Minnesotans of African heritage rally at the state capitol

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February 28, 2020

POCI022620pb0017 — Rep. Mohamud Noor speaks at the Minnesota State Capitol when the People of Color and Indigenous Caucus unveiled their legislative agenda in advance of the African Heritage Day on the Hill on Wednesday, February 26, 2020. Photo: MN Senate Pool

ST. PAUL – Hundreds of Minnesotans packed the state capitol Wednesday to call attention to the legislative priorities of the black community.

The rally called African Heritage Day on the Hill is organized annually by the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage which this year saw an unprecedented participation by the African immigrant community.

The rally heard from all elected state black lawmakers, Governor Tim Walz as well as the only two elected black mayors in the metro, Melvin Carter of Saint Paul and Mike Elliott of Brooklyn Center, as they put forth a slate of legislative priorities that they said would improve the quality of life of their constituencies, especially in areas of education and health where disparities between whites and blacks persist.

In advance of the rally, the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage had released a set of priorities that speakers reinforced during the rally. Among those priorities are changes to allow those who have served their prison time to get their voting rights back, an expansion of the definition of race in the Human Rights Act to include natural hair (known as the CROWN Act). Also highlighted are efforts to decrease the use of cash bail so as to limit the number of black people who get stuck in jail for extended periods due to the inability to raise the bail.

The bi-cameral Minnesota Legislature has six elected black legislators known as the United Black Legislative Caucus and includes Sen. Jeff Hayden, Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, Rep. Rena Moran, Rep. Hodan Hassan, Rep. Mohamud Noor, Rep. Ruth Richardson. Rep. Mohamud Noor is the only black elected male in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“We stand together across race, culture, and experience, united in the goal of making Minnesota a better, more equitable place to live,” said Rep. Moran. “Our state is facing significant disparities that we cannot ignore. Our agenda supports transformational change in social, racial, and economic justice.”

Governor Walz reiterated his support for the black legislative agenda “The time for admiring the problems of disparities is over,” he said. Adding that he will not shy away from the accountability that comes with addressing the state’s disparities. Chief among those concerns are home ownership rates disparities where for white families the rate is 76%, and just 23% for Black families. When it comes to unemployment, it is 3% for whites but 8% for blacks. Another startling statistic shared at the rally was on infant mortality in Minnesota where for every 1,000 live births, 3 white children die but that number shoots to more than 9 for black children.

Attorney General Keith Ellison also highlighted his efforts along with Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington to address police brutality in the state in a holistic manner. “We brought members of the law enforcement community so we can jointly come up with solutions,” said Ellison. Blacks in Minnesota are 3.6 times more likely to be subject to use of force by police and 2.5 times more likely to be shot and killed by police than are whites, rally attendees were told.

Liberian-born Mayor Mike Elliott of Brooklyn Center, that city’s first black mayor and the first African born elected mayor in the metro spoke of his efforts to increase economic vitality in his city.

“We are creating space so that we can ensure that our people have a seat at the table, ” said Elliott.

Speaking last at the rally were members of the Minnesota Safe Streets (MSS) that seeks to end violence in the Twin Cities neighborhoods. They were led on stage by community activist Al Flowers who said “I know we are last on the bus but we are fighting.”

MSS speakers were critical of legislators leaving the rally before hearing “the concerns of our community.”

African immigrant candidates caucus

By

Jerusa Nyakundi, Mshale Contributing Reporter

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February 26, 2020

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Alfreda Daniels, a candidate for the Brooklyn Center City Council, speaks during Tuesday's caucus held at Park Center High School on February 25, 2020. Photo: Jerusa Nyakundi

Paschal Nwokocha endorses Pete Buttigieg

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Cynthia Simba, Mshale Reporter

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February 24, 2020

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Processed with VSCO with m5 preset — Minneapolis Attorney Obi Chukwu, a partner in the law firm of Paschal Nwokocha & Chukwu during a Buttigieg Minnesota early vote and organizing kickoff event on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the law firm's offices. The firm's partners have endorsed Pete Buttigieg for president. Photo: Bethel Gessesse/Mshale

