Keeping Culture Close

Keeping Culture Close

Your generosity is helping newcomers build new beginnings while staying connected to their cultural roots.

When a newcomer walks through African Communities of Manitoba Inc. (ACOMI)’s doors, the first step is often as simple as a traditional cultural welcome, a kind conversation, and an opportunity to connect to someone from their familiar community. For Maggie Yeboah, Executive Director of ACOMI, that sense of belonging has been at the heart of ACOMI’s work for nearly 30 years.

“African unity, encouraging prosperity and promoting our culture,” says Yeboah. “Those were the things that brought us together.”

ACOMI is the umbrella organization for people of African descent and has nearly 70 affiliate members, including grassroots organizations, businesses, agencies, entrepreneurs, faith communities, and individuals, all working to support and represent African communities across the province. What began as a small network focused on connection and support has evolved into a province-wide organization serving a growing community of people from many African cultures and traditions.

“Africa is a continent, and we have so many countries,” says Yeboah. “We are diverse, but we are all one African community.”

Yeboah, originally from Ghana,West Africa, moved to Canada 45 years ago and immediately felt the call to help others feel settled after their often-arduous journey to Canada. She eventually joined ACOMI, which provides newcomer settlement support, youth mentorship, leadership development, and advocacy.

“As an immigrant, I went through something similar,” she says. “I was able to learn about the system and how to navigate some of them.” Over the years, she has used her experience to help other newcomers find their footing.

In 2016, Yeboah supported Seidu Mohammed and Razak Iyal after they nearly died crossing the Canada-U.S. border in winter. As soon as she heard what had happened, Yeboah drove to the hospital. She visited regularly, bringing home-cooked cultural meals, while ACOMI helped them navigate the refugee process, obtain health coverage, connect with lawyers and prepare their refugee claims.

Thanks to the generosity and support of Winnipeg Foundation donors, a four-year, $400,000 grant is helping ACOMI move beyond year-to-year planning, strengthening its ability to support newcomers and build lasting connections across Manitoba’s African communities. 

“This funding came at a very great time,” says Yeboah. “It has improved our leadership coordination, enhanced our cultural programming, and enhanced our volunteer management. We are very grateful because this has enabled us to sustain ACOMI.”

As the community grows, particularly among young people, Yeboah and her team have expanded their reach through mentorship and school programming.

“I joined ACOMI because of the love I have for Africa,” she says. “My main aim is to help others who have migrated to Winnipeg, to educate our children, promote our culture, and create awareness of who we are.”

For Yeboah, ACOMI is about more than helping newcomers access services. It is about building relationships and creating a sense of belonging as people make Manitoba home. Thank you for helping strengthen connections and belonging in our community.