mission statement - maryland state...

community initiatives“reaching out to all of Maryland’s communities”

G

overnor’s Of ce

AnnuAl RepoRt

2012

MarylandCommission on African Affairs

Mission stateMentThe Governor’s Commission on African Affairs serves as an advisory board to the

Governor and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the Immigrant African population of Maryland, including matters relating to economic,

workforce and business development.

Message from the Governor ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Message from the Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives ...................... 2

Message from the Chair, Maryland Commission ............................................................................ 3

Commissioners .................................................................................................................................. 4

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................... 6

Committee Workplan ........................................................................................................................ 7

First Ladies Youth Infusion Summit ................................................................................................. 9

Legislative Wrap-Up ........................................................................................................................11

Commission Year In Review ............................................................................................................12

Maryland African Community Demographics ................................................................................14

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Annual Report 2012

Dear Friends,

On May 19, 2009 I signed an executive order to establish the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs to effectively address the concerns of the African Diaspora in Maryland. I am proud to join the staff and members of the Commission in presenting their 2012 report.

Diversity continues to be one of Maryland’s greatest strengths.

As we make steady progress in our One Maryland, I will rely on the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs to help expand our opportunities for the growing African Diaspora in business, health, education and many other areas.

Sincerely,

Martin O’MalleyGovernor

MARTIN O’MALLEYGoVeRnoR

StAte HouSe100 StAte CIRCle

AnnApolIS, MARYlAnD 21401-1925(410)974-3901

(toll FRee) 1-800-811-8336

ttY uSeRS CAll VIA MD RelAY

STATE OF MARYLANDOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY

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Governor’s Commission on African Affairs


G

overnor’s Of ce

The Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (GOCI) coordinates community and volunteer activities statewide and advises the Governor on policies to enhance and improve community programs. This Office also oversees the work of the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, Volunteer Maryland and community affairs services within the Executive Branch of Maryland government. Additionally, GOCI coordinates outreach to ethnic communities across Maryland, overseeing the Governor’s Office and Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs, the Governor’s Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Maryland Commission on Indian Affairs, and the Governor’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs.

As a Governor’s Coordinating Office, GOCI is able to engage the resources of multiple State agencies and coordinate policy and activities related to community initiatives. By creating the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs, Governor O’Malley has affirmed his strong commitment to the African Diaspora in Maryland

Under the leadership of Chair Valentina Ukwuoma, Vice Chair Jewru Bandeh and Assistant Director Iman Awad, The Governor’s Commission on African Affairs has already become an integral part of the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives. Together, we expect to make great strides toward ensuring greater access and opportunities for the African Diaspora living in Maryland. In order to achieve this goal, we will continue to reach out to the community, engage key stakeholders, and mobilize participation in support of community initiatives.

Israel C. “Izzy” Patoka, Executive DirectorGovernor’s Office of Community Initiatives

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

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Annual Report 2012

Dear Friends,

It is my heartfelt honor to present on behalf of the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs the 2012 Annual Report.

Since 2009, the Commission has worked diligently to provide the African Diaspora in Maryland with the opportunity to better understand and better utilize state resources to further enhance our community’s economic, business and community wellbeing. The Commission continues to engage the African Diaspora in order to gain a deep understanding of their needs and concerns.

This year, the Commission had the distinct pleasure of joining UNESCO for their First Ladies Youth Infusion Summit. The Summit hosted the first ladies of Nigeria, South Africa, Gabon, Ethiopia, Ghana and Senegal. The Commission was honored to host the first ladies delegation at the Government House with First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’Malley.

The Commission has been humbled to witness the community becoming more engaged with the State and excited to see African organizations continue to flourish. In the next year, we hope to continue this engagement, expand our efforts to and to also become more active in our state’s legislative process.

As the Commission begins to work on the 2013 initiatives we hope to continue to expand on the knowledge gained through our 2012 accomplishments and extensive outreach efforts.

