It is a few months after Governor Robert Bentley signed a tough anti-immigration law in Alabama. It is time to take stock of the effect the law has had.
As the ICIRR writes, the law "essentially turns educators, business owners, landlords and citizens into immigration officers, and punishes anyone caught hiring, housing or even giving a car ride to an undocumented person in the state." Particularly worrying is that the law requires school superintendents to request that new students provide proof of US citizenship when they apply. Although federal law prevents undocumented children from being turned away from Grade school, Alabama's law makes immigrant parents fearful of enrolling their children. The law flies in the face of legislation like the DREAM Act, which was passed in Illinois earlier this year. Under the provisions of the DREAM Act, qualifying undocumented youth ARE eligible for a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship.
Alabama's tough immigration laws have forced many immigrants to flee the state. In the process, many families have been split up. Listen to NPR's report on family splits. The laws have also brought to light racial profiling, even of high school students in Alabama. DREAMActivist.org reports that DREAM-eligible student, Christian, 17 years old, was arrested after a routine traffic stop and sent to jail. He was released only to be re-arrested three days later. While Christian was taking his girlfriend to the rodeo, a police officer asked, "why are you here, you should have been in Mexico by now!" As a result, Christian has spent the last month in jail, instead of in school.
Alabama has only a small percentage of undocumented immigrants. The Pew Hispanic Center estimates 2.5 percent of the state population and 4.2 percent of its workforce – and they pay sales tax just like everyone else, taxes that support schools, law enforcement and other services vital to the state.
Let's keep an eye on Alabama, Arizona and other states targeting immigrants to the United States. And let's stand in solidarity with these immigrants who, like us, make important contributions to the United States.
The UAO is a dynamic coalition of African national associations that promotes social and economic justice, civic participation, and empowerment of African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Support Somali Relief Efforts!
"Renaissance for Somalia" - Fashion-Show Fundrasier
Date: Saturday, November 19th, 2011
Time: 3pm-5pm
Venue: Esther Smith Hall, New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1252 S. Wolcott Avenue, Chicago IL 60608
Tickets are $30 (your donation is tax deductible)
To purchase more tickets, or for more information, call the United African Organization on 312 949 9980 or email services@uniteafricans.org . You can also call the East African Community Center on: 773 681 0801
Somali Refugees urgently need medical aid, high-protein/high-energy food, clean water, shelter.
Show your support by attending the show.
Ghana strives to increase women's participation in governance
From Public Agenda (Accra):
The Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah has announced that the Ministry is leading a nationwide education and consultative tour to gather inputs for the drafting of Affirmative Action Bill to be laid before Parliament for consideration.
She noted that despite immense efforts by various women's groups and gender activists to ensure the inclusion of women in decision making positions, women were still excluded and marginalized at all levels of governance.
Therefore, it was important for the women groups to support and also make an input to enrich the draft bill. "There is the need to strategize and network to ensure that our are voices are heard," she stressed.
The Minister was speaking at a forum in Accra on affirmative action under the theme 'Affirmative Action as a Means of Increasing Women's Participation and Representation in Politics: The Role of Political Parties.' It was organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
She submitted that the Constitution should be gender sensitive, addressing issues such as increasing women's participation in politics and governance as well as issues that concerns the well being of women. She entreated more women to aspire to take up leadership positions.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah urged political parties to support women candidates in the various parties while encouraging them to integrate their women's wing into the various aspects of the parties.
Read more
The Minister for Women and Children's Affairs, Mrs. Juliana Azumah-Mensah has announced that the Ministry is leading a nationwide education and consultative tour to gather inputs for the drafting of Affirmative Action Bill to be laid before Parliament for consideration.
She noted that despite immense efforts by various women's groups and gender activists to ensure the inclusion of women in decision making positions, women were still excluded and marginalized at all levels of governance.
Therefore, it was important for the women groups to support and also make an input to enrich the draft bill. "There is the need to strategize and network to ensure that our are voices are heard," she stressed.
The Minister was speaking at a forum in Accra on affirmative action under the theme 'Affirmative Action as a Means of Increasing Women's Participation and Representation in Politics: The Role of Political Parties.' It was organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).
She submitted that the Constitution should be gender sensitive, addressing issues such as increasing women's participation in politics and governance as well as issues that concerns the well being of women. She entreated more women to aspire to take up leadership positions.
