamist militant attacks are wreaking havoc in West Africa. An insurgency that began in northern Mali in 2012 has spread to neighboring Burkina Faso and is threatening coastal states including Benin, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Hundreds have died in recent months. Increased defense spending weighs heavily on the budgets of some of the world’s poorest countries. Gold mining, a crucial source of income for Mali and Burkina Faso, is also being affected. 1. What’s the source of the trouble? Mainly continuing instability in Mali and, further afield, in Libya, where turmoil has opened up smuggling routes and access to weapons. A French military intervention in 2013 dealt a heavy blow to jihadist groups that partnered with ethnic Tuareg rebels to seize control of northern Mali a year earlier. Deprived of their urban bases, the jihadists resorted to bombings and hit-and-run attacks, targeting army posts and the 15,000-person United Nations peacekeeping mission. They extended their operations... Read more
United Census 2020 recruitment campaign: The African Advisory Council is playing a key role
The African Advisory Council ( AAC) of the Bronx has joined the 2020 Census nationwide recruitment campaign as it has organized in November 9, 2019 in the Bronx its own campaign to mobilize Bronxites to apply for the Job. “This is my first time I am doing this, and I am glad that I apply, and I am grateful to African Advisory Council,” said Ms. Ouédraogo Zenabou as she was applied through a computer set by AAC. A specialist was there to explain the process. Many people applied and those who did so, will receive a call in the next coming days for an interview after a background check. A technical team was there too to help the applicants to fill out the application. “ Let's do it here so we can help you,” said one of the team members when I asked if applicants can apply through their own... Read more
Attack on Canadian miner in Burkina Faso threatens gold’s final frontier
As jihadists wreaked ever more havoc in the last two years, mining firms in Burkina Faso rolled out extra security measures, from barracks for government troops protecting them to safe rooms for workers behind barbed wire and mounds. Expatriates generally fly in and out, while local staff still drive but in guarded convoys. That has added millions of dollars to security costs for foreign companies, mainly from Canada and Australia, operating in the West African nation where industrial miners are forecast to produce 60 tonnes of gold this year. Yet this week’s attack on a convoy ferrying hundreds of local employees and contractors from a mine owned by Canada’s Semafo (SMF.TO) has exposed how vulnerable firms still are. At least 37 civilians died, with another 60 injured and dozens more feared missing. “This is the deadliest incident targeting the mining industry, or any private businesses, in the Sahel since the... Read more
Commission électorale indépendante du consulat de New York : Les membres sont connus
Les membres de la commission électorale indépendante du consulat ( CENIC) de New York ont été installées le dimanche 3 Décembre 2019 . La délégation de la CENI venue de Ouagadougou pour la circonstance était composée d’une équipe de deux personnes à savoir Bouda Boubacar et Moustapha Compaoré. Avant d’entrer dans le vif du sujet le Consul Général Alain Kompaoré a déclaré que « c’est le début d’un processus très important qui débouchera sur les élections de 2020. » Après avoir expliqué le rôle de la CENI et le processus d’installation des membres de la CENI du Consulat de New York, il a donné l’ordre aux différents partis politiques et à la société civile de choisir en leur sein des personnes qui remplissent les critères définis par le code électoral. L’opposition qui était représentée par deux partis politiques à savoir le CDP et l’UPC a choisi Hamza Ouédraogo du CDP et le... Read more
Community peace Diner in the Bronx: The talk about safety with the Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark
The Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark was the special guest for a community peace diner, which was organized in November 1st, 2019 by Al – Shaib New York City Community Center in the Bronx. The diner, which has gathered many youths and adult people from the Bronx, was an opportunity to talk about safety as the Bronx is said to be one of the boroughs in New York City where criminality is preponderant . Darcel Clark who is running for a second term to be the Bronx District attorney said her “job is public safety” including the safety of youths, kids, and businesses. She has explained what she has done during the last four years for the Bronx communities in term of reform, safety, community, and transparency. She said she worked hard to make those things happening . “ We bring the court to the community; we bring fairness... Read more
African countries with controlled foreign exchange rates
Several African countries have come under scrutiny over their foreign exchange regimes, that are often strictly managed by states in the face of thin reserves and dollar shortages. While some like Egypt and Angola have recently loosened the grip on their currencies, allowing for economic adjustments through their exchange rates, there are still quite a number who still control their foreign exchange rates. Nigeria Africa’s biggest oil exporter operates a multiple exchange rate regime, which it has used to manage pressure on the currency. The official rate NGN= of 306.90 is supported by the central bank but the NAFEX rate (Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Rate Fixing) of 362 is widely quoted by foreign investors and exporters. Central and West Africa (CFA Franc) Countries in the eight-nation West African CFA franc zone (Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo) and the six-nation Central African CFA franc zone (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the... Read more
Her Excellency Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao stands firm after her termination as Ambassador
The unbeatable Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao the former ambassador for the African Union in Washington DC has attended in October 19, 2019 in Harlem, a conference on “Pan Africanism, past, present, and future,” alongside with Paul Sankara the brother of late President of Burkina Faso Thomas Sankara, professor Leonard Jeffries, and Raymond Dugue. “My mandate is to promote Africa in the Americas and more importantly, to mobilize the African diaspora - meaning all people of African descent living outside of Africa,” Her Excellency Arikana said in 2015 as she received the “Women of Excellence Award” at the African Union Summit before she was appointed as the African Union representative to the US in October 7, 2017. However, in October 7, 2019, she has received a letter from the African Union Commission Chairman, the Chadian – born Moussa Faki who said she is no longer the African Union “Permanent Ambassador” without specifying... Read more
When African Union did a coup d’état against Ambassador Arikana
The African Union has operated in October 7, 2019 a shameful coup d’état as it has overthrown Ambassador Arikana Chihombori – Quao the African Union Ambassador to the United States. “I have the honour to inform you that, in line with the terms and conditions of service governing your appointment as Permanent Representative of the African Union Mission to the United States of America in Washington DC, I have decided to terminate your contract in that capacity with effect from 1st November 2019,” said a letter sent to Ambassador Arikana by The African Union Chair, Chadian-born, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat. I was shocked as I read the pathetic letter. However, I was not surprised. I have had the opportunity to cover in May 18, 2019 in Harlem a conference where Ambassador Arikana has addressed the keynote. Yeah, I was stunned as she was spoken publicly against the neo – colonialism... Read more
African Heritage celebration is the celebration of African Community, thanks to Mayor Bill de Blasio
New York city’s Mayor Bill de Blasio has hosted in September 26, 2019 the second annual African Heritage celebration at Gracie Mansion where hundreds of people from across the city have come to enjoy themselves. “This is the best party in New York, a party fills with joy and love,” he said. The Mayor who went to Ghana with his family has told the audience that they should visit Africa to understand the greatness, the rules, and traditions that embody America. He has also said it is shameful to ignore the African culture, and that the City will not allow the denigration of African community. As the census is its way, the Mayor has made a push for African community to participate actively in the 2020’s U.S census. “Help me make the census a success, I need you to join me now,” he said. The Mayor has also reminded the... Read more
African Heritage Month in the Bronx : Keeping African culture alive
The first annual African Heritage Month in the Bronx was held in September 18, 2019 in Hostos Community College’s center for the arts and culture. The event, which was organized by African Advisory Council ( AAC) , was focused on celebration of African diaspora’s culture as it was also called “multicultural music and dance festival.” Several artists from African diaspora in the Bronx have performed. A performance that has demonstrated that Africans abroad have kept their culture alive. Indeed, they danced, sung, beat drums, and told stories. “You are had - working community, a community of love and dance,” said the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. who has recalled in his speech how AAC was born in the wake of a shooting of a young African. A painful situation that triggered the creation of AAC in January 2010 with a clear mission: “To work with the Bronx African community... Read more
New York City African Diaspora Town Hall: Engaging communities and honoring leadership
African Diaspora in New York City gathered in September 12, 2019 in Brooklyn to celebrate African heritage month and discuss issues that are relevant to communities. Several people from different agencies in the city have spoken either as speaker or panelist, and other people were honored for their outstanding commitment to communities. If the Town Hall aimed to engage the African diaspora in a profound discussion based on issues related to human rights, it was also a platform to share ideas. “To be able to collaborate with each other,” said Christelle N. Onwu who is the Lead advisor for African communities, and NYC Commission on Human Rights. It was the first time a such event was organized in Brooklyn the city, which is, according to one of the organizers of the event, where there are most diverse groups of African diasporas. As eight speakers in total in their speeches spoke... Read more
African Union Day Foundation and African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT: A celebration of Africans’ accomplishment
Africans in the diaspora in New York, held in September 9, 2019 in the premises of Merci College in the Bronx, the 14th African Union Day celebration and the first anniversary of “Daylight Africa”. The event, which was conjointly organized by African Union Day Foundation and African Immigrants’ Commission of NY & CT, was an opportunity to celebrate African diversity, honor African business leaders, and pay tribute to two African soldiers who died in the battle field overseas for “their exemplary leadership and supreme sacrifices.” Tim L. Hall, the President of Merci College in his speech, has welcome everyone, encouraged African leaders and introduced his institution, which is “ an exceptional American College in New York.” “ We want students to succeed and give back to communities,” he said. The City councilwoman Delia Furgharson was the special guest of the event. She said she will continue to support everyone who... Read more
Bethel Hamliri Inc. wins two important grants in the total amount of $ 60, 000
[caption id="attachment_3566" align="alignleft" width="240"] 1591 E 233 St, Suite 205A - Bronx, New York 10466Phone: (646) 474-2778 - www.bethelhamlirii.orgHEALTHY LIVING[/caption] Bethel Hamliri Inc. has received a first grant in the mount of $ 50, 000 from the American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation as part of its Community Health program. With that grant, Bethel Hamliri Inc. in collaboration with other organizations will build a community of providers seeking to reduce the prevalence of type-2 diabetes and hypertension in their respective communities. The not for profit Bethel Hamliri Inc. has received a second grant in the amount of $10, 000, which was provided by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets for a proposal to the FreshConnect FoodBox Program. Both grants will run for a period of one year. Bethel Hamliri Inc. exists since 2015 and is a charity 501c New York based not for profit. It has been also recognized... Read more
Abdourahamane Diallo has announced his candidacy for New York City Council District 16
Abdourahamane Diallo,28, has organized a pre-launch event to announce his candidacy for New York City Council District 16 on August 14, 2019 in the Bronx. Following the election of Charles Fall, who is of Guinean descent, as the first Muslim and African-American Assemblyman in the New York’s 61st Assembly District in Staten Island, another African is running to be a councilman in the Bronx. “I stand in front of you as a son, a brother, with a vision to make our community better,” said Mr. Diallo to a packed auditorium. He went on to explain how he came to this country with a dream to have a better education, make money and go back to his native country. “This was what I was thinking when I was in Africa,” he said. In the United States of America, he realized that “the situation is different … we are here, we are... Read more
Ebola now curable, thanks to Congolese doctor behind treatment that “cures symptoms in just an hour”
“I spent four decades of my life thinking how to treat patients with the Ebola virus. So, this is the achievement of my life,” Dr Jean-Jacques Muyembe, who with his team of researchers, has discovered a new Ebola treatment that can cure symptoms in just an hour told the BBC. Four drugs were recently trialed on patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Ebola has killed nearly 1,900 people over the past year. It was discovered that more than 90% of infected people can survive if treated early with the latest experimental drugs. On Tuesday, two people cured of Ebola using the experimental drugs were released from a treatment center in Goma, DR Congo, and reunited with their families. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), two other treatments, called ZMapp and Remdesivir, which were used during the massive Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, have been dropped... Read more
National Night Out : “Interfaith prayer warriors circle,” a prayer for NYPD officers.
