Category: Communities

One week after ICE agents shot a father in Marble Hill while reportedly staging operations from a nearby private parking lot, Mayor and allied electeds urge garage and lot owners across the five boroughs to deny ICE access       Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani led more than 100 elected officials from across New York State in calling on every parking garage and lot owner in New York City to deny U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the use of their property as a staging ground for anti-immigrant operations.   In a letter sent today, the mayor and elected officials urge more than a thousand owners and operators not to rent, lend or otherwise make their property available to ICE for their operations. They also call on property owners to tell the agency directly that it is not authorized to use their facilities.  The call comes one week after ICE agents surrounded a car on a crowded residential street in Marble Hill and fired multiple rounds at 28-year-old Oscar Belgal, striking him in the neck while his 5-year-old son also sat in the vehicle. The agents had reportedly been staging operations from a private parking lot a few blocks away. The incident is... Read more

New Yorkers who lost benefits under expanded federal work requirements can reapply beginning Oct. 1 City outreach and assistance helped more than 220,000 New Yorkers maintain SNAP, with more than 98% of eligible recipients keeping their benefits   Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced a citywide outreach campaign to help New Yorkers who lost their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under new federal work requirements re-apply for SNAP as they become eligible beginning October 1. "Food should not be a luxury in New York City. This year, our administration used every tool at our disposal to help New Yorkers hold on to the food assistance they rely on, and more than 220,000 people were able to keep their SNAP benefits,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Now, we’re getting back to work to help New Yorkers who were left behind by these federal cuts get their benefits back. If you lost SNAP, we... Read more

  By Bazona Barnabe Bado For the seventh consecutive year, the African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut Inc. (AIC), in partnership with Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, hosted its annual African Heritage Month celebration. [caption id="attachment_9842" align="aligncenter" width="209"] Mory Kouyate[/caption]     Guests—including Dr. Hilda Heynes-Lewis, Dr. Lott, elected officials, and African community leaders—attended to support the event, learn about cancer generally and prostate cancer specifically, and enjoy African music, dance, and food. “I am enthusiastic and honored that African communities have come together to support the event,” said AIC Chairman Mory Kouyate. Expressing hope that the event would continue bringing people together, Mr. Kouyate said African Heritage Month promotes African culture and encourages civic engagement. This year’s theme focused on the “EPI,” a traditional Fulani cloth from Guinea whose symbols convey the country’s history and culture. The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut Inc ‘s... Read more

By Bazona Barnabe Bado Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani hosted his first African Heritage reception at Gracie Mansion on September 9, 2026, bringing together hundreds of guests to celebrate the African communities, cultures, and contributions that continue to shape New York City. [caption id="attachment_9830" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani[/caption]   Although African communities have previously gathered at Gracie Mansion for similar celebrations, Mayor Mamdani gave the reception a distinct format by hosting it inside the mansion, unlike former mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, who traditionally held the event outdoors. Attendees included elected official Yusef Salaam; Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga; African head of the Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia Shihata; Ambassador Mohamed Idris, permanent observer of the African Union to the United Nations; and Consul General Tamer El Miligy. Mamdani’s parents also attended, and he introduced his father as “the proudest African I... Read more

Presented by the African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut Incorporated | Saturday, September 12, 2026 The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut Incorporated invites African communities to celebrate African Heritage Month on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in the Bronx, marking the organization’s 7th consecutive annual celebration. Who: The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut Incorporated, a community-based organization, in partnership with Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. What: The 7th Annual African Heritage Month Celebration. When: Saturday, September 12, 2026 Time: 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Where: Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Robbins Auditorium at Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Forchheimer Building, Bronx, NY 10461.   Read more

  By Bazona Barnabe Bado   The Ghanaian Mental Well-being Project is an ongoing collaborative community-based initiative aimed at documenting the current understanding of mental well-being and identifying factors that may increase the risk of stress, anxiety, and depression among Ghanaian immigrants living in New York City. The project is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.  https://ghanaianmentalwellbeing.org. Assistant professor Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College and Ramatu Hamed representing the African Life Centre, both actively involved in the project are shedding light on the project.    The African Journal (A J) :  Please introduce yourself to our readers Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky (MHR): My name is Margrethe Horlyck-Romanovsky, I am Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College and the NYC-based Principal investigator (PI) of the NYC Ghanaian Mental Well-being Project. A J: As an assistant... Read more

