By Nvasekie N. Konneh
Southwest Philadelphia is the hub of African movements and activities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Here you will see Liberians, Ivoirians, Guineans, Sierra Leoneans and Nigerians mixed up together. They are either customers patronizing the various African stores, or they are the proprietors. Years ago, stores on Woodland Avenue used to be owned by Koreans, and Chinese. Today, these stores are mostly Africans, particularly Liberians. The African movements and activities are along three major thoroughfares in Southwest Philadelphia. These major thoroughfares are frequented by Africans from the various West African countries mentioned above. These are Woodland Avenue, Chester Avenue, and Elmwood Avenue. On Woodland Avenue, there are African grocery stores, financial, tax, vehicle registration and licensing service centers. There are restaurants as well. On Elmwood Avenue, there are stores and religious worshipping places. It’s the same movements and activities on Chester Avenue. Most African movements and activities on Chester Avenue are centered around the offices of the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA). ACANA provides social services to the African and Caribbean immigrant communities in Southwest Philadelphia. Because of the major African presence, ACANA has for years embarked on the Africatown project to promote and showcase the Africa presence in this part of Philadelphia. The idea of Africatown is mirrored after Chinatowns which are in many parts of the US. The first Chinatown is in San Francisco, California and it’s been around there since 1848. It was an enclave of Chinese people outside of China. Since then, there have been Chinatowns in many major American cities such as Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Chicago, etc. It is such a concept that motivated ACANA to start to advocate for the establishment of Africatown. It has been years in the making and it’s now taking shape with office and housing complex.
Philadelphia is a city of diverse populations, neighborhoods and cultures. In the last 30 years, African immigrants have been arriving from various African countries. These Africans are mostly West Africans. Adding to this mix are the Caribbeans, people from the various countries of the Caribbean. These immigrants are noted for their contributions to the cultural vibrancy of the city Philadelphia. Based on this huge African presence, former Philadelphia City Councilwoman, Jannie L. Blackwell, created Echoes of Africa in 2000. Through the Echoes of Africa organization, there were annual festivals held at the Malcolm X Park in the heart of West Philadelphia. Such event gave visibility to the African presence in Philadelphia. Then in 2005, Philadelphia City Mayor, John Street with the support of Councilwoman, Jannie L. Blackwell signed the executive order that created the Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs (MCACIA). This was historic in the sense that Philadelphia became the first city in the US to recognize African immigrants in such a way. Over the years, the African immigrants are making their marks as workers, consumers, taxpayers, business owners and voters in Philadelphia.
The developments and progress of the African immigrant community in Southwest Philadelphia are highlighted in the local media. An example is a Southwest Philadelphia based Globe Time. Most of its coverage of the African community is centered around ACANA and its activities in the community. ACANA as an organization was started years ago by a Liberian immigrant, Voffee Jabateh. He has become a fixer in the politics of Philadelphia. Because of his extensive connection, ACANA’s annual events are attended by who’s who in the city and state politics. With the support from the city of Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania, Africatown project is taking shape.
Southwest Philadelphia is the major gathering points for Africans, especially those of us from Liberia. We live in various suburbs such as Lansdowne, Darby, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Clifton Height, Collingdale, or even from as far as Bucks and Chester counties. On any given day, people come to register their vehicles with Mohammed Dukuly at the Center. Next door is Four Season and the Mandingue, Africa Small Pot restaurants which serve authentic African foods. Other visible symbols of African presence on Woodland Avenue are the flags of various African countries hoisted along the street.
As it’s portrayed in the local media, Africatown is now designated as the premier destination for the global African Diaspora experience which celebrates African arts, culture, and business. With this idea, there is a strong commitment to promote sustainable economic growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. Africatown is spearheading the initiatives to improve the quality of life for the Southwest Philadelphia community. Funding for this massive developments in this section of Philadelphia have come from the city and the state.
Today, Voffee Jabateh is celebrated as the visionary champion behind this massive development that is now known as Africatown. Voffee is described as “lifelong community advocate who founded the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) in 1999 to assist African and Caribbean immigrants who lacked sufficient access to social benefits, education, health care, economic development opportunities and cultural events.” Voffee Jabateh is a former social worker and entrepreneur who understands the needs of the underserved communities and small businesses. His leadership as the CEO has expanded ACANA to become one of Southwest Philadelphia’s most trusted community organizations serving all of its residents regardless of national origin with programs that include health and mental health services, immigration services, benefits assistance, financial counseling, English classes, ACANAfest African music festival, commercial corridor management and community development.”
