THE AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF NIAGARA
It started as biweekly meetings of friends and associates in a family room, back in the late 1990’s.
By early 1992, the growth at the meetings necessitated looking for a larger venue for the group. The group evolved to an association that was inaugurated in March of 1992, under the name African Association of Niagara.
The African Association of Niagara aims to bring together all Africans and descendants of Africans in the Niagara Region, to foster and promote unity. To offer support to all members who might get involved in unexpected problems and tragic situations beyond their control, provide a framework for Africans and African-Canadians to share their cultural heritage with all Canadians. The association also acts a liaison between members and both Governments and Non-governmental agencies on matters of interest to members.
Since that time, the Association has grown in size and scope. Under the guidance of it’s first president
Dr. Emeka Ume, participated in the annual Folk Arts Festival parades, held the first African Open House in the Niagara Region, and crossed the border to participate in international parade that welcomed the 1992 Olympic Torch to Buffalo, US. The African Association has been and still is involved in many other events and activities in the community namely:
It started as biweekly meetings of friends and associates in a family room, back in the late 1990’s.
By early 1992, the growth at the meetings necessitated looking for a larger venue for the group. The group evolved to an association that was inaugurated in March of 1992, under the name African Association of Niagara.
The African Association of Niagara aims to bring together all Africans and descendants of Africans in the Niagara Region, to foster and promote unity. To offer support to all members who might get involved in unexpected problems and tragic situations beyond their control, provide a framework for Africans and African-Canadians to share their cultural heritage with all Canadians. The association also acts a liaison between members and both Governments and Non-governmental agencies on matters of interest to members.
Since that time, the Association has grown in size and scope. Under the guidance of it’s first president
Dr. Emeka Ume, participated in the annual Folk Arts Festival parades, held the first African Open House in the Niagara Region, and crossed the border to participate in international parade that welcomed the 1992 Olympic Torch to Buffalo, US. The African Association has been and still is involved in many other events and activities in the community namely:
- Hosting Africa Festival in conjunction with Brock University International Services.
- Host Family Program in conjunction wit Brock University International Services.
- Participated in Ontario Aboriginal Friendship Festival, Fort Erie.
- Has provided children to proclaim the “International Year of Children” message in their native dialect on TV.
- Present information resources on Africa to many area schools.
- Community multicultural activities.