 By Bazona Barnabe Bado AZAABAN celebrated its 13th anniversary with a barbecue at Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, where guests from New York and New Jersey gathered to enjoy food and celebrate Burkinabè heritage. Held under the high patronage of Burkina Faso Consul General Estelle Pelagie Segda Gango and opened with a blessing prayer by Apostle Ely Nutifafa, the ceremony also served as a moment of communion between Burkinabè community members and people of African descent who discovered their roots in Burkina Faso through DNA ancestry testing.  Also present were the Bronx Borough President's representative, the representative of the speaker of New York State Assembly 83rd district, the president of the Confederation of Alliance of Sahel States in the U.S., delegates of the High Council of Burkinabè Abroad from New York and New Jersey, and the president of the Burkinabè Association of New Jersey. Ms. Tene Ouedraogo, founder of... Read more

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President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is once more trying to limit the number of people who are born in the country who can become American citizens, in a sign that even after his first attempt at limiting birthright citizenship was rejected by the Supreme Court, he’s ready to try again. The president said he was signing two executive actions on immigration, including one limiting the number of people eligible for U.S. citizenship after being born in the United States, while another focused on stopping people from coming to the U.S. to give birth. The written executive order released later Thursday was narrower in scope than the previous one shot down by the Supreme Court and appeared to focus on restricting automatic citizenship to specific categories of people, including children born to adults with connections to foreign embassies or organizations as well as anyone considered an “alien enemy” of the United States.... Read more

Burkina Faso has raised 151.5 billion FCFA through the first subscription phase of its inaugural Diaspora Bond, known as the “Patriotic Loan,” exceeding its initial target of 125 billion FCFA. The fundraising initiative, launched on May 6 by Minister of Economy and Finance Aboubakar Nacanabo, closed on June 6 with subscriptions surpassing the target by more than 26 billion FCFA, according to reports.  The bond was designed to mobilise savings from both Burkinabe citizens and the diaspora and was structured into two tranches: a five-year bond worth 45 billion FCFA with an interest rate of 6.75 percent, and a seven-year bond valued at 80 billion FCFA offering a return of 6.85 percent. Authorities said the funds will be used to finance major development projects, including an agro-industrial free zone, energy infrastructure, social housing and road construction, as part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify funding sources and support national economic growth Read more

As New York celebrates the FIFA World Cup in June 2026—with several African teams, including Senegal, in competition—the city will also host one of the season’s most dynamic cross-cultural business and lifestyle events: Africa Pops. According to organizer Josephine Garrick, the initiative will transform New York into a platform where public engagement, diaspora activation, nation branding, and investment converge around West Africa. Led by Josephine Garrick Ltd Group, Senegal Is Calling x Africa Pops builds on the momentum of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to present a creative, ambitious, and internationally minded Senegal while opening concrete business pathways for Senegal, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Guinea. Garrick describes the broader ambition of the initiative as creating more than visibility for Senegal and Africa in New York. She envisions a platform where brands, talent, companies, industries, major groups, creators, chefs, architects, artists, members of the diaspora, partners, and investors can meet, recognize... Read more

City to transform parks, plazas and public markets into free World Cup watch parties for New Yorkers and tourists alike. New Yorkers can find watch parties and other World Cup events here    Free watch parties bolster Mamdani administration’s ongoing efforts to make the World Cup affordable and accessible for everyone      With the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ kicking off today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the city’s borough presidents unveiled a new roster of more than 100 free watch parties where New Yorkers and visitors alike will be able to watch World Cup matches and celebrate the world’s game.   The watch parties — which span all five boroughs — will take place in the city’s parks, plazas, marketplaces and theaters. Watch parties are being hosted by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and the city’s five borough... Read more

                     By Bazona Barnabe Bado BurkinaBe In Action (BBIA) celebrated its fourth anniversary on May 23, 2026, in Maplewood, New Jersey, with an event that brought together elected officials, dignitaries, community leaders, nonprofit representatives, business owners, and supporters from across the region. Among those in attendance was Maplewood Mayor Victor De Luca. “Today is special because we are celebrating four years of BBIA—four years of community, culture, service, education, partnership, and impact,” said Ms. Alizeta Diallo, founder of BBIA. The celebration drew guests from across the United States, including visitors from New York and Washington, D.C., who gathered despite the rain to show their support for the organization and its mission. Over the past four years, BBIA has organized and supported a wide range of initiatives, including BBContes, Black History Month and Women’s History Month activities, entrepreneur visibility efforts, community networking... Read more