A community - based prayer was held in August 6, 2019 in different areas in the Bronx. Known as “Interfaith prayer warriors circle,” the gathering brought together all believers to pray for New York Police Department (NYPD) officers specially for those for took their own lives. According to those who initiated the prayer,” ‘Interfaith prayer warriors circle’ is named after Deputy Chief Steven J. Skills and dedicated to all NYPD officers who die in line of duty and those who took their lives.” Deputy Chief Steven J. Skills committed suicide on June 5th, 2019 at the age of 69. He was a retired NYPD officer. “He loved his job and he could not handle the idea of retirement,” said Sheikh Musa Drammeh member of National Night Out, a community – based organization whose goal is “to bring NYPD officers and community to stay close together.” “Interfaith prayer warriors circle,” was... Read more
When a woman marries her dog.
Elizabeth Hoad and her dog, Logan, tied the knot live on This Morning earlier this week – and they’re not the first to do so. A woman married her dog. Eamonn Holmes gave the bride away. The groom, a golden retriever, wore a top hat. Love Island’s Kem Cetinay acted as a ring-bearer. It played out live and like a David Lynch fever dream on ITV’s This Morning on Tuesday. One viewer called it “deeply uncomfortable viewing”. “There has to be law against marrying your bloody dog,” tweeted another. There is, actually – the only legal marriage is between two human beings – but there were a few giveaways that this was not a solemn occasion. Alison Hammond, officiating, struggled to keep it together as she called for those present to voice any “bones of contention” as to why Elizabeth Mary Francis Hoad and six-year-old Logan Humphrey the Second should not be... Read more
Is Boris Johnson the new prime minister of the United Kingdom a racist ?
Just three years after Theresa May took over as prime minister of the United Kingdom to clear the Brexit mess left by David Cameron, the country has a new prime minister again. Boris Johnson has emerged as the new prime minister of the United Kingdom after a leadership contest but, already, there is controversy surrounding his premiership due to some racist, homophobic and sexist statements he has made in the past. Some social media users have even adopted the hashtag #NotMyPM to express their dislike for the former journalist and columnist who is now Britain’s leader. Touted by some as ‘the British Trump’, the loud and controversial former London Mayor and UK foreign secretary has been compared with U.S. President Donald Trump as both of them have been noted for making offensive and outrageous remarks. Here are seven times the newly-elected Prime Minister Johnson made infamous comments about Africa that... Read more
Kenyans fume as white missionary reportedly undergoes female circumcision to be “part of the culture”
The desire to be a part of the Pokot culture in Kenya has brought a lot of anger towards American missionary Trizah Estes and her husband Tony Estes who decided to go through all the traditional Pokot wedding rites including the banned female genital mutilation (FGM). The traditionally wedded couple who has lived in Paka Hills in Tiati, Baringo County, for 10 years is being criticized for contravening Kenya’s Act (2011) which criminalizes the execution, procurement, and providing a space for FGM. Trizah Estes was alleged to have undergone the FGM in a video report filed by local TV channel K24 and reported by several online news sites even though other TV channels that covered the ceremony did not state that piece of information. Her husband, Tony Estes, paid dowry of camel and presented food, drinks and money as part of Pokot culture before they took their vows after a long... Read more
Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA) has honored 2019’s Guinean graduate students
Students from Guinean community in the USA and who graduated in 2019 had a broad smile in their face in July 13, 2019 as they sat side by side to celebrate their success. Thank to Guineans Succeeding in America ( GSA), which has initiated the gathering. “We come together as one community to support each other,” Asuma Jalloh president of GSA said. According to Ms. Jalloh education is a key to succeed and this meeting is to convey a message to those who graduated as well as those who are still in school that “we need to do more.” Several other people from Guinean community and from different professional backgrounds have come to the gathering, which was also about to promote and honor 2019’s Guinean graduate students, not only to support the newly graduated, but also to give them advices they need to cope with the challenges they may face... Read more
African Immigrants’Commission of NY & CT: Rally against violence and for justice
A rally for justice and against violence that brought together many organizations from New York City, was held in July 6, 2019 in front of the Bronx Court. The rally, which was Initiated by the African Immigrants ‘Commission of NY & CT, took place as many Africans have been attacked in the streets of New York and the perpetrators of these crimes remain at large. “ Higher violence took place in our community, and it took too long to arrest and prosecute those who commit these crimes against our people,” said Mory Kouyate chairman of African Immigrants ‘Commission of NY & CT. Those who attacked Fatoumata Camara in May 10, 2019, Mamadou Diallo in April 9, 2019, Ganiou Ganfonou in March 2, 2019, and Almane Drammeh in August 22, 2019, are still at loose. Mamadou Diallo was at the rally. He still remembers how four people approached him and punched... Read more
Exiled Gambian president accused of rape by beauty pageant
A beauty pageant winner is accusing Gambia’s former dictator of raping her four years ago.The young woman is one of several now coming forward and accusing Yahya Jammeh of sexual violence while he was in power. Jammeh fled into exile in the reclusive nation of Equatorial Guinea in 2017 after losing the presidential election and initially refusing to step down. The young woman, Fatou Jallow, plans to testify before Gambia’s truth and reconciliation commission that is investigating crimes committed during Jammeh’s rule. Human Rights Watch described Jammeh as a sexual predator who lavished gifts on young women and their families before violently attacking them. The human rights organization says it will take international pressure for Jammeh to be extradited from Equatorial Guinea. AP Read more
The Center for Communication is hiring
COOPER LEIBNER EDITORIAL FELLOWSHIP The Center for Communication annually awards the Carole Cooper and Richard Leibner Journalism Fellowship to a New York area female college junior, senior, or graduate student. The Fellow will receive a generous stipend up to $5000 while interning at the Center for Communication during the course of the school year. Students will have the opportunity to network with professionals and executives within media and entertainment at our panels and On Locations. The fellowship is open to students who will be enrolled within an undergraduate or graduate program in the Fall of 2019/Spring 2020 school year. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING: The Center for Communication is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic intern interested in marketing, social media, and writing. Additionally, this intern will also support program staff during On Locations and must be available to work during all evening panels. You will help maintain the Center's social... Read more
What is the role of women in new technologies?
