2 Houston Groups Associate Blacks With African Roots

HOUSTON – KHOU 11 reveals what black Houstonians’ connection to African roots looks like, profiling two organizations for the start of Black History Month.

Both groups are trying to unite the African diaspora through a common rich history and achievements. Imagine an NPR Tiny Desk concert where events and creative juices are pumped. Then you still have a lot to discover as you move further into the black African history space right here in Houston.

“He was Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah,” said Adebovale Folorunsho, founder of the Society for Africans in the Diaspora. “Ghana was the first country to gain independence on the African continent.”

Regarding President Nkrumah’s ties to the US, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended his inauguration in 1960.

The Society for Africans at the Diaspora Institute, also known as SAID, opened a Pan-African Library in Westheimer in 2019.

“Besides Nelson Mandela, you should know this too, this is Fela Kuti,” Folorunsho said. “Also known as the father of the Afrobites. We haven’t given names because we want to communicate with people.”

Unlike most exhibits, where you usually read facts on the wall, SAID does not.

“When you put in a name, people start searching,” Folorunsho said. You know, this is not a museum. This is not a gallery. We want people to participate and learn here.”

Folorunsho said the library has a history filled with hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else.

“You won’t find these books at Barnes & Noble. Some of them are collectibles. Most of our black stories are told through the civil rights movement. And it’s great, because we stand on the shoulders of all these great people who fought for you, – said Folorunsho. only useful information, but reliable resources for people who want to travel to Africa for the first time.

According to Folorunshaw, SAID and Lindsey Gary are teaming up to get people from Houston to the continent.

Another group seeking to elevate the African diaspora by showcasing the cutting edge of contemporary society is the Professional Young Africans Association, also known as PAYA. Every year they hold a ball in honor of PAYA.

“If you have any interest in Africa or any connections or roots in Africa, our goal is to connect our demographics,” said PAYA founder Olamide Kayode.

Kayode founded this group ten years ago.

“We are building a global digital platform,” Kayode said. “Digital online membership where people will be able to come, learn and lead transformational workshops.”

Current and new members who join who have never visited Africa will have the opportunity to experience it, including in other parts of the world, on the PAYA global world tour starting this year.

“We will be stopping and doing this world tour, making stops in different cities to meet, collaborate, share with each other,” Kayode said.

What SAID and PAYA have in common is the common goal of connecting people positively with the African diaspora, whether right here in Houston or around the world.