News

Dinner in Cambridge with Mayors and members of Parliament from G5 Sahel countries ( Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania) and with Cambridge Police Commissioner Dr. Branville G. Bard, Jr. and Parents Forum founder Eve Sullivan and AiB President Voury Ignegongba

Cambridge, Massachusetts – Tuesday, November 7th 2017

As part of the State Department International Visitor Leadership Program: Empowering Communities to Combat Violent Extremism, Mayors from G5 Sahel countries ( Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania) were invited at a house dinner in Cambridge, Massachusetts hosted by Parents Forum founder Eve Sullivan and co-hosted by AiB President Voury Ignegongba. Cambridge Police Commissioner Dr. Branville G. Bard made a brief appearance to meet the representatives from Africa.

The dinner’s agenda was to foster cultural understandings and bridge the Gap between Africans and the World through strategic development and educational initiatives.

   
Washington,DC – Thursday November 2nd 2017 to Friday November 3rd 2017

AiB President Voury Ignegongba and AiB Executive Director Jeff Siaw attended the CAF America Diaspora Summit in the nation’s capital from Thursday November 2nd 2017 to Friday November 3rd 2017 ! The summit was organized by CAF America in partnership with Boston University Pardee School of Global Studies African Studies Center represented by research associate and lecturer Daivi Rodima-Taylor.

Founded in 1992, Charities Aid Foundation of America ( CAF America) is a US 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to make giving internationally safe, easy, and effective for US donors. To accomplish this mission, CAF America streamlines the global grantmaking process, reducing risk, reputational exposure and administrative burden, while at the same time enabling its clients to make strategic, cost effective, and tax-advantages grants. CAF America provides global reach as a member of the CAF Global Alliance, with offices and partner organizations in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Russia, Bulgaria, South Africa and Brazil. CAF America makes an average of 1,500 grants annually, totaling more than $300 million since 2001 alone, to legitimate organizations in over 90 countries around the world. CAF America works with many types of donors including individuals, corporations, and foundations, offering a wide array of international grantmaking and advisory services.

The event brought together a broad array of Diaspora organizations to explore different models and partnerships to further advance their respective agendas!

Kinga Ile – Vice President, Thought Leadership and Communications, CAF America
Jeff Siaw – AiB Executive Director
Voury Ignegongba AiB President

Saturday 29th July was marked by the colorful celebration of music, food and culture from different countries on the African continent. Boston was privileged to enjoy the 7th Annual African Festival presented by the Shalupe Foundation. With performances by Georgette Adjie from Cameroon, and a special appearance by Miss Africa New England, Sabrina Ali, the Greenway Park was bustling with art and wonder.

Vendors from Worcester were selling beautiful, handmade attire from Zimbabwe, Cape Verdean jewelry makers were beckoning with their shiny merchandize, the calming whiff of  African black soap, natural shea butter, essential oils, and of course the mouth watering and tantalizing spicy food from Africa. Congolese fried plantain, Cameroonian Beignets and beans, and Jollof were all present, vying for the attention of hungry buyers.

Members of AiB were in attendance to participate in the day’s festivities, interacting with people of African descent, and lovers of different African cultures.

Elisa Miranda and Flossy Azu, Events Manager and Communications Manager of AiB enjoying the event

The festival was well attended

Author:  Flossy Azu, AiB Communications Manager 

Music is a beautiful part of African culture and lifestyle, hence, a lot of Africans have cultivated a passion for, and find joy in music. Sharing in the music that unites Africans, across the globe, is the vision behind Appsfrica,’s mobile music App and online music platform, Audiofrica.

The first of its kind, Audiofrica is a music platform which brings Afro and Afro-Caribbean music from well known and beginning artists to its listeners. Being fully comprehensive, engaging and easy to use, the app possesses a number of unique features in its design. Not only does it contain a plethora of music, and podcasts, it also allows its users to stream music videos, and utilizes both text and voice search features.

Audiofrica is the go-to app for live streaming thousands of African radio stations, to listen, buy, and download songs and albums as well as chat with artists and other users.

The nonprofit arm of the app, Audiofrica Cares will be giving a portion of generated revenue to feeding the homeless, both in the local communities and in Africa. Speaking on this venture, the founders touched on the spirit behind AudiofricaCares, the victims of the Sierra Leonean civil war, many of whom still struggle today.

Getting to be a part of the star studded Launch Party night at the Hibernian Hall, AiB enjoyed performances and music by CodeWine Deejays

AiB Communications Manager, Flossy Azu and Executive Director, Jeff Siaw with a few of the founding members of Audiofrica

Author:  Flossy Azu, AiB Communications Manager 

The contestants of the 2017 Miss Africa New England
From left to right: Miss Ghana, Miss Liberia, Miss Mali, Miss Nigeria, Miss Somalia and Miss Congo

On Saturday, the 15th of July, Africans in Boston had the pleasure of attending the Miss Africa New England Awareness beauty pageant, which was put together by Miss Africa New England-USA Org, and held at the Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Massachusetts. The aim of the pageant being to unite young women of African descent, in order to empower them, and to unite members of the African Diasporan community to address issues they face. Additionally, the pageant will be used as a platform to organize community activities, events and service projects to support and assist the underprivileged Africa and in the New England area.

