Electronic transportation devices are everywhere in New York City now – and from daily commuting to food delivery, they are revolutionizing how we get around. E-bikes and e-scooters are a convenient and low-cost alternative to cars. They help reduce congestion on our streets and make our city cleaner and greener. Tens of thousands of our delivery workers rely on them for their livelihoods, and we all rely on them when we have goods delivered. E-bikes are here to stay, and our city wants to make sure they are safe and reliable for all - both on the street and when they are being stored and recharged. While most of the e-bikes and e-scooters in our city are safe, there are some that do not meet safety standards and contain uncertified lithium-ion batteries. These faulty devices are causing fires and explosions, putting New Yorkers and our first responders in danger. Last week, the City Council and... Read more
Attorney Pierre Gooding: “I have chosen a life in politics to help my community”
Pierre Gooding is running for the second time for City Council in District 9, Harlem. Born and raised in Harlem, Mr. Gooding who is an attorney, a teacher, and a politician, thinks Harlem his neighborhood still struggles in several ways and one of that issue is called injustice. Defender of the window and the orphan, Mr. Gooding wanted to take the fight beyond to help his community in a macro level. African Journal met him for you. African Journal (AJ): Can you introduce yourself in a few words? Pierre Gooding ( PG): My name is Pierre Gooding and I am an attorney, Deacon and former teacher taking my second run for City Council in District 9, Harlem. I was born in the Grant Houses and am proud to advocate for my community. AJ: You describe yourselves as a teacher, attorney, and politician. What will be your choice If you have... Read more
Census 2020: Census takers will knock at your door if you have not yet completed the census
U.S. Census Bureau enumerators, commonly known as “census takers,” started going door-to-door to the homes of New Yorkers who have not yet completed the census. While census takers are well trained to help all residents complete the census, New Yorkers can avoid a knock at their door by simply going to my2020census.gov and filling out the census in just a few minutes. The census can also be completed over the phone at 1-844-330-2020. Additional phone numbers for direct service available in 13 languages are included below. We need all New Yorkers to fill out the census now before the new September 30th deadline. Also included below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about this door-knocking period, also known as Non-Response Follow-Up (NRFU). You can also find a video guide from the U.S. Census Bureau about the Non-Response Follow Up period in different languages here. Additional 2020 Census language guides and videos are available... Read more
Burkinabè’s woman accuses her white’s husband of human trafficking
Ms. A. B has declared before the American jurisdictions that she was sold as an animal by her uncle and by the village chief to a white American citizen and who, according to her, forcibly married her. At a press conference on June 18, 2020 in Columbia County in New York State, A. B has explained how things have unfold. Indeed, it all started in 2001. According to A.B, a White man landed in a village in Est – Center of Burkina Faso where A. B lived with her family. The white man contacted A.B's uncle and the village chief, A.B's father having passed away. And this, after a call from A.B’s cousin who lives in Germany. According to A.B, the cousin is the friend of the white man and he is who has ordered A.B's marriage to the white man. At the time A.B was 18 – years -... Read more
African Diaspora for Biden : A political movement to negotiate and to vote
African Diaspora for Biden has held in April 26, 2020 a teleconference meeting to lay out a strategy for the election of the democrat candidate Joe Biden and to address their preoccupations to one of Biden surrogates. A thousand of people from the 50 states of the United States of America have attended that very first meeting with a bold commitment not only to make their voices heard but also to support Joe Biden. [video width="480" height="256" mp4="https://theafricanjournalonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/video-biden.mp4"][/video] “This meeting is about to put our fate in our own hand,” said Chijike Ndukwu one of the initiators of the meeting. “Africans contribute a lot to this country, the only thing we do not have is a political power, a possibility to have a seat,” he added as he enumerated some statics showing how much Africans have been devoted to the United States of America. African Diaspora for Biden is indeed... Read more
The African Empowerment Project : Actualize and institutionalize progress within the African diaspora
The African Empowerment Project, which was launched last year is striving to bring more helpful resources to African community as it sets several goals to fulfill its mission. “We need to take first care of ourselves here in America and then think about those who are in our native countries,” said Abdourahamane Diallo who initiates the project as covid - 19 the unforgettable pandemic hits merciless New York and the rest of the world. The African Empowerment Project is indeed “a collective effort of Africans who are determined to actualize and institutionalize progress within the diaspora in New York City.” Its four (4) core goals match with its mission statement that “ aim to actualize and institutionalize progress within the African diaspora through initiatives that address political & socio-economic needs.” Here are those goals: Ensuring that all Africans participate in the census 2020. This will position our African community to... Read more
Coronavirus in New York : 32,308 positive coronavirus cases and 678 related fatalities.
