To honor the contributions Africans have made to central Ohio, Columbus leaders commemorated Africa Day — a widely celebrated anniversary of the success and independence of African countries — Thursday night with performances, art and a panel discussion.
Special remarks from Mayor Andrew J. Ginter and City Council president Shannon Hardin acknowledged the important role Africans have made in Columbus’ metropolitan area.
“I think what’s ahead of us is a (strong) community because the contributions of Africans (from) all over the continent is going to poise us for greatness in business, faith, art and culture,” Ginther said.
Hardin shared similar sentiments.
“If you ever want to question the impact from the African diaspora or African heritage, drive up 161 or Morse road and see the impact this community is having on our hearts,” he said.
Members of the community were given a survey before the event to share what they believe are major issues affecting African communities.
The top three issues — health care disparities, systemic racism and educational barriers — were discussed by the panelists. Harrison Poku-Yeboah, a legislative advisor of community engagement for Columbus, said these issues will be sent to policymakers to ensure necessary changes are made.
“It’s important for us to have a intellectual discussion where council members basically find ways to come up with a policy to help us out,” Yeboah said. “We’re gonna make sure that council members continue to engage with the African community”
Health care disparities and dismantling stigmas
Panelist Obianuju Aguolu, a professor of epidemiology at Ohio State and a Nigerian American, said new African immigrants mainly struggle to properly integrate into the health care system due to language barriers and income levels that impact insurance.
She said the best way to support new Africans is to promote cultural competency in the health care field and dismantle stigmas surrounding Black Americans in the medical field.
Agulou also said Africans have a tendency not to prioritize their health and end up seeing a doctor once in a critical state.
“Sometimes we think its low priority and we only go to the hospital when we’re dying and it also comes from culture.”
Tackling systemic racism
Upper Arlington Mayor and City Council President Ukeme Awakessien Jeter shared her personal stories of being both Black American and Nigerian American. She said although the histories may be different between the two groups, it is important to work together to combat systemic barriers.
Jeter said one of the many forms of discrimination new Africans face is a result of not being aware of how impactful race is in America compared to countries in Africa.
“Without a deep understanding of what that history is, you can’t debunk biases and you can’t understand how it applies to you,” she said. “We might as well join hands together to offer a solution.”
She also explained how economic accessibility can help combat systemic racism for the African community.
“It is hard to have a voice at the table if you’re not respected as having brought something to that table” “I think we reduce racism when we start to improve access to economics.”
Facing educational barriers
The third panelist, Kobina Ayiety, a graduate from Ohio University and a Nigerian American, said most Africans immigrate to America with an educational visa but face issues with their transcripts and credentials lacking accreditation in the United States.
The event also featured cultural food and performances as well as artwork done by local African residents.
“It means a lot to be surrounded by African artists and my community to showcase my work and learn more about other African cultures,” said Ilham Hassan, a Somali American who drew a replica of the Somali flag that was on display.
The History of Africa Day
Africa Day, formerly known as African Freedom Day or African Liberation Day, is officially celebrated on May 25th to mark the anniversary of the Organization of African Unity established in 1963.
Though the organization was disbanded in 2002 and replaced with the African Union, Africans around the world still observe the foundation of OAU as the official declaration of unity, solidarity and sovereignty among African states.
The AU currently has 55 member states and is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
With 14% of the population in Ohio being African immigrants from the sub-Saharan region, Africa Day was first celebrated in Columbus last year after a resolution that officially allowed the city to recognize the independence of African nations.
This year’s celebration is meant to honor the achievements of African communities in Columbus and empower the diaspora to preserve their heritage while also contributing to the growth in the city.
Ahmed said it is important for residents to be aware of the role African immigrants play in the city’s economy and help support new African immigrants in their transition to life in Ohio.
A 2019 report states immigrants contribute to Ohio’s population growth, several millions in local and state taxes and 11.5% of Columbus’ gross domestic product.
Burhan Ahmed, a Somali American and one of the organizers of the event said aside from celebrating culture, one of the most important aspects of Africa Day is gathering people together to discuss issues that directly affect the African community.
“We created Africa Day to highlight some of the success stories and share issues that they are dealing with so that we improve.”
This year’s Africa Day was held a week before it is officially recognized in order to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Ahmed said they plan to do an illumination of City Hall on the 25th as well.
abayo@dispatch.com
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