Showing posts with label Africa and the US. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Africa and the US. Show all posts

Thursday, November 10, 2011

New Special Edition African Voices on Nigera and multinationals




Now online is a special edition of the African Voices podcast, featuring a longer version of our interview with Anslem John-Miller, from Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). An abridged version of this interview is available in Episode 2 of African Voices. The release of this podcast coincides with a special day for the Ogoni people from Nigeria – November 10, 1995 – the anniversary of the death of one of their most important leaders, Ken Saro-Wiwa. We intend this episode of African Voices to raise awareness around not only the effects of Shell oil company on the Ogoni people but also to initiate discussion around the often exploitative role played by multinational companies all over Africa. We also want to generate debate on the impact these multinationals have had on the movement of immigrants and refugees from the African continent to the United States.

Our interviewee, Anslem John Miller, was born in Nigeria. He is a member of MOSOP, Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People. He came to Chicago as a refugee in 1996, to escape threats to his safety. He now works in the area of HIV Aids.

Listen and comment

Other links of interest:

UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) Report on Ogoniland, Nigeria (at request of Nigerian government)

MOSOP's website


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

"Blacks Without Borders" film screening at the DuSable Museum this weekend

"Blacks Without Borders: Chasing the American dream in South Africa" is a groundbreaking documentary that takes a heartfelt look at the emotional journey of a group of African Americans who called it quits in the U.S. to start a new life in South Africa. With 4 to 5 million immigrants coming to America every year to pursue the American dream why are they leaving? Blacks Without Borders answers that question and more.

Date: Sunday, November 13, 2:00-4:00pm
Venue: DuSable Museum

Go to the DuSable museum website for more info.

Film 'Elevate' opens in Chicago this week



An award winning documentary film, ELEVATE, is coming to Chicago. The documentary about four tall West African teens who, based on their hard work, merits and dedication, are selected to play basketball at American prep schools and hope to one day play in the NBA. ELEVATE will be opening in Chicago at the AMC River East 21 on November 11th, 2011. Click for the trailer.

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.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

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.

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.

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:

  • 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.

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.