Empowering our Youth.

We believe that “it takes a village to raise a child”. This familiar African proverb is at the heart of our commitment to continuously seek the well-rounded development of the youth in our community. Our youth programs provide a nurturing space for underrepresented youth in Madison and Dane County to value themselves, and their identities, and see themselves as positive change catalysts and promoters. Our youth programs aim to support youth navigating cultural transitions and bridging the achievement gap through educational field trips and afterschool programs.

Youth Programs

Our Objectives

Enhance the understanding of African cultural heritage and history
Build a positive youth peer community
Provide opportunities for underserved youth in our community

Upcoming Youth Events

There is no Event

Past Initiatives

Back to Our Roots Cultural Festival

A festival for Youth of African Descent to Celebrate their culture

This initiative was spearheaded by our five high school volunteers. Back to Our Roots was launched as a cultural festival that highlights African culture through food, music, education, and community. This event is not just about celebration, but also about reconnection—for youth of African descent, for their peers, and for the next generation.

The event was featured by WMTV 15. Watch here

Sponsor:

UW African Studies Program provided the artifacts representing the different regions of Africa.

Bike4Kids in April

Youth in Green Transportation
We distributed over 140 bikes and helmets to kids in our community to ensure every child has the opportunity use a bike or learn to use a bike. We appreciate the enthusiastic community support for this initiative. It underscores our mission to empower communities and create meaningful change.

Sponsor:

The bikes were made available to children in our community thanks to the sponsorship of the UW South Madison Partnership.

In collaboration with:

Bike for Kids Wisconsin

Past Educational Field Trips

African Youth Legislative Day

Black History Month Celebration

We visited the Wisconsin State Capitol as part of celebrations of Black History Month. Students from East High School’s Africa Club and Black Student Union (BSU) interacted with States Representatives Samba Baldeh, Shiela Stubbs and Francesca Hong. All three representatives shared their story and inspired the students to get involved in decision-making and to aspire to be the next generation of change catalysts and leaders Wisconsin needs.

Sponsors & Partners

Office of the State Representative Samba Baldeh
We are Many – United Against Hate Movement
Goodman Community Center
UW South Madison Partnership

African Center STEM Day

Space Exploration

We organized a field trip for young members of our community, ages 6-12, to explore the science of space travel and the wonders of our universe.

Funded with donations from individual supporters like you.

Tour of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, WI

Community Reflection Project

In August of 2022, we organized a tour of America’s Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The trip was the fulcrum of our Community Reflection Project aimed to provide cultural and historical education to children in the African immigrant community of Madison and Dane County. The students who joined us for this cultural trip learned more about the history and memorials of the Black Holocaust and also understood how Black American culture is inherently linked to African heritage. As we toured the museum, chaperones answered lingering questions on ancestry, identity, and a sense of belonging. Participants also visited the Milwaukee County Zoo and enjoyed a wonderful ride on the skyline.