A black Republican advocacy group wasted no time in hitting the airwaves moments after GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney addressed the NAACP convention. The group touted Romney's alleged triumph in getting more than a few of the hostile crowd to cheer him at times. Their national radio ad taunted President Obama in part like this:

Narrator: Obama brought high black unemployment.

Narrator: Democrats have run black communities for fifty years.

Narrator :Plantation politics.

Narrator : That's what Obama said Democrats do to poor blacks.

The ad hit hard at Obama on the point that Romney, GOP strategists, and their black GOP point persons are convinced is the issue that can touch a sensitive nerve among blacks: jobs and poverty. The GOP sniffs a potentially perfect political storm with it: a stagnant economy, the chronically double-digit black joblessness, and the Obama administration's non-explicit emphasis on the crisis.

That was capped by Romney's appearance at the NAACP convention, and Obama's non-appearance there. Despite the hit ad and Romney's crowing to an interviewer that there were many - unnamed, of course - blacks that
supposedly told him after his convention speech privately that they agreed with him, neither Romney, GOP strategists and black Republicans in their wildest fantasy believe that they will make even a modest dent in Obama's black support.

But they do cannily crunch the numbers and bank that even a small drop in the percentage and number of black votes in the traditional must-win states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia that Obama won in 2008, could spell potential disaster for him this time around. A cursory look at the numbers indeed signals potential danger. Obama got over 65 million votes in 2008. GOP presidential rival John McCain got over 57 million. Of the roughly 15 million eligible black voters, nearly 8 million voted for Obama. That was a surge of 2 million more black votes than in 2004. The surge was attributed exclusively to the fire and passion blacks had to elect the first black president. Obama, overall, got nearly 95 percent of the black vote. These nearly 8 million votes provided nearly the full total of Obama's winning margin over McCain in the popular vote column.

Now fast forward to 2012. A reduction in even one to five percentage points in the total black vote would still put the president's percentage total at the off chart number of 90 percent of the black vote, but it would hurt him. This would put his raw number total loss at potentially several hundred thousand votes. This is not as inconsequential as it first seems, particularly given that the African-American votes are not scattered geographically in all states but heavily concentrated in the urban areas in the crucial Midwest and Southern swing states. In several of the states, Obama's winning margin over McCain was in the low single digits. While Latino and young voters will again overwhelmingly back Obama, percentage-wise, there's no certainty that the passion they showed for his campaign in 2008 is still there in 2012. Polls show that Obama decisively won the battle for centrist independents in 2008. But this year their votes are badly fractured, with even less guarantee that they will again give him major support. This could mean a significant fall - off in their numbers as well. That makes a massive and impassioned turnout by black voters even more imperative for him. The GOP will do everything it can to make sure that doesn't happen.

Romney will take every opportunity to shove the notion down the throats of black voters that Obama's alleged failures on the economy have directly resulted in mounting economic misery in poor black communities. The appeal will be to them not to necessarily embrace Romney, but simply for them to pause and consider their misery. The shrewd gambit is to create enough doubt and dismay among blacks, and then hope that that's enough to stem some of the black voter floodtide to Obama.

Obama walks a narrow tight rope. He must do everything possible to keep the significant number of wavering and even bigoted white Democrats who are indifferent or outright hostile toward him from jumping ship and not voting or, worse, crossing over. This means moving gingerly on the issue of race. But at the same time he must stoke the enthusiasm level of black voters by sending constant signals that he is not taking their vote for granted, and remind them that his policies on health care, job stimulus and small business have benefited blacks. And that if elected he'll do even more to battle chronic high unemployment, failing public schools, high incarceration rates, home foreclosures and the poverty facing black communities.

It's a tall order, but one that he must fill to insure that the GOP fails miserably in its ploy to pry some blacks away from him.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He is a frequent political commentator on MSNBC and a weekly co-host of the Al Sharpton Show on American Urban Radio Network. He is the author of How Obama Governed: The Year of Crisis and Challenge. He is an associate
editor of New America Media and the host of the weekly Hutchinson
Report on KPFK-Radio and the Pacifica Network.

Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlhutchinson

After the verdicts were read, my eight year old son had seen my anger and asked "why did Zimmerman kill Trayvon?" Thinking of all that I heard, read and saw through the three weeks of trial, I said to him "I don't know for sure, but I think because he is racist."

The facts that are undisputed are that George Zimmerman profiled, followed and tracked down, shot and killed, 17-year old Trayvon Martin. As the slew of texts, tweets and Facebook messages streamed in from fellow angry friends and colleagues, I sat there furious, disappointed and frustrated.

The feeling was also strange. I've spent most of my career trying to help people and change systems so that there is less incarceration. But here I was wanting nothing more than for Zimmerman to be convicted and locked up. Although I've spent several years of my career as a law enforcement official, the sole reason I got into government was to reform the system that is broken. And now the country, and indeed the world, is again seeing how broke America's criminal justice system really is. Even though the prosecution was thoroughly out lawyered by the defense, there appeared to be more than enough evidence to convict. A teenage boy was murdered and the shooter was not held responsible.

This summer, I have been having my children watch the ground breaking PBS "Eyes on the Prize" series. The night before the Zimmerman verdicts, we watched the last episode which featured the story of Arthur McDuffie. McDuffie was a military veteran and successful black businessman who was stopped by the Miami police, beaten and kicked to death for no reason. Although clear and convincing evidence was presented to an all-white male jury of the murder of McDuffie, including the testimony of other officers at the scene, the three white officers were found not guilty. Miami was engulfed in riots.

After my two teenage daughters said they didn't have much familiarity with the Rodney King case when I mentioned it in connection to McDuffie, we watched an hour of YouTube footage of the Rodney King beating, the acquittal of the officers and the unfortunate riots that ensued. My 16-year old daughter said to me "1980 in Miami was the same as 1992 in Los Angeles." Though Zimmerman was just a wanna-be cop, we can now add 2013 in Sanford, Florida.

My eldest daughter and I have been planning to see the new movie "Fruitvale Station." The story is of a young black man shot and murdered by a transit police officer. Even with clear video evidence of Oscar Grant being shot and killed while he lay face down, not moving, on a train platform, white officer Johannes Mehserle was only convicted of involuntary manslaughter and spent less than a year in prison.

The timing was ironic and painful. We had just seen the story of McDuffie and Rodney King. We were headed to watch the story of Oscar Grant and we were now experiencing the story of Trayvon Martin.

Now, like many black parents across the country, I struggle with what to tell my son. A son whose whole life he has known his father primarily to be a law enforcement official. A son who has said he is interested in being a police officer. And like many parents, I have to have "that talk" with my son. The talk about Emmett Till, Arthur McDuffie, Rodney King, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, and countless other black men who have been beaten and killed by white authorities.

I will tell my son to be encouraged that a black man is the president of the United States, but also know and understand that the murder of a young black man still can't get justice.

David Muhammad is the CEO of Solutions, Inc, consulting firm. He is the former Chief Probation Officer of Alameda County Probation and the former Deputy Commissioner of New York City Probation.

Washington (AFP) - Barack Obama will make a long-awaited return to Kenya this July, visiting his father's homeland for the first time since becoming US president, the White House announced Monday.

During the much-delayed visit, Obama will attend a summit to encourage entrepreneurship and meet the country's controversial leader Uhuru Kenyatta.

Obama's late father was from a small village near the shores of Lake Victoria. He met Obama's white American mother in Hawaii, where they had a son before divorcing.

America's first black president has visited sub-Saharan Africa four times since taking office in 2009, but political scandal has blocked a presidential visit to his ancestral home.

For much of Obama's time in power, Kenya's president Kenyatta had been under investigation by the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Kenyatta was indicted on five counts of crimes against humanity for his alleged role in 2007-08 post-election violence that killed an estimated 1,200 people.

The 53-year-old son of Kenya's founding father protested his innocence until the case was dropped in December.

Prosecutors complained that they had been undermined by a lack of cooperation by the Kenyan government, as well as the bribing or intimidation of witnesses.

A White House official told AFP that Obama and Kenyatta would meet during the visit.
 

The official, who asked not to be named, said the United States regularly raises "concerns with the Kenyan government about restrictions on human rights and fundamental freedoms."

"The president's trip will create another opportunity for dialogue with the government and civil society on these issues."

Kenyatta had attended a US-Africa summit in Washington in 2014 but did not hold a bilateral meeting with Obama.

Kenya is seen as a front in the fight against global terror, following a series of deadly attacks that have been claimed by Somalia-based jihadist group al-Shebab.

Many Western governments have since warned tourists against visiting Kenya's stunning coastline, which draws in hordes of visitors and much-needed tourism revenue.

- Forefathers and ancestry -

The White House hopes that a visit will also do more to cement ties between the United States and the African continent, which has received billions in Chinese investment in recent decades.

"Just as President (John) Kennedy's historic visit to Ireland in 1963 celebrated the connections between Irish-Americans and their forefathers, President Obama's trip will honor the strong historical ties between the United States and Kenya – and all of Africa," White House advisors said in a blog.

Millions of Americans trace their ancestry to the African continent, and more than 100,000 Americans live in or visit Kenya each year, they said.

Obama had visited Kenya multiple times before entering politics and in 2006 as a US senator, when he visited his father's home village Nyang'oma-Kogelo and took a very public HIV test.

