What we do
The Mayor’s Commission on African and Caribbean Immigrant Affairs (MCACIA) addresses the needs of black immigrant communities in Philadelphia. The commission is chaired by former Councilperson Jannie Blackwell.
As part of its work, the MCACIA:
- Strengthens the voices of local African and Caribbean immigrant communities.
- Advises the Mayor on policies and programs to improve the lives of African and Caribbean immigrants, refugees, and asylees.
- Shares resources and raises awareness about the history, geography, and culture of the African continent, the Caribbean, and their diasporas.
The commission is part of the Office of Immigrant Affairs. It shares a mission with the Mayor's Office of Public Engagement, which works to increase collaboration with specific communities throughout Philadelphia.
Commissioners
| Name | Role on commission | Affiliation |
|---|---|---|
| Youma Ba | Commissioner | Echoes of Africa |
| Helenmay Bady | Commissioner | Antigua and Barbuda Association of Greater Philadelphia |
| Raaenn Billey | Commissioner | Caribbean United Leaders Collective |
| Jannie Blackwell | Commissioner | former Philadelphia City Council Member |
| Christopher Chaplin | Commissioner | Honorary Consul of Jamaica in Philadelphia |
| Josephys Dafils | Commissioner | Haitian Americans United for Change |
| Eric Edi | Commissioner | AFRICOM |
| Eve Elie | Commissioner | Eve of Strategy LLC |
| Amber Harris | Commissioner | Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission |
| Kylla Herbert | Commissioner | Saint Kitts and Nevis Tri State Association |
| Voffee Jabateh | Commissioner | ACANA |
| Rev. John Jallah | Commissioner | AGAPE Senior Center |
| Betty Mulugeta | Commissioner | Ethiopian Community Association of Greater Philadelphia |
| Michelle Neil | Commissioner | Global Jamaica Diaspora Council Northeast USA |
| Joy Ogbonnaya | Commissioner | Mahaba Children Company |
| Kimisha Simpson | Commissioner | Ignite Jamaica Fund |
| Maureen Smith | Commissioner | The Welcoming Center: Immigrant Leadership Institute |
| Alain Tchegnon | Commissioner | Global African Diaspora Network Inc. |
| Barbara Wilson | Commissioner | Caribbean Festival |
| Jean Wintz-Dabney | Commissioner | Young Caribbean Professionals Network |