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The Health & Wealth of the Continental African Community
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Cherry Summer to you, your family and friends:
The Continental African community faces limited access to health care, especially those working in lower wage jobs that provide limited or no access to employer sponsored insurance. Non-citizens are much more likely than citizens to be uninsured and have more limited access to care than citizens. Many lawfully present immigrants are subject to a five-year waiting period for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.
We are appealing to African community leaders and organizers to address key enrollment and access barriers facing our community. By doing so as a community, we helping individuals to obtain needed care; providing financial stability; and supporting their ability to work and focus on caring for their families. We We also call on safety-net providers, who provide trusted and culturally competent care to get involved.
Asset Based Community Development is a proven approach that creates viable communities. The concept is simple. Think about how the Latino, Asian, Jewish immigrant communities became a force. Today, in different jurisdictions, they have quality of life services and resources for their respective populations. Do the Continental African populations have these services even when the numbers in the jurisdictions make a clear and compelling case? Dear local residents, that is the bottom-line for action.
ABCD considers local assets as the critical and primary building blocks of sustainable community development. It emphasizes:
1) Building the skills of local residents;
2) Empowering local associations to address community developments as opposed to dependencies;
3)The supportive functions of local institutions in the government and private sectors, which recognize the need for equity for various populations in the jurisdictions.
Naturally, ABCD draws upon existing community strengths (such as leadership, institutions, individual talents and other social assets) to build stronger, more sustainable community. The results should be evident: policies and resources that improve the health of residents, economic and educational opportunities, and socio-cultural life of the community.
Educate, Engage, Enlighten to promote the essence, presence and contributions of Continental Africans in the development of your city, county and state in the US .
Cheers!
From the ABCD Team
MsJoe
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Civic Advancement and Mentoring of the Next generation.
A veteran of Civic Activism and the Power of the Ballot Box, the wise voice Mumin Barre calls on the community to raise its voice on the issue of the day. In Maryland, he is the Interim President of the Legislative District 39 Democratic Club and the former Chair of the Legislative District 39 Democratic Caucus. Get involved in matters that affect you or the community to make the Change.
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From left to right: Dosso Kassimou, Mayor Cory Booker, Deputy Mayor Margarita Muniz, and Sekou Fofana.
From advocacy on equitable social service, cultural identity programming; strengthening ties with civic and faith groups; to international projection of Africa, such as the Mali cries, saving jobs through AGOA, Mr. Dosso Kassimou, the President of the African Commission in Newark, NJ, steps up to the plate. Get a few of the press from the Quick Links on the right. In deed, the African Commission has proactively increased the public visibility and profile of the Continental African community in New Jersey. Dosso is a hands-on leader by example.
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Obama Care Comes to Town with Dr. Nadine Gracia
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Ms Evelyn Joe, organizing Emcee of the Affordable Care Forum at the Ghana Embassy on July 10, 2013. |
His Excellency Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Ghana's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, opened the stately Chancellery for the pioneering event, free of charge. Minister Ebenezer Padi Adjirackor gave the welcome address on behalf of the Embassy. The remarks radiated the warmth and hospitality of African solidarity, invoking the unity theme of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
On October 1, 2013, the Affordable Care Act will go into effect. How is the community preparing to ensure that residents are aware and understand how to take advantage of its provisions?
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Dr. J. Nadine Gracia on
Affordable Health Care with the Continental African Community. July 10, 2013 at the Ghana Embassy |
The question was the focus of the community dialogue with Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and the Director for Minority Health at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
From left to right: Dr. Nadine Gracia; Reverend Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo; Mr. Serge, president Serge Oniloude, President of the Benin Association.
The Reverend Dr. Mankekolo Mahlangu-Ngcobo, founder of Restoration Ministry, gave the opening prayers and with a spirited poem that energized the house. A passionate supporter of Obama and a public intellectual of the finest order, Dr. Mankekolo made an incisive rebuttal to criticisms of Obama care. She raised the roof!
The Engaging Paticipants
A cross-section of representatives ranging from faith-based institutions like the African Catholic Community with Dr. Sekou Bundu; national groups led by Catherine Rwivanga of Rwanda, Dr. Samuel Dogmo of multiple Cameroon associations, Ben Bamba of Ivory Coast, Thierry Lamine of Senegal, Roger Mohamed of Algeria to Mr. Kwasi Agyemang of Asanteman Association and member of Council of Ghanaian Associations to name a few; health industry with Christine Nkwain, Nyube Bilikha, Stacy Mills of DC Health Exchange; women and children advocates such as Marie Mimko, Justine Adeyangu; the Rebecca Project and the African Women Rights Group; the business sector with Dr. Evaristus Enongene, Chamber of Commerce representatives and scores of professional and advocacy groups provided a diverse leadership base to move the agenda forward to communities.