The president's heritage has spurred domestic controversy, with some hardline political foes claiming he was not born in the United States and so was ineligible to become president.

Obama allies say this is thinly veiled racism and the president has often made light of the controversy.

"If I did not love America, I wouldn't have moved here from Kenya," he recently joked.

On the July visit, Obama is expected to take part in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), which is being held in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time.

"Hosting the GES is an opportunity for Kenya to showcase its economic progress," said the White House official.

"Kenya maintains enormous potential for economic growth, thanks to the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kenyan people."

President Barack Obama will — finally — visit Kenya in July, becoming the first sitting American President to do so.

He will be in Kenya to attend the 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Summit to be co-hosted by Kenya and the United States.

“It is great because he is coming to the home of his ancestry. This is good and positive. However, I wish he came for an official visit before the end of his term for at least two days,” said Mr Odinga.

Obama is pictured here during a 1988 trip at his family home in the Kenyan homestead of Alego. From L to R are Barack Obama, Grandmother Sarah,  Auma Obama (Barack's half sister) and Kezia Obama (Barack's stepmother). Photo by Coiurtesy/Daily Mail

Organised annually since 2009, the GES has emerged as a global platform connecting emerging entrepreneurs with leaders from business, international organisations, and governments looking to support them. 

In this August 25, 2006 photo Senator Obama is greated by an enthusistic crowd in Nairobi. During the long-promised visit this July, Obama will attend a Global Entrepreneurship Summit in the east African nation. PIC BY COURTESY/DAILY MAIL

LOWELL,----Another Garissa Attack Vigil by Kenyans in Boston  has been planned in Lowell, Sunday April 12 at the JFK Plaza next to the City hall starting 3.30pm. This is in addition to the already planned vigil combining the Kenyan and Nigerian community associations in the Greater Boston area, in conjunction with students from Harvard University, and MIT and Boston University (BU).

A vigil by Kenyans in Seattle, Washington took place this on Tuesday while yet another one is slated for tomorrow, Saturday April 11 the Union Square in New York City starting 2pm.

The Lowell vigil has been planned by a group of Kenyan nationals in the region. 

A vigil combining the Garissa massacre where about 148 students were killed by A- Shabab terrorists,  and the 1 year anniversary of about 240 Chibok High School girls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants in Nigeria will be held  next Wednesday, April 15 at the Boston Commons  in downtown Boston starting 5pm.

The vigils are part of the ongoing mourning by Kenyans in the Diaspora as they reflect on the devastating developments in the motherland in the wake of escalating insecurity despite assurances from authorities that things are under control.

BOSTON--A candlelight vigil to honor the 148 students killed at Garissa University, Kenya and the more than 250 high school girls kidnapped in Nigeria last year will be held at the  Boston Commons on Wednesday, April 15,2015.The vigil is set for 5pm local time.

The vigil is an initiative jointly put together by members of the Nigerian and Kenyan communities in Greater Boston.

As African countries that witnessed attacks and massacres of varying kind from two of the world's deadliest fundamentalist groups, our communities are troubled by the spate of killings.The pain these acts of terrorism have caused in our homelands is huge.

When Nigerians in Boston and friends protested the Chibok kidnap last year, they did so with the expectation that swift, strategic actions will be taken to rescue the girls, whose only crime was their desire to acquire education. One year after, the Nigerian government and its allies have failed these girls and their agonizing parents. We are disappointed that the world has simply moved on.

That these girls are still in captivity despite the international outcry and condemnation that greeted their kidnap last year, speaks to our collective failure as a global community.

The killing of 148 students in Garissa University last week came at a time when the country was reeling from the attack at WestGate mall in Nairobi and claimed the lives of 69 people from 13 countries.

Boko Haram and Al-Shabab represent evil that must not only be condemned, but be degraded and destroyed. We are, therefore, calling for action, real action to rid Africa of these and other extremist groups. We are calling for real action to #BringBackOurGirls. We are calling for action #Garrisa Attacks to ensure safely at all Kenyan learning and religious institutions that are targeted by Al-Shabab.

The lives of all these young students in Nigeria and Kenya matter and their future must not be left stolen.

Expected at the vigil are members of the Nigerian and Kenyan communities in Greater Boston, as well as friends and believers in the fight at against terrorism.

At the vigil, we will unite in solidarity with victims of similar attacks in other parts of Africa, the Middle East, Asia and the world over. Our charge-the world must rise to the threat posed by these fundamentalist groups.Their existence is a threat to our common humanity and must be resisted.

Organizers:
The vigil is being organized by a coalition of Nigerians and Kenyans in Greater Boston and students from Harvard, MIT and Boston University. The Nigerian American Multi-Service Association (NAMSA) and the New England Kenyan Welfare Association (NEKWA) are lead partners in this coalition.We also have the support of New England Blacks in Philanthropy (NEBIP).

More information  will be provided  as soon as it is available.

BOSTON---Nigerians and Kenyans from all works of life, and sympathizers gathered last night at Boston common and marked one anniversary for the kidnapped Chibok Girls and prayed for the souls that were imparted as a result of University students massacre in Kenyans by the Al-Shabaab attack. 

 

WHAT STOOD OUT:
THE BENIN CLUB CAME OUT IN MASS.The Benin Club of Massachusetts entourage led by the president, Ms. Pat Abbe, without prior notice mobilized her base and showed up en-masse to energized the crowd.

UMUADAIGBO MASS STOLE THE SHOW. It was a promise kept but with a prize. Princess Linda Ikeogudelivered the UMUADAIGBO entourage and the printed T-Shirt as promised but, the T-Shirts were distinctly crafted as campaign souvenir which were distributed freely among the crowd and none was offered to this reporter herein (I am still waiting for one though). Mrs. Chidima Igbokwe was also present to show her motherly love and support to the  rally and humanity.Also present, were all the VP contenders (Mrs. Chinwe Okafor, Mrs. Pat Nwankwo and Mrs. Mary Ugbaja).

The 4 Nigerians in the race for seats at the British Parliament have been elected. They are:

CHUKA UMUNNA

Chuka Harrison Umunna is a British Labour Party politician who has served Streatham as Member of Parliament(MP) since 2010. Umunna is the current Shadow Business Secretary since 2011. Chuka Umunna's father Bennett, of the Nigerian Igbo ethnic group, died in a road accident in Nigeria in 1992.His mother, Patricia, is a solicitor and daughter of Sir Helenus Milmo QC, the Anglo-Irish High Court judge. Umunna was educated at Hitherfield Primary School in Streatham, South London, and the Christ Church Primary School in Brixton Hill. He says his parents felt that the local state school had "given up on him" and so moved him to the boys' independent senior school St Dunstan's College, in Catford in southeast London, where he played the cello, and became Deputy Head Boy. During this period he was also achorister at Southwark Cathedral. He was awarded an upper second class LLB in English and French Law from the University of Manchester; after graduating he studied for one term at the University of Burgundy in Dijon, before studying for an MA at Nottingham Law School. He has said that his politics and moral values come from Christianity, but that he is "not majorly religious".

HELEN GRANT

Born 28 September 1961, Helen Grant is a British Conservative Party politician and solicitor. She is the current Member of Parliament forMaidstone and The Weald in Kent and the current Minister for Sport, Tourism & Equalities. She was elected at the 2010 general election, replacing the constituency's previous incumbent, Ann Widdecombe, who had decided to step down as an MP. Grant was the first black woman to be selected to defend a Tory seat and her election made her the Conservatives' first female black MP.

Grant received her first government appointment in September 2012, when she received the dual roles of Under-Secretary of State for Justiceand Under-Secretary for Women and Equalities. Grant was born in Willesden, north London to an English mother and Nigerian father, but grew up in a single parent family after her parents separated and her father emigrated to the United States. She was raised in Carlisle where she lived on the city's Raffles council estate with her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

CHI ONWURAH

Chi Onwurah (born 12 April 1965) is a British Labour Party politician, who was elected at the 2010 general election as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, replacing the previous Labour MP Jim Cousins, who decided to step down and left the seat. She is Newcastle's first black MP. During the depression of the 1930s, Onwurah's maternal grandfather was a sheet metal worker in Tyneside shipyards. Her mother grew up in poverty in Garth Heads on Newcastle's quayside. Her father, from Nigeria, was working as a dentist while he studied at Newcastle Medical School when they met and married in the 1950s.

After Chi was born in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne, in 1965, her family moved to Awka, Nigeria when she was still a baby. Just two years later the Biafran Civil War broke out bringing famine with it, forcing her mother to bring the children back to Newcastle, whilst her father stayed on in the Biafran army.

KATE OSAMOR

National Health Service (NHS) manager Kate Osamor is the Labour Party's parliamentary candidate for the Edmonton constituency in London after stiff contest with fellow diasporan Kate Anolue. Ms Osamor, who has worked for the NHS for 15 years, is a trade union activist, a women's charity trustee and a member of the Labour Party's National Executive Committee. She made funding the NHS, opposing its fragmentation and standing up to government cuts the centrepiece of her campaign.

In a related development, a 20-year-old Scottish student has become Britain's youngest lawmaker since 1667-ousting one of Labour's top figures in the process. Politics student Mhairi Black represents the pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), and took Paisley and Renfrewshire South, a constituency outside Glasgow, from Douglas Alexander, Labour's election chief and a former Cabinet minister.

