Sign in Subscribe
Congressional representatives

Designating September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New York Rep. Ritchie Torres and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize the contributions of African immigrant communities to the United States. The resolution aims to establish September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month, a celebration of the history, culture, and achievements of Americans of African immigrant heritage. The month-long observance would provide an opportunity for all Americans to honor the legacy of African immigrants through ceremonies, educational activities, and other events.

Key Takeaways:

  • The resolution aims to establish September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month to celebrate the contributions of Americans of African immigrant heritage to the United States.
  • The resolution highlights the significant contributions of African immigrants to American culture, education, healthcare, the military, and other areas.
  • African immigrants have made significant strides in education, with high educational and income levels, and have contributed to various areas of American life.
  • The resolution emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about African immigrant heritage in effectively fighting disparities within the greater Black population in the American narrative.
  • The resolution notes the history of African immigration to the United States, including the arrival of the first voluntary African immigrant group from Cape Verde in the 1790s, the settlement of free and formerly enslaved African Americans in Liberia in the 1820s, and the establishment of independent democratic countries in Africa in the 1960s.
  • The resolution also recognizes the negative impact of restrictive immigration policies, such as the Muslim and Africa bans, on African immigration to the United States.

Statistics:

  • Up to 2,000 languages are spoken on the African continent.
  • There are over 44 million people of African descent in the United States.
  • African immigrants have made significant contributions to various areas of American life, including the military, healthcare, education, community service, and public policy.
  • African immigrants have approximately 60% higher high school graduation rates compared to the U.S.-born population.
  • African immigrants have approximately 40% higher income levels compared to the U.S.-born population.

Sources:

  • Press release from the office of Rep. Ritchie Torres.
  • U.S. House of Representatives Resolution ( date not specified).
  • African Communities Together (ACT).
  • Barack Hussein Obama's presidential administration records.
  • U.S. Department of State program known as the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
  • U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act records.

Read more