             By Bazona Barnabe Bado Bronx Week ended on May 17, 2026, with the Bronx Week Parade, a community celebration that showcased the culture, resilience, and pride of the borough. Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson led the procession alongside firefighters, followed by community organizations, school groups, marching bands, and local leaders. The streets came alive with chanting, dancing, and music as residents gathered to celebrate the borough’s spirit. Gibson described the parade as an event dedicated to “celebrating the people, amplifying our voices, and telling the real story of the Bronx.” Her words reflected the purpose of Bronx Week: to honor the borough’s communities and highlight their contributions. The parade began along Mosholu Parkway and traveled from Hull Avenue to Van Cortlandt Avenue East. After the procession, the celebration continued with an outdoor festival featuring food vendors, arts and crafts, and a live concert.... Read more

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ New York New Jersey Host Committee today announced a free, citywide slate of Official NYNJ Fan Events across all five boroughs, bringing live match viewings, cultural programming, local businesses and interactive experiences directly to New Yorkers at no cost.     All together, these five FIFA World Cup 2026 ™ Fan Events in New York City will be one of the largest free fan events in the country.      “When I think back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories weren’t in the stadium, they were in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people brought together by a pure love of the game,” said Mayor Mamdani. “That’s what we’re building here: a World Cup that belongs to New Yorkers. By bringing these free fan events to every borough, we’re making sure everyone can be part of that joy.”      “New... Read more

South African authorities promised on Friday to crack down on anyone carrying out xenophobic attacks on Ghanaians and other foreign nationals, a day after Ghana protested over videos of violent incidents circulating on social media. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, summoned South Africa's envoy on Thursday and called for an "intervention ... to prevent further escalation". Campaigners for migrant rights say foreigners have been scapegoated in South Africa for its economic woes. Ablakwa expressed concern over an incident in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province where a Ghanaian national was confronted, asked to provide proof of his legal status and told to leave and "fix his country", his ministry said on X. South Africa's police ministry said in a statement that all those found participating in or inciting xenophobic acts would be identified, apprehended and brought before the courts. "Acts of lawlessness, intimidation and violence against migrant communities have no... Read more

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn today announced plans to install new bus lanes and safety upgrades along Linden Boulevard, one of Brooklyn’s most dangerous corridors, from Fountain Avenue to Conduit Avenue in East New York. The project will deliver faster, more reliable buses for 60,000 daily riders, while improving access to nearby subway lines and reconnecting neighborhoods long divided by the boulevard. Along this stretch, one person is injured in a traffic crash every four days, on average. “This project will deliver faster, more reliable buses for the 60,000 New Yorkers who rely on them every day — parents getting their kids to school, workers trying to clock in on time, families picking up groceries on the way home,” said Mayor Mamdani. “And redesigning this historically dangerous corridor will make it safer for everyone who has to cross it. When we make... Read more

By Bazona Barnabe Bado The Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson kicked off the 15th edition of the African Nations Soccer Tournament on April 13, 2026, in the Bronx at Macomb Dann Park. Sixteen (16) African soccer teams have been taken part of this African Advisory Council competition. Four (4) teams were in competition: Gambia versus Togo and Cameroon versus Guinea. The first game pitted the Gambians against the Togolese. Few minutes after the kick – off, the Gambian dressed up in white jersey, more tactic scored the first goal. A score that waked up the Togolese in red jersey and who scored their first goal five (5) minutes later. The Gambians responded by scoring another goal ten (10) minutes later. The referee paused the match for the halftime. After halftime both teams return to the field. Six (6) minutes later, the Gambians scored again. Time was running out. Togolese... Read more

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez encouraged families with children turning three or four this year to sign up for 3-K or Pre-K by Feb. 27, 2026, in a jointly released video in Spanish.      Applications are open to all eligible families, regardless of the language they speak or immigration status. Programs are free.    “Childcare remains one of the largest financial burdens facing New York families. Programs like 3-K and Pre-K are free, open to any child turning three or four this year and can put an average $26,000 back in the pockets of working people,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “If you haven’t signed up yet – now is the time. No matter the language you speak, your immigration status or zip code, there is a seat waiting for your child.”     Families can apply at myschools.nyc or call 718-935-2009. Applications are not first-come, first-served. Any family that applies by the... Read more