BOSTON, Mass.,__While responding to a question by Ajabu Africa News, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said there was money to fund community organizations in the state and therefore very unfortunate that most members of the ethnic communities in the Commonwealthhave no idea about it, leaving them disadvantaged to access state funding  even for newly announced economic opportunities.

Governor Baker revealed that the Massachusetts Capital Growth Fund(view website),a state fund that writes small checks of between $50,000 and $250,000 to help fund the operations of locally based organizations within the Commonwealth, is a resource that many in the ethnic communities could access to help grow their community organizations.

The governor was speaking and taking questions during a round-table meeting with members of the ethnic media in the Commonwealth held Wednesday March 16 at the Statehouse on Beacn Hill.

"Part of the issue is that maybe people don't know about it. That's part of why we are here, to hope that you folks can increase the megaphone to help us communicate with people about some of the opportunities that are available here," he told members of the ethnic media present.

Frustrated with the situation, Governor Baker directed his staff to convene a meeting very soon where representatives of various ethnic communities will be invited to brainstorm on ways to overcome barriers to access faced by their communities.

"We should sit down and talk about this. This issue, you know,-- if a tree falls in the forest and nobody knows about it---then it does not matter. This is a legitimate issue. We have talked about this once or twice before, we now have a bunch of things that we are starting to do there that have some real potential to be successful--if we get them before the right people. We should have a meeting about this."

He said that during some recent community meetings his administration held in several Massachusetts communities, his administration provided a lot of information about current efforts to expand and simplify the procurement process of state contracts.

"We had a ton of community based meetings in communities all over the Commonwealth, primarily communities of color and had a pretty good attendance at those meetings."

The administration said that more meetings have been scheduled in the next two weeks to reach out to more especially in the gateway cities in eastern and western Massachusetts including Lowell, Springfield, Worcester, Brockton and more.

The governor directed that his administration announce the meetings through the ethnic media platforms present at the meeting well in advance to make sure that folks in those communities get the information.

The concern came after the governor informed the ethnic media about a new $10 million capital grant program announced 3 weeks ago to help vocational and technical schools update and upgrade their equipment and operations, as well as another $75 million contained in a new bill by his administration to further assist organizations providing jobs and skills training to residents of the Commonwealth update and expand their programs and operations.

"It's a $75 million commitment to matching capital grants to vocational and technical schools and other job training operations so that they can expand and modernize their existing facilities and equipment. Many of these places have tremendous capacity to serve populations that need to build skills that make it possible to qualify for different jobs. The state is going to be the lion's share of the match where it will provide 80% of the needed funds," said Governor Baker.

However, the governor added that the funds will be provided in a competitive bid format.

"To be successful in this, you got to have an employer or group of employers who are ponying up something up as well, whether it's hard dollars,in kind, teaching facilities or whatever it is to make this thing work."

While accompanying the governor, the Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Ronald L. Walker said that the State relies heavily in partnerships with community based organizations to reach folks within the commonwealth in order to disburse funds for various programs aimed at spurring economic growth.

He added that while the unemployment rate in the State stood at 4.7%(lower than the national average at 4.9% as of Feb, 2016),there was still about 166,000 people unemployed, most of them from minority and communities of color. Walker said that within that number, there  was the chronically unemployed populations who historically continue to have doubled the unemployment rate based on populations they represent.

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Ronald L. Walker (left), makes a presentation during the ethnic media roundtable meeting at State House. AJABU PHOTO/H. MAINA

"When the governor signed the executive order, we agreed to look at the barriers facing the chronically unemployed populations. We are talking about Latinos, African Americans persons with disabilities, gulf war vets coming back and youth is in that equation and the long-term unemployed."

The Secretary said that as a result, Governor Baker recently signed an executive order to look into the undesirable situation.

"A panel of 13 individuals, who included economists, people from educational organizations, community based organizations and businesses did a deep dive and did an extensive study within the Commonwealth to understand the real barriers to employment for these target populations."

The task force found out a couple of common barriers affecting these communities.

"There was lack of access, lack of skills and training, soft skills, hard skills, persons with disabilities having problems with transportation and continuation of service and limited partnership between the commonwealth and community based organizations," he added.

He then detailed various new programs the Baker administration has put forward to provide grants aimed at providing job skills that help the unemployed in the state gain skills crucial for employment.

But according to the Secretary, the State relied heavily on community based organizations among other outlets to channel the funds to different communities out there.

However, during the meeting, the administration seemed to be unaware that the disbursement methods currently employed are not finding their way to new immigrants and ethnic communities who are traditionally hard to reach, and don't have well developed community organizations.

Complicating matters further for these communities, larger community organizations in the Commonwealth that receive most of the State funds hardly make any significant outreach efforts to ethnic communities as revealed by Ajabu Africa News.

"We need a meeting on this," stressed governor to his staff accompanying him at the conclusion of the meeting.

He urged members of various ethnic communities to show up for the meetings once announced to make sure they get crucial information to help them get ahead.

The administration also detailed new efforts the state is embarking to combat the opioid addiction epidemic through the recently passed bill to fight the scourge.

Geneva (AFP) --The United States should give African Americans reparations for slavery, UN experts said Tuesday, warning that the country had not yet confronted its legacy of "racial terrorism."

Amid a presidential election campaign in which racial rhetoric has played a central role, the UN working group on people of African descent warned that blacks in the US were facing a "human rights crisis."

This has largely been fuelled by impunity for police officers who have killed a series of black men--many of them unarmed--across the country in recent months, the working group's report said.

Those killings "and the trauma they create are reminiscent of the past racial terror of lynchings," said the report, which was presented to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Monday.

Addressing the deeper causes of America's racial tensions, the experts voiced concern over the unresolved "legacy of colonial history, enslavement, racial subordination and segregation, racial terrorism and racial inequality."

"There has been no real commitment to reparations and to truth and reconciliation for people of African descent," the report said.

Working group chairman Ricardo A. Sunga told reporters that the panel believed several models of reparations could work in the US context, including "elements of apology" and a form of debt relief" to the descendants of enslaved people.

Asked about the campaign and accusations that Republican nominee Donald Trump has made racially inflammatory remarks, Sunga voiced alarm over "hate speech...xenophobia (and) Afrophobia."

"We are very troubled that these are on the rise," he added, without naming Trump specifically but calling on officials and "even candidates" to watch their words.

Trump and his camp have denied all racism charges.

In the campaign's first debate on Monday, Democratic challenger Hillary Clinton accused Trump of launching his campaign on the "racist lie" that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States.

The UN working group visited the several US states in January before producing their final report.

The homeownership rate for African Americans is now lower than the national homeownership rate was during the 1930s, as the United States was in the throes of the Great Depression.

That is one of many findings reported by four authors for the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, in a 2016 report called the State of Housing in Black America.

That same report found homeownership for non--Hispanic white people stood at 68.5 percent in 2014. In comparison, the rate was 41.2 percent among Black people.

The reason for these statistics, according to the NAREB, is that Black Americans have long had unequal access to mainstream mortgage credit--a finding that the organization blasted in a Sept. 20 release, while signaling a "clarion call" for change to lawmakers, regulators, government agencies and lenders.

"The continued institutional denial of equal access to mortgage credit is the single-most detrimental factor obstructing wealth building among Black Americans," said Ron Cooper, president of the National Association of Black Real Estate Brokers.

Black Americans, simply put, have been "locked out," he said.

In the report, the authors argued that the vast majority of African Americans who attempted to buy homes in the U.S. were either trapped in predatory mortgage schemes, or denied access to home loans altogether.

This is particularly detrimental to the long--term health of African--American families, according to the NAREB, because homeownership is the "single most important asset" for wealth accumulation in most United States households.

In the report, the authors draw upon statistics to emphasize the thesis that conventional loans are still out of reach for most African-American homeowners.

For one, the "vast majority" of Black borrowers rely on Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, or "nonconventional" loans that have served as a "critical source of credit" for borrowers of color, according to authors James H. Carr, Michela Zonta, Fred McKinney and Gerald Jaynes.

The report shows that while applications from Black applicants for conventional loans decreased by 82 percent in the decade between 2004 and 2014, applications for nonconventional loans increased by 60 percent.

In 2014, the authors found, a whopping 68 percent of applications coming in from African--American prospective homeowners were for nonconventional loans, compared with just 19 percent in 2004.

Yet, although applications to nonconventional loans increased, homeownership didn't.

The share of all applications for conventional loans coming from Black applicants decreased from eight percent in 2004 to three percent in 2014. Yet Black borrowers received only three percent of all originated conventional loans in 2014, well below the share recorded in 2004 of six percent.

And, despite an increase in the number of nonconventional loans since 2004--from 88,000 to 139,000--the share of all nonconventional loans going to Black borrowers was 10 percent in 2014, down from 13 percent in 2004, they said.

The authors point to an "anemic" housing recovery from lending predatory practices that has all but bypassed the Black community, they said.

Moreover, the authors argue that predatory practices still exist within the housing market today, in new forms of lending that are disproportionately affecting people of color.

Lenders, they said, still won't extend loans to borrowers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments "due to a concern that the federal housing agencies might identify defects in the loans."

