LEXINGTON, Ky. — A professional networking event designed for young adults of African backgrounds is set to take place this Saturday in the city. The 4th annual AfroLex Conference is free and open to all attendees, providing breakfast and lunch for participants.
The event, organized by the Marafiki Center, is expected to attract around 100 attendees this year, reflecting its steady expansion since its inception. Elisha Mutayongwa, executive director of the center, highlighted the increasing significance of such gatherings, as immigrants of African descent now represent one of the largest demographic groups in Lexington. Notably, Swahili has become the third most spoken language in the city.
Mutayongwa emphasized the need for community-building initiatives, noting that traditional gatherings often center around funerals and other somber occasions. “We talked about what can we do to uplift our community, but also what we can do to elevate our resources and share those connections between ourselves,” he explained.
This year, the AfroLex Conference will focus on civic engagement, coinciding with a critical election year in the United States. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from various speakers and learn about local politics as well as political issues relevant to their home countries.
The conference was conceptualized by Mutayongwa’s brother, Chui, who passed away in 2020. In honor of his brother’s vision, Mutayongwa has continued to plan the event, aiming to foster a greater sense of community and engagement among African immigrants and their descendants in Lexington.
The AfroLex Conference will commence at 10:00 AM this Saturday. Those interested are encouraged to register in advance to participate in the networking opportunities and discussions focused on empowerment and community resources.
