PHILADELPHIA
– Former Philadelphia Mayor John F. Street on June 30, 2005
announced the creation of the Commission on African and
Immigrant Affairs in partnership with City Councilwoman
Jannie L. Blackwell, Council’s Majority Leader.
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) and including Cody Anderson (WURD 900AM), Mjenzi
Traylor (Philadelphia Commerce Department), Giordani Jean-Baptiste
(Haitian Community/Culture Development Abroad), John Kidane
(African Cultural Alliance of North America), Dr. Jude
Ihoema (Coalition of African Communities in Philadelphia),
Lois Fernandez (ODUNDE), Cheryl McClenney-Brooker
(Philadelphia Museum of Art) and Ethel S. Barnett.
The Commission will also have an Advisory Board composed of
Romona Riscoe Benson (The African American Museum in
Philadelphia), Dolores Lami Mohammed (Essence International
School), Ronald Brown (Philadelphia Juneteenth Coalition),
Dr. Lawrence Robinson (Philadelphia Health Department),
Honorable Dr. Teta Banks (Honorary Consulate of Liberia),
Honorable Dr. Alston B. Meade (Honorary Consulate of
Jamaica), Dr. Charles L. Blockson (Charles L. Blockson
Afro-Collection at Temple University), and Dr. Nancy Morgan
(Bridges International).
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.
