The objectives of this convening are to showcase the unique experiences, challenges, achievements, and opportunities faced by Black migrants in Michigan, acknowledge and visualize the existence of black people as immigrants and newcomers in our state, foster constructive dialogue between Black migrant communities, government stakeholders, and professional experts, and ultimately develop actionable strategies and recommendations for enhancing support and belonging.

Les objectifs de cette confèrence sont de présenter les expériences, les défis, les réalisations et les opportunités uniques auxquels sont confrontés les migrants noirs dans le Michigan, de reconnaître et de visualiser l'existence des Noirs en tant qu'immigrants et nouveaux arrivants dans notre État, de favoriser un dialogue constructif entre les communautés de migrants noirs, les parties prenantes du gouvernement et les experts professionnels, et enfin d'élaborer des stratégies et des recommandations réalisables pour renforcer le soutien et l'appartenance.

MI BLVCK MIGRANT CONVENING | October 26th 2024 |

8:00 AM – 8:40 AM: Welcome and Networking Breakfast

(Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium)

8:45 am – 8:50 am: Opening Prayer {Imam Ndao}

8:50 AM – 9:05 AM: Opening Remarks {dr. Seydi Sarr}

9:05 AM – 9:10 AM: Welcome Address {Congressman Shri Thanedar}

9:15 AM – 9:30 AM: Keynote Address {Aghogho Edevbie}

9:30 AM- 9:45 AM: Special Presentation: who are the blvck Migrant in MI {Dr. KimTabari}

Plenary Sessions: These sessions will encompass expert discussions on various pertinent topics.

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM: Plenary 1 - Understanding Historical and Current Perspectives on Black Migration in Michigan

MOD: Ajara Alghali _ Imam Abdoulaye Ndao, Hamid Alghali, Alsina Mc Morris & Dr. Tabari

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM: Refreshment Break

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM: Plenary 2 - Policy and Governance: Meeting the Needs of Black Migrants

MOD: Mayor Pro term Pious Ali_ Regine Conde Beauboeuf, Amara Onwuneme, Consul pro term Ansoumana Diatta & 2nd Deputy Chief Kyra Joy Hope

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM: Plenary 3 - Sharing Community Voices: Personal Stories and Experiences

MOD: Dr. Alaina Jackson _ Gregoire Eugene Louis, Mamba Hamassi, Fridah Kanini, Graxieuse Xavier & Madou Doumbia

12:15 PM – 1:15 PM: Networking Lunch

(designated classrooms 2nd Floor)

Breakout Sessions: Interactive sessions designed to delve deeper into specific topics.

1:15 PM – 2:15 PM:

Breakout 1 – Re-powering Economic Opportunities and Workforce Integration

MOD: Akindele Akinyemi _ Imè Ekpenyong, Joanna Dueweke Perez, & Kevin Forbes

Breakout 2 - Meeting Educational Challenges & Strengthening Community Support.

MOD: Renée Hudson _ Imam Ishak, Sockna Diaw, Elizabeth Ajayi

Breakout 3 - Focusing on Health and Wellness.

MOD: Dr. Ijeoma Opara _Sophia Chue, Dr. Ann Ellington & Betty Tonui

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Short Break

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM:

Breakout 4 - Navigating Legal and Immigration Challenges.

MOD: Dr.Seydi Sarr _Adja Ndoye, Margareth Corkery, Ruby Robinson, & Stephanie Blumenau

Breakout 5 - Addressing Housing Challenges and Living Conditions.

MOD: Fanta Jatta _ Shafwan Ahmed, Rehri Onomake, &

Breakout 6 - Building Alliances and Advocating for Policy Changes.

MOD: Rose Mayan _ Mirabel Fonyuy Umenei, Consuela Barber Lopez & Comisionner Tamara Smith

(Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium)

3:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Rapporteur: Key takeaways and Recommendations {Ruth Myriam}

3:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Closing Remarks & Future Steps