New data that the city’s Health Department released Sunday morning shows the coronavirus pandemic continuing to take a horrific toll on the five boroughs. Approximately 3,150 new cases and 161 deaths occurred in the last day, the data revealed. As of 9:30 a.m. March 29, there were 32,308 positive coronavirus cases and 678 related fatalities. Nearly 24 hours earlier, the Health Department accounted for 29,158 positive cases and 517 deaths. In little more than 24 hours, the number of coronavirus patients went up 10.4%, while fatalities rose 31.1%. Queens now has more than 10,000 confirmed coronavirus patients and continues to be the city’s hot zone in the outbreak. The 9:30 a.m. March 29 numbers revealed that the “World’s Borough” has 10,373 cases, 219 of which were fatal. Brooklyn has the second-highest coronavirus cases in the city with 8,451 infections and 168 deaths, followed by the Bronx with 6,145 infections and... Read more
Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School To Open In August
A new school in the Bronx seeks to hire teachers for the upcoming school year as it prepares to open its door for children. Capital Preparatory Bronx Charter School will begin its academic year in August 2020 with 6th and 7th graders, with the lottery deadline for parents to apply set for April 1st. “We can design a school that is so acutely aligned to our community’s needs,” said Dr. Steve Perry, explaining how important the institution is. A school of such high stature needs great teachers. Isaiah Brown, the Founding Principal for the Capital Prep, refers to their educators as illuminators stating, “illuminators spark interest in the minds of young persons and therefore inspire them to do great things.” The school is looking for 10 illuminators and administrators for all subjects. Being bilingual in foreign languages such as Arabic, French, Spanish, and Bengali, is a huge plus. “One of... Read more
New York City Census 2020 Bronx Media Roundtable: Get yourselves be counted, why is it so important?
New York City census 2020 in partnership with New York City , New York libraries, and community groups, has held in February 20, 2020 in the Bronx Kingsbridge library a media roundtable to discuss about the census activity in the Bronx and the importance to be counted. Seven panelists from Mayor’s office of immigrant affairs, New York census 2020, New York library, and from diverse community groups, have explain to the media how and why every single person should be counted. They also talk about the work community leaders have done to mobilize community groups. Why should we be counted? We should be numbered because “the decennial census determines how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds are distributed every year for key programs and services; the census also determines each state’s fair share of representation in Congress, as well as how local, state, and federal legislative district lines... Read more
African Pop – Up Festival 2020 Celebrating Black History Month in Harlem: Don’t Miss It
African Pop - up festival 2020 is just coming up with big surprises as we are celebrating “Black History Month.” Let’s our mind be etched by a unique day: Saturday February 22, 2020 in Harlem, we will enjoy “the sight, the sounds, and the taste of Africa.” This is a panoramic view of what you will expect if you just come out: ” Food tastings by chefs and restaurants, chef’s competition, special Afrobeats, and musical performances. Vendors offering special prices in honor of Black History Month. Business panel empowering up and coming entrepreneurs…” Let’s put it in a simple and easy way: We are “gonna” shop, eat, listen to music, and dance !!! Shopping: “Over 20 vendors/entrepreneurs across Fashion” will be there. Besides that, organizers will welcome “wellness, art, design, ad beauty - with vendors offering special prices in honor of Black History Month.” Eating: There will be “ over 12... Read more
Africa: Facebook Removes Misleading HIV Drug Ads After Outcry
New York — HIV prevention medication has been deemed "highly effective" by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading national public health institute in the United States Facebook said on Monday it had removed some ads that contained misleading information about HIV prevention drugs following an outcry from activists, health experts and U.S. lawmakers. The ads linked the drugs, which are known as PrEP and designed to prevent HIV, to severe bone and kidney damage and were placed by personal-injury attorneys. LGBT+ advocacy groups have for months been pressuring the U.S. company to remove the ads, pointing to a multitude of research showing that the medication is safe. Facebook initially declined, before doing so this weekend. "After a review, our independent fact-checking partners have determined some of these ads in question mislead people about the effects of Truvada," spokeswoman Devon Kearns told the Thomson Reuters Foundation, referring to... Read more
Guinea opposition rejects Conde’s ‘constitutional coup d’etat’ plans