Obi Publish — Minneapolis Attorney Obi Chukwu, a partner in the law firm of Paschal Nwokocha & Chukwu during a Buttigieg Minnesota early vote and organizing kickoff event on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the law firm's offices. The firm's partners have endorsed Pete Buttigieg for president. Photo: Bethel Gessesse/Mshale

Buttigieg Organize Publish — Supporters of Pete Buttigieg during a Minnesota early vote and organizing kickoff event on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at the law firm offices of Paschal Nwokocha & Chukwu. The firm’s partners have endorsed Pete Buttigieg for president. Photo: Bethel Gessesse/Mshale

As Minnesotans are gearing up to head to the polls for super Tuesday, local leaders and politicians are voicing their picks on the democratic presidential nominee. This past week, a group of local leaders shared their endorsement for presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg.

Among the Buttigieg supporters is local immigration lawyer Paschal Nwokocha. Mr. Nwokocha first made history as the first African to serve on the board of the American Immigration Lawyers Association as its Minnesota and Dakota region’s vice chair back in 2007.

Years prior, Mr. Nwokocha worked as the assistant to Attorney General Mike Hatch before opening his own practice. Mr. Nwokocha, who has been a Minnesota resident for almost thirty years has been a local DFL supporter and participant for years which included acting as the monitoring attorney during president Obama’s campaign for election.

For Nwokocha, Buttigieg is “someone who can bring us together” he said referring to the current divided political climate. As an immigration lawyer Nwokocha finds Buttigieg’s stance on immigration reform promising and assuring for current immigrants.

While the GOP has remained steadfast in their support for President Trump the Democratic party stands divided on solutions for current political and social issues. The Democratic party has five candidates vying for the party’s official nominee. Among them is Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar.

Klobuchar, who lags in national polls has been gaining endorsements and support from major news outlets across the country. DFL member and local congresswoman Ilhan Omar has voiced support and continues to rally behind Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont.

Recent polls in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada have shown Sanders leading the race. The senator was able to gain the popular vote, and attract a diverse voter demographic. Despite this, Nwokocha views Buttigieg as a competitive contender for the nominee.

“From my view, he is a strong candidate,” Nwokocha said. “It is encouraging to see how well he has done,” referring to Buttigieg’s longevity in the race. When it comes to determining a candidate to vote for Nwokocha encourages voters to vote on policy and personal character. “It is important to look at the candidate for what he stands for,” Nwokocha said.

Minnesota has one of the highest voter turnouts in the country and voters are expected to turn out for super Tuesday on March 3. On that day, Minnesotans will have the opportunity to vote at times that are convenient for them. If unavailable to vote, voters can request an absentee ballot or vote ahead of time. Minnesota legislature also allows for voters who voted earlier to be able to change their minds before the final ballots are counted.

After endorsing a candidate of his liking Nwokocha encourages others to do the same. “I encourage people to vote, vote in the primaries and in the general election.”

Public Charge Rule targeting low income immigrants goes into effect February 24

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 20, 2020

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Beginning this coming Monday, February 24, legal immigrants in the United States wanting to adjust their status to legal permanent residents (Green Cards) and have received public benefits, will face new hurdles as part of the Trump administration’s policy of curbing legal immigration. It does not affect those in Illinois as there is still a separate case pending in court.

On February 24, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will implement its Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule. The rule will make it easier for US immigration authorities to deny green cards to those “likely to use public benefits,” a policy change that President Trump and his acolytes have been pushing for since before taking office. USCIS announced the effective date just three days after prevailing at the U.S. Supreme Court in a 5-4 ruling that terminated a nationwide injunction that had stopped the rule from going into effect.

The rule only applies to applications received on or after February 24. It is not retroactive and will not affect applications already with USCIS or postmarked prior to February 24.

Those that will be affected are mostly low income and poor immigrants that have legally qualified for most of the benefits.

