Africa Right Down The Street

      Early in the year it was recognized that large numbers of African born residents were migrating to the U.S., and in particular to the Indianapolis, Indiana area. They were often struggling with the same problems they faced in Africa in the comparison of traditional vrs. western medical procedures. One group of Africans sought to address these issues. In 2007 the Malawi Project began providing medical supplies and equipment to help sustain the health initiative of the group. According to Suzi Stephens, the Medical Director for the Malawi Project, "It does not seem to make sense to us to travel all the way to Africa to help the people there when we find new residents in our own neighborhood struggling with medical problems unique to their African cultures. We are looking for ways to assist these diverse cultures wherever we find them in the world."

    The African Community International, Inc. (The African Center) was established by concerned citizens to serve socially and economically disadvantaged and the underserved African-born population living in Indiana, including children, teenagers, young adults and seniors. The organization is a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 recognized under the Internal Revenue Service exempt code.
 
    Services provided at the African Center are grouped into five areas: (1) Health, HIV/AIDS and Human Services; (2) Social Services and Advocacy; (3) Skills, Literacy, Leadership Training and Development; (4) Arts and Culture; (5) Community Integration Services.  Currently the organization provides integrated services to African-born residents from 34 African nations, representing over 75 cultures with six distinct language differentials.

    The African Center’s primary health care initiative provides solutions to healthcare challenges for the target population. The organization has established a free medical clinic for its clients.

    In the first picture Suzi Stephens is seen with Mr. Shola  Ajiboye, the Director for the Center and Doctor Dr. Esha Achimugu as they discuss plans for the Project’s future involvement in the medical needs of the African Center. In the second picture Doctor Achimugu and Mr. Ajiboye are surprised to learn that Murry Dixon, the Director of Shipping for the Malawi Project, was actually born in Nigeria, West Africa to a missionary family that has served in Africa for over 40 years.