The Mayor’s Office on African Affairs (OAA) was created on March 23, 2006 by Mayor Adrian Fenty to help African immigrants to Washington, D.C. get the help they need accessing services from the government. Ms. Nebiat Solomon is the Director, and Ms. Kenyatta Albeny is the Program Analyst at the OAA.

TOPIC: African Immigrant Community in Washington, D.C.

 

  • There are approximately 100,000 to 450,000 African immigrants in D.C. African immigrants are very diverse ethnically. Some might be black, white or from Asian Indian backgrounds.
     
  • African immigrants to D.C. represent over 50 countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. Most immigrants from Africa started to come to the U.S. in the 1970s after many African countries gained their independence. Some immigrants came as refugees.
     
  • Many Africans come to join their family members and as refugees. Undocumented Africans come into the U.S. through student or tourist visas and decide to stay past the expiration date of their visa.
     
  • While Africans speak many different languages, a major language for the Ethiopian community is Amharic. French is another language spoken by African immigrants.
     
  • African immigrants come for better jobs, education, health care and more opportunities that are not available in their home country. Immigrants who call their office for help often need help with getting business permits, health care, and child care.
     
  • Overall, the African immigrant population is a highly educated group; 80% come with a high school education, and 40% come with a college education.
     
  • Many African immigrants find it difficult to find a job because of language and cultural barriers. For many Africans, it is not acceptable to brag about themselves in a job interview, or are not used to writing the American form of a resume.