How African Immigrants in Maryland are Rewriting their own Story
Maryland’s African immigrant community which makes up the fourth largest in the United States is leaving an indelible mark on the state’s identity and economic growth (Pews Research Centre, US Census Bureau). The State is indeed a hub for African cultures and industry, with a significant number of small businesses owned by people of African immigrants.
Celebrating Heritage, Empowering Growth: The September 10 Declaration
On September 10, 2024, Governor Wes Moore, the 63rd Governor of the state of Maryland, first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history, and the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States, became the first governor to proclaim September as African Heritage Month in Maryland to celebrate the significant contributions of African immigrants to the state’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.
“Maryland is home to the fourth largest share of African immigrants in the country, and this month, we shine a light on the mosaic of the African diaspora and its rich presence in Maryland,” said Gov. Moore. “In our state, we don’t shy away from our diversity – we embrace it, and we will continue to celebrate African Heritage Month with pride for generations to come.”
The proclamation marks the inaugural year of African Immigrant Heritage Month in Maryland, reinforcing the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and celebrating the diverse communities that contribute to Maryland’s rich cultural landscape as we recognize the African immigrant community’s vital role in shaping Maryland’s future.
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrook, who on September 24th, 2021, became the first County Executive to proclaimed September as African Heritage Month in Prince George’s County to celebrate the great contributions of Americans of African immigrant heritage who enrich the history of our County, the State of Maryland, and the Nation. Under the theme “African Immigrant: Representation, Identity, and Diversity,” the proclamation was of great significance in:
a) Exploring the African identity and celebrating the African heritage
b) Promoting the awareness of and appreciation for the County’s diverse African community
c) Contributing to the rich cultural heritage of Prince George’s County
d) Improving the visibility of the African diaspora community in Prince George’s County
f) Celebrating the representation and inclusiveness of the African diaspora in political discourse.
e) Strengthening and maintaining the relationship between the African diaspora community and other Prince George’s County communities
Throughout month September, Governor Wes Moore encouraged all Marylanders
to celebrate and participate in the events honoring African Heritage Month.
September 14, 2024 Maryland African immigrant community celebrates Governor’s Proclamation of September as African Heritage Month in the State of Maryland at the Clyopatra Winery and Vineyard. The First African and African Immigrant woman owned Winery in the United States of America.
On Sept. 17, 2024, the Montgomery County Council celebrated African Heritage Month, which recognizes and celebrates African achievement and educates community members about the many cultures across the African diaspora. Montgomery County was the first county in the United States to proclaim the month of September as African Heritage Month and it is home to home to a significant African population, which makes up over 16 percent of our diverse immigrant community. The 2024 proclamation theme celebrate the “Champions of Tomorrow: Shaping Montgomery County’s Future Through Service, Entrepreneurship and Education.”
September 17, 2024 Prince George’s County Council celebrated African Heritage Month by presenting a proclamation to members of the African community in Prince George’s County for their many contributions and achievements!
Three of its Council Members, Krystal Oriadha, Wanika Fisher, and Wala Blegay are daughters of African immigrants, and they spoke about their families’ experiences coming to the United States and expressed gratitude for the community leaders present at the historic event
Historical Exhibitions highlighting the experiences of African immigrants in Maryland
Business Seminar
September 20, 2024 Presentation of Governor Wes Moore’s Citation to the Maryland African Chamber of Commerce on the Occasion of its First Annual Business Seminar and Exhibition Event.
