African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc.

The African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) is a non-profit org that supports immigrants in the Philadelphia region & promotes African Arts & Culture African Cultural Alliance of North America, Inc. We work towards ensuring quality of life, cultural preservation, advocacy and equity for everyone. Serving our communities and preserving our culture is the key to ensuring a sound future. The African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) was founded in 1999 in order to bridge the gap between the African immigrant and the American community. It was incorporated in October 1999 as a response to the overwhelming requests for help by the African refugee, asylee, and immigrant community members in dealing with the stressors associated with adjusting to their new community. ACANA works to help refugee and immigrant families access health and other social benefits with a special focus on women, children, youth and the elderly in their resettlement process in Pennsylvania; mobilize African cultural artesian, performing and recording artists to create an awareness of the African Culture; promote the preservation of cultural values as well as support artists efforts to promote their own vocations in their new environment. Human service providers and resettlement workers are increasingly aware that refugees and survivors of violence and war need increased and timely access to culturally appropriate services to help them deal with both the trauma from which they fled and the challenge of adjusting to life in the United States. ACANA was established because of the felt need identified by the African community leaders to provide services to the larger African community. As an agency providing basic services to the African refugee, asylee and immigrant community, ACANA is in a unique position to provide needed services for the African community. Working, living and sharing the same history with the members of the community has honed the expertise of ACANA to deliver culturally sensitive services. There exists a trust between ACANA and the members of the community that allows support and feedback to be given and received openly and therefore establishes a better basis for learning and change.