The second edition of the Women in Business leadership meeting organized by the Africa CEO Forum kicked off on Monday. For the next two days, nearly 250 participants from 31 countries will discuss innovation and the role of women in new technologies. A highly dynamic sector with the development of artificial intelligence… which women must seize, explains Hajer Khader Bizri, deputy director of the Women in Business Initiative. Women are under-represented in scientific fields and this poses a real problem because afterwards we have what is called a bias in innovation and we end up with biased innovations because they are tested and thought of only by men. So there is really this challenge of having more women who create algorithms, who are in the scientific fields so that the products and services that companies put on the market are adapted to the whole of humanity, said Hajer Khader Bizri, Deputy Director,... Read more
Burkinabe scientists attempt killing mosquitoes with spider venom
Burkinabe scientists in one of the country’s village plagued by malarial mosquitoes, are conducting an experiment to test whether a fungus genetically-engineered to produce a toxin found in spider venom can provide a breakthrough in the worldwide fight against malaria, a deadly mosquito-borne disease that killed an estimated 435,000 people in 2017, according to the World Health Organization. “If we can find a solution against this disease which killed my child, other people we will thank god. They should do everything to eradicate this disease,” said Dramane Ouedraogo, a dedicated father that has visited his son’s grave every day since the two-year-old died of malaria, n the village of Soumousso. Brian Lovett, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Maryland leading the project said the idea is to target the mosquitoes using the natural characteristics of the fungus and spider venom. The scientists have engineered the DNA of the Metarhizium pingshaense fungus... Read more
A Day of visibility for Fatoumata Camara: “Hate is not tolerated in New York City,” Christelle Nkama Onwu, said
As a young woman who was beaten in the Bronx by a bunch of teenagers, is still seeking for justice, the New York City Human Rights along with African community based - organizations held a Day of visibility at 168th street and Third avenue in the Bronx. Fatouma Camara who was attacked on May 10 around 10 pm was there on June 7, 2019 along with her father, fiancé, and other family members to stand for what she has said and keep saying: “I am going fight for this … I’m gonna make sure they don’t do this to somebody else.” On May 10, Ms. Camara, student at the New York City College of Technology after her class, jumped in the Bx35 bus. When she was inside the bus a group teenager started taunting her. And when she got off the bus, they attacked her, beat her, robed her, and... Read more
Scientist’s quest to grow lost ganja smoked by Bob Marley
Amid mangos, lychees and other jackfruit, Dr Machel Emanuel has planted a field of supreme cannabis plants measuring dozens of square meters. His specialty: landrace cannabis, which grew naturally in Jamaica before it disappeared as a result of human intervention. The rastafarian doctor explained that in the 50s, 60s and 70s, Jamaica was known for its landrace cultivar which gave it that international reputation. Emanuel decided to recover the lost landrace varieties and reproduce them in his lab. The quest wasn’t easy: grains of landrace had spread to the four corners of the Caribbean over the years. His search led him to Guadeloupe, Trinidad and Dominica, in pursuit of Rastafarians living in the countryside and still cultivating what is left of these plants. His research is more than just out of love for horticulture. The scientist has also developed an entire marketing plan for the landrace cultivar. The marketing material... Read more
Terrorism: The reason why France and other western countries are slow to support the war against terrorists in Burkina and Mali
As global terrorism shifts away from battlefields in the Middle East, jihadists and other militants — including those affiliated with al Qaeda and the Islamic State — have begun seeking out unstable regions in sub-Saharan Africa as their next home. The Sahel, a vast space stretching from Mauritania's Atlantic coast to Eritrea, has been particularly vulnerable to this shift due to its perennial tumult and poverty. But now, there are signs that the region's militant spell has begun seeping into the West African countries to its south as well, which could have drastic consequences for some of the continent's most prosperous economies, such as Ivory Coast and Ghana, and their chief military partner, France. Hanging by a Thread Despite years of French military support across the region through Paris' Operation Barkhane strategy, an effective mechanism to improve the increasingly dire situation in the Sahel has yet to emerge. France's Group of Five... Read more
Africa Day Celebration in New York: Journalists were rewarded for outstanding service to communities
The 12th annual Africa Day organized by the African Immigrants’ Commission of New York & Connecticut was held in May 25, 2019 in New York in the Bronx. Some electoral officials were there, and others such as New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo was represented. Communities - based news organizations were rewarded and “The African Journal” was among the honorees. “This occasion recalls the historic events of April 15, 1958, when the first Conference of Independent African States was held among leaders of Africa’s liberation movement, giving rise to the eventual founding of the organization of the African Unity on May 25,1963. It marked an expression of solidarity among 32 free nations and the observance of the first Africa Day in a shared celebration of liberty and its meaning for the people of Africa countries,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo who was represented by Mr. Ortiz. The particularity this year of... Read more
The African Advisory Council (AAC) of the Bronx Borough President African Nations Cup 2019: Senegal defeated Benin 2 – 1
Team Senegal celebrated its victory in May 18, 2019 as it beat team Benin during the final of the tournament organized by the African Advisory Council (AAC). Twenty-four African teams took part of a competition that began in April 2019. Senegal and Benin were indeed the two finalists. After 80 minutes the two teams had the same score: 1 – 1. Benin lost on penalties to Senegal 1 – 2. Tracey Mcdermott who represented the Bronx Borough president Rubén Díaz Jr said she was proud to be here adding that the Bronx Borough president supports the tournament, which aims “to bring all African communities together.” “On behalf of African Advisory Council, I want to say congratulation to Senegal and Benin,” said Mohamed Mardah the AAC chairman. “We appeal to all African communities, the organization is open to everybody,” he said. The issue is the soccer field. “We do not have a... Read more
African Union Ambassador to the United States met African Diaspora in New York
Dr. Arikana Chihombori – Quao the African Union Ambassador to the United States met on May 18, 2019 African diaspora in Harlem New York to present a panoramic view about Africa. A sustainable development in Africa, “has to include African Diaspora,” said Dr. Arikana who also added that Israel, which is a small country is powerful because of its diaspora. “African diaspora needs to come to the table,” she said. However, the African diaspora does not trust each other. “Why we don’t trust each other?” she asked. To answer that question, she said we need to go back to 1884 a date that reminds us the Berlin conference as “Africans were sleeping, the Europeans had Africa map in front of them to divide us,” she said. When they came “they begun to tell us that everything in Africa is bad and everything in Europe is good,” she said. We believed... Read more
Trump Administration to LGBT Couples: Your ‘Out of Wedlock’ Kids Aren’t Citizens
Children of U.S. citizens are falling victim to a policy that de-recognizes their parents’ marriage—and strips them of their birthright citizenship No parent can ever be fully prepared for the arrival of a new baby. But when Roee and Adiel Kiviti brought home their newborn daughter Kessem two months ago, they figured that they were as ready as they could be. After all, they’d gone through the same process two years earlier with their son Lev, who, like Kessem, was born with the help of an egg donor and a gestational surrogate in Canada. “It was as straightforward as one can imagine,” Roee told The Daily Beast, recalling the ease of bringing Lev home in late 2016, the infant’s newly printed Canadian passport in hand, soon to be supplanted by an American one. But this February, when Kessem’s fathers contacted the U.S. consulate in Calgary to obtain a Consular Report... Read more
L’héritage révolutionnaire de Thomas Sankara : Une conférence pour mieux connaître l’homme
Le Socialist Working Party, présidé par Peter Thierjung, a animé le dimanche 05 Mai 2019 une conférence sur l’ancien Président, le capitaine Thomas Sankara du Burkina Faso. Cette présentation portant sur l’héritage révolutionnaire de Thomas Sankara s’est tenue dans les locaux de « The People’s Forum » à New York. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pXmpcc0JMhw Qui était Thomas Sankara ? Que représentait-il ? Pourquoi Thomas Sankara est-il un exemple pour les travailleurs d’Afrique et des Etats-Unis ? Pour y répondre, trois (3) éminents orateurs ont successivement démontré en quoi Thomas Sankara est un « remarquable dirigeant révolutionnaire des travailleurs, des agriculteurs et des jeunes du monde entier ». Il s’agit de Arouna Saniwidi, activiste et membre du Panafrican Federalist Movement ; de Asha Samad-Matias, professor à City College de Harlem ; enfin de Peter Thierjung, membre et dirigeant de Socialist Working Party-USA. Pour finir, une panoplie de livres et d’images sur l’ancien révolutionnaire du Faso a été soumise à la découverte des... Read more
African Family Cultural Festival: Peace and family were the key words
The first edition of African family Cultural Festival was held in April 28th, 2019 in Manhattan (New York) and was initiated by Universal Peace Federation (UPF) USA and African Diaspora Ambassadors for Peace. The event focusing on peace, was also an opportunity for UPF to appoint a dozen of new ambassadors of peace among them Mory Kouyate the chairman of African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut, and Marceline Lynn Tenakoua Areyerehoue of Femmes Sans Frontiere. The different nominees are from Burkina Faso, Benin, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Togo … “We are beyond of the illusion of boundaries,” said Dr. Kone Drissa executive director of UPF USA African Affairs as he pictures the world as one family. “We are making a covenant to become a tribe to support the nuclear family,” he said. Talking about peace, Dr. Taj Hamad vice president of UPF International has focused his... Read more
Happy spouse, longer life?