Further, they said, all three major federal housing agencies require lenders to submit loans evaluated using "outdated" credit--scoring models.

The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) price loans in such a way that Black people are then "unfairly and disproportionately" required to pay a higher cost to access credit than non--Hispanic white people, the authors said.

Simply put, Black families attempting to become homeowners have "largely been trapped," the authors wrote.

"Black America is relegated to a perpetual cycle of institutional denial of equal access to credit conducted by private actors, reinforced and supported by actions and inactions of government institutions," the report read.

The financial models, they said, have been "unavailable" for public scrutiny, they added.

This, they said, is "in spite of the reality that they deny credit access to Blacks based on the differences in financial capacity between non-Hispanic whites and Blacks, differences that are the direct legacy of decades of unchecked discrimination."

The authors point to inequity in the labor market that they said compounds obstacles African Americans face when trying to buy homes.

Despite the fact that the U.S. economy since 2010 has undergone job recovery, with 287,000 jobs added in June 2016, Black Americans have not equally enjoyed this surge, the authors wrote.

During the Great Recession, the unemployment rate for Blacks rose to a high of 16.8. By June 2016, it had fallen by nearly half. Still, at 8.6 percent it remains almost twice the rate of 4.4 percent for that of non--Hispanic white workers.

When African Americans do find work, the report added, they "disproportionately" attain low--wage jobs with little or no employment security and few, if any, benefits.

Moreover, the wage gap between Blacks and non--Hispanic whites has not narrowed in more than 35 years, they said, with Blacks earning 75 percent of the median hourly earnings of non--Hispanic whites.

The situation for African--American homeownership is not slated to improve without radical changes to lending practices, the authors argued--a change they said was not "insurmountable."

To increase Black ownership would require the removal of "discriminatory, unfair, and deceptive barriers to credit access," the authors wrote, including those that are "programmed into the technologies and practices" of the modern housing finance system.

"All signs suggest the wealth divide will continue to grow as homeownership for Blacks falls throughout the coming decade and beyond," the authors wrote.

In an expert panel assembled by the association, during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 46th Annual Legislative Caucus, experts agreed that mortgage lending disparities, coupled with public policies and governmental inaction, had conspired over time to impede the growth of homeownership by Black people in the U.S.

Moreover, the panelists found, the issue isn't that Black people have an inability to pay for mortgages.

For instance, the panelists universally agreed that lenders use instruments that work to deny Black borrowers a mortgage loan when other credible models exist, but are not widely used by lending institutions.

"While I agree that we do not want to return to the excesses and abuses of the past, we must still find a way toward responsible lending for creditworthy borrowers, including those borrowers of modest means," said Congressman Gregory Meeks, a Democrat from New York. "Policies must be set in place to ensure affordability and increase access to mortgage credit, and there's an essential role the government must and should play in that process."

The NAREB was formed in 1947 to ensure equal and fair access to homeownership and opportunity for African--American real estate professionals, according to its website.

BOSTON--A cross section of ethnic African immigrants in USA including the mayor of Newark, New Jersey Ugo Nwaokoro from Nigeria and Somalia's Ilhan Omar who is running for a hotly contested Minnesota House of Representatives race under Democratic Party ticket have endorsed Hillary Clinton for US President in a tough fight with Republican Donald Trump coming to an end tomorrow Election Day.

Speaking Monday morning after the first ever African Diaspora & Government Symposium last Saturday at Boston University, several community leaders and activists from different parts of the US has come out in support of the emerging togetherness under the banner of United People for African Congress (UPAC).

UPAC is aiming to mobilize the estimated 3 million African immigrants in USA so they can have their own voice instead of being lost in the category of "African Americans" as has been the case in the past--leading to their unique needs failing to get traction among top government leaders.

Among most notable African immigrant leaders who have written statements endorsing Clinton include the Deputy Mayor of the City of Newark New Jersey, Mr. Ugo Nwaokoro from Nigeria, Dr. Sylvester Okere, UPAC President Dr. Sylvester Okere, Kenge Malikidogo-Fludd UPAC National Secretary from Congo DRC, Ethiopia's Tebabu Assefa of US-Africa Economic Business Council, Mr. A H Gabisi Sierra Leonean Community of New Jersey, Nigeria's Sarah Igiebor of the African Diaspora for Hillary-USA, Chad's Voury Ignegongba President, Africans in Boston, Kenya's Harrison Maina of  Ajabu Africa News & Media, Foday Mansaray Chairman, West African Community from Sierra Leone, S. Okey Mbonu Prominent Nigerian American Community Leader, Hon. Christopher Ojo African Entrepreneurs Coalition, Hon. Mercy Phillips, President, African and American Alliance from Ivory Coast , Mamadou Samba African Community in DC from Senegal, DRC's Marie-Rose Sirikari African Community Advocate in Maryland and Mali's Assetou Sy Founder, African Women's Alliance of America.

L to R: Voury Ignagongba, president of the Africans in Boston, Dr. Sylvester Okere, President of the United People for African Congress (UPAC), attorney Candice McKinley, VP of UPAC, Pastor Isaac Balinda from the Ugandan Community in Boston and Lenny Kimani from the Kenyan Community during the first African Diaspora & Government Symposium last Saturday at Boston University.

Somalia's Ilhan Omar has endorsed during her entire campaign where she defeated Phyllis Khan in the primaries, and faced Republican nominee's Abdimalik Askar, another Somalia born political aspirant in Minnesota who later withdraw from the race citing unexpected family developments.(www.ilhanomar.com)(Read More-Wikipedia)

In a letter sent to the Hillary Clinton Campaign on behalf of all African Organizations that attended the African Diaspora & Governance Symposium on Saturday, and millions of other African immigrants in the United States who support democracy, good governance, and the American dream, Dr. Okere said that most African immigrants in USA believe that Hillary Clinton will protect the dream that they call came to chase.

"Together, we want to be on record in endorsing Hillary Clinton. She is the best qualified to be our president. She has done it all and in all she does. Africans are with her 110 percent. To over the three (3) million Africans, we are better and stronger together through unity. It is our duty as United States Citizens to get out and vote," said Dr. Okere.

"The time for Continental African immigrants to get organized couldn't be better as we have a presidential candidate that listens and understands our issues. As we solidly vote for Hillary Clinton and the down line Democratic tickets, by getting organized we can use our votes to negotiate things like immigration reforms, poor representation of Africans in Federal appointments, etc," said Ugo Nwaokoro, Newark's Deputy Mayor in a statement written to the Hillary Clinton Campaign through UPAC.

Ilhan Omar, an ethnic African immigrant from Somalia (right) campaigning for Minnesota's House of Representative seat to be decided tomorrow during the U.S General Election. Pic by Courtesy/IlhanOmar.com

"We believe Secretary Hillary Clinton to be one of the most prepared candidates this country has seen in years. I cannot think of a single candidate in the history of the US that brings to the table the experience and background Secretary Clinton has to offer. She is a graduate of America most prestigious institutions such as Wellesley College and Yale, she has been a first lady, she has been a Senator and she has been Secretary of State under President Obama. She has been in public life for over 30 years. So when it comes to internal affairs she can lead, when it comes to African and world affairs she can lead. For all those reasons WE ARE WITH HER because together we can go far," said Voury Ignegongba, president of African in Boston organization in a statement emailed to Ajabu Africa News.

Ignegongba said that he was overjoyed by dozens of African immigrants from different African countries living in Boston who attended the symposium last Saturday as it was in indicator that Africans have the desire to put their differences aside and unify for a common cause while far from their homelands.

"I would like to thank personally Dr. Okere and attorney Candice McKinley for responding to our, Mr.Wilson Balinda for his vision and help with all the logistics for the event, Mr. Harrison Maina for helping with media coverage as well as Daivi Rodima Taylor and Peter Quella from the Boston University African Studies Center for providing us with the space.

"The future is bright. I believe in the POWER of DIASPORA," he added.

Some of the Ethnic African immigrants in Boston who attended the the first ever African Diaspora & Government Symposium last Saturday at Boston University. Pic by Courtesy

"I come from Down South and we had the same issues of mistrust among different African American groups from different regions, but we finally managed to overcome and now speak with one voice," said the young mother and former teacher who spent a great deal of time in Tanzania working for women empowerment and Rwanda genocide cases.

During the meeting, attorney Candice McKinley, an African American attorney, political strategist and gender activist shocked guests when she revealed that differences of opinions and mistrust among people from the same background during a period of unifying is normal and should not be a discouragement to Africans in Boston and in USA who desire to unite for the betterment of their community.

McKinley, who is also the deputy president of UPAC, urged African immigrants in USA to be selfless, purposeful, and intentional in their struggle to unite in the Diaspora in order to achieve their dreams.

Lamenting that African immigrants have not been consulted involved in US policies crafted to benefit Africa especially the AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), Dr. Okere said that such scenarios will never change until Africans themselves get organized and speak as one powerful group.

"I congratulate president bill Clinton for championing and signing the AGOA act into law in 2,000. But unfortunately, this act is implemented and overseen by others while not a single African immigrant is on board. The act has therefore benefited a lot of Americans and African Americans in USA with millions of dollars in trade deals while African immigrants have no clue of what is going on," Dr. Okere told guests at the meeting.

