TheGrio's 100: Alie Kabba, bridging African immigrant communities together

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Alie Kabba is the executive director of the United African Organization, a Chicago-based group comprised of multiple African national associations dedicated to empowering African immigrants and refugees in Illinois.

A native of the West African nation Sierra Leone, Kabba is a well-respected leader and community organizer in Illinois. Aside from his responsibilities at the UAO, he is also the president of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and co-chair of the Golden Door Coalition, which helps support refugees resettling in the U.S.

Alie Kabba is making history… as a leader in African community affairs and empowerment in Illinois. Through his work to advance civic participation and economic and social justice, Kabba has been a voice for African immigrants, sounding the call for them to unite and work together under a shared vision for their collective benefit.

What’s next for Alie?

Kabba continues to be an active presence in developing an engaged U.S. constituency for Africa and strengthening African coalitions in Chicago.

A little-known fact…

Approximately 12.6 million people in the U.S. were legal permanent residents on Jan. 1 2010, the most recent numbers available, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

For more information, click here.THE GRIO’S Q & A WITH ALIE KABBA

Q: What’s next for you in this chapter of your life?

A: I plan to embark on a national organizing project to build an engaged US constituency for Africa.

Q:What’s a little fact about you that many people don’t know?

A: I listen to Billie Holiday and Nina Simone when the road gets foggy!

Q: What’s your favorite quote?

A: Each generation must out of relative obscurity discover its mission, fulfill it, or betray it.’ — Frantz Fanon

Q: Where do you get your inspiration?

A: I’m inspired by everyday struggles of ordinary people yearning to live in dignity.

Q: Who are/were your mentors?

A: I stand on the shoulders of many giants, and their examples guide my vision and strategies. My mentors include Amilcar Cabral and Thomas Sankara.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone who’s craving to achieve their dreams?

A: Be the architect of your dreams with clarity of vision and honesty of intention, and never succumb to fear or doubt. Believe in the power of human imagination and capacity to triumph over adversity.