This year’s pageant was geared towards raising awareness of mental health, and the winner of the pageant, serves as the ambassador educating people on mental health, especially  in the African community. In addition to creating awareness, the winner of the pageant will be assisting the organization to implement basic health care benefits, infrastructure and education amenities and creating unity and networking opportunities within the African Diaspora community.

The eight beauty queens represented countries from Africa, which they trace their heritage to, and they participated in different segments, including a talent segment where the queens showcased some of their best work. The hall was abuzz with electrifying spoken word pieces and captivating performances as the ladies kept the audience enthralled with beauty, brains, and composure.

Miss Nigeria preparing for the talent section of the pageant

The judges critically considered each participant’s articulation, pride, demeanor and contribution to the community, as the criteria for the competition. This seemed to be an easy feat for the contestants who showcased the best of themselves on the stage before the bustling audience of about 300 attendees. Kayla Ezeama- Nigeria, Amanda Kuffoh- Ghana, Judith Lushike- Democratic Republic of Congo, Karelle Sylla- Cote d’Ivoire, Musu Yengbeh- Liberia, Sabrina Ali- Somalia, Prisci Mwanza Zambia and Korotoumou Dienta of Mali were the breathtaking contestants, displaying their national cultural richness.

At 4pm on Saturday afternoon, the doors opened with the red carpet event and the night was underway! The success of this pageant holds a lot of significance in the local Diasporan community because mental health is a crucial issue that affects many people. However, mental health is seldom addressed in African communities, so the topic is little understood as it is treated as taboo.

This year, Africans in Boston (AiB) was honored to be a part of the VIP invitees to the pageant. Impressed by MANE-USA’s important work in the community, especially where there is alignment with AiB’s own mission of empowering members of the African Diaspora through creating opportunities for beneficial networking.

Miss Ghana, doing her spoken word piece for the Talent Section

Miss Ghana Somalia presenting a piece on Mental Health stigma in the community

Miss Mali presenting a piece during the pageant

Miss Congo captivating the crowd with her presence

The night was marked with beautiful young ladies showcasing their intellect, their public speaking skills, issues that they are passionate about, and aspects of their culture.

First Runner Up (Miss Ghana), Second Runner Up (Miss Zambia) of the Miss Africa pageant with the 2017 Winner of the Pageant

At the end of the night, Miss Somalia, Sabrina Ali was crowned Miss Africa New England. Along with her crown, she received a modelling contract, and eligibility to compete in the Miss Africa USA contest. Becoming the ambassador in the community, she will raise awareness on mental health among the African Diaspora, helping to educate people and change notions that currently exist. The beliefs among the community now prevent people from seeking professional help they need because of the stigma that exists surrounding mental health, and people viewing them as evil or cursed. Sabrina Ali, the 2017 Miss Africa New England will be talking on early intervention, and treatment ad the importance of support groups to assist people who are struggling with poor mental health.

Jeff Siaw, AiB Executive Director with Miss Somalia, who won the pageant

Miss Africa New England 2017, with First runner Up, the MCs for the Night, Obayaa Ajeiwaa and MC Omo

Author:  Flossy Azu, AiB Communications Manager 

Delicious food, great matches and body moving music, were the order of the day

On Saturday the 15th of July, the 8th Annual African Health Cup was held at Cawley Stadium, Lowell, where twelve teams representing African countries played for the coveted title of champion.

The event was put together by Africans For Improved Access (AFIA) and the Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), and their sponsors and partners, like Lowell Community Health Center, which was providing free and confidential health screening.

Food vendors, selling famous African cuisine like jollof, fried plantains, and goat stew, and vendors making signature smoothies made the event a fun filled and family friendly affair. Various community groups were also present, engaging the crowds with information about goods and services that they provide and how they are available to the community.

The crowds were entertained by Afrobeats and Afro-Caribbean sounds provided by DJ Emteezy, who played an array of current hits, and old school from all over the continent.

Leadership of AiB at the 2017 African Health Cup

Ghanaian Members of the AiB Leadership Team with the Ghana Worcester Soccer Team

Members of the African Diaspora, Africans and friends of Africa were present at the event, meeting each other, connecting and participating in fun-filled activities that brought them closer giving them an opportunity to learn about different ways in which they can be supportive.

Africans in Boston garnered a good group of new members with skills in the financial, technology and the social benefit worlds. These new members were excited to get to know more about the organization and build forward the mission of AiB.

Flags of Africa

More Flags of Africa

Authors/Contributors:  Flossy Azu, AiB Communications Manager – Joshua Mendes-Yesufu, AiB IT Manager

The 14th of July, 1789 was a phenomenal day in the history of France, because the storming of the Bastille prison signified a flash point in the French revolution. This historical day is especially monumental because it signifies to French people the importance and power behind the unified strength of the citizens. The day celebrates “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” which are the tenets of the republic, hence patriotic pride rather than political history of the day.

