Congolese Day
Streamers and banners. Party beats and choral harmonies. Black-eyed peas and slow roasted chicken. Brightly wound headdresses and bundled-up babies. These are just a few of the sights and sounds filling the gathering hall at the Pan-African Association (PAA).
On a recent Friday afternoon, PAA hosted its inaugural Congolese Day. After two decades of political conflict and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, millions of men, women, and children have been forced to flee their homes. It has been a long and difficult journey, but many have finally found a place to call home – a place called Chicago.
Life has not been easy for these Congolese refugees. But for one afternoon, it was PAA’s mission to help the community forget their problems and have a good time. A multitude of volunteers joined the staff in cheerful spirit and helped with setting up decorations, and preparing for the event. Starting at noon, food was served, welcome speeches were made, and people enjoyed dancing to traditional and modern Congolese music, and sharing experiences with new friends and community members. Thanks to the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions of PAA volunteer Hannah Scott of Loyola University, and our dedicated staff, the event was a smashing success. More people than expected attended, but thanks to the generous contributions of local establishments Ethiopian Diamond, Bop n Grill, and Aldi, we had more than enough food and cheer to go around.
Here at PAA, we pride ourselves on fulfilling the motto “One Family”, and creating an atmosphere of “Welcome”. We believe that we can all find success and happiness in our Chicago home if we are willing to come together and help one another out. It is why we welcomed our newest members of the African Refugee Community by hosting a Congolese Day celebration, and we will continue to serve all our clients, helping them learn English and build careers so they can thrive in their new home. We thank you for your continued commitment to PAA’s mission, and for joining us as we continue to support and strengthen Chicago’s refugee community.
On a recent Friday afternoon, PAA hosted its inaugural Congolese Day. After two decades of political conflict and violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, millions of men, women, and children have been forced to flee their homes. It has been a long and difficult journey, but many have finally found a place to call home – a place called Chicago.
Life has not been easy for these Congolese refugees. But for one afternoon, it was PAA’s mission to help the community forget their problems and have a good time. A multitude of volunteers joined the staff in cheerful spirit and helped with setting up decorations, and preparing for the event. Starting at noon, food was served, welcome speeches were made, and people enjoyed dancing to traditional and modern Congolese music, and sharing experiences with new friends and community members. Thanks to the tireless efforts and invaluable contributions of PAA volunteer Hannah Scott of Loyola University, and our dedicated staff, the event was a smashing success. More people than expected attended, but thanks to the generous contributions of local establishments Ethiopian Diamond, Bop n Grill, and Aldi, we had more than enough food and cheer to go around.
Here at PAA, we pride ourselves on fulfilling the motto “One Family”, and creating an atmosphere of “Welcome”. We believe that we can all find success and happiness in our Chicago home if we are willing to come together and help one another out. It is why we welcomed our newest members of the African Refugee Community by hosting a Congolese Day celebration, and we will continue to serve all our clients, helping them learn English and build careers so they can thrive in their new home. We thank you for your continued commitment to PAA’s mission, and for joining us as we continue to support and strengthen Chicago’s refugee community.