Mrs. Azumah-Mensah urged political parties to support women candidates in the various parties while encouraging them to integrate their women's wing into the various aspects of the parties.
Read more
This Thursday: Anti-Apartheid work in the Chicago Area: Panel Discussion
Participate in a panel discussion on local anti-apartheid work in the Chicago area. The whys? The hows? Of doing such work. Success? Failures? Was it perhaps a journey towards "internationalism"
What is "internationalism" anyway? And are there lessons for other social (and progressive) movements?
Prexy Nesbitt, historian, teacher and activist, chairs the panel. Panel members include Basil Clunie, Robert T. Starks, Mary Scott-Boria, Michael Elliott, Harriet Parker, Anne Evens & Evalyn Tennant.
Date: Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Time: 12:30-3:20pm
Venue: Room 401, Alexandroff Center, 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
What is "internationalism" anyway? And are there lessons for other social (and progressive) movements?
Prexy Nesbitt, historian, teacher and activist, chairs the panel. Panel members include Basil Clunie, Robert T. Starks, Mary Scott-Boria, Michael Elliott, Harriet Parker, Anne Evens & Evalyn Tennant.
Date: Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Time: 12:30-3:20pm
Venue: Room 401, Alexandroff Center, 600 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
African Voices Podcast released!
We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest project: the 'African Voices' podcast! The Internet has democratized radio and TV by providing space for people with few resources and limited professional media experience to get their voices heard. The United African Organization would like to be part of this process. That's why we are launching our free podcast, 'African Voices'. Through our podcast, we are offering the African community in Illinois the opportunity to have their voices heard.
Our first podcast is now online! The podcast features October news and events from the African community in Illinois, information our Leadership Development Program, an interview with Paulo Bombe about his journey from Angola to Chicago (from our Africans in Chicago Oral History Project) and music from Youssoupha Sidibe, an artist from Senegal currently living in California.
You can listen to it on our podcast website. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast to be informed of future episodes! If you would like to contribute to our podcast, email podcasts@uniteafricans.org. Be sure to check out the guidelines for contributions.
Talk on African Liberation Struggles during the Cold War
Envisioning Another World and Taking on Big Enemies
Friday, October 21, 2011 | 12–1 p.m.
Friday, October 21, 2011 | 12–1 p.m.
Smart Museum of Art
Website
5550 South Greenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647 USA
Free
Learn about the triumphs and failings of African liberation struggles during the Cold War. This free talk is presented by Prexy Nesbitt, who currently teaches African history at Columbia College and has lectured extensively on issues of racism, war, and militarism.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Transformative Music and Dance from the Congo
This weekend the Museum of Contemporary Art hosts performances by Faustin Linyekula from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Performances take place Friday-Sunday, October 21-23, 7:40pm at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago:
"In this raucous and powerful dance theater performance, three dancers, including choreographer and director Faustin Linyekula, reflect on the political, social, and cultural history and present day struggles of the Congo. The dancers move to the dark poems of Antoine Vumilia Muhindo, a political prisoner in Kinshasa and childhood friend of Linyekula’s, set to driving music by Congolese guitarist Flamme Kapaya and his five-member on-stage band. The work seeks to present hope for a better future in the Congo.
"In this raucous and powerful dance theater performance, three dancers, including choreographer and director Faustin Linyekula, reflect on the political, social, and cultural history and present day struggles of the Congo. The dancers move to the dark poems of Antoine Vumilia Muhindo, a political prisoner in Kinshasa and childhood friend of Linyekula’s, set to driving music by Congolese guitarist Flamme Kapaya and his five-member on-stage band. The work seeks to present hope for a better future in the Congo.
The 2011 U.S. Tour of more more more… future is produced by MAPP International Productions in partnership with The Africa Contemporary Arts Consortium."
Tickets: MCA members - $22, Nonmembers - $28, Students - $10. Buy tickets online or call the MCA Box Office, 312.397.4010.
Also this weekend:
Artists up close: Home as Radical Place round table
Saturday, Oct 22, 12-2pm at the Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone, Chicago IL. Attendance is Free.
