By Bashe Said

Early last month Gov. Martin O’Malley created a new commission to help African immigrant businesses and community development. O’Malley signed an executive order creating the African Affairs Commission and swore in 21 members of the commission. Valentina Ukwuoma, who heads the Bureau of Solid Waste for the Baltimore City Department of Public Works, has been appointed to chair this historic commission.
 In order to know more about the Commission, we discussed the issue with the new Chair, Valentina Ukwouma about the impact the creation this Commission will have on all African immigrants nationwide and Maryland in particular, its mission and how she sees that this new commission will shed a light on the politicians to look differently on the plight of Africans working tirelessly for the American dream and the importance  to provide them the necessary tools to succeed in which everyone benefits. As Gov. O’Malley put it in his executive order  “ everyone benefits, cities or State by generating taxes in the growth  of the African businesses and we ought to help.”
Our discussion with Ukwouma began to give us some background information about the community and she started by saying:
Over the next couple of months we are expecting to confirm the rapidly growing population of the African immigrants in the state of Maryland through the U.S Census Bureau. However, anecdotally the African immigrant population in Maryland is quickly getting integrated within the highly sophisticated work force in the DC/Maryland/Virginia area and have made their voices heard in various professional fields such as Education, Government, Health, Politics, etc.   Usually, we are in the mid economic class and approximately 80 percent or more of our children attend reputable colleges. Governor O’Malley acknowledged this fact during the swearing in ceremony for members of the commission.

ANJ: Can you please, tell us, about the background of African Affairs Commission & how it came to its creation?
UKWOUMA: In creating the Governor’s Commission on African Affairs, Governor O’Malley recognized that the African immigrant community in Maryland has reached a critical mass and can no longer be ignored. In recognition of this growth, together with energetic outreach efforts marshalled by African organizations in the state, Governor O’Malley created this office as the first of its kind in the United States to help him respond effectively and timely to the unique needs of  the growing African immigrant  population.

ANJ: What is the vision & mission of this Commission ?
UKWOUMA: The  mission of this Commission is to  serve as an advisory body to the governor and agencies within the executive Department on matters relating to the African Community in Maryland , to advance solutions and serve as important resource  on  economic , educational , community and social development as they relate to the African immigrants in the state.  Put succinctly. the Commission serves as a conduit between the African community and the Governor’s office, and believe me, we intend to exploit every piece of this opportunity.  We are going to need your help ( African News Journal)  as well to get the word out!

ANJ: What impact, do you think,  it will have to both African immigrants throughout the nation and in your area?
UKWOUMA: Politically, the Commission can be viewed as a lobbying arm of myriad African organizations in this state. As such, the commission will seek to implement innovative ways of enhancing the participation of business and individuals of African descent  in the economic growth of Maryland, increase engagement and opportunities for Africans in the state government, promote access to state programs and services (including social , health and educational program), organize trade and health missions to African, and, at a minimum, identify obstacles to the success of African businesses in the state. The commission will work directly to engage the African Community while contributing to a better Maryland.

ANJ: In conclusion, what advice/suggestions would you give to Africans in other States to improve their economic standings in the Community they live in ?
 UKWOUMA: To pursue and invest in opportunities that will  unite and empower our community, young and old,  and to remember to stick together while aspiring to reach our full potentials.

ANJ: Thank you, Val.
UKWOUMA: thank you ANJ

Is it the African Immigrants in Maryland are better organized by getting their message across, Is it a marketing  ploy by O’Malley to attract these highly educated class of immigrants, with lots of cash, to come Maryland or simply the East is finally becoming business friendly environment with the African investors and their manpower? Certainly, it kept us talking about it. What  Minnesota and other States where concentration of Africans are higher will do about it before it is too late, time will tell.
I don’t know if some of the African business owners or aspiring ones will pack their bag and head East, but certainly is something Pawlenty and other State politicians pay attention to it. For  now, we say BRAVO Mr. O’Malley, the man shows leadership & Salute Afros in the EAST.

----
Photo: Courtessy of Maryland Goverment.
GOV. O’MALLEY LOOKS ON AS THE OF HEAD OF THE NEWLY CREATED COMMISSION OF AFRICAN AFFAIRS LEADER, VALENTINA UKWOUMA,  DELIVERS HER ACCEPTANCE SPEACH,