Having a happy husband or wife helps you live longer than those with miserable partners, research suggests Spouses who are unfit and shun healthy lifestyles not only ris.k knocking years off their own lives – they make it more likely their partner will die early, too. Now scientists suggest doctors should look further than a patient’s own health and mental state and take the spouse’s well-being into account as well. Dr Olga Stavrova, who was behind the research, said: "The data shows that spousal life satisfaction was associated with mortality, regardless of individuals’ socio-economic and demographic characteristics, or their physical health status." The study, by scientists at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, collected reports from around 4 400 couples aged over 50 in the US for a period of eight years. The couples were from diverse backgrounds, although some 99 per cent of them were heterosexual. The survey... Read more
Burkina Faso: security expert warns of inter-religious conflict
The attack on a Protestant church in Silgadji, northern Burkina Faso during which four worshippers and the pastor were killed, is causing concern in the country. The attack on the church last weekend is the first against a church since 2015, the year of the first jihadist attacks. “They’ve sent a message, a very strong message to say that they’re progressing even if they might be a bit threatened, that they’re here to stay”, said Paul Oumarou Koalaga, an expert in geopolitics and security affairs. For this security expert, Burkina Faso is not immune to inter-religious conflict “They attacked the Church because it’s one of their targets. Terrorist groups attack a number of targets and the Church is one of the symbolic targets that they attack. And they want to show there is an inter-religious conflict through the Church.They must have missed some opportunities at the military level, so by... Read more
Mali president appoints new Prime Minister, Boubou Cisse
Mali President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita appointed finance minister Boubou Cisse as prime minister on Monday, days after the government resigned following pressure to respond to the vigilante massacre of about 160 Fulani herders which shocked the nation. Mali’s former prime minister Soumeylou Boubeye Maiga and his government resigned last week after they came under fire for failing to disarm militias and beat back Islamist militants stoking the violence that led to the Fulani massacre. “The President of the Republic has decided to name Doctor Boubou Cisse to the function of prime minister,” Keita’s office said in a statement on Monday. Both Mali and neighboring Burkina Faso have been hit by the spike in hostilities fueled by Islamist militants seeking to extend their influence over the Sahel, an arid region between Africa’s northern Sahara desert and its southern savannas. The militants have built on long-standing rivalries between communities to side with... Read more
Trump’s Latest Immigration Plan Targets African Immigrants
The Trump administration is considering a new immigration measure to impose visa restrictions on countries whose citizens have a track record of overstaying beyond the validity of their short-term US visas, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports. As part of the proposed measure being discussed by senior White House officials, visas could become harder to get for applicants from countries with high rates of overstaying visas and, when issued, the visa validity periods could also become shorter. In the long-term, such countries could also face outright bans. WSJ also reports that the White House is looking to tighten rules around student and investor visas. As it turns out, several African countries whose nationals have high rates of overstaying their visas, including Nigeria, Chad, Eritrea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, could be on the receiving end if the measure, which will likely be legally challenged, is seen through. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country,... Read more
African Advisory Council of Bronx Borough President African Nations Cup 2019: NYPD team beat All Stars 4 – 0
The African Advisory Council (AAC) of the Bronx Borough President African Nations Cup 2019, which is an annual event was held on April 13, 2019 at Yankee Stadium. The opening game featured AAC’s All Stars team against New York Police Department (NYPD) team. Marricka Scott – McFadden the Deputy Borough President Bronx who said it is pleasure for her to be involved, kicked the opening kickoff as she did last year. The game started at 3: 31 pm. During the first 10 minutes and physically speaking the two teams were relatively equitable. However, technically NYPD team showed its prowess by scoring in the 10th minute as Luis Delpero stunned everybody with a kick that surprised All Stars goal keeper. NYPD 1 and All Stars 0. All Stars missed to score in the 24th minute as the crossbar pushed back the ball and saved NYPD team. In the 27th minute,... Read more
Community Peace Diner: “The idea is to celebrate our diversity,” Sheik Musa Drammey said
A diverse community groups gathered in April 4, 2019 at Al – Sahib Community Center in the Bronx for a diner called “Community Peace Diner.” The gathering that brought together Muslims, Christians, and other group of people was organized by Peace December a nonprofit organization, which is championing for Peace in the world. People who came from different communities sat side by side, ate food at the same table, shared ideas, and life experiences and gave testimonies. “The idea of that diner is to get to know each other, and to celebrate our diversity,” Sheik Musa Drammey the leader of the group said. As they celebrated diversity, they also talked about public safety, and how to prevent crime, violence, and hate in the Bronx, which according to Musa “is number one for every that is bad and is the last in everything that is good.” And Talking about those issues... Read more
Immigration: These 10 new rules make it much more difficult to become a legal immigrant in the U.S.
The U.S. immigration system has undergone numerous changes under the Trump administration, which have strengthened the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to enforce immigration law. As a result, the legal immigration process has become far more rigorous. Implementing these changes falls largely to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through a combination of rules, policy memorandums and operational changes. “Our goal is to apply the nation’s immigration law effectively, efficiently, and lawfully,” the federal agency said recently as it shared a list of the 10 ways it works to improve the integrity of the system — thereby tightening the review of applications for immigration benefits. ENFORCE POLICY GUIDANCE ON DEPORTATIONS There’s a new Trump administration guidance that expands the list of reasons for which immigrants can be sent before immigration judges to start deportation procedures against them, after the issuance of summonses known as Notice to Appear, or NTAs. The change affects particularly legal... Read more
The Black Institute and African Communities have debated on immigration policies
Addressing immigration issue in the United States of America is like a hot potato and talking about this hot topic in New York is indispensable. According to American immigration consul, “Immigrants in New York, now account for one-fifth of the state’s total population and make up a staggering 25 percent of its labor force.” And they are “an integral part of New York’s diverse and thriving communities and they make extensive contributions that benefit all.” And the Black Institute has right as it organized in March 26, 2019 an immigration forum at Hostos Community College to discuss immigration policies. Three African leaders were invited as panelists to address in a panoramic view immigration’s issue no matter what country or continent immigrants come from. Imam Konate a religious leader, Mohammed Mardah chairman of African Advisory Council, Christelle Onwu, scholar and New York City Commission of Human Rights, were indeed, the... Read more
Gunmen raid Mali military camp, 16 soldiers kille
Gunmen have seized an army base in Central Mali, Reuters reported on Sunday citing a local mayor. The attack in the Mopti region also led to the death of 16 Malian soldiers. the base was burned with reports indicating that arms had also been taken. Mali’s central government continues to battle with insurgent groups largely located in the country’s vast north. Security watchers believe the attack was orchestrated by Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin, JNIM. Nusrat al-Islam, officially known as Jama’at Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin’ is a militant organization that operates in the Maghreb and West Africa. It was formed by the merger of more popularly Ansar Dine, the Macina Liberation Front, Al-Mourabitoun and the Saharan branch of Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, AQIM. Read more
New Zealand: Christians in Christchurch offer prayers for victims ‘ families
In New Zealand, a local Christian community in Christchurch offered prayers for the mosque attack victims and their families on Sunday. Dean of Christchurch, Lawrence Kimberley asked for strength to heal the community. “ There aren’t any words, it’s just a terrible, shocking thing. Again, within our faith, we teach that violence doesn’t get anyone anywhere, it breaks community, and that’s what Jesus came to stop. So I haven’t got anything specific at the moment, but we will be praying hard and thinking about ways that we can send that message and help people to grow and trust and love for each other”, Kimberley said. Worshipers express shock at the incident and are confident about the country remaining an open society. “ I feel for them. They didn’t bring it upon themselves, just one person (the shooter), presumably it’s only one person. And he’s not gonna destroy us, we’re tougher... Read more
French President Macron from Africa calls for action on climate change
French president Emmanuel Macron challenged delegates attending the One Planet Summit in Kenya, to take action beyond words, as far as tackling climate change is concerned. Macron, who is on a two-day state visit in Kenya, attended the summit he launched in 2017, with his host, president Uhuru Kenyatta. “We need to put biodiversity at the heart of each of our actions. We make new commitments and invent a new model together. Thank you for this One Planet Summit in Africa,” Macron said on Thursday. “We all must act. Governments must act. Major enterprises must act. Investors must act. Citizens must act. All together.” The summit, which brought together over 4,000 delegates to Nairobi, focuses on ensuring the preservation and sustainability of forests. Commitments from Kenya, World Bank and AfDB Kenya’s president on his part pledged to aim for an estimate of 10 percent forest cover, as a target for... Read more
Kenya’s main airport resumes operations after strike disruption
A mini-strike action that disrupted operations of Kenya’s main airport, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, JKIA, in the capital Nairobi was resolved by authorities allowing normal operations of the airport to resume. Transport Minister James Macharia, who was at the airport in the morning disclosed in a tweet that the issue had been resolved and paved way for resumption of operations and all flights. The national carrier, Kenya Airways, also tweeted that delayed flights had been resumed. I am pleased to announce that the issues that we had at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport that resulted in the disruption of operations this morning have been resolved and we expect that the first flight to take off in the next hour or so. Strike grounds operations at JKIA A strike prompted by a labour dispute grounded flights at Kenya’s main international airport in Nairobi early on Wednesday, domestic media said, with flag carrier... Read more
Five things you need to know about ongoing Uganda-Rwanda impasse
The foreign ministers of Uganda and Rwanda addressed the media in their respective countries on Tuesday, to provide clarification on the border standoff that has dominated news headlines since Wednesday last week. Rwanda’s foreign minister, Richard Sezibera accused Uganda of sabotaging trade to its southern neighbor, in addition to mistreating Rwandans in Uganda and supporting rebel groups opposed to president Paul Kagame’s government. Uganda’s foreign minister Sam Kutesa also issued a statement the same day flatly denying the charges laid out by his counterpart. ‘‘Uganda does not and cannot allow anyone to operate from its territory that threatens a neighbor as alleged,’ ‘read part of the statement. In this article, we answer five key questions about the ongoing standoff between these two East African nations. Why is Rwanda unhappy with Uganda? Sezibera on Tuesday formally laid out the charges against Uganda, which include; Abducting and illegally detaining Rwandans in Uganda.... Read more