Visting physicians from Africa such as Cameroon's Dr. Henry Bessong; Dr. Kokovi from Togo, Dr. Diallo from Mali were handy. Mrs. Ann Nsang of the United Nations, a veteran journalist, created authentic stir with a question that captured testy debates on Obama Care on CNN, Fox News to Al Jazeera. Dr. Mankekolo was sharper than Rachel Maddow with an answer. The program was as lively as the presenters, including Dr. Gracia.
The veterans of civic activism such as Nii Akuetteh, former Executive Director of Africa Action ; Mwiza Munthali of TransAfrica, host of WPFW Pacifica's radio Africa Now! extended the reach of community presence. Visiting Mrs. Laura Mbeng, wife of Cameroon's Ambassador to Brazil and Washington diplomatic staffers highlighted the interest of the African diplomatic community in the welfare of its constituents.
Based on the feed-back, participants want more of the highly informative presentation they got with opportunities for networking. That seed of productivity was sowed.
Mrs. Margaret Korto, one of the organizers from Office of Minority Health, introduced Dr. Gracia. Mr. Jay Blackwell, head of the Capacity Building Team in the Office of Minority, was called out for introduction but apparently he had stepped out.
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Dr. J Nadine Gracia presenting the Affordable Care Act. |
Please click on the video, below, for an excerpt of Dr. Gracia's presentation with a gracious self-introduction.
http://www.usadiaspora.com/obama-care02.html
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Essey Workie, Director of the Division of Refugee Health, Administration for Children and Families, US Departart of Health and Human Services, delivered a masterful presentation on Obama Care.
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Please watch excerpt of the video below:
http://www.usadiaspora.com/obama-care01.html
Networking was on the agenda. The President of Benin Association, Mr. Serge Onioude chatting with Mrs. Marie Mimko of Gabon (seated). Both Advocates are examples of what a few committed people can do to change society.
Networking continued after the formal presentations.
Next Step:
Wait a minute, MsJoe provided some answers with the gestures.
The Art of the Possible: There were able leaders in the house: Left: Dr. Samuel "aka Dr. Musica" Dogmo of Cameroon and Mr. Ben Bamba of Ivory Coast were among the competent core Ready to Roll with making Obama Care benefiting the community.
Ready? The Health Fair is on September 15 followed by the Launching of the Continental African Health Initiative with a Community Health Navigator at the Image and Beneficence Gala on September 28. Advocates also want the US HHS to honor the African HIV/ Hepatitis Awareness Day on September 9.
Ride on.
Click: Launch
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.Montgomery and Maryland: Homes of Many First
The Heath and Wealth: Equity Forum
May 14, 2013
Thanks to our co-sponsors: Dr. Georges Awah; Martinsburg Pediatrics; Chris Leintu; and Reaching the Nations Ministry.
A multidisciplinary corps of constituents and organizations not only took the lead in identifying gaps in development; they are ready to match capacity with need for solutions. It was a partnership dialogue with Montgomery County. The keynoter was the Honorable Isiah "Ike" Leggett, Montgomery County Executive.
The event was held at the Montgomery County Council Cafeteria. Limited by space the attendance met the goal with an impressive turnout with health care and business leaders in the private sector, including area hospitals and economic developers. Among the formal public sector representatives were: Members of the Office of Minority Health; heads of the African American and Latino Health Initiatives - Mrs Heather Ross and Ms. Sonia Mora respectively; the Director of the Office of Community Services - Mrs Betty Lam; the Director of Health and Human Services -Mrs. Uma Ahuwalia; the Manager of Business Navigation - Mrs. Judy Stephenson; and representatives from state, national and international interest groups.
The constituents also extended their appreciation to the engaging council members: George Leventhal; Hans Riemer and Congressman Chris Van Hollen whose staffs were present with less than 24 hours notice or no notice.
An array of community groups including the first established community-based organizations: The Ethiopian Community Center and its venerable Director Hermela Kebede; African Women Cancer Awareness Association with Mrs Ify Nwabukwu; Mrs Ndiaye and the Africa Diaspora for Change signified the institutional foundation of the new and emerging Continental African community. The enthusiastic participants appreciated the presence of Mr. Dan Koroma, the African and Caribbean Liaison to Mongtomery County Executive.