Returning after 13 years in exile to his homeland of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Faustin Linyekula and members of his Studios Kabako are meeting with Chicago’s residents of the south side to weigh how people can rediscover a sense of belonging in our turbulent times. Kabako, his network of multi-use studios throughout Kisangani, is an answer to the culture of death being propagated by the political violence of the aftermath from the Second Congo War (1998-2003). Run as intentional organizational and physical structures, the circumstances behind Kabako which compelled Linyekula to return home and build in Kisangani are specific, but the causes and consequences resonate for all of us. Using as the starting point his artistic practice model, which he dubs “geo-choreography”, Linyekula invites local artist/activists to share their own models for self-sufficient and sustainable community through culture.
JahGhana and UIC students support UAO
Members of JahGhana and the UIC Student Council presenting the check to UAO staff Alie Kabba and Nancy Asirifi-Otchere on Saturday, October 15th, 2011.
Entertainment Group JahGhana teamed up with the UIC (University of Illinois in Chicago) Student Council to raise funds for the United African Organization this month! They hosted their annual Afro Entertainment Awards show on October 8th, 2011. Some of the funds raised from the event were donated to the UAO. This is community support at its best! Thanks to JahGhana and UIC Student Council for their incredible contribution!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Next Leadership Workshop Saturday, October 15
Friends,
Our next leadership workshop will take place on this Saturday, October 15th from 9:00am - 1:00pm at 10 West 35th Street, 6th floor (University Room), Chicago, IL 60616.
The workshop will cover the following important topics:
Oscar Chacón will facilitate the workshop. He is currently Executive Director of the National Alliance of Latin American & Caribbean Communities (NALACC). Until December, 2006, Mr. Chacon served as director of Enlaces América, a project of the Chicago-based Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights. Mr. Chacón served for most of the 1990’s as executive director of Centro Presente, Inc, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He served for many years as president of the Salvadoran American National Network (SANN). Mr. Chacon is a frequent lecturer in national and international conferences, as well as a media spokesperson on Latino immigrant issues in the U.S. He brings a transnational perspective to community organizing and social movements that is both fascinating and essential as we seek to empower our community.
Please invite your network for this FREE leadership workshop. RSVP at training@uniteafricans.org. Or call us on (312) 949 9980. You have until Friday to RSVP.
See you on Saturday! Light refreshment will be served.
Our next leadership workshop will take place on this Saturday, October 15th from 9:00am - 1:00pm at 10 West 35th Street, 6th floor (University Room), Chicago, IL 60616.
The workshop will cover the following important topics:
- Community organizing models for social justice change
- Building a better future through community action
- Building transformative social movements
Oscar Chacón will facilitate the workshop. He is currently Executive Director of the National Alliance of Latin American & Caribbean Communities (NALACC). Until December, 2006, Mr. Chacon served as director of Enlaces América, a project of the Chicago-based Heartland Alliance for Human Needs and Human Rights. Mr. Chacón served for most of the 1990’s as executive director of Centro Presente, Inc, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He served for many years as president of the Salvadoran American National Network (SANN). Mr. Chacon is a frequent lecturer in national and international conferences, as well as a media spokesperson on Latino immigrant issues in the U.S. He brings a transnational perspective to community organizing and social movements that is both fascinating and essential as we seek to empower our community.
Please invite your network for this FREE leadership workshop. RSVP at training@uniteafricans.org. Or call us on (312) 949 9980. You have until Friday to RSVP.
See you on Saturday! Light refreshment will be served.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Empowering Voices Talks with Alie Kabba, United African Organization about Immigration Discrimination
Trinity United Church of Christ featured United African Organization Director, Alie Kabba, on their program Empowering Voices. Alie was interviewed by Rev. Joan R. Harrell. He spoke about the work of the UAO, immigration policy, African immigrants to the US and the contributions of immigrants to US society. He also spoke about the need to recognize systemic injustices in our society and to empower people in our communities.
You can watch the interview HERE.
You can watch the interview HERE.
Events at the Chicago Council for Global Affairs
The Chicago Council for Globa Affairs is hosting two events of particular interest in October and November. Here they are:
Navigating the Immigration Debate and Chicago's Experience
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
At the talk, a group from the Emerging Leaders class of 2009 will present their report on immigration. An expert commentater, Alejandro Escalona, a columnist from the Chicago Sun-Times, will provide framing for the discussion. Marshall Bouton, President of the Chicago Council for Global Affairs will introduce the program. Executive Director of the United African Organization, Alie Kabba, provided guidance to the panel early on.