South Africa ‘resurrection’ pastor challenged to raise Mandela
A South African preacher has tried to confront another pastor for "bringing Christianity into disrepute" by staging a bogus resurrection. Self-styled prophet Paseka "Mboro" Motsoeneng stood outside the locked gates of Pastor Alph Lukau's church and shouted, "I'm here to get answers". He said if the pastor really had the power to resurrect, they should head over to Nelson Mandela's grave. A viral video showing the supposed resurrection was widely mocked. It shows Mr Lukau shouting "rise up" to a man lying in a coffin who then jerks upright to cheers from worshippers. Funeral companies say they were manipulated into being involved. "I'm not here to fight anyone, I'm here to get answers from my fellow brother in the Lord," Mr Motsoeneng, of the Church of Incredible Happenings, shouts outside Mr Lukau's church near Johannesburg. "I'm not here to fight anyone, I'm here to get answers from my fellow brother... Read more
Ivory Coast : From bean to bar in Ivory Coast, a country built on cocoa
On the eve of Fairtrade Fortnight, we meet the female farmers fighting for trade justice who face an uncertain future Cocoa producers in Ivory Coast only see about 6% of the value of the final product. Photograph: Chris Terry/Fairtrade Asking about the importance of cocoa in Ivory Coast feels a little like making enquiries about the value of grapes in Burgundy. When I put the question to N’Zi Kanga Rémi, who has for the last 18 years been governor of the rural department of Adzopé, north-east of the sprawling port city of Abidjan, he leaned forward in his chair and fixed me with an amused stare. His booming voice went up a decibel to fill the administrative offices on whose walls his own portrait alternated with that of his nation’s president. “It doesn’t make sense to ask an Ivorian what cocoa means to him!” he said. “It means everything! It’s his first... Read more
African giants, Senegal and Nigeria, elect presidents
In the looming weekend (February 23 – 24,) the eyes of the world will be on West Africa as two ‘big boys’ in democracy march to the polls to elect presidents. Elections have become routine across much of Africa where leaders have often subjected themselves to the electoral process. Specifically in West Africa, the last few years have seen commendable strides in The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Benin, where power has successfully changed hands. The case of Africa’s most populous nation Nigerians will have the option of reelecting incumbent Muhammadu Buahri for a second and final term or finally give a a former vice-president Atiku Abubakar the opportunity to become president after a number of attempts. This is the sixth vote since a return to civilian rule in 1999. As Africa’s most populous nation, over 84 million people registered to vote according to Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. A... Read more
The African Union has a brilliant plan for Africa, if it could get it right
Traffic in Addis Ababa has returned to normal, presidential motorcades no longer clog the routes between the Ethiopian capital’s many hotels and the African Union headquarters. The 32nd AU summit has ended, and now the work begins as delegates return home. The AU was founded as the Organization of African Unity, more than five decades ago by post-colonial states who wanted to protect their sovereignty, while building a unified Africa. Now, those very founding principles prevent it from pushing the continent into the 21st century. In the Nelson Mandela hall at the AU’s dome-shaped headquarters, Paul Kagame clanged a ceremonial bell to halt the high-level networking on the assembly floor and proceed with the open meeting. Kagame served as chair of the AU for 2018 and handed over to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Like the bell, this role has always been rather ceremonial, but Kagame managed to inject his... Read more
African Immigrants’ Commission is both a political and a social group according to Mory Kouyate the chairman
The African Immigrants’ Commission is a nonprofit organization, which was launched in December 2018. As the organization is organizing in February 18th, 2019 a workshop on Social Services, three members decided to tell in details the goals and mission of the newly born. Let’s welcome Mory Kouyate the chairman, Khady Racidat Kone Diaby, the African Immigrant’ s Commission commissioner on Family Affairs, and Menepelle J. Nuhann the national vice president of African Immigrant’ s Commission. The African Journal ( A J) : Can you introduce yourselves to our readers? Mory Kouyate ( MK) : Mr. Mory Kouyate attended Richmond Hill High School in Queens NY. He is also a CUNY/York College Graduate. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a History Minor. Since His graduation in 2010, Mr. Kouyate has been a dedicated community servant and a leader in the Bronx, New York for many years. For five years... Read more
US imposes visa restriction on Ghana over deportees
The United States said on Thursday it was imposing visa restrictions on Ghana, accusing the African country of not cooperating in accepting its citizens ordered removed from the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo “has ordered consular officers in Ghana to implement visa restrictions on certain categories of visa applicants,” the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a statement. “Without an appropriate response from Ghana, the scope of these sanctions may be expanded to a wider population,” the statement said. “Ghana has failed to live up to its obligations under international law to accept the return of its nationals ordered removed from the United States,” said DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said. “We hope the Ghanaian government will work with us to reconcile these deficiencies quickly,” she said. Reuters Read more
West Africa’s Sahel Islamist groups’ networking growing- Security report
An increase in violent attacks linked to Islamist groups in West Africa’s Sahel region shows the growing capabilities and networking skills, according to an international security conference report. According to extracts of the report cited by Reuters on Friday, three-quarters of battles with state security forces during 2018 were initiated by the group. It cited Africa center for Strategic Studies data showing fatalities linked to Islamist militant activity more than doubled from 2017 to 1,082. There was also a growing “security traffic jam” of military forces in the area including a United Nations mission, France’s Operation Barkhane, four European Union military and police training missions, and the G5 regional partnership established in 2015. The report is due to be published on Monday at the annual Munich security conference from Feb. 15-17. The Conference will bring together more than 600 government leaders and other decision makers. Reuters Read more
Jihadist Terrorism Threatens to Destabilize Burkina Faso and Its Neighbors
Since 2016, there have been more than 230 terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso, which threatens to destabilize the landlocked West African nation. In the north of the country, al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Islamic State in Greater Sahara both pose growing security threats. There is concern about Burkina Faso serving as a hub for terrorism which could spread throughout the region, affecting Togo, Benin and Ghana. Counter-terrorism campaigns by both the French and G5 Sahel have not yielded success and more help is required to stem the spread of terrorism. A series of actions undertaken by terrorists to target the international community have occurred in Burkina Faso over recent weeks, including the kidnapping of two international aid workers in December and a Canadian mining worker who was later found dead. These attacks are part of a broader trend and long-term problem in Burkina Faso. Since January 2016,... Read more
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff, and West African Economic and Monetary Union found common ground
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Staff Concludes 2019 Discussions with the West African Economic and Monetary Union on Common Policies for Member Countries Inflation has remained low reflecting the peg to the Euro, but also continued solid agricultural production and the limited passthrough of higher world oil prices; fiscal consolidation efforts are estimated to have led to a reduction of the aggregate fiscal deficit to 3.9 percent of GDP in 2018 from 4.3 percent of GDP in 2017; however, growth remains subject to downside risks, including delays in implementing national reform programs, further security concerns as well as uncertainties on global growth and international financial market conditions. A staff team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), headed by Ms. Céline Allard visited Ouagadougou, Abidjan, Dakar and Cotonou from January 10 to 24, 2019 for discussions with the institutions of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) on Common Policies for... Read more
Saudi Arabia to build refinery, petrochemical plants in South Africa
Saudi Arabia plans to build an oil refinery and a petrochemicals plant in South Africa as part of $10 billion of investments in the country, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih said on Friday. Saudi oil would be used in the planned refinery whose construction would be led by state energy company Saudi Aramco, Al-Falih said in comments following a meeting with South African Energy Minister Jeff Radebe in Pretoria. “There have been exchanges of talks by Saudi Aramco teams and they have been supported by the South African energy ministry,” Al-Falih said. The exact location of the refinery and petrochemicals plant will be finalized in the coming weeks, Radebe said. Saudi Arabia was also interested in using South Africa’s major oil storage facilities, Al-Falih said, adding that Saudi utility developer Acwa Power was looking at investing in South Africa’s revamped renewable energy program. He also confirmed that there were discussions... Read more
Second Canadian national feared kidnapped in Burkina Faso
A Canadian national has been abducted in northern Burkina Faso, according to media reports. The man was kidnapped on Tuesday night from a mine near the border with Niger, Security Minister Clement Sawadogo told reporters. This is the second case of a Canadian going missing in the West African country in recent weeks. Canadian officials said they are in touch with Burkina Faso authorities regarding the incident. "The relevant Canadian agencies are very much engaged in this difficult situation," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday in Quebec. Reuters reported that the man was kidnapped by gunmen from a gold mining site owned by Vancouver-based Progress Minerals near the border with Niger. A pair of aid workers also went missing in Burkina Faso last month. Canadian officials have told media they are treating the disappearance of Canadian Edith Blais, 34, and Italian Luca Tacchetto, 30, as a kidnapping. The two... Read more
Ghana’s anti-corruption buster murdered, bigmouth MP under fire
Ghana’s president Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has joined the long list of persons and institutions – home and abroad – mourning the death of an anti-corruption buster in a suburb of the capital, Accra. Ahmed Hussein-Suale was shot at thrice and killed by unknown assailants riding a motorbike, local media reports said. He was a key member of the team of Ghana’s investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. “I have learnt with sadness the killing of Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an associate of investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas. “I condemn the act unreservedly, and extent my condolences to his family. I expect the police to bring to book, as soon as possible, the perpetrators of this heinous crime. Once again, my heartfelt condolences,” the president said in a tweet. Anas, a journalist known to always wearing a face mask to hide his identity because of his high-risk investigations broke the news of Ahmed’s... Read more