                             By Bazona Barnabe Bado The African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) is currently busy working to “going back to Burkina Faso” in April 2026 for the third time. Over 200 African Diaspora were in Burkina Faso in April – May 2024 and over 500 in October – November 2025. These trips were initiated by African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI). This African Diaspora is eager to return to Burkina Faso after experiencing an excellent welcome from the country of upright people. 2026’s trip foretells a magnific program that includes the building of IT school in Burkina Faso for the entire Africa, fashion shows and dance competition in Ouagadougou and Bobo – Dioulasso. “The group that will win the dance competition will be considered as ADDI’s dance group and will be with ADDI in South Africa event,” said Dr.... Read more

Faith Leaders, Educators and Local Elected Officials Unite for World Interfaith Harmony Week Commemoration in Long Island. The bitter cold weather was no match for local leaders and youth with hearts burning to advance peace and unity. More than 100 people gathered on February 7 at the Plainview Jewish Center in Long Island. Participants commemorated World Interfaith Harmony Week, designated by the United Nations General Assembly as an observance celebrated each year during the first week of February. Saturday's event, hosted by the Guru Gobind Singh Sikh Center, brought together faith leaders, educators, and public figures to promote interfaith harmony. Co-hosts included the Shanti Fund and Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international peace group in special consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council and the UN Department of Global Communications. The event began with opening remarks from the host and co-hosts and statements from... Read more

At the first annual Interfaith Breakfast of his administration, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced sweeping new actions to uphold New York City’s sanctuary city laws and protect immigrant New Yorkers. The breakfast brought together nearly 400 faith and community leaders from across the five boroughs.      During the event, Mayor Mamdani signed a comprehensive executive order to reaffirm the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for all New Yorkers. The order protects the privacy and data of immigrants and all residents; bolsters restrictions on federal immigration enforcement on city property; initiates an audit to make sure city agencies are complying with sanctuary laws; and establishes a committee to coordinate crisis response across city government in the event of escalating federal immigration actions or other major events.      Mayor Mamdani also launched a citywide “Know Your Rights” push, distributing nearly 32,000 flyers and booklets in 10 languages for faith leaders to share with their congregations. The materials provide clear, accessible information... Read more

NEW YORK – TODAY, ahead of the coldest night of the winter, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced additional emergency actions to expand shelter and warming facility capacity across the city and bring vulnerable New Yorkers indoors.       On Friday night, the Mamdani administration accelerated the opening of 48 new safe haven beds in the Bronx for homeless people who are resistant to traditional shelter settings. The expansion was carried out with support from the Department of Social Services and the Department of Buildings.      The administration has also deployed more than 150 additional outreach workers — supplementing the more than 400 Department of Homeless Services outreach staff already working around the clock — to conduct direct street outreach throughout the weekend. More than 50 school nurses have also been deployed. Since January 19th, the city has made more than 1,300 shelter placements and involuntarily transported 29 New Yorkers.      On Saturday, the Department of Education announced it is... Read more

Mayor Mamdani joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth to kick off the 2026 tax season by announcing free, in-person and virtual tax preparation services for New Yorkers as part of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. Last year 110,000 returns were completed through NYC Free Tax Prep, saving New Yorkers an average of $346 in tax preparation fees per return and approximately $38.2 million citywide. This year, the administration is focused on pairing the free tax preparation program with compliance in the paid tax preparer industry to protect all New Yorkers from unfair fees, sketchy loan products, and other deceptive corporate activity. This will include a citywide sweep of paid tax preparer locations to ensure they are following the law, as well as compliance notices warning paid tax preparers of the City’s ban on illegal overcharging and hidden fees.  “New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops... Read more