Sincerely,Valentina UkwuomaChair

A MESSAGE FROM THE COMMISSION CHAIR

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COMMISSIONERS

Valentina Ukwuoma,Chair (Nigerian, Howard County) Head Bureau of Solid waste, Department of Public

Works, Baltimore City

Jewru Bandeh,Vice-Chair Operations Manager, CUPF/Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans plaza NAACP, Montgomery County Gambian American Association

Alex Agwuna (Nigerian, Howard County) Vice President, Meridian Management Group, Inc. Member, Board of Directors for Universal Surgical Associates Member, Board of Directors, Friendship Association Education Assistance, Inc.

Kwaku Agyemang-Duah (Ghanaian, Talbot County) Transportation Planner, Department of Transportaion, City of Annapolis Member, American Planning Association

Ollie Anderson (Prince George’s County) President and Founder, Anderson International, LLC Co-founder and Chairman, Board of the New Initiatives Community Development Corporation Member, Prince George’s County Economic

Development Corporation Board of DirectorsTebabu Assefa, (Ethiopian, Montgomery County) Social Marketing and Media Consultant, Trees for the Future Member of the Montgomery County Executive’s African Affairs Advisory Group Board Member, Takoma Foundation

Nicholas Azinge, M.D., (Nigerian, Prince George’s County) Medical Director, Greenbelt Medical Associates

Mumin Barre, (Somalian, Montgomery County) Litigation Case Manager, The Travelers Property Casualty Insurance Company President, Somali Diaspora Network Co-Chair, Montgomery County Executives African Affairs Advisory Group

Sarian Bouma, (Sierra Leonean, Anne Arundle County) CEO, Sianna Productions Board Member, African American Business Women’s Association Co-Host, “Heart of a Winner” Radio Show

Watchen Harris Bruce, (Liberian, Baltimore City) Vice President & Business Banker, PNC Bank Member, Maryland Liberia Sister City Committee

Sylvester Ezeani, (Nigerian, Prince George’s County) Senior Network Engineer, Government of the District of Columbia Member, National Certified Public Manager (CPM) Consortium Member, Board of Director’s, Friendship Association Education Assistance, Inc.

Yonnas Kefle, Ph.D., (Ethiopian, Frederick County) Adjunct Professor of Economics, Frederick Community College Second Vice President, Literacy Council of Frederick County Economic Development Chair, Frederick County Branch of NAACP

Swearing in

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Annual Report 2012

Valentina Ukwuoma, Chair (Nigerian, Howard County)

Alfred Nkere, (Congolese, Baltimore County) Managing Director, East International Holdings Member, Baltimore Chapter of the African Chamber of Commerce

Joseph Offoha, (Nigerian, Baltimore County) Nurse, St. Joseph Medical Center

Chukwuma Okeke, Pharm.D., (Nigerian, Baltimore County) Owner and Pharmacist, Broadway Pharmacy, LLC Treasurer, African Alliance Group Member, Ihitte-Uboma Association of Maryland

Anthony Okolo, (Nigerian, Prince George’s County) Program Manager, Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation

Modupe Oladapo, (Nigerian, Baltimore City) Student Services Representative, Community College of Baltimore County Member, WGTS 91.9 Radio Station Dream Team

Adetoun Olumide, (Nigerian, Baltimore County) Legislative Aide, Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliams President, Nigerian Youth Association of Maryland Secretary, Baltimore Chapter of the African Chamber of Commerce

Eva Shaw-Taylor, (Ghanaian, Prince George’s County) Contracts Specialist, Internation Division of the

Department of Homeland Security Senior Grants and Contracts Manager, University

Research Company, LLC Vice President, American Association of Grant

Professionals, National Chapter

Mamadou Sy, (Mauritianian, Baltimore City) Baltimore Metro Area Program Coordinator,

Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital AreaPaschal Udumukwu, (Nigerian, Baltimore County) President and CEO, High Point Construction, LLC President and Founder, African Alliance Group

staff Iman Awad Assistant Director

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARYThe Governor’s Commission on African Affairs (GCAA) was created under the leadership of the O’Malley/Brown Administration in 2009 through Executive Order 01.01.2009.07. Being the first state-level Commission of its kind, the Commission aims to set a standard for other states. Focusing on business, workforce, and community development the GCAA every year establishes a work plan to fulfill the development in the three arenas as charged by the Executive Order.