Letter from Africa: Beyoncé, Bashir and Big Brother to dominate 2019
After consistently losing out in football bets last year, I have little confidence in predicting anything for 2019 beyond the fact that the sun will rise and set in Africa. But this much I know without a shadow of doubt: Africa in the coming year will be focused on the beast, the ballot and Big Brother. The African version of the famous reality TV show, which started 16 years ago in South Africa, will be launched in Sierra Leone in 2019. And it is promising to be big. Already 2,000 application forms for Big Brother Sierra Leone have been sold. With a top prize of about $12,000 (£9,400) and the chance to be really famous, it is already the talk of the town, following the success of Big Sister last year, the country's first-ever reality TV show. Africa Cup of Nations For six weeks starting in February, Sierra Leonean TV... Read more
DRC Catholic Church declares knowing winner of Dec. 30 polls
The Roman Catholic Church in the Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, says it already knows the winner of the December 30 presidential elections, according to its independent tallying. National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) bishops have thus tasked the elections body, CENI, to reveal the winner in keeping with truth and justice. Their declaration comes less than 24-hours since CENI told main aspirants at a meeting in Kinshasa that its January 6, 2018 date for initial release of results will most likely be delayed. We must do everything to avoid a parody of an election whose results would not be accepted, and which would, moreover, plunge our country into violence. CENI boss Corneille Nangaa reportedly told the aspirants that the slow transmission of result sheets from around the country meant that it had just about 17% of figures as at January 2. CENCO has yet to mention who “their winner” is or to publish a breakdown... Read more
Roundtable for African Youth in New York City: it was a time to discuss issues, answer questions, and socialize
“Your community, your voice: roundtable for African youth in New York City,” was the topic panelists and youth “dive in” in December 19, 2018 in Harlem to shed light on issues African immigrants specifically the youth may face in their journey in the Apple City. This was an initiative of the New York City Commission on Human Rights. Christelle N. Onwu the Lead Advisor for African Communities/ EEO Recruitment Strategist, NYC Commission on Human Rights, Introduced the panelists before discussions began. There were many tables in the room and a small group of people gathered around each table to identify issues, which were debated then. Issues were diagnosticated through questions such as “what some challenges are faced by immigrant New Yorkers?” “what role can city government play in increasing youth engagement?” “Do you believe youth and young adults feel empowered to report discrimination?” In addition to that there was time... Read more
End of year giveaways: USA – Mali Charitable Association put a smile in the faces of several students
More than one hundred students from school PS 125 in Harlem enjoyed an end of year giveaways in December 16, 2018, thanks to USA – Mali Charitable Association of NYC. “We do that every year for students to make them feel happy as we enter in a new year,” said Assetou Sy Founder and Executive Director of USA – Mali Charitable Association of NYC. Students from Pre-K to 5th grade received toys, books, and enjoyed food. They also danced as an artist from Burkina Faso (West Africa) was playing a drum and welcomed Santa as he entered in the room with his red costume and his face hid in a white and abundant beard. “This is about giving, sharing with family, and coming together as a community,” said Reginald Higgins the Principal of PS 125, and who added that “kids do not live always happy, and this is a joy... Read more
United African Coalition’s end of year party: to celebrate unity and engage in political spectrum
The United African Coalition held in December 13, 2018 an end of year party in the Bronx to celebrate unity. “When we come together as Africans, we are stronger,” said Sheik Musa Drammeh who was the former chairman of the organization and who was praised by Mohammed Mardah the African Advisory Council (AAC) Chairman as the only one who opens an Islamic school in the Bronx and opens his own restaurant. Founded in 2013, the United African Coalition is an organization that regroups African community leaders with the goal to engage the African immigrants in the political spectrum in the national and international level and to run for the city offices, according to Charles Cooper the new chairman of the organization. “We come oftentimes to the USA with our mind focusing in going to school and working. We are not politically engaged,” Mr. Cooper said. As the United African Coalition... Read more
Women of Distinction Awards: A night to shed light on 8 women who are far more precious than jewels
“The 2nd Chance International Women of Distinction Awards” was held in December 9, 2018 at Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island where eight distinguished women from New York State were honored. It was an emotional event as honorees received their awards followed by poignant testimonies. “An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels,” said Emmanuel Randolph Wheagar, Founder and CEO of the 2nd Chance International Women Awards, who quoted proverb 31 verse 10 from the Bible. “These are the kind of women we honored tonight,” he said. Among women who were honored we numbered journalists, humanitarians, business owners, and pastors. Here is a brief description of who they are. Ms. Dolores N. Morris. She began in 1979 her television career as a story researcher and eventually associate producer at “Children’s Television Workshop for the show “3 – 2 – 1” Contact.” After two years... Read more
African community in New York : Mohammed Mardah is the new African Advisory Council chairman
The African community in New York held in December 6, 2018 a special election to vote the chairman of African Advisory Council (AAC). Two candidates were running for the position: Mory Kouyate the incumbent, and Mohammed Mardah who was elect as new chairman of the AAC. Before the vote, each candidate had three minutes to tell and convince the community why it should vote for him. It was Mr. Mardah first who started: “AAC is going in the wrong direction, and I want to bring it back,” he said. According to him, Mr. Kouyate was not following the rules and regulations of the AAC. Then, it was the turn of Mr. Kouyate who first summarized what he has done for the community since he took service a year ago. “This vote is not about me or Mohamed,” he said. “Vote for me is a vote for justice, it is a... Read more
Boukary Sawadogo signed copies of his book, “African Film Studies: An Introduction” in New York
“African Film Studies: An Introduction”, the book, which is presented deeply the African cinema was launched in December 4, 2018 at Schomburg Center, in Harlem in a room that was became small as many people came to support the author, and understand better what African cinema is about. “The book is divided into seven chapters, which are themselves organized under three main parts: history, aesthetics, and criticism of African cinema,” said Boukary Sawadogo who authors the book and who is an assistant professor of cinema studies at City University of New York (City College). Mr. Sawadogo was praised by Dr. Jerry W. Carlson, professor and chair of Department of Media & Communication Arts, and who said he is the one the Department was looking for. He also said that Mr. Sawadogo has his full support. Focusing his speech on the African cinema, Mr. Sawadogo said that “the understanding and appreciation... Read more
Burkina Faso: Protest against fuel price increase
Thousands of people demonstrated in Burkina Faso on Thursday against the hike in fuel prices. The general strike in the capital Ouagadougou, with the slogan "No to the rise of hydrocarbons" was organized by the National Coalition against the Cost of Living. The first vice-president of the National Coalition to fight Against the High Cost of Living, Chrysogone Zougmoré, said that they had had enough. "Comrades, enough is enough! We say no to this increase in hydrocarbon prices which, inevitably, will have terribly damaging consequences on the populations and especially on the most vulnerable people." Since November 9, the price of gasoline and diesel in Burkina Faso has risen by 75 CFA francs per litre, an increase of 12%. The demonstrators submitted a list of demands to the Minister of Trade Harouna Kaboré. Chrysogone Zougmoré, expects the government to reduce the salaries and benefits of government officials. "We expect the government to... Read more
“Farafina Mousso” pays tribute to African women, Stephanie A. Hien, said
She has been living in New York for a while. She grew up with a childhood dream, which is to impact the world as a leader. She has understood that committing herself to underprivileged people, championing for social cohesion, and believing in sharing are some core values that make her a woman with an opened heart. Her name is Stephanie A. Hien. She is the founder and CEO of “Richissime Prod”and general coordinator of “Farafina Mousso” in English, “The African Woman.” Very modest, she introduces herself in this term: “From business management to international leader club, and the Association of Professional Music Managers, Stephanie A. Hien is a young cultural entrepreneur passionate about music, and graphic design.” Ms. Hien is embracing this new year 2019, with a desire to honor African diaspora women as she is organizing “Farafina Mousso” or “The African Woman”, which is an event to... Read more
Women of Distinction Awards: Eight women will be honored in New York
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
Women of Distinction Awards is one of the biggest event, which has been organized in New York for 14 years. Eight women from different backgrounds and different countries will be honored in December 9, 2018. The ceremony will be held at Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Staten Island . Emmanuel Randolph Wheagar who initiates the event, through this interview, gives the details about this important event. Can you introduce yourselves to our readers? My name is Emmanuel Randolph Wheagar, Founder and CEO of the 2nd Chance International Women of Distinction Magazine, the 2nd Chance Youth Empowerment Project, and the 2nd Chance Gospel Music Convention, Inc. You are organizing in December 9, 2018 a big event called “International 2nd Chance, Women of Distinction Awards,” why do you decide to organize a such event and why it is called 2nd Chance? I decided to organize this event in the early... Read more
The cost of a child marriage in Africa
Child marriage is costing African countries at least $60 billion in lost lifetime earnings, more than what the world gives the continent in aid each year, the World Bank said on Wednesday. Be it high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy or poor health outcomes, the cost of child marriage is far from just monetary, the Bank said in its report. But the vast sums lost might just be the headline that helps provoke long-awaited change, activists said. "When it comes to policy making, money talks. What this research shows is that ending child marriage is not only the right thing to do, it is also the smart thing to do," said Lakshmi Sundaram, Executive Director of Girls Not Brides. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest child marriage rates in the world, with more than 3 million - or one in three - girls marrying before they turn 18. The report said... Read more
Uber, Yellow Cab drivers need unity to fight bosses
By : Peter Thierjung
NEW YORK — The cutthroat competition among Uber, Lyft, other e-hail car services, livery companies and the Yellow Cab fleet bosses has claimed a seventh suicide victim here. Fausto Luna flung himself in front of an oncoming subway train and died Sept. 26. The 58-year-old Uber driver had told friends he was getting depressed in face of mounting debts and increasing overtime. His situation isn’t unusual. Uber drivers’ incomes fell 53 percent from 2013 to 2017, according to a study released by the J.P. Morgan Chase Institute that same month. “Alongside the rapid growth in the number of drivers has come a steady decline in average monthly earnings,” the report said. Uber disputes the findings, saying declining incomes result from drivers “choosing” to work part time. Today more than 100,000 e-hail cars flood New York City streets, compared to 67,500 in 2016. That’s on top of some 13,500 Yellow Cabs,... Read more