Khaby Lame started posting videos on TikTok in 2020 as a coping mechanism after being laid off from his factory machine labor job at the onset of the pandemic. In videos of him silently doing things like applying butter to a pan, his deadpan humor gained him quick fame and earned him the label the “Gen Z Charlie Chaplin.” Lame kept at it, and in just six years, the 25-year-old built a massive following, becoming the most popular creator on TikTok with more than 160 million followers on the platform. The last seven months have been downright Chaplinesque, as he saw himself deported from the U.S. and sealing a nearly billion-dollar business deal for his business and AI likeness. According to a public SEC filing, Lame has sold his company Step Distinctive Limited—which manages his brand and commercial activities—to Rich Sparkle Holdings, a Hong Kong-based holding company, in an all-stock deal worth... Read more

                                                    By SCJ On January 23, the Alliance for Democracy and Religious Freedom convened an emergency press conference outside Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office in central Seoul, formally announcing its establishment. The coalition includes civic and religious organizations from across South Korea and approximately 100 participants, including Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim leaders, legal professionals, university professors, and civil society advocates. Convened under the banner, "Joint Press Conference to Defend Constitutional Religious Freedom," the gathering responded to statements made during a January 12 luncheon between President Lee Jae-myung and leaders of seven major religious denominations. At that meeting, President Lee—through spokesperson Kang Yu-jeong—characterized specific religious organizations, including Shincheonji, as a "social menace," vowing that the government would eradicate them. Within a single day of these... Read more

President Donald Trump on Wednesday scrapped the tariffs that he threatened to impose on eight European nations to press for U.S. control over Greenland, pulling a dramatic reversal shortly after insisting he wanted to get the island “including right, title and ownership.” In a post on his social media site, Trump said he had agreed with the head of NATO on a “framework of a future deal” on Arctic security, potentially defusing tension that had far-reaching geopolitical implications. He said “additional discussions” on Greenland were being held concerning the Golden Dome missile defense program, a multilayered, $175 billion system that for the first time will put U.S. weapons in space. Trump offered few details, saying they were still being worked out. But one idea NATO members have discussed as part of a compromise with Trump was that Denmark and the alliance would work with the U.S. to build more U.S. military bases on Greenland. That’s according... Read more

Alliance des Etats du Sahel Coordination de la Diaspora New York / USA À l'attention de: La communauté internationale, aux peuples et gouvernements du Mali, du Burkina Faso, du Niger, et à toutes les personnes éprises de paix et de souveraineté. Objet : Condamnation ferme et unanime de la tentative de déstabilisation au Burkina Faso et appel à l'unité sacrée de l'AES. L’association de L'Alliance des États du Sahel aux États-Unis (AES-USA), représentant la diaspora des trois nations unies par un destin commun, condamne avec la dernière énergie la tentative de déstabilisation menée cette semaine par le colonel Damiba et ses complices contre l'État et le peuple du Burkina Faso. Cette action irresponsable et illégitime constitue une attaque directe contre la souveraineté retrouvée du Burkina Faso, contre la stabilité naissante de l'Alliance des États du Sahel, et contre l'aspiration profonde des peuples frères du Mali, du Burkina Faso et du... Read more

  Governor Hochul today announced an unprecedented investment as the next step to deliver affordable, universal childcare for children under five years of age across New York State. The Governor will partner with Mayor Zohran Mamdani to deliver free child care for two-year-olds in New York City, in addition to strengthening the existing 3K program to achieve universal care and ultimately, serve all families across the city.      In 2026, the state will continue to expand access to high-quality child care programs throughout the state, through a diversity of models, saving New York families billions of dollars each year. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has already taken major steps to expand access to affordable child care for families through an $8 billion dollar investment in the state’s child care infrastructure, dramatically expanding access, as part of laying the groundwork for the implementation of universal child care statewide.    “There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare... Read more

 A defiant Nicolás Maduro declared himself “the president of my country” as he protested his capture and pleaded not guilty Monday to federal drug trafficking charges that the Trump administration used to justify removing him from power in Venezuela. “I was captured,” Maduro said in Spanish as translated by a courtroom interpreter before being cut off by the judge. Asked later for his plea to the charges, he stated: “I am innocent. I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.” Maduro’s court appearance in Manhattan, his first since he and his wife, Cilia Flores, were seized from their Caracas home Saturday in a stunning middle-of-the-night military operation, kicked off the U.S. government’s most consequential prosecution in decades of a foreign head of state. She also pleaded not guilty. The criminal case is unfolding against a broader diplomatic backdrop of an audacious U.S.-engineered regime change that President Donald... Read more

