by Joseph Omoremi
CHICAGO, IL- A wake up call has gone to Black communities to re-direct their resources and talents to GM-Bank and patronize African stores instead of begging and appealing to owners of major stores leaving such communities.
“The era of begging and appealing to major stores that are closing shops in our communities is over” said 17th Ward Alderman David Moore and urged African Americans to embrace African foods readily available in African stores within and nearby our communities.
Addressing the 10th anniversary of the Africa Global Chamber of Commerce (AGCC) Sunday night at Malcolm X College in Chicago, he warned that it may take a while for Blacks to give up French fries for African food but assured that the end’s result would be good for the economic growth and stability of Black neighborhoods.
He also challenged them to “deliberately start an action plan of saving $50 weekly or twice a week, depending on their pay period, into the GM-bank and watch the dividends of such sacrifice. Many promised to start the action plan immediately especially if the bank is online.
AGCC President Dr. Oliver Kamanzi listed the achievements of the chamber in ten years to include the signing of 25 memoranda of understanding with regional and national businesses in Africa, over 2000 entrepreneurs supported with entry efforts, developmental services and global partnerships.
He added that over 100,000 participants have enjoyed AGCC-hosted conferences, summits, trade missions which lead to 10,000 trade and investment deals in agriculture, technology, finance, infrastructure and creative economy.
Plans, he said, are underway for 50 new trade missions and 30 more cooperation agreements to increase bilateral agreements between Africa and the United States. AGCC, he said, “is raising over $200,000 to support small and minority businesses in Chicago.”
Philantropist and one of the recipient of AGCC “Legacy Award” Chief Quinton Tamba Taylor de’Alexander called for the unification of resources and talents to turn things around for the best in Black neighborhoods, City of Chicago, the nation and the world.
Dressed in an Africa attire and royal cap, he said, African Americans have much to gain when the various unique talents and resources littering the Black neighborhoods and exploited to the fullest.
Entrepreneur and co-founder of Yassa African Restaurant Madieye Gueye sought more cooperation and understanding between Africa and Black Americans and described them as the best thing Africa has to dominate the world.
“You are always welcome to take your rightful place in Africa” he said and recounted the 2003 African Union declaration that made Black residents outside Africa as the 54th country.
Another Legacy Award winner and founder of Dozzy Grill Dozzy Ibekwe entertained attendants with sumptuous Africa food. His restaurant is located at 135 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60612.
International musician Ike Adophy also thrilled the crowd to Africa music and dance steps. Other Legacy Award winners include Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Mayor Brandon Jackson, Catherine Franklin, attorney Amber Johns and Firmine Senga.
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