DCAS EXAM SCHEDULE – NOVEMBER 2018
The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is accepting applications for the following civil service exams. So don't delay, apply today! Apply for exams online: Go to the DCAS Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs and follow the onscreen application instructions for electronically submitting your application and payment, and completing any required forms. If you do not have access to a computer, visit one of our Computer-based Testing & Applications Centers (CTACs) to use our computers to submit your application (see below). OPEN COMPETITIVE - Exams Open to the Public CALL CENTER REPRESENTATIVE, EXAM NO. 9021 CHILD AND FAMILY SPECIALIST, EXAM NO. 9022 CLAIM SPECIALIST, EXAM NO. 9023 ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, EXAM NO. 9024 PLASTERER, EXAM NO. 9025 PLASTERER (NYC H+H), EXAM NO. 9081 - CANCELED POLICE COMMUNICATIONS TECHNICIAN, EXAM NO. 9079 PROMOTION - Exams for City Employees Only ... Read more
U.S to withdraw 10% of troops in Africa to counter Russia, China
The U.S. military will withdraw hundreds of troops focused on counterterrorism operations in Africa over the next several years to support the Pentagon’s increased focus on countering threats from China and Russia, officials said on Thursday. Earlier this year, the U.S. military put countering China and Russia at the center of a new national defense strategy, the latest sign of shifting priorities after more than a decade and a half of focusing on the fight against Islamist militants. “This realignment specifically projects to reduce forces by about 10 percent over the next several years – representing a fraction of the overall 7,200 DoD personnel operating in Africa,” Commander Candice Tresch, a Pentagon spokeswoman, told Reuters. Tresch said the cuts would leave “counter-violent extremist organization” activities largely untouched in several countries, including Somalia, Djibouti and Libya. In other parts of the region, including West Africa, the emphasis would shift from “tactical... Read more
Cameroonian journalist imprisoned for publishing what is considered “fake” news
At about 9pm on wednesday English desk editor and journalist of Equinoxe Television Mimi Mefo was jailed in New Bell central prison in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon. She was summoned to the regional gendarmerie legion early afternoon of November 7 was interviewed and subsequently placed under a warrant of arrest. A baseless act, as Denis Nkwebo the president of the National Syndicate of Cameroonian Journalists puts it. Instead of the charges being served, she was simply handcuffed and transferred to New Bell Prison. But the National syndicate of Journalists of Cameroon considers this to be sufficiently a serious act of provocation, and we have therefore decided to convene a meeting of the national executive board as a matter of urgency. And at the end of that meeting, we will get the union’s reaction, especially since this is not the first case. In recent days we have been the... Read more
Africa Investment Forum exceeds expectations, participants agree
The Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) ended on a high note with the closing panel comprising heads of Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) unanimously lauding the unique initiative, calling it an exceptional gathering that “exceeded all expectations.” President of the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org), Akinwumi Adesina told the more than 1,000 delegates, “The needle is shifting, pointing to the right direction, pointing to Africa. I am thankful for the investors, I am thankful for the confidence they have in Africa. Africa has grown up. Africa is not going to be developed by aid. It will be developed by investment and I think you are beginning to see it.¨ Participants from DFIs, institutional investors, sovereign wealth, equity and private sector CEOs from across the continent congregated in Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the first ever transaction-based Forum on the continent. At midday Friday, of 61 transactions valued at US$40.4 billion tabled for discussions... Read more
First – ever albinism contest held in Uganda
Uganda has held its first-ever beauty contest for people with albinism. Among the twenty two candidates from six districts, the judges chose 5 men and 5 women to represent Uganda at the Mr. and Miss East Africa’s beauty contest in Nairobi at the end of November this year. ‘‘Today was an important opportunity because we had the first hearings in Uganda of people with albinism for Mr. and Ms. Albinism from East Africa. This is extremely important because representation is important. That says a lot about how society perceives this difference’‘, said director of the Malengo foundation and judge, Michelle Omamteker. For contestants, the platform was an opportunity to showcase their incredible talents and be seen. “I think next year it will be huge, there will be even more than the 22 of today. I think the numbers will reach a hundred, or even 200 and more”, said Brenda Boonabaana, a... Read more
Socialist candidate for governor speaks out against Jew hatred and murderous assault on Pittsburgh synagogue
By : Peter Thierjung
MANHATTAN – "Working people everywhere should condemn the murderous assault on the Pittsburgh synagogue by an anti-Semitic and ultra - rightist terrorist who killed 11 people and gravely injured others," Róger Calero, the Socialist Workers Party candidate for governor of New York told a campaign meeting here Oct. 27. “History tell us that Jew-hatred rises in times of capitalist crisis like today,” Calero said. “This scapegoating is a poison that weakens the working class. It is used to keep us from focusing clearly on the those who oppress and exploit us — the capitalists who own the corporations, banks, and factories." "Working people face the brunt of today’s economic, social and moral crisis of capitalism," Calero said. "Workers are discussing and looking for ways to organize, to win better wages and working conditions. We need stronger unions and need to organize the unorganized. We need to reject the divide-and-rule tactics... Read more
Interview: “Prof Boukary Sawadogo is talking about his new and second book
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
Do you like African cinema, or do you want to know better about it? You have the good news: “African Film Studies: An Introduction” is a book that will allow you to explore and understand Africa through the lenses of African filmmakers. Dr. Boukary Sawadogo the author of that new book through this interview is talking about the book he took three years to write. African Film Studies: An Introduction is the title of your new book and the second one you’ve written. Yes, it was published by Routledge in late September 2018. My first book, Les Cinémas francophones ouest-africains, 1990-2005, was published by Harmattan in 2013. Why did you decide to write a book that deals specifically with African film? I realized there is a great need for a teaching and learning resource for African cinema. There are plenty of scholarly books on African cinema but almost no textbooks... Read more
Dr. Marie Claudine Mukamabano was honored for her outstanding commitment.
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
She was a little girl in 1990 when in Rwanda her native country, erupted a civil war, which sparked the death of thousands of people. She is a survivor of the genocide in Rwanda in 1994 when she found herself jumping over hundreds of corpses to save her life. Today she raised up from the darkness of a horrible war to a spotlight of a recognition. The State Senator Jesse Hamilton and the President of Brooklyn Borough Eric Adams honored Dr. Marie Claudine Mukamabano trough Citation for her an “outstanding commitment to promoting excellence and providing outstanding services and support to residents and those in need.” The ceremony was held in October 5, 2018 at the Brooklyn library before close friends who came to support and congratulate her for her accomplishment. Her story began in 1990 in Rwanda where a civil war between a minority group (Tutsi) and the... Read more
DCAS EXAM SCHEDULE – OCTOBER 2018
Here are some exams for the month of October 2018 The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) is accepting applications for the following civil service exams. So don't delay, apply today! Apply for exams online: Go to the DCAS Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs and follow the onscreen application instructions for electronically submitting your application and payment, and completing any required forms. If you do not have access to a computer, visit one of our Computer-based Testing & Applications Centers (CTACs) to use our computers to submit your application (see below). OPEN COMPETITIVE - Exams Open to the Public ADDICTION COUNSELOR (NYC H+H), EXAM NO. 9016 - POSTPONED ASSOCIATE CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR , EXAM NO. 9017 - POSTPONED ASSOCIATE PROJECT MANAGER, EXAM NO. 9003 ... Read more
President Trump wants to end immigration benefits, and a judge says no
A federal judge’s ruling blocking a Trump administration order to end immigration benefits for nearly 300,000 foreign nationals is the latest in a series of judicial setbacks for the Trump administration's immigration policies. Federal District Judge Edward Chen late Wednesday blocked the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) order to end temporary protected status (TPS) that allows citizens of Sudan, El Salvador, Haiti and Nicaragua to live and work in the United States, raising hopes for activists who have fought to make the program permanent. The preliminary injunction granted by Chen, an appointee of former President Obama, follows a trend of court reversals that have slowed the administration's proposed overhaul of American immigration laws. The administration's first judicial setbacks on immigration came weeks into Trump's presidency, as a New York court stopped in January of 2017 the application of the first version of a travel ban that blocked immigrants and visitors from seven majority-Muslim countries. After... Read more
African Immigrant Heritage Month, the New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer honored the best.
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer celebrated in September 24, 2018 African Immigrant Heritage Month, which is dedicated to recognizing the contribution of African immigrants. The ceremony was held at the National Black Theater in Harlem, which is a property of African American woman, Barbara Ann Teer. Her daughter Barbara S. Lythcott was there and gave an emotional testimony how she fought to take back the family property as it was about to be taken from the family. “My mother who passed away in 2008 had a mantra,” she said. “If you know the beginning well, the end will not trouble you.” And Stringer to said: “Leave your kids a good reputation.” Regarding the African Immigrant Heritage Month, which is the first annual one in the district, he said it is going to grow bigger. African Immigrant Heritage Month is also to honor excellency. “We honor the best,”... Read more
African Heritage Month: “We are strong not despite of immigrants, but because of immigrants,” said Bill de Blasio mayor of New York
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The Mayor of the New York City Bill De Blasio has celebrated in September 26, 2018 the African Heritage Month as hundreds of Africans from all over the city “invaded” Gracie Mansion to be witnesses of the first celebration of “African Heritage Month” dedicated to African diaspora. “The first ever in history Africans’ celebration at the Gracie Mansion,” De Blasio said. And Famod Kone, the first Chairman of the African Advisory Council (ACC) in the Bronx, and the Bronx Borough Director of the mayor’s office, put it in that way as he presented the mayor to the audience in four different languages: “The celebration of the contribution, the accomplishment, the history, and the rich culture of the African communities in New York.” According to De Blasio, “The African community is one of the most growing immigrant groups in the city.” “Over 15 African nations are represented in New York,” he... Read more
South Africa’s anti-apartheid icon Desmond Tutu was hospitalized in Cape Town on Thursday for “a series of tests”, his office said.
