New York City, September 27, 2025 — The African Immigrants’ Commission of New York and Connecticut celebrated cultural pride, community empowerment, and organizational growth during its 6th Annual African Heritage Month held on Saturday, September 27. The event, which drew an enthusiastic crowd of community members, leaders, and cultural advocates, showcased how the Commission continues to elevate African identity while expanding its impact across New York and Connecticut.

In an interview with The Bronx Post, Mory Kouyate, Chairman of the Commission, reflected on the organization’s evolution since its founding seven years ago. “We are now stronger than before,” Kouyate said. “We’ve streamlined our operations and built more meaningful partnerships. Today, we are more effective at carrying out our mission — to be the voice of our community, bring resources to our people, and promote our arts and culture.”

The 2025 celebration carried the theme “Knowledge is Power,” highlighting the critical role of education and awareness in community advancement. Kouyate explained, “We wanted to empower our people with life-saving knowledge, particularly about cancer prevention and treatment. Information is the foundation of empowerment.”

The event was distinguished by its grassroots-driven approach, organized not by elected officials but by community members themselves. “This is what makes our event so powerful,” Kouyate emphasized. “It’s organized by the people, for the people. We want our community to take ownership of its celebrations and not depend on politicians. This builds resilience and continuity.”

Compared to past years, the 6th edition saw a significant increase in participation and partnerships. “This year, we had more traditional dancers, vibrant West African food, and more organizations sharing vital resources,” Kouyate noted. Among the partners were Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, which provided free cancer screenings; Montefiore Medical Center’s EmpowerHER Program, which conducted on-site HIV testing; and the African Law Enforcement Organization/NYPD, which recruited potential candidates. MetroPlus Health distributed free school supplies to children, adding a family-friendly dimension to the celebration.

Attendance also grew, with strong engagement through online registration. However, Kouyate acknowledged that the event coincided with the United Nations General Assembly, leading to scheduling conflicts. “Next year, we plan to host the celebration on the first Saturday of September or October to avoid this overlap,” he said.

The Commission also recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the African and broader New York communities. “We don’t just honor African leaders,” Kouyate explained. “We celebrate people of every background who uplift and serve our community.”

Reflecting on six years of organizing the African Heritage Month, Kouyate said, “I have no regrets. Every year brings new lessons and greater strength. My greatest satisfaction is showcasing our arts and culture while recognizing the leaders and entrepreneurs who drive progress in our community.”

As the festivities concluded, Kouyate left attendees with a call to unity and progress: “We must always strive to elevate ourselves and our community. Let’s continue to support the leaders who dedicate their time and energy to uplifting our people.”

The African Immigrants’ Commission continues to be a vital bridge for African communities in New York and Connecticut, fostering cultural pride, civic engagement, and empowerment through education and collaboration.

For more community stories and coverage of African diaspora events in New York, visit www.bronxpost.com
or www.newyorkparrot.com.