Guinean opposition coalition have denounced what it calls a constitutional coup d’etat, after President Alpha Condé announced plans for a constitutional amendment, on Thursday (December 19). His opponents insist the move is part of a ploy for Condé to seek a third term in 2020, which the current constitution prohibits. The proposed draft sets the terms at six years instead of five renewable once, and does not state whether he would be allowed to run. Thursday’s announcement by 81-year-old Conde has further provoked Guineans who have recently staged weekly protests against a possible third term. The demonstrations have left at least 20 civilians dead and dozens arrested. Initially hailed for ushering in change when he came to power in 2010, Alpha Conde has cracked down on the opposition in recent years. Read more
Wiping out the daughters: Burkina Faso’s controversial mosquito experiment
A radical experiment to genetically modify a strain of mosquito in order to stop them breeding malaria-carrying daughters is one of the latest efforts to tackle the deadly scourge of malaria At 6.30am five-year-old Osman Balama and his mother reach the state hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso, the second-largest city in Burkina Faso. He hasn’t been feeling well for a few days and his mother is worried that he has contracted malaria. The waiting room is already full of mothers and grandmothers with young children on their laps, all with the same tired look as Osman. “The rainy season has started,” says Sami Palm, head of the clinic. “That means more mosquitos. I’m certain that almost everyone here has malaria.” Two red lines on the detection strip confirm malaria. “He doesn’t need to stay in the hospital, because he isn’t vomiting and isn’t extremely sick,” Palm says. Osman is sent home with medication... Read more
Interview: “Prof Boukary Sawadogo is talking about his new and second book
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
Do you like African cinema, or do you want to know better about it? You have the good news: “African Film Studies: An Introduction” is a book that will allow you to explore and understand Africa through the lenses of African filmmakers. Dr. Boukary Sawadogo the author of that new book through this interview is talking about the book he took three years to write. African Film Studies: An Introduction is the title of your new book and the second one you’ve written. Yes, it was published by Routledge in late September 2018. My first book, Les Cinémas francophones ouest-africains, 1990-2005, was published by Harmattan in 2013. Why did you decide to write a book that deals specifically with African film? I realized there is a great need for a teaching and learning resource for African cinema. There are plenty of scholarly books on African cinema but almost no textbooks... Read more
President Trump wants to end immigration benefits, and a judge says no
A federal judge’s ruling blocking a Trump administration order to end immigration benefits for nearly 300,000 foreign nationals is the latest in a series of judicial setbacks for the Trump administration's immigration policies. Federal District Judge Edward Chen late Wednesday blocked the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) order to end temporary protected status (TPS) that allows citizens of Sudan, El Salvador, Haiti and Nicaragua to live and work in the United States, raising hopes for activists who have fought to make the program permanent. The preliminary injunction granted by Chen, an appointee of former President Obama, follows a trend of court reversals that have slowed the administration's proposed overhaul of American immigration laws. The administration's first judicial setbacks on immigration came weeks into Trump's presidency, as a New York court stopped in January of 2017 the application of the first version of a travel ban that blocked immigrants and visitors from seven majority-Muslim countries. After... Read more
AZAABAN and African Ancestry gave opportunity to seven African Americans to reconnect with their ancestral land, Burkina Faso.
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
A welcome ceremony was held in August 5, 2018 to honor seven African Americans who after a DNA testing found their roots in Burkina Faso their ancestral land. The ceremony was initiated by AZAABAN a nonprofit organization, which is providing the best approaches for African Americans to know about the historical background of their ancestors -their origins, their ethnic group, and their culture. - The seven African Americans who were welcome by their respective ethnic groups living in New York, were Lyela, Kasenna, Samogo, and Bissa. “We must welcome them and accept them with all our heart,” said Tene Ouedraogo/ Ouele, the founder of AZAABAN, which stands for “welcome” in Kasenna language. [caption id="attachment_1579" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Tene Ouedraogo/ Ouele, the founder of AZAABAN[/caption] Without African Ancestry a company, which “is committed to providing a unique service to the black community by working daily to improve the cultural, emotional, physical,... Read more
Bronx Economic Snapshot: Bronx Borough president announced $ 1million, the AAC chairman wanted African’s immigrant voices to be heard.
