By Isseu Diouf Campbell
On May 11, 2024, New York State Senator Cordell Cleare organized a Legal and Health Resource Fair at the Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem.
The event’s objective was to assist migrant New Yorkers, particularly those from Central and West Africa, in meeting the one-year federal asylum application deadline and accessing essential services to facilitate their integration into New York.
Harlem’s 30th District has become home to several hundred young men from Central and West Africa, many of whom are Muslim and have specific needs related to food, language, culture, and religion.
To address these needs, several community organizations participated in the fair, including Afrikana, African Communities Together, IDNYC, the Health Department, the Office of Adult and Continuing Education, and CUNY Law.
Senator Cleare’s initiative underscores the importance of community collaboration and support for African migrants in Harlem, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary for a successful transition and integration into their new home.