“Best of Me,” is both the title and the song of a new album that is in vogue now in Africa, specifically in Nigeria. Bongcee the Nigerian artist musician is just making Africans or Nigerians thrilling with a song she wants the “world to see” or to listen to. She has been singing since she was a little child, and music is part of herself. “I was inspired to write the song “Best of Me” because I know I have potentials and I really want the world to see the best of me and do not want to do anything less than what I have got,” she said. Bongcee who lives in Nigeria wrote several songs and is singing as a soloist. She is inviting African diaspora in the USA and everywhere else to listen to her music through platforms like MPRE MUSIC GROUP, VIRGIN MUSIC AFRICA, DOWNTOWN MUSIC, Apple... Read more

The NYC Mayor’s Office for International Affairs invites you to a free Procurement Training designed to help organizations, entrepreneurs, and small business owners better understand and access New York City’s $35 billion procurement system. Whether you’re a trade representative, a business support agency, part of an NGO, or a business owner, this session will provide actionable guidance on how to engage with NYC’s contracting opportunities. At this event, you will: Learn how the City’s procurement system works Discover practical steps to access contract opportunities Connect with City agency representatives and peer organizations Expand your network with fellow entrepreneurs Event Details: Location: Mezzanine Space, 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007 Date: Thursday, October 16, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM We believe your participation will support your efforts to empower business communities and drive inclusive economic growth in New York City. Please RSVP on the following link: https://forms.office.com/g/igVLhaBLAk. Also, please share this opportunity with businesses and... Read more

New York City — Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA) will host its 7th Annual Conference on Friday, October 17, and Saturday, October 18, 2025, in New York City — its most ambitious program yet, dedicated to advancing careers, fostering entrepreneurship, and strengthening professional networks across the Guinean diaspora. The event is proudly supported by Official Sponsors and Partners. ● YMO (www.ymo.africa) — A fintech pioneer building Africa’s digital payment infrastructure to enhance financial payment inclusion across Africa . ● APIP Guinea — The Private Investment Promotion Agency of Guinea, driving investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Day 1 — Dinner Gala feat Entrepreneurship pitch .Friday, October 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Invitation Only In partnership with Vision Large SARL, GSA will host the Grand Concours Jeune Entrepreneur – USA Edition, a high-profile pitch competition featuring standout Guinean entrepreneurs — previous winners of the original national competition in Guinea... Read more

The African Immigrants' Commission of New York and Connecticut has organized on September 27,2025 its 6th annual African Heritage Month. The African Journal has interviewed Mory Kouyate the chairman of the organization. He has been talking not only about the event but also the organization itself. The African Journal:  African Immigrant Commission celebrated on September 27,2025 the 6th annual African Heritage Month. Before talking about the 6th annual African Heritage Month, how great is your organization which is now 7 years old?   Mory Kouyate: First things first, I would like to personally thank the African journal online for always being there in our communities covering our events. You document and immortalize our works in the community and for this we thank you.    The African immigrants' commission of New York and Connecticut is now seven years old, you would say we are now stronger than before, we have gone... Read more

September 27th, 2025, New York | NY - On the margins of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Union, with the support of UN Women and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) convened the Second Edition of the High-Level Forum on Women’s Political Leadership in Africa under the theme “Accelerating Women’s Leadership for Transformative Governance.”                                                                                                                      This historic gathering, which coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and preceded the 25th years of... Read more

Hard-Working New Yorkers Forced to Pay Nearly Double the National Average for Car Insurance -- $4,031 a Year Compared to $2,400 Nationwide NEW YORK—Citizens for Affordable Rates (CAR), a coalition of consumers, advocates, and organizations fighting for working families struggling with crushing insurance costs, today highlighted the Partnership for New York City's distressful new report, "Excessive Litigation Is Driving New York's Affordability Crisis," which exposes how legal system abuse and rampant insurance fraud are forcing New York families to pay auto insurance premiums 52% higher than families anywhere else in America. Working families across New York – from immigrant communities in Queens to Latino families in the Bronx, from African American households in Brooklyn to South Asian families on Long Island – are being forced to choose between keeping their cars and putting food on the table. At $4,031 a year for full coverage, that's nearly $700 a month just for the privilege... Read more