"We have the people, talents, skills, experiences, our values and unique culture that distinguish us. Now let's change the narratives and the negative perceptions that have been dragging our community here in the United States to transform our motherland. We have wasted centuries waiting for others to do it for us. It is time to rise together to make tomorrow fruitful and promising for our children and their children here, and work in solidarity to move Africa forward."

Okere added that although centuries of colonialism and neocolonialism in Africa have left lifetime effects of deep and wounded scars of discrimination, marginalization, and oppression, Africans can use what is left and available in solidarity to make Africa again the most prosperous continent ever.

He praised President Obama for breathing some life of substance in the existence of Africans, their issues, concerns, and frustrations in every continent where they may be located.

Okere also praised Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta for his bravery in describing to Obama on how Africans want to be treated when he told him, "Give us what we want as Africans since you cannot give anyone what he does not want".

Okere urged Africans in US to get out in big numbers on Tuesday to vote since not doing so is perilous to the democratic values that have given them a place to work and live.

"It is imperative from now till November 8 that we, our families, our friends, our Co-workers and our business associates must come out, roll our sleeves, work hard to make our votes count on this Presidential Election so that our voice can be heard".

He remided guests of former president John F. Kennedy quote, saying "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all."

"If you don't vote you have no right to complain. and you rig the election against our community," added Dr. Okere, a visting scholar at George Mason University.

Among other guests attending the conference included Geoffrey Nsereko of Radio Uganda Boston, Pastor Isaac Balinda of Uganda, and Rev. Christine Nakyeyune of the Ugandan Anglican church in Waltham, Dorothy Sebbaka of WOPI (Women of Purpose International), several Kenyans, Zimbabweans, and Senegalese among others.

According to most polls in USA released Monday morning, one day before Election Day, Clinton is narrowly leading Donald Trump in the race to succeed President Barack Obama, the first ever black president of the greatest country in the world.

To find out a voting center near you, click here >>>https://www.usa.gov/election-day#item-37327

To volunteer for Hillary Campaign, click here >>>>https://www.hillaryclinton.com

BOSTON--Following an outcry of the apparent stagnation and marginalization of many African communities from the mainstream American system, a group of African immigrants across the USA have formed a united advocacy group with a mission to engage government and local policy makers, nonprofit organizations, businesses and religious organizations to be able to advance the development of African immigrants.

LAWRENCE__Over a dozen members of the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus led by State Representative Russell Holmes, were overjoyed by the participation of the African Diaspora Community who were represented by four of the group's members at a Communities of Color Agenda Listening Tour last Thursday at the Lawrence Public Library in Lawrence--a city largely dominated by immigrants of Latin descent. it neighbors the city of Lowell--another gateway immigrant city where thousands of African immigrants call home.

"We are completely impressed and grateful for your presence here tonight and with the amazing submissions you have made regarding issues in your community. It was very important for us, as lawmakers to hear this, to understand the usually unnoticed differences between African Americans and the African Immigrants. We have further learned, that the experiences they have gone through in life seem to be different from those of African Americans like me, who grew up in the south," said Rep. Holmes after hearing testimonies from the four members of the African community present.

Present to testify on behalf of the African Diaspora were; Rogers Muyanja, a former Ugandan journalist, and also formerly a mediator with the MCC law Center (works under the office of the Massachusetts Attorney General), and also working at the International Institute of New England, an organization that resettles refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Muyanja is the representative for the Ugandans in New England (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) at the Ugandan community's national Diaspora organization known as the Uganda North American Association (UNAA).

Other African immigrants testifying included Andrew Mwase from Northborough, MA and also from the Uganda community. Mwase is currently a Senior Bio-Tech Engineer at the Cambridge based Genzyme Corporation (a Sanofi company), a research scientist with many other different bio tech companies, a business entrepreneur and one of the founders of Twegaite International, a Busoga (Ugandan tribe) cultural group in the United States.

Rep. Russell Holmes, the Chairman of the MA Black& Latino Legislative Caucus (3rd right) together with other officials during a listening tour in the City of Laurence. To the left is Representative Evandro Carvalho, a black African immigrant from Cape Verde Island elected as a State Representative for the 5th Suffolk District in Boston.AJABU AFRICA PIC/H.MAINA

Zippy Elikanah, a Kenyan evangelist based in Lowell and founder of "Stories to Tell"an online gospel radio show, and Harrison Maina, the CEO of Ajabu Africa News, an online platform connecting different African communities in the USA, a former Life Insurance agent/ Investments Registered Representative and one of the founders of the New England Kenyan Welfare Association.

Members of the caucus were astounded to learn that there are over 100,000 potential voters in Massachusetts from census estimates used in the 2012 re-election campaign of Governor Deval Patrick, the first African American Governor of the State and the second ever in the nation.

The representatives voiced their surprise to learn that beyond the big number of known registered voters, there are more Africans immigrants in the region who are already naturalized and hence qualified to vote but did not bother to register as voters in the just concluded US General election and many more already Legal Permanent Residents have not bothered to take the next steps to naturalize into American citizens.

Causing a thunderous applause after her testimony, Zippy Elikanah, the Kenyan clergywoman explained to the Caucus members present how the problem of drugs and opioids use currently ravaging the Latino youths in the Lawrence as submitted by Latino community members present was also a big problem within the Kenyan and other African communities in Lowell and yet many who seem to live on the sideline are grappling with ways to save their children within their circles while many others seem to have failed.

Andrew Mwase from the Ugandan community.

The legislators were equally shocked to hear that many African immigrants in the area were highly educated with college degrees and skilled trade certificates, but many had to put away college degrees earned in their motherland upon arriving in USA as they did not have readily available access to information.

"Many have to go back to start all over again at the Community College level and work their way up to earn bachelors, masters or PhDs. In the process, a lot of valuable time and resources are wasted that could have been used to educate other more needy children. Most of us have not received reliable information necessary for our career progression when we move to this country especially because the available friends and community members to advise us have limited awareness of the opportunities and help available. At most times you end up being misled before you find your way out of the dilemma," said Rogers Muyanja.

Stressing that African immigrants get lost in the system when categorized in the African American demographic category, Andrew Mwase stressed that it is important for lawmakers in the State to directly hear the needs of the African immigrants themselves.

In addition, Harrison Maina told lawmakers that the number of African immigrants in Massachusetts had grown exponentially to form a powerful voting bloc that can no longer be ignored by serious lawmakers seeking to make real changes in different communities.

Rogers Muyanja from the Ugandan community testifys as a interpreter translates into Spanish.

"The problem is more as a result of lack of civic education since lawmakers and activists in the region have tended not to engage with the immigrants from Africa. We urge the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus to lead the way to invest funds and efforts to engage this huge Diaspora community that has some critical community issues that can only be solved through the legislative process," Maina explained.

Excited by what the lawmakers heard from the four African immigrant community representatives, the Communities of Color Outreach Director in Massachusetts, Dana Rebeiro of the Democratic Party has offered to, through her party, engage the community and has invited African immigrants in the region to be more pro-active in advancing their community issues as well as run for office in various capacities in order to help make changes that affect them directly.

Evandro Carvalho, a State representative from the 5thSuffolk district and the only African immigrant members of the 30 year old Black & Latino legislative caucus said he was amazed to hear of how many African immigrants are in the region but have not been noticed.(Website:http://www.mablacklatinocaucus.com)

"We have to start coming out of the shadows and get involved.That's the only way we can make things better for our communities," said the young lawyer, born in the Cape Verde islands, which is usually considered African since it lies about 10 miles off the West African coast.

An official from the Massachusetts Attorney General's office attending the event said that the state has experienced a surge of cases of harassments,threats or intimidation towards members of the communities of color in the state since the election of President-elect Donald Trump.

The official urged members of these communities to report any incidences of such harassment to a hot line number (that has been specially created to handle the unfortunate issue.(Recap here:Mass. AG announces new Hotline against threats, harassment and violence)

She added that since the creation of the hotline, over 150 credible cases have been reported and that the AG's office is already investigating for possible prosecution in order to protect the victims and send a clear message to other would be abusers that such acts are illegal and will not be tolerated within the Commonwealth.

Any Massachusetts resident who has witnessed or experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or violence may call the Attorney General's Hotline at1-800-994-3228or fill out a civil rights complaint format this link.Residents may also contact the AG's Office through its social media platforms, includingFacebookandTwitter.

Harrison Maina from the Kenyan community testifys as a interpreter translates into Spanish.

The listening tour was conducted by officials of the Black & Latino Legislative Caucus including: Representative Russel E. Holmes of the Suffolk 6th District (Chair), Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz, 2nd Suffolk District (Vice Chair), Representative Frank Moran, 17th Essex District (Treasurer), and Representative Aaron Vega, 5th Hampden District( Clerk).

Other legislators attending will be Rep. Byron Rushing of the 9th Suffolk District, Rep. Gloria L. Fox of the 7th Suffolk District, Rep. Benjamin Swan of the 11th Hampden District, Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez of the 15th Suffolk District, Rep.Marcos Devers of the 16h Essex District , Rep. Evando C. Cavalho of the 5th Suffolk District, Rep Jose F. Tosado of the 9th Hampden District and Rep. Carlos Gonzalez.

Other top officials attending the caucus included Rahsaan Hall, Director of the racial Justice Program at the ACLU ( American Civil Liberties Union) Massachusetts Chapter.

