Welcome to Houston, a city known for its diversity and vibrant immigrant community, including Black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean. These immigrants face a unique journey of integration in America, where civic education and engagement play a crucial role in shaping their lives.
Understanding the American political system, the significance of voting, and their role in shaping policies that impact their communities are essential for Black immigrants in Houston. For Dr. John Udo, a Nigerian-born retired accountant, becoming a U.S. citizen was a meaningful step towards participating in democracy.
After over 50 years in the U.S., Dr. Udo became a citizen in July and emphasized the importance of civic education for immigrants. While his experience was relatively smooth due to his familiarity with American life, many immigrants face challenges in navigating the citizenship process.
Organizations like the Haitian Diaspora Political Action Committee (HDPAC) are working to bridge this gap by empowering immigrant communities to participate in policy discussions and advocating for their rights. Dorothy Dupuy, Vice President of HDPAC, highlights the barriers faced by Haitian Americans, such as language issues and lack of political awareness.
Luanda Cruz, an Afro-Cuban immigrant from Cape Verde, shares her journey towards becoming a first-time voter in the upcoming elections. She underscores the importance of understanding the impact of policies on immigrants’ lives and credits local organizations for educating immigrants on civic participation.
As immigrants in Houston strive to become engaged citizens, they are instrumental in shaping the future of their communities and making their voices heard. Through education, advocacy, and empowerment, these immigrants are embracing their role in American democracy.