The talk is free but you must register in advance.
Empowering Women for Economic Growth in South Africa
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Time: 12 noon
Venue: The Chicago Club, 81 East Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60605
Speaker: Lulama Xingwana, Minister for Women, Children, and People with Dissabilities, Republic of South Africa
Registration is required in for this event. Click the link above to register.
Navigating the Immigration Debate and Chicago's Experience
Date: Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Time: 5:30pm
Venue: InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
At the talk, a group from the Emerging Leaders class of 2009 will present their report on immigration. An expert commentater, Alejandro Escalona, a columnist from the Chicago Sun-Times, will provide framing for the discussion. Marshall Bouton, President of the Chicago Council for Global Affairs will introduce the program. Executive Director of the United African Organization, Alie Kabba, provided guidance to the panel early on.
The talk is free but you must register in advance.
Empowering Women for Economic Growth in South Africa
Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Time: 12 noon
Venue: The Chicago Club, 81 East Van Buren, Chicago, IL 60605
Speaker: Lulama Xingwana, Minister for Women, Children, and People with Dissabilities, Republic of South Africa
Registration is required in for this event. Click the link above to register.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
UAO and Illinois Association of Hair Braiders in the news
UAO Director, Alie Kabba, flanked by hair braiders Amazon Smiley, left, and Frances Simmons, right. (Photo courtesy of Keri Wiginton, Chicago Tribune / October 4, 2011)
The Chicago Tribune today features an article on the new law that provides a special category of licenses for hair braiders. The new licenses mean that hair braiders no longer have to go through a long and expensive process in order to practice their craft as professionals. The law took effect last month and will require a hair braider entering the field to have 300 hours of classroom and practical experience to get a license from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. The department intends to offer schools and classes for hair braiders. The United African Organization and the Illinois Association of Hair Braiders were at the forefront of pushing for the new legislation. "We saw this as a social justice issue," said UAO Director, Alie Kabba. You can see the article on the Tribune website!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Good news for 'DREAM' student Nadia
On Friday 29th September, the ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) decided to provide a stay of removal for Stony Brook University student, Nadia, after incessant pressure from immigrant rights groups. Nadia was brought to the United States from Bangladesh when she was one year old. Nadia is DREAM-eligible - in other words, under the provisions of the DREAM Act, she and other qualifying undocumented youth would be eligible for a 6 year long conditional path to citizenship that requires completion of a college degree or two years of military service. Up until Friday, ICE was set to deport Nadia and her mother, Nazmin. Now both can stay, at least in the short term.
However, according to Nadia’s attorney, Aygul Charles, “There is still a big chance that Nadia and her mother will be deemed deportable after the expiration of the stay of removal. Also, the stay of removal can be lifted by ICE at any moment.”
To find out about and support other young people in the same position as Nadia, go to dreamactivist.org. For more information on the DREAM Act, visit the DREAM Act Portal.
Last week ICE wanted to deport a young student from Bangladesh. Next week, it could be a young African immigrant, eligible for the DREAM Act. We are all in this together. Let's keep supporting our brothers and sisters!
However, according to Nadia’s attorney, Aygul Charles, “There is still a big chance that Nadia and her mother will be deemed deportable after the expiration of the stay of removal. Also, the stay of removal can be lifted by ICE at any moment.”
To find out about and support other young people in the same position as Nadia, go to dreamactivist.org. For more information on the DREAM Act, visit the DREAM Act Portal.
Last week ICE wanted to deport a young student from Bangladesh. Next week, it could be a young African immigrant, eligible for the DREAM Act. We are all in this together. Let's keep supporting our brothers and sisters!
Elections: Leadership of Liberians in America
Elections were held for the leadership of the Union of Liberian Associations in America on 1 October, 2011. See footage from the lively election debate in Maryland, USA, on 30 September, 2011. Watch community politics in action!
Click on one of the images below to see video highlights from the event. Candidates for:
Click on one of the images below to see video highlights from the event. Candidates for:
President | Vice President
General Secretary | Secretary
Videos courtesy of Moses Bombo Tambason.
The results of the election are now out. Dr. Gaye Sleh Jr., Chairperson of the UAO and a Chicago resident, was elected President. For the full results, click here.
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