One of the biggest accomplishments for the Commission on African Affairs in 2012 was the participation in the UNESCO Center for Peace First Ladies Youth Infusion Summit. The Commission participated in the two-day conference which created a platform for African youth to discuss concerns of the region and develop creative solutions, was hosted in Annapolis, Maryland. As part of the Commission’s contribution, the Commission organized a luncheon with the First Ladies of Africa and with First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’Malley.

The First Ladies were presented with proclamations from Governor Martin O’Malley and also shared with First Lady O’Malley their commonalities in their roles and commitment to supporting and encouraging youth participation for a brighter future.

In addition to the Summit, the Commission also focused on representing the Governor at various community celebrations. Providing proclamations or citations, the Commissioners served as ambassadors of the Administration in bringing well wishes and recognition to the numerous community events. Specifically, the Commission attended the Montgomery County African Heritage Month kick-off ceremony, the Mt. Nebo AME Church hosting the President of Malawi and the reception recognizing Governor Imoke of the Cross River State in Nigeria.

As the Commission continues to strive to represent the diversity of the community in Maryland the following report details the 2012 accomplishments and highlights 2013 initiatives. To stay up to date on the Commission initiatives and events within the community, visit the Commission’s website at: www.african.maryland.gov.

First Ladies of Africa and with First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’Malley.

Ghana Recognition

Nigerian Recognition

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Annual Report 2012

COMMITTEE WORKPLANTo more efficiently execute its charge and more effectively distribute its responsibilities, the Commission has formed four committees. Focusing its efforts in workforce, social service, business and community development, the Commission developed a comprehensive 2011 work plan in order to outline the priorities and provide public information to the African Diaspora in Maryland.

full Commission initiatives:Short Term Goals:

• Identify African communities and community representatives as liaisons to the Commission• Maintain and update database of African resources and businesses

Long Term Goals:• Organize trade mission to Africa• Study state government’s current language access policy and identify additional opportunities and

ways to increase language access services for communities with limited English proficiency• Review legislative and executive policies/programs affecting African and immigrant

communities and make recommendations• Identify opportunities to partner with the Governor’s Ethnic Commissions on issues of mutual

concern

Workforce Development Committee:This committee will study African appointments to boards and commissions, and to other decision making positions within state government. The goal of this committee will be to increase engagement and representational opportunities for Africans in state government.

Short Term Goals:• Foster more opportunities for African appointments to Maryland Boards and Commissions• Keep track of openings for Boards and Commissions• Study workforce demographics for Africans in Maryland• Assess and report on Maryland vacant positions

Long Term Goals:• Maintain database on African workforce• Implement programs to promote state employment for Africans• Conduct training to address under employment

Business Development CommitteeThis committee will study African participation in the MBE program and state government contracting. This committee will also explore ways to promote trade with Africa and foreign direct investment from Africa.

Short Term Goals:• Identify resources to promote growth for African businesses• Foster international trade• Conduct study of African exports

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Long Term Goals:• Promote more business from Africa to Maryland• Help African businesses in Maryland grow• Elevate businesses to be contracted as primary contractors from sub-contractors, assist in

MBE certification• Conduct business workshops for African business community

social services CommitteeThis committee will work to promote and increase access to state programs and services including social, health, and educational programs. This committee will also address how to meet the needs of communities with limited English proficiency.

