African Community Organizers Lay Foundation for Collaborations

by Nelima

Leaders from about 20 organizations convened at the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) to engage in a conversation on the needs of the African community in Minnesota and lay the foundation for their collaboration. The conference was facilitated by the African Federation, Inc (AFI) and the Immigrant Development Center (IDC) to promote AFI’s National African Diaspora Mobilization Project (NAMPD), which aims to establish a strong network of African serving organizations in the United States. The project is funded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Four Freedoms Fund (FFF).

TGIF! What are YOU doing this weekend?

The 2nd Africans in Minnesota (AIM) networking happy hour at Picosa (salsa night) in Minneapolis.

(Look for updates denoted  by *new! to see events that we will add /update throughout the weekend)

The weekend’s here again and yes the temperatures have dipped, but there’s still much to do, places to be and causes to partake in. Take your pick – we have a pretty diverse list this time round.

1. If you haven’t already, don’t forget to participate in the Refugee Winter Clothing Drive at The Lounge, ENVY, AQUA, Drink and Spin. Its already cold for those of us who have been here a while so imagine what it’s like for refugees who’ll be experiencing their first winter here. So far only about 100 hundred items have been dropped off and I know y’all can do better.
2. The always anticipated monthly AIM Happy Hour is here again for the 4th time. It will be hosted at the Picosa, the last time we were there it was a lot of fun. We danced to afro-salsa (see picture above) … you want to be there. People start arriving at 5pm.

TGIF! What are YOU doing this weekend?

Is it just me or has this week just flown by? Not that I am complaining or anything of that sort, because I like my weekends. I can always sleep in or find something fun to do. Here’s a few suggestions for those that might want to step out and enjoy.

 

1. Beginning 6:00pm, there will be a Happy Hour and rally for young (and young at heart) Professionals to get you Fired Up! And Ready to Go! at the Epic Event Center. You’ll get to rally with special guests Representative John Conyers of Michigan and Representative Keith Ellison. There will be music, spoken word, giveaways and a cash bar. Entry is free.
2. Also there’s an exciting conference at the U of MN called “The Obama Effect”, which is discussing the compelling  events and issues surrounding Obama’s campaign. On Saturday at 10:45am there’ll be a segment on African Journalists and Obama featuring former Mshale Editor, Edwin Okon’go and Cosmas Akuta. For more info click here.
3.  And a reminder that Ola Onabule, who was scheduled to perform at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant this weekend, was unable to gain entry into the US and his shows have consequently been cancelled.
4. Congo Week ends tomorrow on the 25th. I hope you have had a chance to educate yourself on what’s been going on there in addition to educating your peers. Please share your opinions with us.

TGIF! What are YOU doing this weekend?

Yay! Another weekend’s here ….. looking for something to do? We are never short of ideas and hopefully this list will have something you may be interested in.

1. Storyteller “Auntie Beverly” will be performing Layer(s) through Saturday, the 18th at Intermedia Arts Naked Stages I Series.
2. If you are a film lover, check out the Arab Film Festival , which is going on through Sunday Oct 19th at The Historic Heights Theatre.
3. Africans In Minnesota (AIM) will be having their third networking Happy Hour for African Professionals at Gameworks this Friday. The last two were a lot of fun so you want to be there.
4. Hamline’s African Student Association will be having PAMOJA – African Night on Friday from 7pm. The event is free and open to all.
5. Dj Dave Kinyaiya will be playing the best of R&B, Hip-Hop, Bongo Flavor, Genge, Reggae, Dance Hall, Lingala, Zouk this Friday at Babalu’s Groove Night. Lynn Owino will be celebrating her birthday and is asking that friends make a donation to Homecare Spiritual Fellowship instead of buying her a gift. A percentage of all the bar sales that night will go to the group’s work in Kenya.
6. On Saturday, Join African Communities of Minnesota for Africa Day for Obama at 4:00pm at the Taj Mahal Banquet Hall, 3015 Cedar Ave, South Minneapolis, MN. Meet local Obama supporters and learn how you get involved with the campaign. Email SiadforObama@gmail.com for more information.

Diversity Partnerships: Connecting Talented Professionals with Industry-Leading Companies

by Nelima

Recent news reports indicate that in August Minnesota’s unemployment rate rose to its highest since 1985 and at 6.2%, it was higher than the national average. What’s more alarming is that for blacks, this rate stands at just over 11%. This does not make for a good job market or job hunting experience. In such times networking with the right people is very important. In 2005 University of Minnesota alum, Sam Adegoke, founded Diversity Partnerships in response to the need to connect talented early career-level women and minority candidates with industry-leading corporate clients to ensure their continued growth and success.

This is a good resource so use it and pass it on. For more information click here.