By : AFP
“The Archbishop was in good spirits after settling into his ward. He hopes to be back home in a few days,” said a statement released by his office. The Nobel Peace laureate who turns 87 in ten days, was last admitted to hospital in September 2016 when he underwent minor surgery. The Archbishop was in good spirits after settling into his ward. He hopes to be back home in a few days. During that year, he was hospitalized four times for a persistent infection that his foundation said was a consequence of the prostate cancer treatment Tutu has been receiving for nearly two decades. The retired archbishop was also hospitalized in 2015 over an infection, which was also a result of the prostate cancer treatment. The much-loved former archbishop of Cape Town gained worldwide prominence for his strong opposition to white-minority rule in South Africa. He won the Nobel Peace... Read more
Liberia court orders arrest of ex-president Sirleaf’s son, bank officials
By : REUTERS
A Liberian court has issued arrest warrants for the son of ex-president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and more than 30 former central bank officials in connection with $104 million that went missing on the way to the bank, according to a court document released on Friday. Former bank governor Milton Weeks and Charles Sirleaf, were among those ordered arrested. Weeks has said he had nothing to do with the missing cash and was cooperating with investigators. There was no immediate comment on Friday from Weeks, Charles Sirleaf or any of the other people named on the list or their lawyers. The court said it had information that the named individuals planned to leave Liberia and ordered that they “be brought before this Honourable Court to answer to criminal charges levied against them by the Republic of Liberia”. The document did not say what charges they would face. Political crisis for George Weah Last... Read more
Immigrants, fearing Trump crackdown, drop out of nutrition programs
Both documented and undocumented immigrants fear that accepting federal aid could make them ineligible for a green card if rules are changed. Immigrants are turning down government help to buy infant formula and healthy food for their young children because they’re afraid the Trump administration could bar them from getting a green card if they take federal aid. Local health providers say they’ve received panicked phone calls from both documented and undocumented immigrant families demanding to be dropped from the rolls of WIC, a federal nutrition program aimed at pregnant women and children, after news reports that the White House is potentially planning to deny legal status to immigrants who’ve used public benefits. Agencies in at least 18 states say they’ve seen drops of up to 20 percent in enrollment, and they attribute the change largely to fears about the immigration policy. The Trump administration hasn’t officially put the policy... Read more
How to prevent malaria before a trip to Africa or other countries? Diaspora parade was an opportunity to answer that question
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
Bronxites around Southern Boulevard and Louis Nine Boulevard enjoyed in September 15, 2018 watching African women from Congo dancing traditional dances as drums was beating, and admiring Jamaican and Spanish young girls in their lovely garments spinning. It was diaspora parade, which was organized in collaboration with Africa day malaria awareness. The parade ended up at Crotona Park where many hospitals from the Bronx had set up stands for free blood pressure, diabetes, and hepatitis B and C screening, as well as information regarding malaria, and insurances. According to some statistics “each year, almost 70 million people travel from the US to foreign countries.” And these travelers may be exposed to diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever, and hepatitis A. According to Ambroise Ngande, when people travel to Africa they have to cope with malaria, which is a big issue there. “The Africa Day malaria awareness will help to raise... Read more
FONY 2018: The culture of Burkina Faso once again was in the heart of the event
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The fourth edition of the Festival Ouaga New York (FONY), which was held and stretched from September 1st through September 4th, in New York is done. For four days, the FONY allowed the Burkinabé to revisit their culture and the Americans to better discover the culture of the country of upright people. The theme of the FONY, which is growing and renovating even if it still needs to improve, was “culture and education.” “The festival brought together artists from Africa, America, and Europe,” said Gerald Koala aka Kadafi who is the coordinator of the FONY. According to Mr. Koala, the FONY since its creation has allowed about twenty Burkinabe artists to land to America. "It's one of our goal,” he said. For this edition, there were three artists of the older generation from Burkina Faso and who flew to New York to make the culture of Burkina great. They kept... Read more
Local Histories of African Cinema: Interview with Projectionist Boureima Ouédraogo
By : Boukary Sawadogo, Ph.D.
This is the first in a series of interviews with key participants in African cinema that I hope will provide more insight into the local history of African moviemaking than what has been provided repeatedly in scholarly articles and books. By talking with projectionists, actors, private movie theater managers, and moviegoers, I hope to unearth the nuance and texture that are missing from the official history to help increase our understanding of African cinema, particularly the cinema of Burkina Faso. This first interview looks at the physical condition of movie theaters and how it affects the moviegoing experience. The overall condition of movie theaters in Burkina Faso is mixed, and theaters are unevenly distributed among the two major cities—the capital, Ouagadougou, and the second-largest city, Bobo-Dioulasso—and the regional provinces. Ouagadougou has three main theaters in operation, Ciné Neerwaya, Ciné Burkina, and Canal Olympia Yennenga, which are in relatively good condition... Read more
Africa Photo Festival is the privilege to tell our stories according to Yemi Ojagbamila
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The first edition of “Africa Photo Festival” was held in August 25 and 26, 2018 at The National Black Theater in Harlem. It was an exposition of pictures taken by 15 local and international photographers. “It is time for Africa to tell its story,” said Yemi Ojagbamila who is the curator and the promotor. For two days, New Yorkers enjoyed not only photos taken in Africa but also pictures that tell stories of Africans living abroad or African diasporas. If the pictures are telling Africa’ stories, the photographers are not from Africa alone. Some photographers for example are from Colombia, Italy, and Russia. Photographers were able to tell the stories of Africa trough many topics. One of the topics was the dead. Joana Toro, a photographer from Columbia through the lens of her camera, tells the story of African diasporas in Colombia as they celebrated dead by beating on drums... Read more
Muslims – Israel summit series: A new generation of Muslims speaking in different voice amid contestation
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The first edition of “Muslims – Israel summit series” was held in August 27, 2018, in Manhattan. The summit reunited Imams, Rabbis, Scholars, dignitaries, and peacemakers from New York as well as from other States. A “historic gathering,” said Muhammad Drammeh, board member of Muslim Media Corporation, which is the convener of the summit. In his opening prayer, Imam Souleymane Konate said he came to the summit not because the summit was about Muslims and Jews, but because he is a human being. “God creates us as one creature,” he said. “Let’s stop judging each other.” “We need to open the door for one another,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik in his opening remarks. “We came here today with different faith, we must leave here as one family,” he said. Why a summit on Muslims and Israel? “I can only imagine the benefits that derive from the contributions of an independent,... Read more
African Advisory Council’s BBQ was about to enjoy food, and to inquire about our health and our right to vote
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
African Advisory Council (AAC) organized in August 18, 2018 a barbecue, which was held in Crotona Park in the Bronx. It was not only about to enjoy food, but also to have a chance to get more information about healthiness, and voter’s registration. The organizers called it: “The AAC BBQ/ Health Fair/ voter’s registration.” As those who were present had enjoying food such as chicken, attieke, rice, salad… Menepelle Nuhan, AAC Director of Media, and who was also the MC of the event, made sure that music was tuned up. Coach Joewassa decided to make the BBQ more beautiful as he came with 15 kids. The primary and general election will be respectively held in September 13, 2018, and in November 6, 2018. Voting is a right. And Christelle N. Onwu and her husband, both are working in human rights, were there to give more information about voter’s registration. ... Read more
L’ÂME SŒUR : MYTHE OU RÉALITÉ?
Aujourd’hui dans notre rubrique « Famille » Wendlassida A. Bérenger Ouédraogo qui, dans son article sur le choix du conjoint, nous parle de « l’âme sœur ». Il s’interroge : l’âme sœur est – il un mythe ou une réalité ? A vous de décider. Très souvent, des gens ont de la peine à se trouver et à se choisir un conjoint. L’on dit communément son âme sœur ou sa moitié. Ce peut être un mythe ou une réalité. De ces deux points de vue dépend notre attitude. L’âme sœur vue comme un mythe. Vous allez rechercher le prince charmant, l’homme ou la femme idéal(e) qui serait uniquement créé pour vous et serait quelque part en attente d’être retrouvé(e). Selon le mythe, il existerait un être, juste pour vous, dont vous allez tomber amoureux instantanément. La théorie de l’âme sœur se trouve dans « le Bouquet de Platon ». Selon Platon, les êtres humains, à... Read more
Bethel Hamliri . Inc.’s health fair in New York was to bring awareness and health resources to communities
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
A health fair organized by Bethel Hamliri was held in August 12, 2018 at Crotona park in New York. “We believe that a health fair is one of the best way to bring awareness and health resources to our communities,” said Frank Edgar Kabore founder and CEO of Bethel Hamliri.Inc. Through that health fair, community groups had had a chance to have access to free services such as blood pressure testing, blood glucose testing, resources for healthy lifestyle and weigh loss… “Bronx is under the threshold of illness,” said Pojanee Fleury (PJ) a participant who advised people to “pay attention to their health.” Mory Kouyate the chairman of African Advisory Council (AAC) said the health fair is a good initiative. “We must prevent illness before we get sick,” he said. Eating well is part of our healthiness. “We are not big on vegetables,” said Salimata Seck a participant who recommended... Read more
Miss Congo Brazzaville USA 2018: The winner is Dalhia Milondo
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado & Moustapha Diaoune
The third edition of Miss Congo Brazzaville USA 2018, was held in August 12, 2018 at the National Black Theater in Harlem, New York. "Miss Congo Brazzaville is to promote the culture of Congo in the United States of America," said Henriette Brigitte Tsogni, promoter of Miss Congo Brazzaville and president of the NGO " La Main sur le Coeur.” They were five beautiful girls from different regions of Congo but living in the USA to take part in the competition. As the audience greet them with ovations as they make their appearance on the stage, some people were trying to guest the winner and making their choice. The numbers 1, 2 and 3, however, attract the attention of each other until the jury deliberated. The misses went back to the dress - room. Drums resound. It was the group Mfouambila of Congo which made its appearance. They were three... Read more
Africa Photo Festival New York August 25 & 26, 2018
Africa Photo Festival New York will be held in August 25 and 26, 2018 at The National Black Theater in Harlem. The festival has been organized by Yemi Ojagbamila, who is also the curator. Participants will have a chance to admire the work of many artists, and to talk directly to them. According to Yemi, “It will be an exhibition, artist talk, and collection.” Everyone is welcome to this big event. Read more
More than forty women were equipped to fight mental illness in New York city
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
Forty-five women were trained in August 4, 2018 in Harlem to fight mental illness. The free training, which was initiated by Women’s Federation for World Peace, USA in collaboration with Harlem Family Church, is part of the New York City program called “Mental Health First Aid Trainings,” which is sponsored by Thrive NYC. “New York city is stressful and mental illness is a real issue, “said Assetou Sy who also thanked Famod Koneh from the Mayor’s office for making this training happened. [caption id="attachment_1622" align="aligncenter" width="5184"] Assetou Sy[/caption] Here are statistics in New York regarding mental illness: 20 % of lower – income mothers develop symptoms of depression after pregnancy. 25% or 230, 000 veterans live in New York, and one out of four are estimated to have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/ or major depression. 35% of NYC Department of Homeless Services shelter clients have a serious mental illness;... Read more