Short Term Goals:• Study and address African health issues• Interact with hospitals, refugee groups for more information on community• Assess cultural issues and cultural competency• Study Africans in the educational system• Address and raise awareness of domestic violence and other issues

Long Term Goals:• Create and maintain data on African community• Use data to implement recommendations for community

Community Development CommitteeThis committee will work to reach out to African communities and promote cultural awareness throughout the State. This committee will also study ways to plan for the anticipated and continued growth of the African population.

Short Term Goals:• Conduct outreach to African arts and cultural organizations in Maryland• Promote more activities for cultural awareness• Draft letters to different organizations to promote cultural awareness• Participate in upcoming African events, festivals, fairs and summits• Connect and meet with state agencies• Partner with African American community

Long Term Goals:• Develop clearinghouse of community resources• Create database on African community• Work for more accurate demographics on African-born residents• Participate in panels for African summits to raise awareness• Keep in touch with other states and remain aware of events• Host African tradeshow

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Annual Report 2012

FIRST LADIES YOUTH INFUSION SUMMITIn June 2012, the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs (GCAA) in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) participated in the First Ladies Youth Infusion Summit hosted in Annapolis. The Summit provided a platform to bring the First Ladies to discuss their country’s needs, hear the concerns and the creative solutions that the youth generation have as well as to see how the youth may assist each county.

The Summit also provided a two-day conference to promote and to enhance potential young leaders and encourage them to develop creative solutions to the needs and concerns in Africa. The Youth Expo exhibited creative technologies, solutions and entrepreneurial ideas of the young adults that stimulate economic growth, assist in health and agricultural initiatives as well as media, arts and entertainment. As a close to the conference, the Summit featured a gala which provided the opportunity to celebrate the rich culture of Africa and for the opportunity for the youth to meet and network with the First Ladies of Africa. The goal was to promote dialog, encourage youth engagement for a better future, and successfully network with the leadership from Africa.

As part of the Commission’s contributions to the Summit, a lunch with First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’Malley, was arranged. Sharing in the commitment to promoting education, supporting the youth and encouraging creative development, the First Ladies engaged in a productive dialog and discussed the commonalities between their roles. During the luncheon, Chair Valentina Ukwuoma alongside First Lady O’Malley presented the First Ladies of Africa with a gubernatorial proclamation celebrating their participation in the Summit hosted in Annapolis.

The Commission is committed to supporting efforts which engage with the Diaspora and encourage youth participation. This historic opportunity was one which was celebrated in Annapolis and appreciated by the GCAA.

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Annual Report 2012

LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UPAs part of the executive charge of the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs there is a focus to inform and educate the Diaspora in regards to important legislation. In an effort to engage with Maryland leadership and network with the Diaspora, the Commission focused their April 2012 Commission meeting on the outcome of the year’s legislative session.

The Commission hosted Special Secretary Zenita Hurley and Martin Haris from the Maryland Department of Transportation and Marie Grant from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Special Secretary Hurley discussed the Minority Business Enterprise program legislation and specifically highlighted the importance of the Diaspora utilizing the program to help bolster small African businesses. She also commended the Commission on their work in 2011 to host an MBE certification workshop to assist small African business in the application process.

Ms. Grant from, representing DHMH, spoke in regards to the Maryland Health Improvement and Disparities Reduction Act of 2012 and the importance of the legislation which was supported by the O’Malley Administration. The legislation established a program to reduce health disparities in Maryland through a series of geographically based Health Enterprise Zones in underserved communities. Community-based organizations and local health departments may apply for the program and, if accepted, organizations will receive grant funds to increase their health services.

The Commission’s first legislative event served as a platform to discuss the importance of the bills which had passed during session. In upcoming years, the Commission is committed to hosting events in Annapolis during session in order to provide an opportunity for the Diaspora to participate fully in the legislative process. As other communities engage with elected officials and the Administration during session, the Commission is committed to providing similar opportunities for the Immigrant Africans of Maryland.

