We are dedicated to our mission.
Creating a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone thrives and embracing the rich cultural heritage of Africa through our work.
Youth Programs
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.
We have 3 objectives: (1) to enhance understanding of cultural heritage and history; (2) to build a positive peer community; and, (3) to provide opportunities for underserved youth in our community.
We look forward to hearing from you. Contact us.
Call at (608) 294-0066
Email: info@africancentermadison.org
Upcoming Youth Event
Back to Our Roots
A Cultural Festival for Youth of African Descent
This event is being organized by our five high school volunteers. It is 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.
- Date: August 23rd, 2025
- Time: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
- Location: 3030 Darbo Dr, Madison, WI 53714
A Cultural Festival for Youth of African Descent
- Cultural Booths
- Taste of traditional cuisines from the different regions of African
- Information on African cultures, arts, history, etc.
- Activities for all participants
- Lawn games: Volleyball, soccer, cornhole, basketball
- Arts & crafts: Jewelry making, African print painting, face painting
- Live performances: Traditional music, dance, and fashion showcase, storytelling
- Resource tables for community organizations
- Back-to-School Supply Drive
- We’ll be collecting and distributing essential school supplies to support local youth.
Why this event?
To create belonging among youth of African descent.
From our volunteers:
“Growing up as African children, we were constantly surrounded by our culture, yet we never seemed to be fully a part of it. This feeling of disconnect left us seeking ways to understand and celebrate our culture. As children of African immigrants, we firsthand know how difficult it is to connect to our roots, especially while growing up in environments where our cultures weren’t always seen, represented, or celebrated. That’s why we created Back to Our Roots: a cultural festival that highlights African culture through food, music, education, and community. By blending celebration with support, Back to Our Roots reminds our youth that they belong, they matter, and their cultures are worth honoring.“
Call for support:
- Donations: Please donate to make this event a success. Click to give online
- For sponsors and opportunities to table: Please email ama@africancentermadison.org
- Volunteering: Please email ama@africancentermadison.org
Past Programs
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.
- Date: April 5th, 2025
- Location: 67 Nob Hill Rd, Madison, WI 53713
Sponsor:
The bikes were made available to children in our community thanks to the sponsorship of the UW South Madison Partnership.
2024 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.
- Date: February 23rd, 2024
- Location: Wisconsin State Capitol
Virtual information session
Scholarship Opportunities
For high school students, parents, teachers, counselors, and guardians.
It was a FREE information session about:
- UW Carbone Cancer Center High School Cancer Research Internship which places interns in a mentor lab to participate in cutting-edge cancer research. Visit website
- Six-week clinical research experience at the Department of Surgery at the University of Wisconsin under the mentorship of enthusiastic faculty and medical students. Visit website
- CEOs of Tomorrow’s These Teens Mean Busine$$ Incubator that builds the entrepreneurial skills and critical thinking of high school students. Visit website
- African Association of Madison scholarship application. Click here to apply or visit website
- Ladidi Garba Scholarship for high school students in involved in arts, music, acting, etc. Click here to apply or visit website.
2023 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.
- Dates: August 25th and 26th, 2023
- Locations: UW Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), UW Space Place, and the Wisconsin Science
2022 Tour of America's Black Holocaust Museum (ABHM) in Milwaukee, WI
Community Reflection Project
The field trip 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.
Funded through the 2022 United Way of Dane County‘s Micro Investment Grant
- Date: August 6th, 2022
- Locations: America's Black Holocaust Museum and Milwaukee County Zoo
2019 - 2021 Transitional Cultural Literacy Program (TCLP)
Afterschool Cultural Program
This program was designed in the framework of cultural grounding and social navigation, the children who participated in the program increased their knowledge and self-confidence and also got the opportunity to engage more with other students and diverse cultures. Students were offered free hot lunches with fruits and water, which added to their excitement about the program.
Recognition of past sponsors of TCLP:
- City of Madison
- Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD)
- Goodman Community Center
Individual Supporters:
- Marcy Peters-Felice
- Friends of the late Professor Tejumola Olaniyan