Dear Africans in Boston,
It is a real pleasure to introduce Africans in Boston. As we start this 21st century hope and optimism are the driving engines of our work. The recent results of the Massachusetts census and the data on the African electoral vote in Massachusetts during the gubernatorial elections have shown that Africans in Boston make-up a growing constituency that contributes to the social and economic growth of Boston and Massachusetts. Community leaders have demonstrated throughout the past couple of years the power and impact of Africans in Boston by mobilizing a large number of Africans when needed. Key milestones have been reached: Africans in Boston now enjoy an annual festival. Moreover, a community initiative called The African Council has become a part of the landscape to strengthen the African Voice in Massachusetts through political and civic engagement in order to advocate for and advance the needs of the African community.
So, we pause and we rejoice about the significance of what has been accomplished. However, our work has only just begun because we have an ambition, not only do we have an ambition we have a tremendous energy and faith in our generation and our future.
AiB’s mission will be accomplished through the help of committed individuals and groups that can start small projects with the potential for a larger and lasting impact.We believe in creating sustainable solutions that would address African Diaspora’s issues, provide micro-loans for community members to start their own businesses, build houses, develop African towns and organize people to educate community members. These types of initiatives could make a real impact on Africans in Boston.
In addition to commited and passionate individuals, technology and education have great roles to play in AiB’s work. – How could that not be with Harvard and MIT in our front yard?
AiB is inspired by our predecessors. Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela have challenged us to dream. The 44th U.S. president Barack Obama and the governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick have shown us that we can. The late CEO of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs reminded us that our time here is limited. So, twenty and forty years from today, when the next generation looks back at our work, we want the word “heritage” to be truly part of their vocabulary. That is the legacy this generation, my generation is striving for.
So, I believe that we are at a critical juncture where moving forward is not just optional, it is “a must” and it begins right here with Africans in Boston. I would like to encourage all Africans in Boston to make that quantum leap and join our efforts.
Voury Ignegongba
President of Africans in Boston