Celebrations around the world unite the French people in their shared patriotic passion, in their love for their culture and their history. From Canada, to the Phillippines, French people commemorated the day with their own French traditions.

Boston was not left out of the joyous celebrations of the day, as French people, French speakers and French lovers sauntered the street in front of the French Cultural Center. The day was marked with music, food and networking.

The day was attended by the French Consulate who brought along their families and friends to network and enjoy the significant day with everyone.

Teranga Restaurant, a Senegalese restaurant had a busy stand, bustling with people trying their delicious food for the first time, and with their faithful customers coming back over and over again for more. Teranga Senegalese Restaurant at 1746 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 has an array of delectable West African cuisine which excited the tastebuds on a culinary journey of palatable excellence.

Teranga Restaurant at Bastille Day

The restaurant was one of the best patronized of the night, with lines forming almost from the very start of the night’s festivities at 6pm, to deep into the night, being the last stand to still be serving customers warm food.

Wine, cheese, jambon et formage (ham & cheese) sandwiches, the giggles of happy children with Tricolore painted faces, and the hearty laughs of full bellies filled the streets with warmth and the celebration of the festive day.

The sweet smells of fresh warm Belgian waffles wafted and embracing the throngs with mouth-watering goodness.

Other food and drink were presented by Mr. Crepe serving fresh tantalizing crepes. Lavoile a French brasserie located on Newbury Street, Boston and Beacon Street, Brookline. Bastille Kitchen in Boston’s Fort Point district, reminiscent of bistros found along the Parisian streets.

Bar Boulud, a French inspired bistro and wine bar known for its French menu and New England dishes. New England’s own Wilson Farm was also present with farm-fresh cheeses and breads.

The night’s mainstage was headlined by French soul singer-songwriter, Ben l’Oncle Soul, who mesmerized the crowd with his rich soulful voice and got the crowd moving with his smooth sound.

Ben l’Oncle serenading the crowd with his enthralling sound

Prior to Ben l’Oncle taking the stage, the crowd was warmed up by Senegalese Daby Toure. Daby Toure, a singer and songwriter with an amazing sound and a unique global perspective. Living between Montreal and Paris, and being of Senegalese descent, the artist astounds his audiences with a powerful ethereal voice, talented finger work on the strings of a guitar, and captivating stage presence. He engages the crowd in call and response, they to join in, creating finger work on the strings of a guitar, and captivating stage presence. He engages the crowd in call and response, they to join in, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Daby Toure

Daby Toure had some CDs on sale, where he signed copies for fans, and took pictures with adoring fans who were in love with his sound.

AiB Communications Manager Flossy Azu with Senegalese Artiste Daby Toure

It was a beautiful and cool night filled with warm and experiences to be repeated next year, and AiB was glad to be a part of the momentous day.

Author: Flossy Azu, AiB Communications Manager

Cambridge, Massachusetts  – Saturday, May 27^th 2017

AiB Executives Voury Ignegongba ( left) and Jeff Siaw ( right)  met with Mr. Davis Asare in Cambridge sipping through Rwandan coffee and Caramel macchiato cups.

Mr. Davis Asare is running for City Council in Worcester’s 3^rd district. He is a graduate of Bartlett High School in Webster, MA then went on to higher education at the Wentworth Techology where he received his degree in Electrical Engineering with a Minor in Applied Mathematics. Since graduating from college Mr. Asare has opened two companies “A Plus Services” and “Asare Engineering” while currently holding a position at Aircuity as a Consultant. Mr. Asare has also been very active in his community from a young age, volunteering his time at the Boys and Gilrs Club of Webster-Dudley. He has also volunteered with ACE mentoring, Our Bright Future, the Mathcounts Foundations, FC Napoli, and is currently a member of the Citizen Advisory Council for the city of Worcester. Mr. Asare and his high school sweetheart, Stephanie live in Worcester with their two children Aniyah and Ayden.

Proposed ideas focused on forming valuable connections between the African Diaspora communities in Boston and Worcester, supporting businesses and showcasing different events and ventures that the members of both communities are involved in.

Both AiB and Mr. Asare will be participating in the 8^th Annual Health Cup (AHC) scheduled to occur on Saturday July 15^th 2017 at the Cawley Stadium, 587 Douglas Road in Lowell in Lowell, Massachusetts. The first games will commence promptly at 9am and will continue until 8pm. The event is organized by the Multicultural AIDS Coalition (MAC), a non-profit organization founded in 1989 that aims to mobilize communities of color to end HIV. The African Health Cup, an annual soccer tournament is one of the MAC’s most successful social initiatives in recent years.

At the African Health Cup this year, AiB is partnering with MAC to ensure the success of the event. Through generating public interest, AiB will be present to support the success of the event, and engage with community members, creating buy-in for the impactful work that both organizations are engaged in.

Mr. Asare will also be in attendance, interacting with the community, and backing the admirable agenda of eliminating HIV.

Both Mr. Davis Asare and Africans in Boston are committed to working together in the long term on educational initiatives in Boston, Worcester and their neighboring municipalities, as well exploring new avenues for partnerships.