Reps. Torres, Clarke Introduce Resolution to Establish September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month

Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives to designate September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month, honoring the historic and ongoing contributions of African immigrant communities to the United States.

“Americans of African immigrant heritage are woven into every part of our nation’s story, from the fight for independence to today’s classrooms, hospitals, and small businesses,” said Rep. Torres. “New York City is home to vibrant communities from across Africa. Their success enriches our city and country, and it is past time we recognize their extraordinary impact with a month of national celebration.”

“It’s impossible to tell the true story of America without highlighting the countless and invaluable contributions of Americans of African heritage,” said Rep. Clarke. “The African diaspora has continued to build and better this country for centuries, and it is far past time they receive their long-deserved recognition. It is my privilege to co-lead this necessary legislation, and I look forward to celebrating September as National African Immigrant Heritage Month for years to come.”

“By acknowledging the contributions of African immigrant communities, this resolution sends a powerful message of unity and appreciation,” said Nils Kinuani, Federal Policy Manager at African Communities Together (ACT). “It also reinforces our country’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. We believe this is an important step forward and a valuable precedent.”

If adopted, National African Immigrant Heritage Month would provide an opportunity for all Americans to honor this legacy through ceremonies, celebrations, and educational activities that strengthen national unity.

The full resolution reads as follows:

Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that there should be established a “National African Immigrant Heritage Month” in September to celebrate the great contributions of Americans of African immigrant heritage in the United States who have enriched the history of the Nation.

Whereas people of African immigrant heritage are found in every State of the Union;

Whereas the history of Americans of African immigrant heritage in the United States is inextricably tied to the story of the Nation;

Whereas the community of Americans of African immigrant heritage in the United States is an inherently diverse population hailing from every African country where up to 2,000 languages are spoken on the continent;

Whereas Americans of African immigrant heritage in the United States come from all regions in Africa and do not constitute a homogeneous group, including people from different national, linguistic, ethnic, racial, cultural, religious, and social backgrounds;

Whereas African immigrants have made significant contributions to American culture such as having high educational and income levels, as well as contributing to many areas of American life such as the military, health care, arts, education, community service, and public policy;

Whereas raising awareness about African immigrant heritage is crucial to effectively fighting disparities within the greater Black population in the American narrative and is essential to building a stronger community and a stronger America;

Whereas, during the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, a significant number of enslaved people from the Africa region were brought to the United States;

Whereas one of the first voluntary African immigrant groups came from Cape Verde and settled in the United States in the 1790s;

Whereas, in 1820, free and formerly enslaved African Americans began to resettle in Liberia, creating an enduring relationship between the two countries;

Whereas the independence movements in many countries in Africa during the 1960s and the consequential establishment of independent democratic countries in Africa strengthened ties between the region and the United States;

Whereas, in the 1960s to 1970s, due to the more racially inclusive provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act, more African immigrants from across the continent came to the United States primarily as students;

Whereas, in the 1980s and 1990s, Africans in the United States were primarily refugees, who were fleeing hardships from countries such as Ethiopia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Sudan;

Whereas, in the 2000s, Africans in the United States were the largest beneficiaries of the highly popular Department of State program known as the Diversity Visa Lottery program;

Whereas restrictive immigration policies in the late 2010s and 2020s, such as the Muslim and Africa bans, suspension of the Diversity Visa program, and changes to the United States Refugee Admissions Program, had a negative impact on African immigration to the United States;

Whereas, much like the United States, the countries in Africa faced obstacles of in-country slavery and colonialism and struggled for independence;

Whereas the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, is of Kenyan descent;

Whereas the countries in Africa are important economic partners of the United States;

Whereas the people of Africa share the hopes and aspirations of the people of the United States for peace and prosperity throughout the world, but there remains much to be done to ensure that Americans of African immigrant heritage have access to resources and a voice in the United States Government and continue to advance in the political, social, and economic landscape of the United States; and

Whereas celebrating “National African Immigrant Heritage Month” in September would provide the people of the United States with an opportunity to recognize the achievements, contributions, and history of and to appreciate the challenges faced by Americans of African immigrant heritage: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that—

(1) a “National African Immigrant Heritage Month” should be established to celebrate the significant contributions of Americans of African immigrant heritage to the history of the United States; and

(2) the people of the United States should observe the month with appropriate ceremonies, celebrations, and activities to recognize that Americans of African immigrant heritage enhance the rich diversity of and strengthen the United States.