On Friday, September 12, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), hosted a side event together with two permanent missions to the United Nations and The African Journal. The event, “Truth in Media: Upholding the UN’s Founding Values in the Digital Age,” was held on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in observance of the International Day of Peace. For the New York branch of HWPL, the event also served as an opportunity to mark the 11th anniversary of the HWPL September 18th World Peace Summit set to take place the following week in South Korea. The September 12th event, which was held on the second floor of the Church Center of the United Nations, explored how media integrity, inclusive dialogue, and media literacy are crucial tools for safeguarding the UN’s founding values. Participants ranged from ambassadors and UN delegates to journalists, religious leaders... Read more

 In a vibrant display of culture and community, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson marked the African Heritage Festival on September 13, 2025, a celebration held annually by the African Advisory Council (AAC) under the Bronx Borough President’s office. This year’s festivities are particularly significant as they coincide with the AAC’s 15th anniversary. The event opened with a powerful message from the Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clarke, who was the first to address attendees, emphasizing the importance of partnership in fostering community connections. [caption id="attachment_8948" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Bronx Borough president Vanessa L. Gibson with glasses[/caption] “The AAC was born with a mission to uplift the African community, address challenges, and amplify voices,” stated Bronx Borough Gibson. “Fifteen years in, we celebrate an incredible achievement and the progress we’ve made together.” Special acknowledgment was given to the cultural committee, led by Catherine Cudjoe and Aicha Cissé, who have expertly managed the... Read more

Menopause can usher in a host of disruptive symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and sleep problems. Hormone therapy promises relief. But many women wonder about taking it. That’s because the treatment, subject of a recent expert panel convened by the Food and Drug Administration, has long been shrouded in uncertainty. It was once used routinely. But in 2002, research testing one type was stopped early because of concerns about increased risks of breast cancer and blood clots. Concerns lingered even though later studies showed the benefits of today’s hormone therapies outweigh the risks for many women. “There is still a lot of confusion and a lot of fear,” said Grayson Leverenz, a 50-year-old from Durham, North Carolina, who hesitated to take it but is glad she did. Others increasingly are also giving hormone therapy a second look. But experts continue to disagree about how to present the treatment’s pros and cons. The FDA-assembled... Read more

The vast majority of U.S. adults are at least somewhat stressed about the cost of groceries, a new poll finds, as prices continue to rise and concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs remain widespread. About half of all Americans say the cost of groceries is a “major” source of stress in their life right now, while 33% say it’s a “minor” source of stress, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Only 14% say it’s not a source of stress, underscoring the pervasive anxiety most Americans continue to feel about the cost of everyday essentials. Other financial stressors — like the cost of housing or the amount of money in their bank accounts — are also broadly felt, but they weigh more heavily on younger Americans, who are less likely than older adults to have significant savings or own property. The survey also found that about 4... Read more

Republicans muscled President Donald Trump’s tax and spending cut bill through the House on Thursday, the final step necessary to get the bill to his desk by the GOP’s self-imposed deadline of July 4th. At nearly 900 pages, the legislation is a sprawling collection of tax breaks, spending cuts and other Republican priorities, including new money for national defense and deportations. Democrats united against the legislation, but were powerless to stop it as long as Republicans stayed united. The Senate passed the bill, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote. The House passed an earlier iteration of the bill in May with just one vote to spare. It passed the final version 218-214. Here’s the latest on what’s in the bill and when some of its provisions go into effect. GOP bill includes reductions for businesses and new tax breaks Republicans say the bill is crucial because there would be a massive... Read more

Several people gathered in City Hall in New York on May 22, 2024, to celebrate Africa Day. For the third time and under the leadership of council member Althea Stevens council member of District 16 in the Bronx along with many elected officials, the Africa Day was commemorated in City Hall to recognize the unity, the strength, and the legacy of the African diaspora. [caption id="attachment_8695" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Council member Althea Stevens[/caption] “Africa Day is not a single day, it reminds us we stay strong on our purpose, and we are unshakable together,” council member Althea Stevens said. The consul general of the kingdom of Morocco and South Africa were there to support the event and appreciate how Africa Day has become a platform for unity. Africa Day was also an opportunity to honor some African leaders for the leadership in the community. Here are the honorees who have receive... Read more