For over 100 years, the immensely influential ACLU has acted as the Nation's largest "guardian of liberty, working in courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and the laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country," according to information of its website.
The Excecutive Director of the Caucus, Sibusisiwe Malaba, played a leading role to get the Africans involved as well as set up the tour for the legislators.

To join the group or offer supportive ideas, call/text:
Andrew Mwase: (781) 799-5949
Rogers Muyanja: (978) 728-8121
Harrison Maina: (781) 953-2490
Zippy Elikanah: (717) 380-0321

On the Net:http://www.mablacklatinocaucus.com/

Some members of the MA Black & Latino Caucus

Rahsaan Hall of ACLU Boston

Officials from the AG's office.

A Spanish pastor testifys on the scourge of Opiod addiction by Latino children as young as 10 years old in Lawrence.

A Latino lawmaker follows up with a question.

A Latino young man testifys on his concerns in his community.

(Updated January 19) LOWELL, Mass.,__A growing group of Latino, Cambodian and other minority communities in Lowell are calling on African immigrants in the city to come out of the shadows and help lobby lawmakers to declare Lowell a Sanctuary City, where immigrants can live and work freely without the fear of arrest by police for deportations.

To make steps towards making the dream come true, the group, dubbed "Solidarity Lowell" has planned an information and strategy meeting this Thursday January 19 at the St. Patrick's Large Church Hall on 282 Suffolk Street from 7.15- 9.15pm.

During the meeting, immigrants will be educated on how to recognize and exercise their rights in case of an immigration raid, and where to seek for legal and other help necessary.

Sponsored by the Merrimack Valley project, the event will also feature knowledgeable officials who will explain to the clergy, lay people and community activists on everything they need to know regarding the process of deportation raids and proceedings so that they may educate their followers who may need help.

The group also plans to introduce a bill for consideration and eventual voting at Lowell City seeking to make Lowell a sanctuary city.

"There is a lot of fear among many undocumented immigrants in Lowell as to their future when the new president takes office in a few days. Donald Trump has made some pronouncements that could lead to many law abiding but undocumented immigrants from many countries of the world being arrested or deported for unfair reasons," said Sue J. Kim, Professor of English and Co-Director, Center for Asian American Studies at the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Lowell during an interview with Ajabu Africa News soon after attending the first strategy meeting last week in Lowell.

Kim, a Korean- American whose parents emigrated from Korea many years ago Korea added that a Sanctuary or Trust city is a city where local law enforcement is not allowed to be used to enforce federal immigration policy.

She added that in Massachusetts, there are several Sanctuary cities including the City of Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Lawrence and Springfield, but due to the uncertainty of how the new president elect Donald Trump will enforce immigration law, there is a need to urge Lawmakers in Lowell to provide some protections for law abiding but undocumented immigrants.

She added that even though the Governor of Massachusetts said recently that the State Troopers will not be enforcing any new immigration laws that may come with the new regime, that pronouncement was not well documented and therefore may not be sufficient to protect unsuspecting immigrants.

"We are urging the thousands of African immigrants living and working in Lowell to come out and support our efforts to make Lowell a Sanctuary City. We need support from everyone to make this bill we are planning to introduce come to fruition," said Carlos Gabriel, a Latino Community activist co chairing the group with Sue Kim.

"The more of us immigrants here come out to be seen as supporting this initiative the more the lawmakers will take it seriously and the more the pressure on them to act on it. This will benefit not just the Latinos and Cambodians, but also the African immigrants and their children I this city," he added.

During the strategy meeting last week, over a dozen community activists gathered to discuss the issue heard that in a Sanctuary city, the police are not allowed to arrest anyone on their immigration records unless the person has been convicted of serious criminal offence.

Over 7,000 immigrants from Africa, mostly from Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone are estimated to me living in the gateway city of Lowell where many other immigrants have found refuge over the centuries, helping create the initial spark that propelled Lowell to become the home of the American Industrial revolution due to the emergence many textile mills and canals dotting the entire city.

"We are looking forward to seeing our African brothers and sisters in this city get involved. And show up for the meeting," stressed Carlos.

As a professor of English at UMASS Lowell, Kim said that she loves to intract with diverse cultures where she has realized that immigrants have a lot to offer to any community advancement in USA. She revealed that her favorite post colonial literature book she likes to use most with her students is the "Devil on the Cross", written by world renowned Kenyan writer, Ngugi wa Thiong'o.

"I love Ngugi wa Thiong'o. He is such a terrific writer," Kim told Ajabu Africa News.

Thursday's meeting will start promptly at 7.15pm.

Venue: the St. Patrick’s Large Church Hall on 282 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA.

MALDEN, MA__Majority of Kenyan community members in Boston are hardly interested in engaging in community building activities other than those organized by their "own churches", small groupings or those that will lead directly to their own self gain at the expense of the general welfare of many youths aligned more with American culture than Kenyan traditions.

The surprising revelation was made last Saturday by concerned members of the community attending the 3rd Annual Boston Marathon Kenyan Festival at the Anthony's Lounge in Malden organized by a partnership of the New England Kenyan Association and a group of Kenyans keen on celebrating the Kenyan culture in the region.

At the same time, Kenyans in USA lucky enough to hold a Permanent Resident Legal Status (Green Card) were urged to use the privilege wisely to improve their lives and those of their immediate family members at this time before more immigration laws are changed in the wake of a hard-line immigration stance taken by new US President, Donald Trump.

Addressing community members and children assembled for the annual feat, Kenyan born immigration attorney, Charles Wanjohi said that it is regrettable that many Kenyan Green Card holders are not taking advantage of existing laws to invite eligible family members in the motherland or in USA to apply for a visa or other benefits available to permanent residents in the country.

"Immigration laws and regulations are changing very quickly today, whether by new directives or executive orders so people have to pay careful attention what they do or don't do. You need to stay informed all the time and take advantage of the existing laws to invite your people who can qualify now," he told highly attentive Kenyans gathered to celebrate their culture on the marathon weekend when Kenya is on the minds of most people due to their dominance in the historic Boston Marathon.

Isaac Rurengo of Kali Radio and a Kenyan community member in Lowell poses tough questions to Kenyan born immigration attorney, Charles Wanjohi during the 3rd Annual Boston Marathon Kenyan Festival held on the Marathon weekend in Malden. AJABU MEDIA PIC/H.MAINA

"A Green Card is a right, not a privilege. Use it well now when you have it because it can be taken away any time," he cautioned.

Wanjohi said that in USA, one of the easiest ways to lose a green card is getting involved in situations that give rise to serious criminal convictions especially driving under the influence, gang activity and domestic violence.

He added that currently, there are many young Kenyans sitting in jails across USA after being arrested with DUI issues and they will most certainly be deported after their release.

"Immigration people hate DUI so much. I would completely avoid getting involved in such situations even when you hold a Green Card."

He lamented that many Kenyans have lost a lot of money consulting with "immigration consultants" to try and figure out how to streamline their immigration status instead of consulting licensed immigration attorneys.

"There is nothing like an immigration consultant. Most of these people who call themselves that do not have full knowledge and training on immigration law, so they will not give you the credible advice you need. Sometimes they will lead you into problems that would have been avoided if you consulted a licensed immigration attorney," Wanjohi added.

However the attorney blamed the situation on lack of information among many Kenyans due to the hectic nature of life they live in USA.

Children from the Faith Anglican church in Bridgewater perform an African dance

He praised the group of Kenyans who organized the cultural festival that included information session on immigration and invited everyone to attend and seek answers as the right thing to do in the community.

"This is a very good initiative the guys who organized this have done. People were able to come, socialize, a good time as Kenyans from different backgrounds as well as learn about immigration changes in the country. This should continue next time and everyone needs to support the effort," added the lawyer from Wanjohi & Muli Law headquartered in North Carolina but with an office in Downtown Boston.

During the event, the immigration topic turned out to be a hot button issue, taking up most of the time allocated for speeches as many Kenyans sought answers as well as on other community issues.

"Sorry for hogging the microphone, but I want to point out some important issues here that bother me. We know us Kenyans we are very self centered, we hardly think of others in the community as we think of ourselves. Many Kenyans who knew about this event did not show up due to selfish reasons. They said it looked "too churchy'" said Isaac Rurengo, of Kali Radio, shocking Kenyans present with the nagging revelation.

He added that in addition to friends who did not want to attend the Kenyan festival as the advertisements indicated gospel performances would be on the menu, others claimed it was an event just for the Kikuyu tribe, adding another layer of unfortunate complicity in relations among the small community where many Kenyans have been badly divided into small tribal and religions groupings that hardly want to interact with each other.

A section of Kenyans who attended the Boston Marathon Kenyan Festival in Malden

"This is very wrong and too selfish. We should be thinking more on how to build a successful community like other immigrants do in USA and take part in such events like this one," added the young Kenyan.

Despite open advertisements in all forums and networks by Kenyans in the region including church announcements, no member of other Kenyan tribes attended the event except for Kikuyus.

Other Kenyans present lamented that the quality of social life for Kenyans in Boston has been very low due lack of a wide variety of social and civic activities that would bring people from all backgrounds together with a sense of an all inclusive community.

