Welcome to Afrikana Community Center
Empowering African families in Louisville through comprehensive support services, cultural preservation, and community building. Together, we create opportunities for success and celebrate our rich heritage.
Emergency Assistance
24/7 support for urgent needs including housing, food, and crisis intervention
Quick Donation
Support our mission with a secure online donation in just a few clicks
Call Now
Speak directly with our team for immediate assistance and guidance
Volunteer Today
Join our community of volunteers making a difference in Louisville
Who We Are
A newly launched center for African culture, connection, and community empowerment in the heart of Louisville
Founded by Aweys Ali
Founded by Aweys Ali, who has served Louisville's African community for over 10 years as a dedicated community leader, the Afrikana Community Center was born from a vision — to create a comprehensive space where African immigrants, refugees, and descendants can connect, grow, and thrive together.
"After years of serving our community in various capacities, I founded Afrikana to create a home where ALL African families can find support, preserve their culture, and build their American dreams."— Aweys Ali, Founder
Our Community
We represent the diverse people of Africa from Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond—who now call Louisville home. We celebrate our rich heritage, languages, and faith traditions while uniting under one shared purpose: to uplift every African soul with dignity, love, and strength.
Our Launch Story
Launched in 2025, Afrikana Community Center builds on 10+ years of proven community leadership experience serving African families in Louisville. We're not starting from scratch, we're expanding a proven model of culturally-appropriate support to serve the broader African diaspora community.
Our Impact Goals
Our Founding Inspiration
After 10+ years of community leadership, Aweys Ali recognized that while individual communities had support systems, there was no comprehensive center serving ALL African families in Louisville. Afrikana Community Center fills this critical gap.
Our Community Vision
Ready to be part of something powerful? Whether you're new to the city or looking to reconnect with your roots, our community welcomes you. From family potlucks to youth workshops and cultural nights — there's something here for everyone.
Come see why so many call Afrikana home.
Family Potlucks
Monthly community dinners featuring traditional foods from across Africa
Youth Workshops
Educational programs, mentorship, and leadership development for young people
Cultural Nights
Celebrations of African traditions, music, dance, and storytelling
Support Networks
Connecting families with resources, friendships, and mutual support
How You Can Support Our Mission
Every contribution, whether financial or through volunteering, helps us continue empowering African families and strengthening our community in Louisville.
Donate
Financial contributions support our programs and services
Volunteer
Share your skills and time with our community
Partner
Collaborate with us on community initiatives
Spread the Word
Help others discover our services and support
Our Leadership Team
Meet the dedicated leaders who guide our mission to empower and unite the African community in Louisville and Beyond
Aweys Ali
Aweys arrived in Louisville in 2008 with a heart full of purpose and a deep connection to African values and faith. His vision to create a space where African immigrants, refugees, and descendants can connect, grow, and thrive together became the foundation of the Afrikana Community Center.
Zeytun Aden
Manages corporate records and communications, ensuring proper documentation, minutes, and organizational correspondence while supporting outreach efforts.
Osman Noor
Community leader focused on organizing and strategic leadership. Works closely with the founder to ensure programs meet the diverse needs of African families in Louisville.
Asha Abdulahi
Financial management and nonprofit governance to ensure resources are used effectively and transparently.
Sadiyo Khamis
Coordinates programs to meet community needs, specializing in program development, outreach, and family support.
Mohamed Abdi
Leads youth development and mentorship, empowering the next generation of African leaders in Louisville.
Abdiwahab Ali
Multilingual advocate supporting outreach and services across diverse African communities.
Morris Doe
Supports educational initiatives and cultural programs through faith-based leadership.
Chechina Mamadoe
Advocates for cultural inclusion and supports outreach programs with a heart for service.
Staff & Key Volunteers
Dedicated team members who coordinate daily operations and volunteer activities
Ali Khamis
Recruits, trains, and coordinates volunteers; manages schedules and appreciation; provides cultural guidance to teams.
Luul Khamis
Dedicated volunteer supporting community engagement initiatives and helping connect families with essential resources and services.
Jamal Aden
Assists with program coordination and event planning, ensuring smooth operations and meaningful community experiences.
Faisal Jilani
Provides mentorship and guidance to young community members, fostering leadership skills and cultural pride.
Abdikhadir Hussien
Supports cultural preservation efforts and helps organize events that celebrate African heritage and traditions.
Hussien Issack
Provides vital support to community members, assisting with navigation of services and fostering connections within the community.
Cultural Glossary
Understanding African culture, terms, and traditions that guide our community
(ah-free-KAH-nah)
Our Identity: Our unique identity that honors African heritage while building unity in Louisville.
Meaning: More than just "African" - it represents our collective strength, pride, and shared journey. "We are not just African we are Afrikana: proud, united, and powerful."
(oo-BOON-too)
Origin: African philosophy
Meaning: "I am because we are." It emphasizes our interconnectedness and collective humanity - the foundation of our community support. Our programs embody Ubuntu by supporting each family as part of our larger community family.
Harambee
(hah-ram-BEH)
Origin: Kenyan tradition
Meaning: A tradition of community self-help events. It means "all pull together" and represents collective work for the common good. Our community events and volunteer efforts reflect the spirit of Harambee.