The media and personalities from WPFW led by its chairman Yves Point de Jour reminded all about the the institutional role of the media in community development. Mwiza Munthali of Africa Now! was in the house and the old school of migrants from the 1960s came. Hello to Dr. Kofi Agyapong of Sons and Daughters of Africa and Chief, Pastor Alex Taku and a host of others who could remember Watergate as it happened - from Nixon to Obama.
Elected in April 2013 to represent District 4 in the City of Hyattsville, MD in Prince George's County, Councilman Edouard Haba was introduced by the wise man Mumin Bare of Montgomery County. The Councilman inspired the assembly!
What was the goal of the forum?
Public-Private Partnership and capacity building are critical in sustainable community development. Some miles have been gained. However, there are still enormous barriers. By having a coherent plan and bringing together the public sector and the community in order to develop clear and common understanding of the problem from informed perspectives and to implement viable solutions, society as a whole benefits from a healthy and wealthy population. It will also cost the government less money to prevent than to cure or ignore problems - or practicality.
 | | Excerpts of Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett acknowledgment at the "Heath and Wealth: Equity For Continental Africans Forum" on May 14 , 2013 |
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The Honorable Ike Leggett, Montgomery County Executive
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The event highlighted two critical elements of public-private partnerships: 1) An Accountable and Responsive County Government 2) The necessary social, civic and professional capital of the Continental African community to undertake self-reliant developments.
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Dr. Samuel Dogmo made a researched presentation on the diversification of Montgomery and Maryland Work force and capacity Building.
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In an increase pluralistic society with new population, workforce diversity is the creation of a culturally diverse one in the city, county and state and nation through the recruitment, development,and upward mobility of workers in all professions and level of management. The diversity is visible because it should reflect the population of the jurisdiction. Currently, nobody knows as a matter of statistics what percentage of Continental Africans are in the workforce. At the federal level, the White House made the recruitment of Hispanics (started by Bush) and Asians (started by Obama) targeted priorities. At local levels, the goal of the presentation was to start the conversation on including Continental Africans as an accountable target in workforce diversity.
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Mrs. Sonia Mora, Director of the Maryland Welcome Back Center and Director of the Latino Health Initiative, Montgomery County, MD.
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Mrs. Sonia Mora explained the knots and bolts of the Welcome Back Center. It is a national model operating in different states. The Welcome Back Center supports internationally trained healthcare workers who wish to obtain professional credentials. It covers physicians, Nurses, Dentists, technicians. In Maryland, only the nurse's program has been instituted. 45% are Hispanics; 36% are Continental Africans. A survey indicated that only 10% of foreign trained physicians practice in their specialties. Mrs. Mora also addressed Work Force Diversity.
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The Director of Montgomery County Health and Human Services: Mrs. Uma Ahluwalia gave an overview of the efforts the County is making to ensure all populations have access to health care and social services.
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New and emerging populations face special challenges due to the fact that existing policies and standards for inclusion may not reflect their growing numbers and the distinguishing characteristics and cultural orientations that influence behavioral health, preventive health care, and use of social services. The Continental African community, like their Hispanic and Asian counterparts, have similar obstacles due to cultural, language and other adjustment barriers. However, there are extra hurdles faced by Continental Africans based on the community's " new and emerging status" with little or institutional resources, limited research and advocacy, and unfunded outreach. The public advocacy and competent outreach are largely the results of volunteers going the extra mile with their own money and time to conduct research and using the assessments to sensitize lawmakers and the community on the issues.
As it has been repeatedly noted, there is no systemic collection of data to understand the rate of a particular disease (morbidity) in order to prioritize resources from a data-driven perspective. Unfortunate news and ideas on disease affliction or destitution are mostly known through funerals and emergency crises, especially when children are involved.
Based on post forum assessments, there is an alerting need to work with the Health and Human Service Department, the County Executive, and Legislative Branch to address service and resource disparities from evidence-based approach.
The camera had no flash but the message was clear. A business mentor, Mr. Dan Eke, CPA, owner of Daniel Eke and Associates, gave a compelling and experiential presentation on nurturing business entrepreneurs and professionals who need an entry into their fields.
Employment is essential for a Wealthy Community. New immigrants, including the highly educated, may not have the professional experience and corporate culture background to be hired at their level of education. A job readiness program will address "structural unemployment" by helping job seekers with job references and preparation.
African Woman and Entrepreneur are mentioned in the same sentence as they are increasingly becoming bread winners. The ethodically addressed gender equity in business opportunities, pointing to potentials in ethnic-oriented markets, too, and the need for micro loan programs to assist the entrepreneurial woman in the community.
