Our Founder's Story
Aweys Ali is a Somali-American community leader, author, and the founder of Afrikana Community Center Inc. After arriving in the United States in 2004, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia, before relocating to Louisville, Kentucky, in 2008. Through his own experiences and years of community involvement, he witnessed the challenges facing African immigrant and refugee families and developed a passion for strengthening and empowering the community.
With more than a decade of grassroots community service, Aweys founded Afrikana Community Center Inc. in 2025 to provide a welcoming place where African immigrant and refugee families can access resources, youth development programs, educational opportunities, and community support.
His commitment to community leadership began long before founding Afrikana. In 2016, he was elected Vice President of the Somali Bantu Association of Louisville, and in 2020, he became Secretary of Masjid Abubakar Islamic Center of Louisville, where he continues to serve.
In addition to his community leadership, Aweys is the founder of Aweys Islamic Publications and the author of several books, including:
- The Power of Istighfar: Returning to Allah Through Repentance, Renewal & Divine Mercy
- Bilal Ibn Rabah: From Chains to the Call
- After the Last Breath: Jannah, Jahannam, and What Comes Next
- Two Hearts: One That Remembers Allah, and One That Forgets
- Life Is Like a Flight: A Journey of Faith, Reflection and Purpose
- Why Do We Struggle to Pray?: Rediscovering the Heart of Ṣalāh
His work reflects a lifelong commitment to faith, education, community service, and empowering future generations.