New York City — Guineans Succeeding in America (GSA), a nonprofit organization that empowers the Guinean-American community through education and professional development, will be holding its fifth annual GSA conference on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. This year, the conference is taking place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Every year, the conference seeks to not only address the issues and challenges that Guinean women face but also inform, inspire, empower and build a network of women who are actively involved in bringing positive change to their community. The conference aims to bring together students, job seekers and young and experienced professionals to network with and motivate one another. The theme for this year’s conference is “Navigating the workplace as a woman.” This year, the conference is taking place virtually due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. “This year, Guineans Succeeding in America seeks to... Read more
Rihanna is back with a new lingerie extravaganza for Amazon Prime Video – “Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2.”
https://twitter.com/i/status/1311685297663606784 The pop icon's event celebrating her Fall 2020 collection debuts on the streaming service October 2 and features an array of models and guests including Rosalia, Demi Moore, Paris Hilton, Irina Shayk, Christian Combs and Willow Smith. Models of all shapes, sizes and skin colors will showcase lingerie that offers consumers extravagant lines at affordable price points. Rihanna says her latest collection – a follow up to last year's Savage X Fenty range – is about empowerment and inclusivity. "I want to have representation and aspects that are outside of that where women aren't usually projected as sexy, but they are, they're sexy, and they need to know that," she said. "They need to be validated about that no matter what size they are." she stressed. Read more
George Floyd : Thousands protesters clashed with police in Harlem and many were arrested
Protesters took the streets this morning in Harlem and across New York City to demand justice for George Floyd. A group called Harlem’s Solidarity for George Floyd has initiated a peaceful march and thousands gathered at 125 Street and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard defying social distance restrictions as protesters clashed with the police and many were arrested. “Justice for George Floyd, Black lives matter, we can’t breathe, no justice no peace, NYPD police suck my d…” protesters chanted. Protesters led by three leaders blocked for awhile 125 street and 7th avenue before they walked down to 111 street. They took 111 street down to FDR Drive, but they came across with several police officers at Madison avenue where police officers with bicycles and motorcycles blocked both the avenue and the street. Protesters stopped to think about what to do. They were those who said to find another way and... Read more
Sign up for free online English classes for immigrants
In response to COVID-19, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs’ We Speak NYC program, a free English language learning program that provides civic-focused instruction through videos centered on topics relevant to immigrant New Yorkers, will be offering online conversation classes. Participants can register to be a part of an online community and have an opportunity to safely meet people, learn about NYC resources that are still available in light of COVID- 19, and practice their English conversation skills. We Speak NYC 2nd Cycle of Online Classes Start Today! Register Here to sign up for a class, get reminders, and educational materials, or click here to check out different class times and drop in! Classes are led by trained facilitators and encourage learner participation - safe space to practice and make mistakes. Classes are intended for intermediate English language learners. Read more
New York City public schools are giving free internet-enabled iPads to students
New York City public schools will be continuing academic instruction through Remote Learning for the rest of the school year. To keep students connected and able to learn from home, the DOE is lending internet-enabled iPads to students who are in need of a device. Families that want to request a device should call DOE at 718-935-5100 and choose Option 5 on the menu for help getting a device with internet connection. Or they can fill out the Remote Learning Device Request form at https://coronavirus.schools.nyc/RemoteLearningDevices. DOE will use the contact information provided on the form to reach out to the family to schedule delivery of the device. Everyone who fills out a request form online, with a staff member, or over the phone, will be sent follow up emails and texts. Priority will be given to students most in need. All devices are granted on a temporary basis and will later need to... Read more
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
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
Running a business: “It is our duty to build our community,” Saeed Hassan president of ABS Travel, said
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
The president of ABS Travel was in July 26, 2018 in Brooklyn to meet with a group of teenagers from age 14 to 15 to give them the basic information they need to run a business and to succeed in a world that requires more competition. Saeed Hassan who has been run ABS Travel for 25 years, was confident as he stood before the youth students and taught them how to be a successful man and woman. “Be strong inside of you, speak out, express yourselves, success comes then,” said Hassan who came to the meeting with his son who is majoring in finance with two minors. “ABS Travel, and staff believe in social responsibility,” said Dr. Marie Claudine Mukamabano, sales and marketing Africa. “ You are the most important asset we have, we want to hear from you, talk to you and support you to become successful in your... 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
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
Mohamed Koanda makes history in the United States of America
By : Bazona Barnabe Bado
A Burkina Faso ( West Africa ) young man has made history as he received an award for the highest Cumulative GPA for the Educational Opportunity program ( EOP) as a senior at The State University of New York University (SUNY) / Buffalo. Mohamed Koanda 23, majored in computer information system, with mathematics as minor, graduated with a GPA of 3.92 at SUNY Buffalo State College, has made his native country, Burkina Faso proud of him. “Congratulations to Mohamed Koanda, our fellow citizens who is a computer system engineer, and who graduated as honor student at State University of New York (SUNY) / Buffalo. I am immensely proud of him,” Rock Marc Christian Kabore, president of Burkina Faso said in a tweet. [caption id="attachment_1020" align="alignleft" width="640"] Mohamed Koanda[/caption] Mohamed who was born in Burkina Faso in West Africa, arrives in New York in 2011. He was 16 years – old... 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
Federate African Languages, NKO Language maybe an opportunity
By : Barnabé Bazona Bado
NKO may not be hieroglyph. However, its influence is increasing like the hieroglyph, which was according to historians the first written language in Egypt and which may influence other languages around the world. ”NkO is one of the largest written African language spoken in nearly nine(9) countries and by more than fifty million people,” said Djibrila Diane who is the vice – president NKO USA, and secretary general of the World Organization for the Development of NKO. The language has been taught in Harvard University for 7 years by Boubacar Diakité. “ NKO should be an opportunity to federate the written languages in Africa,” he said. “People are talking about Francophonie, when we as Africans we are going to talk about Africaphonie?” According to Djibrila, NKO’ s alphabet has 7 vowels, 19 consonants, 1 neutral, and 2136 syllables, and NKO dictionary has 48, 000 vocabulary words. At the beginning NKO... 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
American Dream “is a nameless destiny.”
By : Bazona Barnabé Bado
New York City’s West African immigrants have crossed borders and oceans with a dream etched in their minds. After landing in the United States of America, many of them have realized they may have to adjust their expectations. As few have achieved their dreams, many still gazes at the horizon with hope and courage as they survive hardships and overcome hurdles. They have to go for the “Promise Land” to fulfill a dream no matter what as that Cape Verdean (West Africa) song depicts it: “Here I am, in the middle of the ocean on my way to America. Going to a distant land is a man’s destiny. It is a nameless destiny that we must fulfill.” Sitting comfortably in a chair, seat belt entirely buckled, Imam Souleymane Konate opens his eyes after one hour of flying and sighs. He is optimistic that his dream to study communications in New... Read more