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The New York State Comptroller held a press conference, which took place in July 20, 2018 in the Bronx inside a deli to talk about the economic Snapshot of the Bronx. “The Bronx has made great progress and has come a long way,” Thomas P. DiNapoli the New York State comptroller said. According to the report, the population of the Bronx increased by 26 percent between 1980 and 20017, reaching almost 1.5 million people, only slightly less than the record set in 1970. It also indicates that immigrants are growing presence in the Bronx. They are indeed, make up 37% of the total population. They are also a large part of the borough’s economic success, making up nearly half of the work force and 60 % of self – employed entrepreneurs. The report also indicates that, three – quarter of all immigrants in the Bronx are from Latin America. The... Read more
Barack Obama shares the three questions you need to ask before choosing a life partner
Barack and Michelle Obama’s relationship is routinely exalted as the type of union to which we all should aspire. The former president not only showers his former first lady with praise in speech after speech, but frequently shares tender messages to her on social media. If you were pondering the secret to their 25 years of wedded bliss, a major hint can be found in the three questions Mr. Obama recommends people wondering whether they have found Mr. or Ms. Right ask themselves. In his new book Yes, we (Still) Can, Dan Pfeiffer, Mr. Obama’s former communications director, shares a revealing conversation he had with his boss on his last day back in 2015. As the pair discussed future, Mr. Pfieffer opened about his relationship. “So, are you guys moving together? This is the one, huh?” he recounted Mr. Obama asking him. Mr. Obama is then said to have imparted the pearls of wisdom. “Here’s the advice I give... Read more
Islamist terrorist groups are turning their attention to West Africa
By : Washington Post
DAKAR, Senegal — The epicenter of jihadism in Africa has long been the Sahel, the region that skirts the southern fringe of the Sahara Desert. Islamist groups such as Boko Haram have used the vast and relatively empty area to hide, recruit and organize. Now the threat is increasingly spilling over into nearby countries. Terrorist attacks struck Ivory Coast in 2016 and have occurred in Burkina Faso repeatedly since then. Multiple suspected terrorists have been arrested recently in the West African nations of Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal. The latter, historically one of West Africa's most stable nations, is now holding its largest-ever terrorism trial, with 29 people accused of trying to create an Islamic State-style caliphate in the region. Al-Qaeda affiliates in the area have also issued a new wave of threats against Western interests in West Africa, with one group identifying Senegal and Guinea, which have soldiers in a U.N. peacekeeping mission... Read more
African Heritage Month (AHM) Is Official : Mory Kouyate chairman of AAC explains the concept
The first edition of the African Heritage Month ( AHM ) will be held in September 2018. The decision has been made as leaders of the African Advisory Council ( AAC) met in June 21st , 2018 with the Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. “We went in with two requests. A budget and the official Celebration of the African Heritage Month. The Bronx President agreed to one out of the two proposals. We shook hands to make September African Heritage Month,” Mory Kouyate Chairman of AAC said. The Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. also tweeted about it: “I had a great meeting today with the members of my African Advisory Council! Thank you for caring so much and being so committed to a better Bronx and New York City.” The African Journal asked Kouyate four questions to decrypt the concept of the African Heritage Month. Here are... Read more
World Refugee Day, African Communities Together has mobilized hundreds of protesters
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
World Refugee Day, which is held every year on June 20th was celebrated in New York in a particular way as many organizations took the streets to express solidarity and show support to families forced to flee their countries because of wars, and other catastrophes, and to denounce the Trump administration’s policies on immigration. African Communities Together, which initiated the march along with other organizations was able to mobilize hundreds of people who marched from Bryant Park – 42nd street and 5th avenue to Trump World Tower, which is build face to the United Nations, and then to Dag Hammarskjold plaza, on 47th street and 1st avenue, to express their outrage. “No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here,” the crowd sang as they marched brandishing placards, which displayed words that support immigrants or refugees.The particularity of World Refugee Day this year was that it was celebrated in... Read more