"The reason this event has been so successful and satisfying is because you did not make it an all church affair. Let's call it as it is. Obviously the hot button issue here today was immigration. We love church but we also need diversity in our lives where we can discuss other issues," added Harrison Kamau, a.k.a Harry Ava , a Kenyan Radio Journalist with Voice of America (VOA).

Waweru urged organizers to put together another event soon where people can have enough time to deal fully with the hot button immigration issue among other critical community problems.

During the event, Kenyans were informed of the lost opportunities that have eluded them in the Diaspora due to lack of a unified civic organizational structure.

Among them included failure to be recognized by former US president, Barack Obama who finished his entire two terms without hosting any organized Kenyan community group or children at the White House despite Obama serving as a very visible role model for young Kenyan- American born kids who would have benefitted psychologically at socializing with Sasha and Malia as kids of the first ever black president of USA in addition to the importance of his Kenyan roots.

Other lost opportunities included the lack of access to state resources available for community organizations serving ethnic communities of color among them funds to hire teachers to teach children their cultural languages and exchange programs.

However, realizing the lost opportunities, Kenyans present vowed to stay together and invite more friends to get involved in community building initiatives even as they continue to get involved in their churches and families.

"I would like to thank organizers of this event that has brought us together to talk about different issues in our community. It's a very important event and may God bless you all," said evangelist Charity Maina, a gospel musician from Lowell before she proceeded to entertain guests with two gospel hits of her own composition.

Evangelist Charity Maina of Lowell

In addition to entertainment by Evangelist Maina, Generation Esther Leviticus worshippers, a group of Kenyan young girls from the Christ is the Answer church in North Chelmsford and the new Faith Anglican church Bridgewater Sunday school children entertained guests with captivating performances.

The event was moderated by George Kamau from Randolph who urged Kenyans in Boston to come out in large numbers when the growing group announces the venue for this year's Kenyan Madaraka day celebrations that happen around June 1.

In addition to group member contributions, the event drew extra sponsorship from Ajabu Media and Mwanza Financial Services, both of Woburn, MA. Other Kenyans who sponsored the event with free advertisements included Kali Radio, Samrack Media, Jamhuri Magazine and Thuo Thuo Studios.

Organizers are meeting to plan the Madaraka day celebrations with a free outdoor barbecue and an evening reception dinner party on Saturday June 3^rd at a venue to be announced soon.

According to recent census data cited by Boston’s WBUR Radio during a report on 2017 Boston Marathon where Kenyan runners swept the podium in style, there are about 5,500 Kenyan nationals known to be living in Massachusetts.

 

It is July 2018 and America has just celebrated its 242nd Birthday with all the pomp and glory befitting such an event as we can all attest, 242 years is no mean achievement. It is clear that despite many attempts at democratic systems, few countries have come close to what the United States represents and this is something to cheer about, to celebrate and to brag about!

The above being said and as the old adage goes; nothing is perfect, the United States certainly has a fair share of its imperfections and given its size we can say with certainty that these imperfections match the same.

There are many success stories to be attributed to the United States of America whose emergence as a nation on July 4th 1776 ( actually July 2nd to be exact) was couched in the explicit tenets that defined it's birth as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, most importantly when it affirms that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Fast forward 242 years later to a nation that has seemingly lost its moral compass, forgotten its history and bowed to bigotry and is on a dangerous path to embrace the very abuses the Committee of five tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence railed against in a racialist trend that suggests those who do not look like "us" are not us and will never be us nor should they be allowed a chance at their inalienable rights as attested by the very document which set forth the stage for us to become who we are as a people.

The United States which is definitely not as United as the name suggests was gripped by divisions and heated debates in the run up to the 2016 Presidential election. Those who preached intolerance during the campaigns were dismissed as fearmongering racialists incapable of shaping a national conversation that defines the national tone and outlook.

The outcome of the election was not a political upset alone but it brought to the fore a very strong undercurrent which sees racism as normal, promotes intolerance and seeks to settle political and social scores based on feelings of hatred and bigotry as well as doubts about others' abilities based on looks and origins. The America we see brewing today is no longer a melting pot of diversity, guided by principles and a common goal but rather one where intolerance overcomes love, ignorance surpasses common sense and our history is distorted at will to achieve selfish ends.

I however fail to understand whether, the intolerance is a result of many intolerant Americans or not enough good guys to go around. I know the current political rhetoric is not helping but at the end of the day Americans live as neighbors who share many experiences and should therefore share a common thread. We are more alike than are different and those who are different from us are just like us with common goals, unalienable Rights and most importantly gifts from God.

Simon Ngugi

Lowell, Massachusetts

It is official; US President Donald J. Trump has vowed to bring peace to Africa! Indeed he said he will end Africa's "vicious and violent conflicts" while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the NATO Summit characterizing all 54 Countries on the continent as a sum of their problems devoid of any successes or progress.

Africa as a continent has had its fair share of conflicts since time immemorial, some internally brewed and some imported from outside its borders but these conflicts should not be used as a recipe to boil all the 54 Countries in one pot or paint their individual situations with one broad brush as suggested by the president.

Some people have argued that President Trump lacks geopolitical knowledge or chooses to be ignorant when addressing matters outside of the United States, but while acknowledging that this may be true, I take a second approach at addressing the real and perceived conflicts in Africa.

Africa, has unique sets of problems given its history and diversity in a people who while sharing some commonality are still uniquely distinguished by various cultures and sub cultures. What the 54 Countries in Africa are not though, is a large sum of the continent's problems and the preconceived beliefs and convictions in the West that the above is true have at times clouded well intentioned people who seek to make a difference.

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya (left) greets US President Donald Trump during the G7 Summit in Italy on May 26, 2017. Mr Kenyatta has been invited for a historic visit to the US for a meeting with President Trump on August 26, 2018. PHOTO | FILE | PSCU

On the other hand, I must point out that what ails most African countries stems from within with failed attempts at democratic systems, rampant corruption at all levels of government as well as poorly planned and executed elections that fuel tribal and cultural tensions which eventually grow into unmanageable National civil strifes.

However, when the dust settles In Africa, there are many success stories that portray a growing continent devoid of its history of failures. For instance, We can now see a growing trend towards judicial reforms and inclusivity which have started bearing fruits on the continent in terms of curbing abuse of power directed at the governed and sanctioned by the State. In Kenya for instance, the presidential election was recently annulled due to irregularities, a sign that the respect for the rule of law is positively impacting this East African nation.

Africa as a continent and individual nations have a chance to craft and sustain their democratic systems that function without poaching Western systems and ideologies that do not conform to their unique situations. The partnership between the United States and individual African nations continues to thrive in areas such as trade, economic development and National security a sign that mutual respect and understanding is the best approach.

Sincerely

Simon Ngugi

Lowell, Massachusetts

Gov. Charlie Baker has won four more years in the Corner Office.

The popular Republican incumbent on Tuesday easily fended off a challenge from Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Gonzalez.

Gov. Charlie Baker has won four more years in the Corner Office.

The popular Republican incumbent on Tuesday easily fended off a challenge from Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jay Gonzalez.

The Associated Press called the race at 8 p.m., just as polls closed. With88 percent of precincts reporting,Baker was up on Gonzalez, 66.5 percent to 33.5 percent.

In his victory speech, an energetic Baker thanked the people of Massachusetts.

"You told us to focus on the work, not the noise," he said. "To work across the aisle. To chase the best ideas wherever they come from. And to find common ground. To fix the stuff that's broken, especially the difficult and messy stuff. To treat your money like it was ours. And to make sure government works for those that need it most." Baker pledged to continue working in a bipartisan manner, and said he knows there's still much left to do.

Baker's re-election in liberal Massachusetts keeps the executive branch in GOP hands, as Democrats' nationwide hoped for a so-called Blue Wave totake over control of the U.S. House,and change leadership inseveral state capitols.

But Baker never seemed truly threatened by Gonzalez, at least according to public opinion polls. Surveys showed a clear majority of Massachusetts voters hold a favorable view of the incumbent, and that that support extends beyond Republicans. The finalWBUR pollof the race, released last week, found that more registered Democrats planned to vote for Baker than for Gonzalez.

That crossover appeal is key in Massachusetts, where most voters are unenrolled, and just10 percentare registered Republicans.

Gonzalez, a former administration and finance secretary in Gov. Deval Patrick's administration, struggled with name recognition, as nearly a third of the state's likely voters had never heard of him, according to the pre-electionWBUR survey. In addition, Gonzalez and running mate Quentin Palfrey lagged significantly behind Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito in fundraising.

In his concession speech, Gonzalez said he's proud of the grassroots campaign he and his supporters ran. He told them to get a good night's sleep and wake up even more determined to go after "a progressive vision for Massachusetts."

He also thanked Baker. "In a time of divisiveness and incivility in our national politics," he said, "Governor Baker also deserves credit and our thanks for the civil, respectful and collaborative approach he has taken to governing."

In making his case for four more years, Baker--himself a former administration and finance secretary, as well--touted his administration'sstewardshipof state tax dollars, management of the beleaguered MBTA, procurement of offshore wind power and response to the deadly opioid crisis.

Gonzalez countered that Baker is a "status quo governor" who is not ambitious enough in transforming the transportation system, investing in education or transitioning to clean energy. The Democrat called for tax hikes for the state's wealthiest residents andcolleges and universitiesto fund his spending plans.

