Columbus is home to immigrants from fifty African countries.  For city reporting demographic purposes, members of the same immigrant community are counted as country when their population reaches 15,000.  Indeed, African immigrants comprise 14% of the population of Ohio.  It is therefore very appropriate that Columbus has joined the list of cities in the US commemorating Africa Day.  

Formerly called African Liberation Day or African Freedom Day, Africa Day is a global celebration recognizing the end of colonialism on the African continent.  May, more specifically, May 25^th was selected to honor the creation of the Organization of African Unity (now the African Union) in 1963.  This year’s remembrance by City Hall was the second in Columbus’ history.  In Columbus, this affords the city leadership the opportunity to bring Columbus’ vast and diverse African immigrant community together in dialogue with all communities in Central Ohio.  The objective is to not only commemorate the occasion but to foster understanding and strengthen the bonds between all residents of Columbus.  Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin informed the attendees that the African immigrant community in Columbus is one of the economic driving forces of the city. 

The commemoration featured the Casbsi Cabsi Dancers, the singing of the African Union anthem led by Jeftar Kusi, and Hafsa Ahmed’s reading of her very inspiration poem lauding the resilience of Somalia.  Additionally, all the attendees were treated to a delicious gastronomic experience of jollof rice and other African cuisine.

This year, City Hall invited the Center of African Studies (CAS) to play the most prominent role in the program.  CAS director, Dr. Ousman Kobo, was asked to moderate a panel discussion.  The panelists were Dr. Obianuju “Genevieve” Aguolu, a clinical assistant professor in epidemiology with the Ohio State University’s College of Public Health, Mayor Ukeme Awakessien Jeter of Upper Arlington, and Dr. Kobina Ayiety a graduate from Ohio University.  The panel addressed healthcare issues affecting the African immigrant community, marginalization, and how to overcome obstacles to advancement both personally and professionally.

Before the ceremony began, Mayor Anthony Ginther greeted CAS director and assistant director, Dr. Jacien Carr.  A group picture was taken to commemorate the occasion.