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COMMISSION YEAR IN REVIEWJanuary 16, 2012 Martin Luther King Jr. CelebrationThe Commission in support of the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture joined the staff at the Banneker Douglass Museum in Annapolis to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The event at the museum hosted Speaker of the House of Delegates Michael Busch and other Maryland elected officials.

february 9, 2012 District export Council Kick-off MeetingIn an effort to engage the business community on opportunities in the African Diaspora, Ethnic Commissions Director Elizabeth Hines, Administrative Director Iman Awad and Commissioners Alfred Nkere participated in the District Export Council’s kick-off meeting in Baltimore City. The DEC is an organization of leaders from local business communities, appointed by successive Secretaries of Commerce whose knowledge of business provides a source of professional advice for local firms.

february 28, 2012 first Commission Meeting of the YearTo kick off 2012, the Commission held its first bi-monthly Commission meeting in Annapolis in the Governor’s State Stat offices. Secretary of State John P. McDonough joined the Commission to discuss the newly established Sister State relationship in Nigeria. Specifically, the Sister State is in partnership with Ondo State and Cross Rivers State. In addition to the discussion of the Nigerian Sister State, Commission’s Director Elizabeth Hines presented joint Commission initiatives which were reported from the 2011 Joint Commissions Assembly.

april 24, 2012 Legislative Commission MeetingThe Commission hosted its second meeting in Howard County with a focus on the 2012 Legislative Session. Invited guests included:

• Zenita Hurley, Special Secretary MDOT• Martin Haris, MDOT• Marie Grant, DHMH• Pastor Kemi Onanuga• Chairman Ted Mack• Dr. Cheryl Hill

May 10, 2012 Montgomery County african advisory BoardThe Commission has worked closely with Montgomery County African Advisory Board. In May of 2012, the Advisory Board hosted a meeting which discussed the Sister City relationship between Rockville, MD and Gondar, Ethiopia. The Advisory Board is organizing and planning for County Executive Ike Leggett to take a delegation to Gondar.

June 6, 2012 United nationals association africa PanelMaintaining the relationship between the Commission and the United Nations Association, the Administrative Director attended the UNA Panel discussing the GDP growth in Africa and solutions for sustainability. As part of the panel, Dr. Ezra Suruma, Financial Advisor to the President of Uganda, discussed various solutions to promote progress and how the Diaspora in the United States can assist in this progress abroad.

June 10, 2012 Citation Presentation to the President of MalawiAs representatives of the Diaspora in Maryland, the Commission is dedicated and committed to recognizing and participating in events which promote Africa. In June of 2012, Pastor Weaver of the Mt. Nebo AME Church hosted the President of Malawi. Commission Chair, Valentina Ukwuoma and Administrative Director Iman Awad joined Pastor Weaver for his Sunday sermon which was followed by a VIP reception with the President. Chair Ukwuoma presented the President with an official proclamation from Governor Martin O’Malley.

July 1, 2012 first Ladies Brunch with Katie o’MalleyIn celebration of the historic UNESCO First Ladies Youth Infusion Summit the Commission organized a luncheon reception with the First Ladies of Africa and First Lady of Maryland, Katie O’Malley. The Commissioners joined the First Ladies as they discussed the commonalities of their roles and their commitment to supporting youth ventures.

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Annual Report 2012

July 21, 2012 Gala Honoring Governor of Cross River stateWorking in partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office and their international programs the Commission leadership participated in a gala event honoring Governor Imoke from Cross River State, Nigeria. Commissioner Chair, Valentina Ukwuoma, Vice Chair Jewru Bandeh and Commissioner Modupe Oladapo attended the event which celebrated Maryland’s Sister State relationship with the region and also the dedication and work of Governor Imoke for Nigerians in Maryland and abroad.

