- Top news stories from Chicago and the African continent
- Upcoming Events
- Advice Box: What is Comprehensive Immigration Reform?
- Kuku Paka Recipe (Kenyan chicken in coconut curry)
If you would like to contribute news, events, issues, interviews or music to our podcast, email us: podcasts@uniteafricans.org or call: (312) 949 9980 between 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri. To support our work through donations, click here!
INTRO:
Welcome to African Voices, episode 17! In this episode, we highlight local news as well as news from the African Continent, upcoming events, Advice on Comprehensive Immigration Reform, and a Kenyan recipe.
LOCAL NEWS:
Ethiopian Community Association Chicago- celebrates Battle of Adwa
On Saturday, March 9th, the ECAC celebrated the Battle of Adwa by hosting a film screening of ADWA: An African Victory and film discussion with director Dr. (HI-Lay Gerima). ECAC had a full house, with guests totalling 250. ECAC looks forward to celebrating next year’s festivities.
AFRICAN NEWS:
KENYA:Kenya’s newly elected President, Uhuru Kenyatta
Kenya recently elected its new president, Uhuru Kenyatta by the slimmest margins, 50.07%. Kenyatta is set to be tried at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in July 2013 over violence that followed the 2007 polls. His running mate, William Ruto faces similar charges. The election turnout was the largest ever in Kenya, at 86%. The main topics of the election were 1) the distribution of land 2) Retribution – from post 2007 election bloodshed; around half a million were displaced by the clashes 3) the introduction of women representatives at county level. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21729901
MALI: Canadian PM Stephen Harper considering Mali options
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he is considering what Canada could contribute to ongoing efforts to fight Islamist militants in Mali.
Mr Harper stressed Canada was not interested in a combat role.
The country would continue the loan of a C-17 military cargo plane to France’s military operations, “as long as we feel there is a need,” Mr Harper said.
France is pushing for a UN peacekeeping mission in Mali to take over from French and African forces.
A vote on the potential mission is expected next month.
In a press conference with his French counterpart, Jean-Marc Ayrault, Mr Harper said: “We are not looking to have a combat, military mission there. We will certainly be providing development and humanitarian assistance.”
He added that he was still discussing options with his cabinet and opposition parties.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-21795118
SOUTH AFRICA: Mido Macia: South African Police denied bail
A South African court has denied bail to nine policemen charged with the murder of a Mozambican taxi driver who was dragged behind a police van.
Magistrate Sam Makamu said the policemen, who have pleaded not guilty to the charge, might try to interfere with witnesses.
Taxi driver Mido Macia, 27, died after being tied and dragged behind a police van near Johannesburg last month.
The incident, recorded on video by a bystander, caused widespread revulsion.
President Jacob Zuma called it “horrific” and “unacceptable” while police chief Riah Phiyega ordered the suspension of the accused officers.
‘No angel’
The policemen sat together in the dock, most with their heads bowed low, as Mr Makamu gave his ruling in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court, reports the BBC’s Andrew Harding from Johannesburg.
The magistrate said he was concerned about sending the policemen home in an “unfavourable” climate, the South African Press Association (Sapa) reports.
He said they faced a potential risk from residents who may seek revenge, the news agency reports.
Earlier, defence lawyers argued that the policemen should be granted bail, like athletics star Oscar Pistorius who is charged with the premeditated murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp, on 14 February.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21761515
SUDAN:The two Sudans reach deal to resume oil flow
With help from the African Union, Sudan and South Sudan have agreed to resume the flow of southern oil exports through pipelines within two weeks. Signed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the deal was mitigated by former South African president, Thabo Mebeki. Both countries heavily depend on oil for revenue to use foreign currency to import food and fuel. The armies of the two countries have also agreed to withdraw troops from contested border areas in the latest attempt to set up a buffer zone after fighting last year. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2013/03/201331232922915524.html
UPCOMING EVENTS:
African Youth Forum
Saturday March 30th, 2013, 11am – 4pm
10 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
Youth are invited to join a conversation on immigration, education, and incarceration. Share your thoughts and learn about these important topics. RSVP at www.uniteafricans.org/event
Citizenship Workshop
March 23rd, 2013, 9am-11am
Truman College, front lobby
1145 W. Wilson Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
If you qualify for citizenship, be sure to RSVP or inquire about more information by calling the UAO at 1-312-949-9980.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Workshop
March 23rd, 2013, 2pm-3:30 pm
10 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
To understand more about how immigration reform affects you, your families, and friends, RSVP to this free event at services@uniteafricans.org.
7th Annual Chicago African Summit and Resource Fair
Saturday May 18th, 2013, 8:30 am-5pm
10 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60616
This summit focuses on contemporary African issues, public policy advocacy and community empowerment. The resource fair provides information and resources to the community on Immigration, Legal Assistance, Employment, Housing, Health, Education, Businesses, and many more.
ADVICE BOX:
An Inside Look to Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Comprehensive immigration reform has been a topic of discussion when we think of the Obama Administration and grassroots organizations that are pushing for a common-sense approach to immigration policy in the U.S.
But what does it really mean? Currently, there is no path to obtaining Citizenship or any legal status in the United States if a person is undocumented; their only option would be to leave the country and be barred from reentry for ten years. Although efforts like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals have been implemented, such efforts do not address the rest of the 11,000,000+ undocumented individuals living within the United States.
On January 29, 2013, President Obama announced his vision for comprehensive immigration reform. One day earlier, a bipartisan group of Senators, including Illinois’ own Dick Durbin, announced their framework.
Comprehensive immigration reform is an issue that affects our friends, our families, and perhaps even ourselves. Keeping families together is an issue that cannot be overlooked, and deporting members of our community who pose no real threat to society is unjustified.
For more information about Comprehensive Immigration Reform, join us for our FREE workshop facilitated by UAO Executive Director Alie Kabba on:
Saturday, March 23rd
2:00pm-3:30pm
10 W 35th Street, floor 6
Chicago, IL 60616
RECIPE:
Kuku Paka (Kenyan chicken in coconut curry sauce): this simple dish, sometimes called kuku na nazi, is a coconut curry from the East African coast. It is a perfect illustration of how African, Arab, and Indian influences meld in the coastal region. 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- Chicken, cut into pieces – 3 pounds
- Onion, chopped – 1
- Hot chili peppers, chopped – 2 or 3
- Ginger, peeled and chopped – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic, chopped – 2 tablespoons
- Oil or ghee – ¼ cup
- Curry powder – 1 tablespoon
- Cumin seeds – 2 teaspoons
- Chopped tomatoes or tomato sauce – 2 cups
- Coconut milk – 2 cups, or 1 (15-ounce) can
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Cilantro, chopped – ½ cups
Methods:
- Add the onion, chilies, ginger and garlic to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Add a little water if necessary.
- Heat the oil or ghee in a large pot or wok over medium flame. Add the onion puree, curry powder and cumin and sauté, stirring frequently, for 5 to 8 minutes, or until cooked down.
- Stir in the tomatoes and simmer for 3 for 4 minutes. Then add the chicken, coconut milk, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Add more water as needed.
- Stir in the cilantro, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper and serve with rice or chapatti.
OUTRO:
Thank you for listening to this month episode! If you have any questions the content you have heard, or to contribute, email us at: podcast@uniteafricans.org or call 312-949-9980. As always, this podcast is made possible by listeners like you. To support our work, visit www.uniteafricans.org/support-us to make a contribution today. All donations are tax-deductible and are appreciated. Until next month!
