Built on 10+ years of grassroots community service — our story, mission, and values.
Afrikana Community Center Inc. is a Kentucky-based nonprofit serving African immigrants, refugees, and families in Louisville. Founded in 2025, we connect families to essential resources, culturally responsive programs, and opportunities for long-term success.
In 2026, we are actively operating in early-stage outreach and referral support — building programs, strengthening partnerships, and supporting families through community engagement. Our focus remains clear: to create a strong, supportive environment where every family can thrive.
We are building a home for African families from Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond — with multilingual staff ready to understanding the unique challenges faced by African families in the United States.
"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 & Executive DirectorNote: Incorporated 2025. EIN: 39-3585730. 501(c)(3) application submitted — pending IRS approval. Programs currently delivered through community partnerships, referrals, and collaborative efforts as we build capacity for direct services.
"I am because we are"
Celebrating African heritage
Skills & self-sufficiency
Love, dignity & respect
Continuous development
Building bridges together
Serving with purpose. Building with integrity. Growing with the community.
Afrikana Community Center Inc. officially founded in Louisville, KY. Board of Directors established. Governance systems, bylaws, and banking in place.
Launch of outreach efforts, referral-based support, and development of core programs including Afrikana Hope (pilot phase). Website, donation systems, and community engagement underway.
Securing physical space, expanding direct service programs, strengthening partnerships, and growing our reach to serve more families across Louisville and beyond.
Many African immigrant and refugee families arrive in the United States with hope, resilience, and a deep desire to build a better future. Yet, despite their strength, they often face overwhelming barriers — language challenges, limited access to resources, and a lack of culturally relevant support systems.
Too often, families navigate these struggles alone during the most critical moments of their lives.
Afrikana Community Center was founded to change that.
We exist to bridge the gap between potential and opportunity — to ensure that no family feels alone, unsupported, or disconnected from the resources they need to thrive.
Through community-driven programs, mentorship, and culturally responsive support, Afrikana is building a foundation where families are empowered, connected, and positioned for long-term success.
"As someone who understands these challenges firsthand, I founded Afrikana to ensure that no family walks this journey alone. Our mission is rooted in lived experience, compassion, and a commitment to real change." — Aweys Ali, Founder
Fill out our quick intake form and we will reach out within 48 hours — whether you need services, have questions, or want to volunteer.
📋 Fill Out Our Intake Form →For urgent help call (502) 475-6117
Limited funding — your support is needed now.
Secure donations • Transparent use of funds • Community-focused impact
Join early supporters helping build this community.
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Tax-deductible status pending IRS 501(c)(3) approval.
If in immediate danger, call 911. We connect you to local partners — not emergency services.
We connect you to food assistance through partner organizations. Fill out this form and we will follow up.
Facing eviction or homelessness? We help connect you to housing support and shelter resources.
⚡ Faster Option — Use Our Google Form
Quickly send us your information using our Google Form — we'll follow up within 48 hours.
📋 Open Google Form →Join us in empowering the African community in Louisville. Together we create lasting change.
"We are not just African — we are Afrikana: proud, united, and powerful."
Aweys Ali wuxuu yimid Louisville qalbi ka buuxay ujeeddo. Wuxuu markhaati u ahaa qoysaska Afrikaanka ah oo harganaaya iyada oo aan jirin meel dhexe oo loogu shiray, kobcay, oo ku barwaaqoday. Wuxuu arkay xoog iyo adkaysi xad-dhaaf ah, laakiin bulshad ka maqan taageero dhammaystiran." data-sw="Mnamo 2008, Aweys Ali alifika Louisville akiwa na moyo uliojaa kusudi. Alishuhudia familia za Kiafrika zikishindana bila mahali pa kati pa kukusanyika, kukua, na kustawi. Aliona nguvu na ustahimilivu wa ajabu, lakini jamii inayokosa msaada wa kina.">In 2008, Aweys Ali arrived in Louisville with a heart full of purpose. He witnessed African families struggling without a central place to gather, grow, and thrive. He saw incredible strength and resilience, but a community lacking comprehensive support.
From this vision, the Afrikana Community Center was born — a place where African immigrants, refugees, and descendants from Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, and beyond could connect, celebrate their heritage, and build new lives while staying rooted in their cultural identity.
To empower African families in Louisville by providing comprehensive support, preserving cultural heritage, and building bridges through unity, dignity, and love.
A thriving, connected African community in Louisville where every family has resources to succeed, every child knows their heritage, and everyone is empowered to thrive.
Founder & Executive Director
Aweys Ali is a Somali-American community leader who arrived in Louisville in 2008. With over 10 years of grassroots service, he founded Afrikana Community Center in 2025. He is also the author of The Power of Istighfar.
Leads all operations, programs, partnerships, and strategy for Afrikana. Has worked extensively with immigrant and refugee families across Louisville, developing deep relationships with service providers, schools, and faith communities.
Vice President
Serves as Vice President of the Board. Supports organizational leadership, governance, and strategic direction. Active member of Louisville's African community committed to building stronger support systems for immigrant families.
Secretary
Serves as Board Secretary, managing records, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation. Contributes to maintaining transparency and accountability across all board activities.
Treasurer
Serves as Board Treasurer, overseeing financial management, budgeting, and reporting. Ensures all funds are managed responsibly and used directly to support community programs.
Programs Director
Leads program development and coordination across all Afrikana services. Oversees youth mentorship, women's empowerment, and family support initiatives. Ensures programs are culturally responsive.
Youth Director
Directs youth programs including mentorship, tutoring, sports, and college prep. Focused on empowering the next generation of African youth in Louisville.
Officer / Director
Serves as Officer and Director on the Board. Contributes to organizational governance, strategic planning, and community outreach.
Board Member
Serves as a Board Member supporting governance and ensuring the organization serves Louisville's African families with integrity and accountability.
Board Member
Serves as a Board Member contributing cultural insight and dedication to supporting African families through culturally responsive programs.
Volunteer Coordinator
Coordinates volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and engagement for Afrikana programs and events.
Youth Support
Provides direct support to youth participants in Afrikana programs including tutoring, mentorship, and sports activities.