Please call and support the bill, wherever you may be and can.

[Ceesay, Soffie]  Subject: Take a Stand For Destinity not to Stand
Against You - Continental Africans


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 <http://cdn-cf.aol.com/se/postcards/images/job-2_02.gif> 	TODAY IS
THE DAY

 

In support of Bill 16-430

 Office and Commission on the African Affairs 

in the District of Columbia

 

Fellow Continental Africans

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."  Mead,
Margaret
<http://www.learningtogive.org/search/quotes/Display_Quotes.asp?author_i
d=418&search_type=author>  
 
This drive was steered more than fifteen years ago, beginning with the
late Council member John Clarke many African immigrants advocated on
behalf of the creation of the Commission and the Office on African
Affairs. Mr. Wondimu Mersha and Professor Yosef  Ford must be smiling
from heaven as their sacrifice, struggle for equality, justice and
respect for African immigrants in the District of Columbia. We are
indebted to Abdul Kamus whose steadfast belief, dignified humility and
embracing skills steered the dream to today's ultimate destination. Come
aboard, the journey is moving on up......
 
Yesterday was reality cross-road as we acted in accordance with a clause
in the American Constitution: The right of the people to petition
government for the redress of grievance. We did just that in an
office-to-office presentation. Hah, sometimes it was "button-holing" and
the synergy was uplifting. At least, African immigrants commanded a feat
that shapes civil societies.
 
You have heard all about baseball. This afternoon February 7, 2006,
among the vote, the government of the District of Columbia will be
casting a historic vote for the establishment  of the Office and
Commission on the African Affairs, Bill16-430. This moment will stay
immortal as the ripple effects will herald the dawn and right of African
immigrant self-representation in the United States and our vanguard
responsibility in US--Africa policies.
 
The voices of the African immigrant community and Friends of Africa can
be demonstrated by calling the Mayor's office to support the Office and
Commission on the African Affairs, Bill 16-430. Please call Mayor
Anthony A. Williams, Mayor   (202) 727-2980 or send him an email at
http://dc.gov/mayor/talk.htm <http://dc.gov/mayor/talk.htm>  and also
call City Administrator Mr. Bobb at 202-727-6053 or by email
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Hats off to Council members Orange, Sr.;  Graham; Brown and Fenty for
sponsoring the bill. The African community members played a critical
role by testifying, advocating and lobbying the elected officials to
support Bill 16-430. Also, the DC Language Coalition played a major role
in advocating on behalf of the African community members in the District
of Columbia. Our utmost gratitude to Ms. Cooper of Councilman Graham's
office who exemplified constituent services throughout the process. As
we say, We do not forget our Friends
 
In support of Bill 16-430

 

America has been a beacon of hope for people around the world and in
particular to Africans, who are seeking democracy, justice and
opportunities in the 21st Century. Many of the African refugees and
immigrants escaped ethnic conflict, religious intolerance, and
suppression of free speech as well as abject poverty. 

 

The Refugee Act of 1980 allowed African refugees to be resettled in the
United States of America. Most of the first waves of refugees and
immigrants were resettled in major cities including the District of
Columbia. The Washington Metropolitan area is the hub for the African
refugees and immigrants in the United States.

According to the Brookings Institution Study, "The World in a Zip Code"
findings "... the greater Washington area attracts a significant number
of African immigrants, which is another distinguishing feature of the
area's immigrant profile. African immigrants account for 16.2 percent of
the recent arrivals in the Washington region, whereas they comprise only
3.6 percent of all new arrivals to the United States. Indeed, the
Washington area attracts the largest proportional flow of Africans of
any major metropolitan area in the United States."

There is no official statistics that reflects the exact number of the
African immigrants in the Washington Metropolitan area. However, the
number of Africans living in Washington Metropolitan by community
estimate is around 400, 000, of which Ethiopians are the largest
community outside Africa.

According to Local 27, 80% of the Parking lot attendants are African
immigrants.  Out of 6,500 taxi drivers in the District of Columbia about
70% of the taxi drivers came from Africa within the last two decades.
They provide the backbone for the transportation system and they play a
major role in the Nation's Capital. 

 

The African businesses experience significant growth in the center of
the city. The small business owners are the economic engine in the
community by creating jobs and paying taxes. There are many African
doctors, professors, lawyers, and professionals who play a major role in
the higher learning institutions, hospitals, government agencies,
embassies and international organizations.

There is a perceived increase in discrimination against African
immigrants from verbal abuse to firing them from their jobs. The African
immigrants were profiled in great numbers at the National, Dulles and
Baltimore Airports. Some of this can be attributed to change since
September 11, 2001.  In spite of the Washington Metropolitan relative
affluence, African immigrants are facing increased discrimination and
shrinking economic opportunities. 

 

We ask you to support  Bill 16-430 on February 7, 2006. The bill that
supports the creation of the Office and the Commission on the African
Affairs in the District of Columbia  was sponsored by Councilmember
Orange, Sr. and co-sponsored by Councilmember Graham, Councilmember
Fenty and  Councilmember Brown. 

 

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