In what many are calling one of the most powerful press conferences on public safety and civic engagement in recent memory, Hon. Sidiki Donzo, Chairman of the African Advisory Council (AAC), delivered a passionate call to action for the African community in New York City.

He attended the event alongside Mayor Eric Adams and leaders of the United Bodega of America, where he addressed key issues affecting Africans in the city.

The event, which drew community stakeholders and small business owners, was covered by Parrot Media Corporation for the Bronx Post.

Donzo’s remarks underscored the urgency of embracing new public safety initiatives, strengthening civic participation, and unifying African voices in the borough.

On Mayor Adams’ Announcement on Public Safety: “Mr. Chairman, we just witnessed one of the most powerful press conferences concerning public safety. A lot of Africans here are members, are cab drivers, they own restaurants, and now they are even in bodegas. What is your message to your African members?”

“So, this is one of the most amazing announcements I have heard from the mayor,” Donzo responded. “And I think this impacts our community a lot… They provided something that in case that somebody comes to work in your store, that’s not the person. You don’t have to call 911 and what you do will be at your store.”

He highlighted the integral role Africans play in New York’s small business landscape: “A lot of small businesses in New York, Africans are part of those small businesses… my advice to my community, please take advantage of what the mayor just announced. And let’s see how best we can make our community safe.”

With the elections approaching, Donzo emphasized the need for informed participation: “Right now we are in the midst of elections. And it is very, very important for the African community to take advantage of the moment.”

He urged the community to vote thoughtfully: “Just sit down and think of yourselves and make the right decision that you think that is right… I will not tell you what is right or wrong, but I got my own opinion. Get into this, get information, make sure you are aligned with it.”

Donzo praised Mayor Adams’ cultural connection to Africa: “When the mayor first became mayor, the first thing that he did, he traveled to Africa before his inauguration and going to seek his ancestral blessing, which means a lot to me personally.”

Donzo spoke directly to the issue of fragmentation among African groups in the Bronx: “It’s important that we organize ourselves better… so we can have legislation passed for the cause that we stand for.”

He called for collaboration through the AAC: “AAC should be in a position to unite every African organization, non-profit organization here in this borough… Let’s all come together. Let us be better, make people to see us different. When we stand with one voice and unite behind one another, trust me, anything we want in this city we can have.”

Wrapping up the interview, Donzo shared how sports have become a unifier: “This has been one of the most amazing soccer tournaments I have ever seen. The participation of these countries has united the community more.”

He added a major development: “Because of this tournament, I reached out to the mayor’s office and the mayor has given the guarantee that we’ll be [there] on the 17th, the day of the final… and the thing about giving the African Ambassador Council a proclamation.”

He closed with a heartfelt plea:
“Unite behind one another and become the best version of ourselves… Unite Africa, unite the African community in New York City, and rise to the top of everything that we’re actually going to see.”

Chairman Sidiqi Donzo, thank you so much. “Thank you, I appreciate it,” he responded.