by Joseph Omoremi
CHICAGO, IL -A mixture of a conscientious efforts by Black professionals in the country to give back to motherland as well as teach Americans especially Black youths the various resources available in Africa were made at the weekend during the 2025 African Summit and Resources Fair held at Charles Hayes Center on 4859 S. Wabash Ave in Chicago.
“Educate us on the resources in Africa to bridge the gap on the misinformation being taught us here,” said a community organizerJonathan Wilson. He wondered why Africa is referred as poor and most economic resources and talents are sourced from their.
The event organized by the United African Organization (UAO) founded in 1986 drew participants from Chicago, including Congressman Jonathan Jackson as well Africa and around the world.
Participants especially professionals were urged to export the good knowledge and skills learnt here to Africa to lift-up those at home said Rev Kwaku Oware-Baning stressing “we’ve learnt so much here. There is the need to give back.”
Reverend Oware-Baning said Africa is at a crossroads needing professional inputs, investments as well as experts to create economic opportunities as well as political guidance for the overall good of the continent.
Every nation in Africa, according to him and other participants at the event, have numerous doctors, engineers, nurses and other professionals that could help the continent of Africa to work smarter instead of harder as required by exploiters of the continent.
The social media and its accompany technology were also advocated to be used to effect positive change and create awareness in Africa.
Wilson also frown at residents of troubled communities of leaving or abandoning such communities on securing jobs or graduating from college instead of using the new status to strengthen such community.
“I’m on 79th Street and live on 79th street and many wondered why and I told them that is where I need to live to be seen by the troubled kids and influence them positively for the betterment of 79th street,” he said adding “we need to move our communities forward.”
A community leader and ex-president of UAO Dr Ewa I. Ewa urged the organization to unite Blacks in the City of Chicago and the state of Illinois as well as around the world. Others testified how reverse moment back to Africa helped them to locate their root in Cameroun adding “my Nigerian husband calls me a distance cousin now. Whether born here or in Africa, embrace your people,” she said.
Congressman Jackson congratulated Pope Leo XIV on his appointment. He described him as a Creo Black Pope having been born and raised in the 1st Congressional District like late Joe Lewis and ex-world boxing champion Mohammed Ali who have at different times lived in the district.
A Black Ancestors Museum to showcase the exploits and positive narratives of Blacks will soon be unveiled in Chicago according to Dr Vickie Casanova-Willis.