august 19, 2012 Baltimore Museum of art african art ReinstallationThe Baltimore Museum of Art has on display art from Africa. As the museum renovates its current collections there is an effort for a total reinstallation of African art in order to more appropriately display the collections and to expand the diversity of art represented. The BMA is working with the local community and has established a community advisory board. In an effort to engage with African interests in Baltimore City, Commissioners are working with the BMA and supporting their efforts by serving on the community advisory board.

september 1, 2012 Miss nigeria in america PageantVice Chair Jewru Bandeh joined the attendees and participants of the 2012 Miss Nigeria in America Pageant. The pageant aims to foster and create new role models who through the beauty pageant serve as ambassadors that will define a new Nigeria, enrich the beauty of the Nigerian woman and enhance new strength, energy and a generous spirit for the advancement of women. Vice Chair Bandeh provided brief remarks and a letter of support from Governor Martin O’Malley.

september 7, 2012 african Heritage Month – Montgomery CountyMontgomery County recognizes September as African Heritage Month. Celebrating the rich culture and the diversity of the continent through a month long program, Africans in Maryland participate in Montgomery County’s

month and promote building a greater understanding. For the kick-off celebration Commission Administrative Director, Iman Awad, Vice Chair Jewru Bandeh, and Commissioners Dr. Eva Shaw-Taylor, Tebabu Assefa, Mumin Barre and Sarian Bouma participated in presenting a Governor’s proclamation in support and recognition of African Heritage Month.

october 31, 2012 african advisory Committee Recognition Following a month celebrating African Heritage, the Montgomery County African Advisory Board held a ceremony to recognize their Chair, Reverend Kennedy, for his outstanding service to the County. Representing the Commission, Vice Chair Jewru Bandeh attended the ceremony with a citation from Governor Martin O’Malley.

november 19, 2012 Reverend ferdinand ogbonna ezenwach CitationCelebrating the commitment of Reverend Ezenwach to the St. John the Evangelist Parish, Commission Chair Valentina Ukwuoma presented the Reverend with a citation from Governor Martin O’Malley and commended him for his work with the African community.

December 5, 2012 Joint Commissions assemblyAt the close of every calendar year, the Governor’s Ethnic Commissions come together as a group for a half day conference to discuss best practices from initiatives of the past year and potential future partnerships. The outcome from the 2012 Joint Commissions Assembly has led to multiple joint ventures between the Commissions in the areas of education, language access and business opportunities. The African Commission was afforded the opportunity to report to the Commissions and staff of the Administration on the successful year and share their initiative which hosted the First Ladies of Africa in the Government House.

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MARYLAND AFRICAN COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICSThe Commission has made it a priority to improve the data collection for the African Diaspora in Maryland. The following charts and graphics were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Community Survey between 2006 and 2010. The Commission was able to extract the data from the four year study to provide a snapshot of the African Diaspora. The ACS is a nationwide survey designed to provide communities a fresh look at how they are changing. It is a critical element in the Census Bureau’s reengineered decennial census program. The ACS collects and produces population and housing information every year instead of every ten years.

Sudanese 661Congolese 915Cape Verdean 1,022South African 1,076Kenyan 2,458Sierra Leonean 2,915Liberian 4,007Cameroonian 5,994Ghanaian 7,373Ethiopian 16,574Nigerian 24,687African 90,411Not Specified 13,281

Anne Arundel County 11,149Baltimore City 28,844Baltimore County 39,867Carroll County 689Charles County 5,014Frederick County 3,581Harford County 5,433Howard County 13,209Montgomery County 84,331Prince George’s County 105,966Somerset County 2,037Washington County 2,505

Annual Report 2012


G

overnor’s Of ce

Governor’s Commission onAfrican Afairs

301 W. Preston Street, 1500Baltimore, MD 21201410-767-7925 (Phone)410-333-7542 (Fax)

1-800-735-2258 (Maryland Relay)[email protected] (Email)

www.african.maryland.gov (Website)

Martin O’Malley, GovernorAnthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor

Israel C. “Izzy” Patoka, Executive Director,Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives

Iman Awad, Administrator

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