Lexington is embracing its diverse African immigrant community as it gears up for the 4th Annual AfroLex Conference set to take place on October 26, 2024, at the Lyric Theater. This event aims to facilitate discussions on pressing issues such as gun violence, mental health, and civic engagement while celebrating the rich contributions of African immigrants to the local culture.
The conference will highlight the voices of African immigrants, utilizing insights from the recently published book, “Voices of African Immigrants in Kentucky”, co-authored by local advocates. The book underscores the transformation of Lexington into a refuge for approximately 1,200 Congolese refugees over the past decade, with Swahili emerging as the third most spoken language in schools.
This positive growth story contrasts sharply with recent divisive rhetoric from national campaigns, including unfounded accusations against immigrants. Such narratives ignore the reality that many are contributing significantly to local communities. Local leaders like Gaston Ngandu Sankayi, who holds the position of African Specialist at Global Lex, emphasize the importance of cultural integration. He notes, “If you go somewhere and see people dancing on one leg instead of two legs, you have to learn to dance on one leg in the new culture.”
In addition to the conference, initiatives like the Refugee Farming Cooperative, founded in 2017, reflect the commitment to fostering community ties. In this program, refugees learn conflict resolution through collaborative farming, bridging divides created by the ongoing conflicts in Eastern Congo.
The monthly African Harvest Celebration at the Senior Center further strengthens this ethos by connecting recent immigrants with essential community services. Plans are also underway for regular transportation to ensure older immigrants can access these resources.
Community centers like the Marafiki Center, led by Elisha Mutayongwa, continue the trend of embracing cultural diversity. The center’s programming, including the flagship Swahili Day celebration and education services, serves to engage both African immigrants and the broader community.
Additionally, Pacific Mutayongwa, as the Refugee/Migrant Advocate at Fayette County Public Schools, supports the academic success of 571 refugee students from various African nations. His role includes engaging families and working closely with school administrators to foster an inclusive educational environment.
The dedication of local organizations aims to empower the African immigrant community in Lexington, showcasing their potential to blend seamlessly into American society while maintaining their rich cultural identities. As expressed in the concluding statement of the aforementioned book, “African immigrants can become part of the ‘us’ that is the United States,” a sentiment visible in the vibrant activities and initiatives within the city.