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Growing Business: Mrs. Judy Stephenson, Manager of Business Navigation is open for business! She is ready to work with the community in addressing barriers to business developments.
Are we ready? That is the challenge for an organized and consistent Business Entity.
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 | | Watoto Children's Choir- Beautiful Africa ~HD |
The African Women Human Rights Group with Mrs. Elizabeth Asaha explained the origin of the group: to essentially challenge the status quo that makes women secondary to any issue. Straight from from work, the women came not to talk about oppression but to address the progressive ideals of after school and summer activities for Continental African Youths. She stressed the value of self-esteemed heritage and positive character.
The programs are designed to support educational achievements, risk-reduction and positive character development while engaging participants in useful hands on-activities like basket weaving, sports, civics, cultural expo, health lessons, music, etc. Unlike the Hispanic and Asian youths, there are is no specific program for Continental Africans. However, there is are models with African student clubs and organizations in local colleges. Students born in the US and from African immigrant background and immigrants students from Africa are members and leaders of the clubs and organizations that can be replicated at community program levels.
In every community, there are cornerstones builders whose legacies engineer change. Paraphrasing Bernard Shaw, Robert F. Kennedy said, "Some men see things as they are and ask why I dream things that never were and ask why not." The inference is that people see society they don't understand, feel victimized by the circumstances and ask in helplessness, why? The visionary doer asks: why not change it?
The program was dedicated to, and the county honored, two great visionaries:
Mrs. Viola Kwamkwalala was honored posthumously. She was scheduled to speak but died two weeks earlier while organizing to make life better for African families in Montgomery County and to launch Aspire to Inspire to provide educational opportunities in Malawi. Her sister, Catherine Chisala accepted the honor on Viola's behalf.
 Renowned Plastic Surgeon Dr. Emeka Onyewu was honored for this pace-setting medical missions to Africa where he performs free surgery that the save lives of indigent patients. In the county and state, his charitable contributions to the have-nots causes are priceless. Dr. Onyewu is the chairman of the African Women Cancer Awareness Association. His recent mission was to Cameroon in June 2013.
Dr. Onyewu is the African Philanthropist of the Year at the Image and Beneficence Banquet on September 28, 2013.
 Faith-based Initiative In Action
Meet the Living Abaster Group whose Food and Clothing Drive for the poor captured the hearts of the assembled. A testament of faith in community, the Living Abaster members belong to Reaching the Nations Ministry in Beltsville, Maryland.
 | | Performance by the Living Abaster during the Health and Wealth Equity For Africans Forum on May 14, 2013 |
Oh, the video did not capture the dazzling to the floor performance.
They thrill and they deserve your support to cloth the have-nots and to feed the hungry.
Support the Living Abaster Group in its Back to School Drive on August 17, 2013
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Toast with a Way Forward
Raise your glass! It is not half-empty.
Toast to the countless efforts, known and unknown! You make the Difference for the Change in creating a Healthy and Wealthy Continental African population.
While cultural, tribal, alumni and national groups are vital sources, we must come together as Continental Africans from various specialties in order to make a Way Forward. Words cannot measure the incredible sense of duty that has been demonstrated by community leaders who have proved this reality....when people move, the shake out the doubts and translate vision to action and progress.
You have the potential.
Make it happen for Asset Based Community Development.
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Quick Links
About Leadership Inspiring Great Heights Together through ABCD
Growing with potentials, to capture the dynamism of the rising population, may visit and download the promising Calendar of Activities in the African Heritage Month.
Jurisdictions may choose any event or sample to organize in different states and cities.
Please, go to the site to download.
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Councilman Edouard Haba represents District 4 in the City of Hyattsville, Prince George's County, Maryland. From Guinea, he made history as the elected Continental African in the DMV when he won in his first run for public office in April 2013.
Mr. Haba has been responsive to the community.
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 | Obama Clearly Explains "Obamacare"
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His Excellency Daniel Ohene Agyekum, Ghana Ambassador to the US.
Let Knowledge blossom
The Role of the
Social Media.
A vote of thanks to
Mr. Christophe Hazoume
for covering the program as a non-commercial contribution to the community.
How does the Affordable Health Act Affect you? Click
Also check the Basics: Click
With Affordable Care Act, the big impacts are already being felt from children to adults.
How can local health departments work with local populations to implement the Affordable Care Act? There are ways but the community health navigator must be committed, competent with hands-on knowledge of the community.