New York, NY – Movement is medicine, and for older New Yorkers, staying active is one of the most powerful ways to age well. As part of its commitment to healthy aging, the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) will - for the second year in a row - host on May 28, 2025, a National Older Adult Health and Fitness Day event at Foley Square. The event will highlight the importance of staying physically active as we age and promote year-round wellness opportunities available to residents at older adult centers across the city. More than 1,000 older adults are expected to participate in two movement-based classes. The first class will focus on bend-and-stretch exercises designed to improve flexibility and mobility, and range of motion, supporting older adults in maintaining independence and performing everyday activities. Following this, participants will engage in a laughter yoga session. This practice has been... Read more

A street in Queens was co – named on May 17, 2025, Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers Way.  Several people from the neighborhood including some elected officials came to celebrate what they called “a legendary day,” as a sign bearing the name Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers, was unfolded by the Queens borough president Donovan Richards and New York City council speaker Adrienne E. Adams. The corner of the block 134th Avenue & Guy R. Brewer Boulevard will now also be called 134th Avenue & Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers Way. [caption id="attachment_8670" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Raymond “Freaky Tah” Rogers[/caption] “This sign will remain forever,” said Queens borough president Donovan Richards who knew Raymond “Freaky Tah Rogers. “You are a such inspiration to us growing up. You get the tone; you told our stories in this neighborhood.” He said. “We will never forget the day you got killed.” Rapper Freaky Tah was a member... Read more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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

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  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

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

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

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

 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

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

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

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” 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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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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

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 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

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

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

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

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

 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

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

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

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

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

 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

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

 “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

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

 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

  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

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

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 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

 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

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

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

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

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

 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

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

 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

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

 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

 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

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

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

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

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

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

[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,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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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

 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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

“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

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

  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

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

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

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

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

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

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 (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

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

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

The African community in New York through the African Advisory Council (AAC) has decided to help Souleymane Porgo as it is opening an online account (GoFundMe) that will allow benefactors to donate so that Mr. Porgo will keep running his business. Porgo is the street vendor from Burkina Faso, who was violently attacked by a gang of seven people in May 2017 while selling his wares on the edge of a street in New York in the Bronx. He was taking to hospital in a comatose state and recovered after intensive care. [caption id="attachment_1607" align="alignright" width="525"] AAC members[/caption] "The African Advisory Council supports those who cannot support themselves," said Mory Kouyate, Chairman of AAC, and who initiated the press conference last Monday to inform the public about the opening of an online account to raise $20,000 that will allow Porgo to move in his own store. "We do not want... Read more

  The decision as to which type of business organization to use when starting a business is a major one. And, it's a decision to be revisited periodically as your business develops. While professional advice is critical in making this decision, it's also important to have a general understanding of the options available. This Financial Guide provides just such an overview. Businesses fall under one of two federal tax systems: Taxation of both the entity itself (on the income it earns) and the owners (on dividends or other profit participation the owners receive from the business).This system applies to the business S-corporation-called the "C-corporation" (C-corp) for reasons we'll see shortly and the system of taxing first the corporation and then its owners is called the "corporate double tax." "Pass through" taxation. The entity (called a "flow-through" entity) is not taxed, but its owners are each taxed (more or less) on their... Read more

  Mory Kouyate is a Chairman of  African Advisory Council . We have  met with him to talk about the African Advisory Council. Who is Mory Kouyate? Mory Kouyate  ( MK): I am from Guinea Conakry. I came to the US in 1997. I attended high school here and I have a bachelor’s degree in political Science from CUNY ( City University of New York), York College. From 2014 to 2016 I served as the community Liaison of the African advisory Council of the Bronx Borough President. I was also Vice Chair from 2016 to 2017. In December 2017, I was elected by the African community in the Bronx as the Chairman for 2 years. I have been married for 2 years and I have a daughter.   As a chairman of African Advisory Council, tell us about the goal ( s ) of African Advisory Council?  MK : Our aims... Read more

Burkina Faso community in New York has celebrated in April 21, 2018 the Woman Day in the Bronx. Saran Serémé who is the “Mediateur du Faso” ( Mediator of Faso) flew to New York to commemorate that day with the community. Three well known musicians (Idak Bassave, Aly Verhutey, and Floby) from Burkina Faso was there to sing and dance with the community. It was a big party. Here are some images. [gallery size="large" link="file" ids="726,725,724,723,722,721,720,719,718,717,716,715,714,713"] Read more