Cultural Diversity Resources

Mission statement "To facilitate the full integration of immigrants, New Americans and BIPOC in order to achieve a good quality of life in the Fargo-Moorhead area"

Our vision is that the project will better thrive through an Afro-centric approach rather than with Western-centric views. In countries in Africa, every aspect of the culture relates to the community and the people in it. The culture thrives by preserving its resources, fostering folk art expressions (such as music and instrument making, paintings, crafts and sculptures, textile arts in clothing and fashion, etc.), continuing to speak native languages such as Swahili, upholding good norms/morals and respect to our elders regardless of race, and teaching our children the true history of the continent.

Our goals are to develop support education with this approach, fostering confidence and good self-esteem among youth (12-18 years old) which in turn impacts overall academic achievement positively; educating the community about the history and the different African cultures and values; and capacity-building for women's health and well-being.

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Baraza La Afrika- Org services include:

• Youth Development activities (Homework help; Education for both youth and parents about all levels of law- Federal, State and Local; Organizing Health education for young boys and girls; Education opportunities to teach our youth about African history, values and culture; Celebration of our youth's achievements).

• Women Health and Well-being activities  (Education about the importance of health screenings, women's health and wellbeing; Facilitation of group walks; Creation of income-generating activities to supplement their income). 

• Community Education (Talks, exhibits, plays and films to educate the public on the diverse cultures and values in African countries, all open to anyone interested; Celebration of African Day to learn the value, importance, and vital contributions of the many African leaders, such as Nelson Mandela- Nobel Peace Price for his dedication to the fight against the Apartheid and its peaceful termination, Kwame Khruma- of Ghana and his Pan African Movement, Julius Nyerere- of Tanzania and his concept of Ujamaa, and Emery Patrice Lumumba- hero of DR Congo's independence, etc.;  and International Women's day).

• African Stories by returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) that have served in African countries, through Zoom or in person.

• Language Preservation (We teach and help preserve original/inherited African languages, like Swahili, to increase the understanding of our family history and heritage for both youth and adults).

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We also provide the following services:

• French Language classes

• Music Instrument classes for the youth (such as piano and guitar lessons, etc.)

• Counseling and Orientation for high school graduates

• Free interpreting services during parent/teacher conferences.

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Baraza La Afrika partners with Cultural Diversity Resources, Concordia College through their Community Engagement Program, the FMA Foundation, The New American Consortium, the West Central Initiative and United Way of Cass-Clay Counties.​

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