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Immigrant infrasructure aids integration

Reporter: Karina Huber 丨 CCTV.com

05-26-2016 14:56 BJT

May 25th marks Africa Day - an annual commemoration of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, now known as the African Union. In the United States, New York City is home to more African immigrants than in any other city in the country. While Africans only represent about four percent of New York's foreign-born population, their numbers are growing. Many are thriving in their adopted home but as Karina Huber found out they often feel torn between two cultures.

Isioma Ononye first came to the United States with her parents as a 12-year old. She later returned for college and currently works in public relations.

New York is now home but she also feels deep ties to Africa. To make sense of her two cultures, she blogs about it.

"I'm just really trying to find my voice and my identity here because I noticed that there were so many differences from the way I did things in Nigeria and also the way I did things in other countries," said Isioma Ononye Nigerian immigrant.

It's a feeling a growing number of Africans can relate to. From 2000 to 2011, the number of African immigrants to New York City rose 39 percent to 128,000 and the number is likely much higher if you include those living here without legal residency. 

According to Asfaha Hadera, a refugee from Ethiopia who started a non-profit to help African immigrants, most Africans come to the United States in search of better education or better jobs.

"It's the land of opportunity. U.S. is magic for every working human being. It's just the country is blessed I would say," said Asfaha Hadera, founder African services committee.

But adapting to a new culture is never easy. Thankfully, there is a growing immigrant infrastructure to help people adjust.

"I'm in a part of Manhattan where French is widely spoken, as is Wolof. It's called 'Little Senegal' but you'll find people from all over West Africa here looking for a feel of home," said  Karina Huber New York.

In this market, you can find African textiles, drums and decorative items. Down the street is a store selling African music.

There is also an annual African Restaurant Week, an African film festival and numerous African dance festivals.

All of these help to bridge a gap between two cultures but Ononye says some things about Africa are irreplaceable.

"I miss my mother's home-cooked meals. Traditional Nigerian foods - There are Nigerian restaurants here but I still miss the traditional home-cooked meal," said Isioma Ononye Nigerian immigrant.

Alas, it's always about mama's cooking.

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