Jay Gonzalez thanks his supporters during his concession speech in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race. (Michael Dwyer/AP)

Baker said Gonzalez's tax-and-spending proposals are not realistic.

President Trumploomed largein this race, as did another Republican: U.S. Senate candidate Geoff Diehl. Though Baker says he did not vote for Trump, and has criticized him and his administration on several occasions, Gonzalez argued that Baker has not been forceful enough in pushing back against the president and the national Republican Party's agenda.

Gonzalez also knocked Baker for backing the entire GOP slate of candidates in Massachusetts, including Diehl, who is a vocal Trump supporter. Atone point,during one of the candidates' three televised debates, Baker said he hadn't made a decision about voting for Diehl; he later said he "misspoke" and that he was indeed backing the Republican U.S. Senate nominee.

But Baker was able to easily top another Trump supporter in the primary, controversial pastor Scott Lively, and then Gonzalez here in the general election.

Gonzalez himself won the Democratic primary, over environmentalist Bob Massie, by29 percentage points.

Baker's decisive win over Gonzalez is a far cry from the governor's initial general election victory in 2014. In that race, he topped Democratic nominee Martha Coakley by just 40,000 votes--theclosest governor's contest in 50 years--and Coakley didn't concede until the following morning.

2014 was Baker's second run for the Corner Office. In 2010, during a GOP "Red Wave" nationally, Baker fell short against Patrick, the Democratic incumbent.

Kenya has won the UN Security Council seat after beating Djibouti in second round of voting Thursday.

The contest between Kenya and Djibouti headed to the second round of voting Thursday after the first phase saw Nairobi’s victory insufficient to win the UN seat.

With 191 of 193 countries voting, Kenya scored 129 votes, beating Djibouti which got 62 votes.

It means Nairobi can, from January 2021, return to the UN’s most powerful organ after 23 years where it will be part of key decisions on global peace and security. India, Mexico, Ireland and Norway had been elected earlier on Wednesday.

Some of those decisions, Kenya may be involved, may include sanctions, authorising use of force to preserve peace as well as electing judges of the International Court of Justice. Working alongside the five permanent members with veto powers (Russia, UK, US, China and France), Kenya will join nine other non-permanent members and could get a chance to preside over the Council’s sittings, an influential opportunity to influence agenda.

But this vote also means an assured legitimacy for the role of the African Union, the continental body, in endorsing candidates from among member states to "act in its name."

The vote, the second round of an election, saw Kenya 16 more supporters votes from an earlier tally of 113 votes against Djibouti's 78 in the first round. On Thursday, One by one, delegates representing 192 member countries were called in, to cast their ballots. They were all required to wear face masks. This year's vote was also historic as there was no plenary session during the vote, part of rules to reduce public gatherings.

Under the Rules of Procedure of the General Assembly, candidates seeking a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council must garner at least two thirds of the voting member states. 192 states cast their ballots on Wednesday meaning winners had to garner at least 127 votes or more to be declared winners.

On Thursday, the election that started at 4pm saw Venezuela as the only country barred from casting its ballot as it is still in arrears for its membership in the UN. Results were not in until after 8pm.

Kenya had invested every tool available to lobby member states of the UN. It appointed Tom Amolo, the Political and Diplomatic Secretary as the special envoy, assisted by Kenya's Permanent Representative to the AU Catherine Mwangi and Lazarus Amayo, permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

Nairobi also invited permanent representatives to Kenya, gave out lapel badges and sent emissaries to campaign at every international forum (before Covid-19 stopped globetrotting).

Those tools may have cost an arm and a leg, but it was a seat Nairobi couldn't afford to lose. Nairobi's latest bids at international diplomacy had largely been unsuccessful. It had lost a bid to host the secretariat of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement to Ghana. It had lost its bid to have one of its own take over as Chairperson of the AU Commission. It also failed to host the regional offices of the Afrexim Bank.

In this race, it was competing against Djibouti, a country from the same eastern African region as Nairobi and which it beat at the African Union endorsement election last year. It reneged on an earlier concession and launched parallel bid for the same seat.

Observers said Djibouti's race against Kenya may jeopardise working relations in regional blocs the two countries belong.

"The very fact that two countries from the IGAD region are competing for a non-permanent member seat at the UNSC is pointer to deep divisions between countries at the sub-regional bloc. It means that IGAD has no gravitas, and will be given a wide berth on important matters of security and diplomacy by member states," said Dr Mustafa Y Ali, Chairman of the Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Dr Ali told the Nation that having two entrants from the same region was also pointer to weak multilateral diplomacy in Africa and a possibility of external influence.

"It is clear from the voting that African and IGAD affairs are shaped by extra-regional powers from outside the continent. This is another blot on Africa's diplomacy, and a blotch on IGAD. Djibouti should not have disregarded African Union endorsement of Kenya. Kenya will now have to work harder and focus on her faithful friends, while at the same wooing doubting ones on her side," he told the Nation.

Details of the voting patterns were not publicised given the secret nature of the vote. But it was a race about bilateral ties for a multilateral seat. Djibouti banked on neighbours but lobbied heavily among members other organisations. In the wake of AU endorsing Kenya, Djibouti touted support from the Francophone Organisation as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, both of which includes members from Africa.

Somalia, which has sued Kenya at the International Court of Justice over a maritime boundary, publicly supported Djibouti citing 'brotherly' ties. Djibouti in turn gathered Somalia and Ethiopia for a summit on Somalia and Somaliland, and pitched again. Ethiopia did not indicate how it voted.

From the look of things, Kenya argued for similar things with Djibouti; regional peace, multilateral cooperation, environmental conservation and international justice and human rights.

"In that sense, at least, the possibility exists of contributing to good outcomes, regardless of which country wins the soon-to-be vacant seat," argued Leighton G. Luke, a Research Manager for Indo-Pacific Research Programme at the Future Directions International, an Australian research institute on geopolitics and the UN.

"Some concern creeps in, however, in terms of the any possible detrimental effect of this contest on the bilateral relationship. If not handled carefully by both sides, any resultant ill will could have the potential to damage the previously good relationship between Nairobi and Djibouti City," he wrote in a commentary last week, referring to unfinished bilateral agreements reached in May 2018, including free movement of diplomats between them.

But Djibouti's contest, some said had risked drawing a wedge in the continent. Usually, endorsed candidates still require two third majority of votes to be declared winners for the UNSC, as the UN itself doesn't allow nominations.

But the Horn of Africa country had participated in the endorsement vote, a tradition established by the African Union to select candidates and avoid unnecessary bickering for posts allocated for the continent.

Was there external motive?

"Actually it is the unity of Africa, the power of Pan-Africanism that is at stake. The outcome of the vote will have great implications on not only the power and image of AU but also the cohesion of IGAD," said Mr Wilfred Nasong'o Muliro, who teaches international relations and security at the Technical University of Kenya.

"The question is can Africa make its global point or influence as a monolithic entity without being infiltrated by external power interests such as Anglo-Franco phone dichotomy, global power interests and religious alliances?"

Following another peaceful protest this week against police brutality the night before, Mayor Marty Walsh on Wednesday encouraged white people to listen to their Black neighbors and learn from their experiences.

"I've been meeting with our Black employees and employers of color. I've been listening, and, to be quite honest, what I've been hearing has been heartbreaking," Walsh said during a press conference. "As a white person, you can and should be opposed to racism. You can learn and understand the effects of how it affects people.

"But when you make the space for people to open up, truly open up, when you really hear daily experiences of racism and what it means to people, particularly our Black employees, it deepens the perspective and it strengthens our resolve to be an ally and push for change," he said. "That's what I'm trying to do."

Amid the anger, sorrow, and frustration that's wrapped around the country in the wake of the death of George Floyd, the Black man killed in police custody in Minneapolis last week, Walsh said it's time for white people to lend their ears to the experiences and issues faced by people of color.

It's something Walsh says he's been doing at City Hall.

Over the last three days, the mayor said he's spoken with employees--from department heads to entry-level workers--and watched as they "opened up" about their experiences, and he often watched the reactions of their white co-workers as well.

"Some people honestly said, department heads and cabinet level (people said), 'I don't know what to do right now. I don't know how to respond right now.' And the response is, 'Let's just listen for a while,'" Walsh said. "Let's not give opinions. Let's not criticize. Let's not judge. Let's listen, because if we listen, we'll be a stronger city for it."

Walsh, a recovering alcoholic with 25 years of sobriety, also evoked the serenity prayer, which he says has helped him remain sober: "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

"What we're dealing with in Boston is about wisdom," Walsh said. "Wisdom to listen. Wisdom to understand. If you don't understand right now, just listen."

Asked whether there is enough oversight and accountability of the Boston Police Department, Walsh pointed to some changes in recent years, such as the creation of the agency's body camera program. The department also does not train it's officers to use chokehold tactics when subduing a potential suspect, he said.

But he added that reviewing protocol and operations is an evolving process, and that the city could look into whether to expand the function of the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel, the independent, civilian group appointed by the mayor that reviews complaints against the department's Internal Investigation team.

"There's a lot of conversations that we've been having and that we'll continue to have in light of what happened in Minneapolis," he said. "But a lot of the stuff, we didn't wait for Minneapolis. In Boston, a lot of the stuff has already been put in place."