OUR NEXT MEETING
When: September 10, 2008
Where: City Hall Philadelphia
Caucus Room
4th Floor - Room 401
Welcome
Hon. Stanley L Straughter
Commission Chairman
On the eve of Live 8, an international celebration to raise awareness about poverty on the African continent, and in preparation of the 4th of July Holiday, the Mayor’s creation of this Commission reaffirmed to the world Philadelphia ’s historic commitment to tolerance, freedom and democracy.
Philadelphia is home to over 200,000 African and Caribbean immigrants, many who were resettled here by local humanitarian organizations under the Refugee Act of 1980. The first wave of African immigrants under this Act came seeking refuge from the famine and civil war in Ethiopia and other parts of East Africa under the sponsorship of the Nationalities Service Center, Lutheran Children and Family Services, Church World Services Affiliate, Catholic Social Services and the Hebrew Immigration Aid Society. The impact of political unrest, civil war, and genocide in the 1990’s fostered many new refugees and political asylees from the nations of Liberia , Haiti , Sierra Leone , Congo , Angola , Rwanda , Nigeria , Somalia and the Sudan . Others have come to take advantaged of our excellent colleges and universities or to reunite with family members.
Mayor Street took note of this wave of immigration in announcing the Commission’s creation. “This great mass of African immigration to Philadelphia underscores our city’s historic reputation as a symbol of hope to so many people from around the globe, and a place of tolerance, freedom and personal liberty,” he said. “Creating this Commission to address the needs and issues of our growing African immigrant population is the right thing to do, and I’m proud we’re doing so with the significant assistance of Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell.”
Councilwoman Blackwell agreed, saying, “We appreciate the investment that so many of our African and Caribbean immigrants have made toward the revitalization of Philadelphia , especially in recognition of the hardships that they have endured. We look forward to the establishment of the Commission to formalize our relationships and further enrich the diversity of our City. And we thank the Mayor for his foresight and willingness to work with the African immigrant community on these very important issues.”
The Commission will be composed of nine members, Chaired by the Honorable Stan Straughter (the Honorary Consulate of Guinea)
The Commission’s main functions will be to encourage the development and implementation of policies and practices intended to improve conditions affecting the cultural, social, economic, political, educational, health and general well-being of the African and Caribbean immigrants, refugees, and asylees residing in Philadelphia .
Philadelphia Mayor Commission on African and Caribbean Affairs
City of Philadelphia
15th & Market street, Philadelphia PA 19102
P: 215-817-9887
F: 215-858-8888
Website powered by Wesellyouchill Enterprises
 | ||||
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Please mark your calendar for the next Commission meeting:
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Where: City Council Caucus Room
Room 401
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Room 401
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Believe it or not, the end of the summer has arrived. I hope you and your family have enjoyed this wonderful season. Clearly, the African and Caribbean communities in Philadelphia had a number of very important cultural events that were successful this summer. This African Festival on Penn’s Landing was well attended and the Caribbean Festival was also successful. I want to thank the leaders of the African and Caribbean organizations for getting their people out to support these and other summer programs. Echoes of Africa was another success this year and again I appreciate your participation. Read More....