The Annual cultural evening aims to celebrate cultural diversity
By : Bazona Barnabe Bado
The 8th Annual Cultural Evening was held on June 1st , 2018 in the premises of Public School 4 (P.S.4) in Manhattan. This annual event, which brought West African artists to perform and share African Cultures, was organized by USA – Mali Charitable Association of New York in partnership with P.S. 4 and Malian Cultural Center. “We organized each year the cultural evening to give the opportunity to kids to learn African cultures,” Assetou Sy/ Traore president of USA – Mali Charitable Association of New York said. Teachers, students, parents, including authorities from New York were there enjoying students dancing African dances, and speaking French, and hearing African music. [caption id="attachment_1013" align="aligncenter" width="4272"] Sy family[/caption] It was P.S. 4 “After School” Latino students who first and one by one came to the platform speaking in French and English what they want to be when they grow up. “You are Africans... Read more
African communities forum: believe in ourselves was the message…
By : Bazona Barnabe Bado
“African communities forum and resource fair: mobilizing community through government engagement” was the theme of that second forum, which was organized in May 10, by New York City, Commission on Human Rights and held at Monroe College. “ There is a huge increasing among Africans in New York City, and African community is fastest growing immigrants’ population in New York City. It is great to touch out to them and let them know the services that are offered to them,” Christelle N. Onwu, lead advisor for African communities, NYC Commission on Human Rights said. Aissata Camara, Taiwo Onabanjo, May Malik, Dr. Noel Manyindo, and Marissa Jackson were the five panelists invited to talk about three topics: Employment, building partnership with government agencies, and how to empower communities. [caption id="attachment_1007" align="aligncenter" width="4272"] The presidium[/caption] As they were answered questions, they let participants know that the government gives a chance to... Read more
Oils for body: When names matter
By : Barnabé Bazona Bado
Like loincloths in Africa, oils for body in the streets of Harlem compete in term of names or label. Name it and sell it: a motto etched in mind of oil’s vendors. Either in a store or on a street, a gaze on a row of oil bottles proves that names matter to do business. From celebrities – Obama, Paris Hilton, Michael Jordan, Kim Kardhasian, – to lewd names such as “lick me all over” or “kiss me all over,” the choice is about brand or taste. The New York Times Magazine wrote: “The hot word in the field of sales . . . is brand.” Body oils, fragrances, or perfumes oils – no confusion, it the same type of oils – are used in general for their scent. However, beyond that perfumery purpose, most people focus on the brand name. “Black people create Obama, they don’t like smell, they... Read more
Imagine Africa with one language, and one currency !
By : Barnabé Bazona Bado
How powerful would be Africa, the continent of 54 countries, and thousands of dialects, if its people choose to speak one language and have one currency? A dream I would say. A utopia some critics may argue. Let’s have that dream! For many years Africa has been Known as the cradle of Humanity. First it was Charles Darwin who suggests in 1871 in a book that Africa may be the birthplace of humankind. What was a speculation in 1871 becomes strongly true in 1925 when Raymond Dart, an Australian anatomist who worked at the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, publishes in the journal Nature his findings after digging into a rock delivered at his house. He coined the term “Australopithecus africanus” after studying the fossil discovered in 1924. Australopithecus africanus is the human ancestor so far although David R. Begun, a professor at the University of Toronto (Canada) challenged that... Read more
What Pastor Mamadou Karambiri said about homosexuality
By : Barnabé Bazona Bado
Born into a Muslim family and grew up studying the Quran, nothing in his earliest life foretold that a young man named Mamadou Karambiri will become a christian, a Pastor or Minister of God. Yes, he did. “I did not change a religion, I became a new creature; I was born again,” he said when he was asked why did he change a religion? Pastor Mamadou Karambiri 71, is a prominent evangelical figure. He is well known not only in Burkina Faso his native country, but also all over the world where he very often travels to spread the word of God. He has been listed in 2010 by a French mainstream christian newspaper, “La Croix” as one of the ten voices “that counts in the evangelical’s planet.” Graduated in 1975 from University of Toulouse in France with a PhD in economics studies, Karambiri decided to go back to Burkina... Read more