The following are benefits subject to the new rule:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Family (TANF)
Any other federal, state or local cash benefit programs
Section 8 Housing Assistance under the Housing Choice Voucher Program
Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (including Moderate Rehabilitation)
Medicaid and other public assistance used to support aliens who reside in an institution for long-term care such as a nursing home or mental health institution

The following benefits are exempt from the Public Charge Rule:

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Emergency disaster relief
Job training programs
Benefits received by individuals under age 21, including educational assistance and nutrition programs
Benefits received by pregnant women, including the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women
Foster care and adoption assistance
Cash payments that have been earned, such as Title II Social Security benefits, government pensions, and veterans’ benefits, and other forms of earned benefits
Unemployment compensation

Credit Scores

Additionally, USCIS has also updated its forms that will need to be used when applying for a green card from within the US for everyone. One interesting new form to accompany new green card applications (if you are in the US) is Form I-944, the Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, which will request information on 1.) Personal and Household Assets 2.) Credit score report 3.) Resources 4.) Financial status 5.) Bankruptcy history and 5.) public benefits history.

Not affected by the rule

The Public Charge Rule does not apply to survivors of trafficking, domestic violence and refugees.

Those seeking to apply for green cards and have used public benefits are advised to consult with an immigration attorney. If they cannot afford one to connect with groups such as the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota that provide legal assistance on immigration matters. Search in your state for similar organizations.

African Health Care Providers Association holds official launch celebration

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 18, 2020

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Anab Gulaid Keynoting Main Photo — Minnesota Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Department of Human Services, Anab Gulaid, as she delivered the keynote address during the launch of the African Healthcare Providers Association on Saturday, February 15, 2020 in Minneapolis. Photo: Richard Ooga

MINNEAPOLIS – More than 100 people, drawn from the government and business community, witnessed the launch of a new statewide association that seeks to address and service the needs of Minnesota’s healthcare businesses owned by African immigrants.

The African Health Care Providers Association (AHCPA) was unveiled on Saturday, offering members the chance to sign up to its stated goals of among others: providing sector leadership; developing and provide strategic policy support; and generating growth opportunities for members.

The new association, which already has more than 20 member businesses, is open to those that own and operate long-term care facilities, home cares and those that provide home support services. Businesses that are not part of the healthcare industry but provide services to members of the association are also eligible to sign up as associate or corporate members.

The association has already received strong support from several leading stakeholders in the state’s health care industry and has welcomed several prominent African business owners to its inaugural board.

One such stakeholder is Minnesota Department of Human Services Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Anab Gulaid, who delivered the keynote address to officially unveil the new association on Saturday.

“One of the important things I have learnt while at DHS is the huge importance of having an association as is the one that pushes the members’ agenda and legislative policy initiatives,” said Gulaid.

“With your new association I hope that we can both grow its capacity and you have the opportunity to have your voices heard, to network and to host conferences,” Gulaid continued.

Gulaid cautioned the audience against expecting results too quickly from the new association, as many of the well-known and powerful industry associations have existed for 100 years. She welcomed the new association stating she looks forward to it bringing new health care business owners “up to speed.”

She said many of the mainstream associations are lacking in diversity, hence the need for the new association to address the “unique needs” that African businesses face. She however urged AHCPA to look to the established associations on how they have succeeded in serving their members effectively over the years.

“Healthcare is a very regulated industry and a lot of times you are doing the work of the Department (DHS) but you are assuming most of the risk,” Gulaid said Saturday. “It is therefore important that you have all the technical assistance you need and the space to meet and network with others.”

The Deputy Assistant Commissioner was accompanied to the launch by Amy Petersen, DHS Director for Moving Home Minnesota. Petersen walked the audience through some of the key resources available to them at DHS focusing especially on ‘Moving Home Minnesota’, a federal demonstration project whose stated goal is “to create opportunities for Minnesotans to move from institutions to their own homes in the community.”

“It is also known as ‘money follows the person at the federal level’ and what it does is it assists people in transitioning from institutions like hospitals and nursing homes and into community based care,” said Petersen, adding that the demonstration project is one DHS hopes to work with the new association on.

The chair of the new association, Bill Akuma, the CEO of Uplifted Care Services spoke on the need for AHCPA.

“AHCPA is here to promote best business practices in the healthcare industry, especially for those who are starting out so they can get it right,” said Akuma. “It is also for the non-healthcare businesses that complement the industry.”

Akuma also waxed poetic by quoting poet Maya Angelou “I did then what I knew how to do, now that I know better, I will do better.”