Community Leadership is vital in reaching the people:
Benin Rocks and keep the links to Africa
Data is key. A systemic collection of health data for the Continental African population is necessary to know what disease and the rate of infection /affliction in the population - in order to allocate appropriate resource to reduce health disparities. For example, the Center for Disease Control indicates a high incidence of Hepatis B amnmg Asian and African immigrants.
Collection of data beyond race is noted in the Affordable Care Act. It also calls for data collection based on Ethnicity, Primary Language, Sex, and Disability Status. Please see Section 4302 of the Affordable Care.
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Let No Resident Be Left Without Access to Care
Mobilize, Organize to Sensitize in order to Deliver Health Care in the Continental African Community.  The American Association for Retired Persons also has the facts:
 Cafe Meetings on Consequence are periodically held to plan and develop strategies to promote the Health and Wealth of the community and the African Heritage Month agendas with the African Union Village. Don't forget to download your copy. Contact us for the next Cafe Meeting on Consequence
At the planning meetings, the hosts represent the African Gastronomy and African Diabetes Fine Dining.
Gastronomy is the study of food and culture.
What we eat is part of our cultural identity..so make it healthy. Learn more about African Gastronomy.
Leaders and Builders are Ready in ABCD. Demonstrating Capacity.
"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
To organizers and contributors to the Affordable Care Act forum on July 10, 2013.
Professor Theresa Wansi; Mr. Mumin Barre; Dr.Bola Idowu; Mr. Ben Bamba; Mrs. RoseMary Atanga; Mrs. Margaret Korto, Haggerstown Party Rentals; Mrs. Maureen Wango Taylor-Smith; Christine Nkwain:
MsJoe
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The Background
The Emergence of the Continental African community in the District of Columbia and Montgomery County, Maryland is dated.
Feedback on October 2012 Round-table:
Based on feed-back and assessments of a Round-table discussion on challenges in the community, at the request of
Ms Evelyn Joe,
the County Council's Health and Human Service Committee held a Discussion on the social service challenges facing the new and emerging Continental African community.
To know more about this milestone development, you may download the Health and Human Service summary in preparation for the Discussion:
What knowledge was gained and how is the information being analyzed to develop ABCD in order remove access barriers and improve health and social resources in the Continental African population?
That is the question. Strategy sessions are being held to engage the Health and Human Service Committee in constructive, reality-based and data-driven solutions. A follow-up is suggested to organize an improved Discussion/Hearing in 2014.
Public-Private Partnerships bear fruits.
Calling on the entrepreneurial class to grow the wealth.
The Legislative Breakfast is in December 2013
You may check out this Business Community Development model of asset and wealth creation:
"A small business is considered to be any company that employs less than 100 people. In the United States, small business employs over half of the country's workforce.
While many people think that new industrial giants are the most important factor in driving the economy, but small business is actually the top dog. Without small businesses, where would half of the country work?
Small business in America has been the stabilizing force in the economy. Entrepreneurs are the backbone of creativity and production. Small business is what stimulates economic growth. With over 60% of all private sectors, non-farm jobs coming from small business, it is a proven fact that small businesses are critical to the United States economy"
In Ociober 2012 Continental African women with business in mind discussed options at the Gilchrist Center in Wheaton, Maryland
Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker with Master Tchatat at the Continental African Forum in Prince George's County.
Viola's organization, Aspire to Inspire was launched on June 28, 2013.The keynote speaker was His Excellency Stephen Dick Tennyson Matenje, the Malawi Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States. He presented the goodwill message from the President of Malawi, Her Excellency Joyce Banda.
You may read the Keynote:
Mwiza Munthali, Outreach Director of TransAfrica Forum, Host of WPFW Africa Now! is the chairman of Aspire to Inspire
African Faith Leaders Should Be Involved.
Faith-based Initiatives are not based on a particular religion. Services are provided regardless of the faith of anyone who needs help.
African religious groups constitute a growing segment of ethnic oriented organizations. The need for faith-based entities to work together in addressing social challenges in the community is one of the primary values of faith-based outreach. From the White House to local governments, this need is recognized. ABCD supports faith-based groups through its Porter's Vessels Outreach
To learn more about Faith-Based Initiative:
The African Heritage Month Begins with an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. It is in the Calendar of African Heritage Month Events.
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Latino Connection in Common Sense
We Have Common Stakes.
September 12.
County Executive Hispanic Gala
Click
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It was approved with celebrations. They can now go to college! Read a story.
Click
Stay tuned for a Round-table Coffee with Latino grassroots organizers.
Don't forget to chip in where you may to
Casa de Maryand.
CLICK
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