What hopes do African immigrants have for 2023? Well, we got around to asking a few of them, and this is what they had to say.
Henry Fumbah
Financial Analyst
Liberia
To expand and be surrounded by a prestigious network of people of color/Africans’ abundance, spiritually, mentally, financially and emotionally.
Sadia Yanisnae
Entrepreneur/Online Fitness/Business Coach
Sierra Leone
Global expansion and raising more health consciousness to different parts of the world
Chijioke Ebbis
Real Estate Asset Manager
Nigeria
In Africa, Peter Obi being elected president of Nigeria, and robust investment in infrastructure. Things we take for granted like consistent electricity and safe drinking water, can go a long way in citizen’s education and economic development; same for the rest of Africa.
I hope to see these long time dictators like Paul Biya in Cameroon, Paul Kagame in Rwanda, and Teodor Obiang Nguema leave office, and these other countries have real multiparty democracy.
In America, I hope to see Africans continue to be seen as a unique and distinct group in statistical research, rather than lumped in with the African-American population, which can cause a lot of nuances in experiences to be lost. I also hope to see Africa and Africans continue to influence pop culture with more Africans represented in the arts by African creators.
Babefemi Olumide Akande
Senior Revenue Management Analyst
Nigeria
Simply put, I’m trying to get to the bag. I am trying to see folks get into their own bags. Overall growth and improvement—kinda ramping up for this high season of life.
Lauran Mattison
Freelancing Entrepreneur
Liberia
As an African-American, I envision 2023 to be a prosperous year; 2022 was a year of personal life lessons. Initially, the seeds were planted in 2020 during the pandemic. Like others, I was forced to pause and really make time to decide what I wanted my future to look like. For me, that meant being honest with myself and owning that I am multifaceted. As a scientist with an entrepreneurial spirit, I chose to venture more into the business world, while embracing my creative side. Ultimately, I believe 2023 will be a year of cultivation.
Laila Abdi
HR Business Partner
Somalia/Ethiopia
With being in an industry that can allow people opportunities, I look forward to diversifying the candidate pool at my company with my fellow African-American brothers and sisters.