He said the new association’s motto of “Stronger Together” was inspired by an African proverb that says “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Membership information for the association can be found on its website at this link.

Comcast opens new Xfinity store in Brooklyn Center

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 13, 2020

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Ribbon Cutting COmcast Store Brooklyn Center — An enthusiastic crowd was on hand for the official ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Brooklyn Center Xfinity Store on Thursday, February 13, 2020. Xfinity store manager Steven Nelson (with scissors) is joined on his left by Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliot and Councilmember Dan Ryan, along with members of the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce and Comcast Twin Cities Region team. Photo: Comcast

BROOKLYN CENTER – Brooklyn Center Mayor Mike Elliott, joined by officials from the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce, this morning presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Xfinity store in his city. The new store is located across the Brooklyn Center Walmart at the former Brookdale Mall shopping center.

The Brooklyn Center store is part of a $1.5 million investment Comcast is injecting into the Twin Cities to open six stores. Comcast senior staff from the Twin Cities regional office said customers can visit the store to speak with trained staff on how they can personalize their home Wi-Fi experience with Xfinity or to buy Comcast equipment, cable and internet packages. Customers can also pay their bills at the new store in person if they wish or visit to upgrade or swap equipment.

“This store gives our customers a chance to interact with staff and interact with our products,” said Rachel Johnson, Comcast Twin Cities Director of Retails Sales. Johnson also emceed the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new store.

To mark the first day of business Comcast came bearing a gift of $2,500 for the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) which has been in Brooklyn Center for the last 50 years. CEAP provides assistance to low-income families and individuals and those with disabilities.

Mayor Elliott speaking with Mshale after the ribbon-cutting said this is an exciting time for his city as things are looking up and the entry of Comcast into the area is just one example.

“It is great to have them and we look forward to welcoming more businesses into our city,” said Elliott.

The grand opening for the Brooklyn Center store is scheduled for this Saturday, February 15 with fun activities including food trucks.

The store is located at 1560 Shingle Creek Crossing, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.

African health care businesses to launch new association

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 12, 2020

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Anab Guleid, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Human Services — Minnesota Department of Human Services Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Anab Guleid, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the official launch of the African Health Care Providers Association. Photo: DHS

Minnesota African health care providers’ businesses have banded together to form a new association for their budding enterprises. Membership is open to businesses that operate long-term care facilities, home cares and those that provide home support services.

The African Health Care Providers Association will hold its official launch this Saturday, February 15 at Saint Mary’s University in Minneapolis during a two-hour launch program that starts at 4:30pm. Minnesota Department of Human Services Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Anab Guleid, will deliver the keynote address. Guleid oversees $3 billion in publicly funded programs for people with disabilities for the State of Minnesota. She received her Bachelors in Environmental Health from Ryerson University and a Masters of Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs.

“This is a historic moment for African businesses,” said Bill Akuma, chair of the African Health Care Providers Association, who has been a strong proponent for forming such a group. “Each business has faced the challenges of navigating the health care field alone. Imagine what we can achieve when we work together.”

Akuma, the CEO of Uplifted Care Services, has called the health care industry the most regulated in the country, which calls for a collective response in navigating its complexity. The new organization will provide the necessary advocacy and policy support the growing number of African health care businesses in the state need and serve as a platform for supporting best industry practices, he said.

Founding members have been meeting for more than a year to plan for the new organization, encouraged in part by state officials that regulate the sector. A handful of African owned home care businesses have fallen afoul of the stringent rules that govern the industry and have had their licenses terminated, woes partly been blamed on not fully appreciating the complexities that govern the industry. The African Health Care Providers Association will help bridge these existing gaps, according to the founding members.

Associate memberships will also be open to businesses and individuals that provide support services to home care businesses.

The African Health Care Providers Association Launch
When: Saturday, February 15, 2020 @ 4:30PM CST
Where: Saint Mary’s University Center – 2540 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404
RSVP: Email.

U.S. establishes first overseas Joint Terrorism Task Force

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 12, 2020

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Henry-Mayfield-Jr_Web — U.S. Army Spc. Henry J. Mayfield Jr., 23, from Evergreen Park, Ill., was killed on Jan. 5, 2020, during an attack at Camp Simba in Manda Bay, Kenya.