Diaspora
(die-AS-por-ah)
Definition: The communities of people who have migrated from their ancestral homelands.
Our Mission: We serve the African diaspora community in Louisville. Our center bridges the African diaspora with American communities while preserving cultural heritage.
Empowerment
(em-POW-er-ment)
Definition: The process of building confidence, skills, and resources that enable individuals and communities to take control of their lives and make positive changes.
Our Approach: Through education, support services, and leadership development, we empower African families to thrive in Louisville.
Cultural Preservation
(KUHL-cher-uhl prez-er-VAY-shun)
Definition: The practice of maintaining and passing down cultural traditions, languages, and customs to future generations.
Our Programs: Through language classes, traditional cooking, and cultural celebrations, we ensure African heritage thrives in Louisville.
Headwrap
(HED-rap)
Definition: A traditional African head covering worn by women across many African cultures as an expression of heritage, dignity, and cultural identity.
Cultural Diversity: Known by many names - gele, dhuku, tukwi, and more. Our programs welcome all African women, celebrating the diverse ways we express our cultural heritage and identity.
Mentorship
(MEN-tor-ship)
Definition: A relationship where experienced community members guide and support youth in their personal, academic, and professional development.
Our Programs: Our mentorship programs pair African youth with successful community leaders to foster growth and leadership.
ESL
(E-S-L)
Full Name: English as a Second Language
Definition: Educational programs that help non-native English speakers develop language skills for daily life and employment. Our ESL classes help new immigrants communicate effectively and integrate into Louisville communities.
Our Programs
Comprehensive support services designed from years of frontline experience serving African families in Louisville and beyond.
Youth & Mentorship Programs
Empowering our youth through academic growth, cultural pride, and faith-based mentorship.
- Tutoring & academic support
- One-on-one mentorship
- Faith-based learning
- Sports & cultural arts
🚀 Launching Phase 1 - Basic tutoring and mentorship
Women's Empowerment Circles
Creating nurturing spaces where women heal, grow, and lead through sisterhood and faith.
- Sisterhood support networks
- Leadership development
- Spiritual healing sessions
- Financial literacy & entrepreneurship
🚀 Launching Phase 2 - Monthly sisterhood circles
Cultural Preservation & Language
Honoring heritage and keeping African traditions alive for future generations.
- African language classes
- Traditional cooking arts
- Music & performing arts
- Oral history traditions
🚀 Starting with monthly cultural events
Family Care & Support
Standing beside families in every season of life with compassionate support.
- Food assistance programs
- Housing support & referrals
- Job readiness training
- Mental health services
- Childcare support
✅ Active Now - Crisis support & referrals
Refugee & Immigrant Support
Helping new arrivals navigate life in a new country with dignity and support.
- Housing assistance
- Legal aid & immigration guidance
- Translation & ESL services
- Healthcare navigation
- Transportation support
✅ Active Now - Translation & advocacy services
Community Events & Outreach
Bringing people together through events that strengthen bonds and celebrate culture.
- Faith gatherings
- Cultural festivals
- Educational workshops
- Health fairs
- Interfaith partnerships
🚀 Monthly community gatherings starting soon
Afrikana Medical Transport
Providing safe, reliable, and affordable medical transportation for families, seniors, and community members.
- Non-emergency medical transport
- Wheelchair-accessible services
- Appointment scheduling & coordination
- Transportation for seniors & people with disabilities
🚀 Launching Soon - Initial community service routes
Our Comprehensive Services
Holistic support to help African families thrive in Louisville, addressing every aspect of successful integration and community building.
Housing & Settlement
Affordable housing, tenant rights, and neighborhood orientation for new families.
Education Support
School enrollment, tutoring programs, adult education, and scholarships.
Employment Services
Job placement, resume building, interview prep, skills training, and entrepreneurship support.
Healthcare Navigation
Health insurance, medical appointments, and wellness education support.
Language & Cultural
English classes, interpretation, cultural orientation, and heritage preservation.
Legal Assistance
Immigration support, citizenship applications, family reunification, and legal resources.
Family Services
Childcare, parenting support, youth programs, elderly care, and counseling.
Community Events
Cultural celebrations, workshops, networking, and interfaith programs.
Transforming Lives
Real stories of hope, resilience, and transformation that happen every day at Afrikana Community Center
From Newcomer to Neighbor
"When I first arrived in Louisville, everything felt overwhelming. I didn't speak much English, I didn't know where to find halal food, and I was scared about finding work. Afrikana didn't just help me find a home — they gave me a family. The housing support, English classes, and job training completely changed my life. Now I have a good job, my children are thriving in school, and I volunteer to help other new families."— Amina, Somali Refugee, Now Community Volunteer
Empowered to Lead
"The Women's Empowerment Circle changed everything for me. I came as a shy mother who barely spoke in public. Through the leadership workshops and sisterhood support, I found my voice. Today, I run my own small business and mentor other women in our community. Afrikana taught me that when women rise, families thrive."— Fatima, Business Owner & Community Leader
Our Community in Action
See the heart and soul of what we're building - a vibrant community space where African families thrive
Want to be part of our vibrant community?