A few words
About Us
Our History
ACANA was founded in 1999 by a group of African musicians who sought to help establish themselves in the United States as artists. By the early 2000's however, the organization expanded its goals to include providing social, health and legal services for the African immigrant and refugee community in Philadelphia. This expansion was due in large part to the influx of African refugees fleeing war in various West African countries, including Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ivory Coast. Today, ACANA provides a variety of services that encourage education, community development and integration while still preserving cultural values
OUR MISSION
The mission of ACANA is to help refugees, immigrant families and all other residents of Philadelphia access legal, health and other social services with a special focus on women, children, youth and the elderly in their resettlement process in Pennsylvania. ACANA also produces and presents African cultural performances and recording artists to create an awareness of African arts and culture. To this end, we strive to promote the preservation of cultural values as well as support artists’ efforts to promote their own vocations in their new environment.
Come work with us
If you would like to work for an organization making a real impact come join us to build our communities. We work with students and volunteers as well.
Our partners
ACANA Board of Directors
Voffee Jabateh
Executive Director & Founder
Sarian Jabateh
Chief Financial Officer
Norman Matlock
Immigration & Legal Director
Musa Trawally
Business & Corridor Director
Dr. Nettie Johnson
Health Director