Kenya FBI JTTF Web — FBI and State Department officials pose with Kenyan police and intelligence officers on Monday, February 10, 2020 at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia, where the Kenyan attendees will undergo training in preparation for the newly announced Kenyan Joint Terrorism Task Force, the first such to be located outside of the U.S. and will be based in Nairobi. Photo: FBI

The FBI and the US State Department announced on Monday the launch of its first Joint Terrorism Task Force that will be located outside the United States. The agency which the FBI called “a multi-agency counterterrorism investigative force” will be located in Nairobi.

At the Monday ceremony at FBI headquarters in Quantico attended by Kenyan intelligence

officials, FBI and State Department officials said the impetus to establish the Joint Terrorism Task Force began in earnest following the al-Shabaab attack on the luxury DusitD2 Hotel in Nairobi on January 16, 2019.

Among those at the ceremony to unveil the new task force was FBI International

Operations Division Section Chief Andrew “Buck” Anderson and the agency’s Training Division Assistant Director, Renae McDermott as well as the FBI’s Legal Attaché in Nairobi, Abass Golfrey. The State Department was represented at the unveiling by Laurie Freeman who is the Deputy Director of the State Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau.

The announcement of the new overseas task force comes just a month after one U.S

FBI Legal Attaché Nairobi Abass Golfrey speaks at the unveiling of the first first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to be located outside of the United States in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2020. Photo: FBI

. soldier and two American Department of Defense contractors were killed at Camp Simba, a Kenyan military base located in the County of Lamu. Al-Shabaab was blamed for the attack.

According to U.S. officials who spoke Monday, 42 Kenyan investigators receive a 12-week intensive counterterrorism training at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia using methodologies used by U.S.-based counterterrorism joint task forces. Additionally, the 42 will be “trained to handle sensitive counterterrorism intelligence shared with the Kenyan government.”

Officials stressed that investigations carried out by the Nairobi-based Joint Terrorism Task

FBI International Operations Division Section Chief Andrew “Buck” Anderson speaks at the unveiling of the first first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to be located outside of the United States in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2020. Photo: FBI

Force will be in accordance with “international law enforcement standards.”

“The FBI is proud to have the opportunity to work with our Kenyan law enforcement partners on this initiative,” said Assistant Director of the International Operations Division Charles Spencer. “The first Kenyan JTTF will allow for a sharing of experience, knowledge, and capabilities that will enhance our shared commitment to countering terrorism around the world.”

Officials at the unveiling said that cases the task force investigates will be prosecuted in Kenya’s courts, which they said “promotes the U.S. goal of enabling foreign partners to successfully counter terrorist threats.”

Kenya’s Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations George Kinoti was present at

Department of State Counterterrorism Bureau Deputy Director of Programs Laurie Freeman speaks at the unveiling of the first first Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) to be located outside of the United States in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2020. Photo: FBI

Monday’s ceremony to announce the task force. He called the U.S. a valued partner in combating terrorism.

“I appreciate the effort and resources the FBI and Department of State have dedicated toward improving the capabilities of our officers through training, experience, and insight. Due to globalization and the rapid advancement in technology, terrorists and their sympathizers have also changed tactics and devised new methods to further their agenda. Endeavors such as the Kenyan Joint Terrorism Task Force will allow for a multi-agency approach to achieve common objectives and assist us in obtaining the upper hand against the enemy.”

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks on US-Kenya strategic partnership

By

Mshale Staff

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February 7, 2020

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Uhuru Kenyatta in US — President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta during a moderated session after speaking at the Atlantic Council on February 5, 2020. Photo: Atlantic Council

President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya on Wednesday told Americans to see Africa as “more than just a continent producing security threats or unregulated migration that must be contained,” but rather as a region that has “immense strategic importance to the security and prosperity of the transatlantic alliance.”

Kenyatta made the remarks when he discussed his vision for the future of the US-Kenya strategic partnership during an address at the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center.

The Kenyan president was in the US to attend the National Prayer Breakfast with Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, where they spoke about their efforts to reconcile Kenya’s polarized society.

Trump’s African ban: What it means

By

Tom Gitaa, Editor-in-Chief

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February 7, 2020

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Less than 24 hours to the start of Black History month, President Trump issued a proclamation blocking the nationals of six countries from immigrating to the United States including Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, Nigeria. Four of the six countries are from Africa, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania and Nigeria. The other two countries are Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called the African ban “discrimination disguised as policy.”

Trump in banning immigration from these countries said that five of the six countries do not comply with US information sharing requirements and that in the case of Sudan, its passport technology does not meet US standards in terms of vetting those wanting to move to the US.

Mshale followed up with DHS officials who clarified that skilled workers from these countries coming in on H-1B visas will not be affected. However, Investors visas, which normally lead to green cards will not be given to nationals affected by the African ban.

US Congressman Joe Neguse of Colorado, a Democrat whose parents are from Eritrea, lashed out at the ban on Twitter. “As a son of Eritrean refugees, let me be clear: The President’s travel ban on African countries contradicts our American values and the promise and refuge our country has offered to immigrants and refugees for centuries. It is unconscionable. It is wrong. And we must oppose it.”

What does this mean for the nationals from the four African countries?

Nigeria

-Green Card Visas? No
-Visitors’ (Tourist) Visa? Yes. More scrutiny can be expected. However, the visa interview waiver for renewals suspension that went into effect early 2019 remains in place. Applicants wishing to renew their visas must appear in person for an interview.
-Diversity Visa Lottery? Not applicable. Nigerians were never eligible even before this ban as the Diversity lottery targets countries with low immigration to the US.

Eritrea

-Green Card Visas? No
-Visitors’ (Tourist) Visa? Yes. More scrutiny can be expected.
-Diversity Visa Lottery? Yes.

Tanzania

-Green Card Visas? No
-Visitors’ (Tourist) Visa? Yes. More scrutiny can be expected.
-Diversity Visa Lottery? No.

Sudan

-Green Card Visas? No.
-Visitors’ (Tourist) Visa? Yes. More scrutiny can be expected.
-Diversity Visa Lottery? No.

Trump’s African ban builds on his Muslim ban that targeted nationals from predominantly Muslim countries. In response to the Muslim ban, Democrats in Congress introduced the National Origin-Based Anti-discrimination for Non-immigrants (NO BAN Act), which would repeal the Muslim ban, broaden the Immigration and Nationality Act’s nondiscrimination clause to specifically prohibit religion-based discrimination, and limit executive authority to prevent the president from issuing future bans based on xenophobia.

US Customs destroys Ballaké Sissoko’s Kora

By

News Agencies Mshale Team

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February 6, 2020

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Ballaké Sissoko of Mali — Ballaké Sissoko playing his kora which fans compared to ‘Coltrane’s saxophone or Itzhak Perlman’s violin’. Photo: Chris Christodoulou

Malian musician Ballaké Sissoko has accused US border officials of breaking his “impossible to replace” musical instrument during a security check.

Sissoko plays the kora, a west African instrument whose 21 strings can sound similar to a harp. US border officials said they did not open the instrument case.

“Would US customs have dared to dismantle a Stradivarius?” asked a statement posted on Sissoko’s Facebook page. “In its own way, that is what has just happened to Ballaké.”

Sissoko checked his kora on a flight from New York, where he had just ended his US tour, to his home in Paris.

At home after the flight on Tuesday, Sissoko found that his kora, which was made to his specifications, had the neck removed, and the strings, bridge and amplification system had been taken apart.

“Even if all the components that have been dissembled were intact, it takes weeks before a kora of this calibre can return to its previous state of resonance,” the Facebook statement said. “These kinds of custom-made koras are simply impossible to replace. They are certainly not available in shops.”

Mshale

Minnesotans of African heritage rally at the state capitol

African immigrant candidates caucus

Paschal Nwokocha endorses Pete Buttigieg

Public Charge Rule targeting low income immigrants goes into effect February 24

African Health Care Providers Association holds official launch celebration

Comcast opens new Xfinity store in Brooklyn Center

African health care businesses to launch new association

U.S. establishes first overseas Joint Terrorism Task Force

President Uhuru Kenyatta speaks on US-Kenya strategic partnership

Trump’s African ban: What it means

US Customs destroys Ballaké Sissoko’s Kora

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