A Few Words From Our President
I am honored to serve as President of the African Community Association (ACA), a forward-looking organization with a proud legacy in Northeast Ohio. For over two decades, ACA has stood as a beacon of unity, professionalism, and purpose—bringing together a diverse network of accomplished African professionals and engaging meaningfully with the broader community.
I am especially grateful to work alongside our Vice President, Dr. Owusu Danquah, as we continue striving for even greater impact. At the heart of ACA’s mission is a deep commitment to education, and as an educator, this is near and dear to my heart. Each year, we award partial scholarships to African students in Northeast Ohio—an investment in both individual potential and community uplift. As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, every contribution to this initiative is tax-deductible and fuels our vision to grow the scholarship fund and broaden our reach.
We are actively expanding our donor and stakeholder network to ensure more students benefit from this important work. Equally central to our mission is the elevation of African voices and issues through educational programming. At last year’s gala, we were reminded of our shared responsibility to champion the next generation. With the continued support of area universities, nonprofit partners, and committed individuals like you, we are confident in our ability to rise to this call.
Our annual scholarship gala and dinner dance remains a signature event—celebrating African culture, community achievements, and the promise of tomorrow’s leaders. With a dynamic keynote speaker, vibrant programming, and meaningful connection among friends and supporters, this gathering is more than an occasion—it is a statement of who we are and what we believe in.
Thank you for your continued support of ACA. I look forward to building an even stronger future together - let’s stride into the future with confidence, and high hopes for our generations to come!
Nze Prince Charlie Muruako
President, ACA 2024-2026
WHO WE ARE
The African Community Association (ACA) is an association of
professional Africans in Northeast Ohio
who have a special interest in the progress
of African students in area universities.
ACA was established in 1994 in Kent, Ohio, by a group of professors at Kent State University, who were particularly concerned about the support group and networking opportunities for African students and for African professionals who have made the USA their home. Their objectives then, as is now, was to provide ample opportunities for the students to succeed in the classroom and in the community-at-large, and to increase effective networking between African professionals and create linkages to their communities so as not to be insular but rather contributing at the highest levels possible to society.
VISION AND MISSION
ACA’s vision is to be a dynamic and vibrant driver of progress in the African Community, whose members may return to Africa or assimilate in the communities of the United States. ACA undertakes this with a strong sense of purpose, direction and determination to work with all members, supporters and affiliate organizations to stay relevant in tackling major development issues that affect the African Community.
ACA’s mission is reflected in our objectives, accomplished via our many activities, reflected in the following key objectives:
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Our Board, Committed to The Highest Standards
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You don’t have to stand in only one place to watch a masquerade i.e., there are multiple options you can employ to accomplish even the most difficult objective!
Nze Charlie Muruako Educator -
Africa is a world in which all is related and integrated - Ubuntu - I am because you are.
Kazadi Wa Mukuna, Ph.D Ethnomusicologist and Professor of Music
Kent State University Vice President, ACA 2022-2024 -
God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.
Dr. Debo Adedipe Medical Director, St. Luke’s Pediatric Care President, ACA 2019-2021 -
Onye kwe, Chi ya ekwe (If you say yes, your God will say yes)
Felix Ekechi, Ph.D [Late, 2023] Professor Emeritus of History, Kent State University Founding Member -
A major lesson for leadership in the African Diaspora: “forest fortuna adiuvat” (fortune favors the brave)
Christopher Williams Associate Professor of Pan-African Studies,
Former Dean Kent State University -
A family is like a forest, when you are outside it is dense, when you are inside you see that each tree has it's place.
Charles Mbanefo, MD Nephrologist and Professor of Medicine,
Case Western Reserve University -
We show the light, inspire and lead by example.
Buchi Offodile, Ph.D Chair, Management and Information Systems
Kent State University -
If the yam used in sacrifice does not die prematurely, it will eventually germinate! Things will eventually improve despite present difficulties.
Dr. Remy Nnadozie Pharmacologist -
Stay focused - tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Felix Nwaokafor, MD Onyeishie (President), ACA (2015-2017)
Internist, University Hospitals Cleveland -
Think first and then act wisely. But don't forget to act.
PolyCarp Ikuenobe, Ph.D President ACA, 2017-2019
Professor of Philosophy, Kent State University -
Those whose palm kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble.
Nze Ngozi Nkemere CEO, Kems Construction, Inc -
Africa is rising, lets work together - going it alone is like the sound of one hand clapping.
Dr. Ademola Solaru Software Entrepreneur
CEO, Parthenon Globalsystems, LLC President ACA, 2013-2015 -
You are what you do, not what you say you'll do
Chief John Anoliefo Chairman and CEO, Famicos Foundation President, ACA 2017-2019 -
Life is a mystery that was not given to us as a problem to be solved, but we can live and experience it’s reality.
Dr. John Nworie CEO, Protem Healthcare President, ACA 2022-2024
ACTIVITIES
Fundraising, Fraternity, Student and Community Support
ACA’s activities revolve around scholarship and education. Please click here to download a copy of the most current scholarship application
ACA’s activities are highlighted by the annual dinner dance and scholarship awards gala, along with other community events recognizing strong family ties and outreach to professionals and students in the Northeast Ohio area.
ACA’s scholarship and awards gala is held every year as a major fundraising and networking event. Its sole purpose is to raise funds for students. Over the years several scholarships have been awarded meritoriously, and students have gone on to achieve great things. ACA is active and visible in the African community in northeast Ohio. ACA and its members partner with other organizations whose goals are compatible with ACA’s.
Sponsors
Many notable Northeast Ohio organizations support the objectives of ACA, and have been steadfast supporters for many years. A few of our long-time supporters includes
Donations & Events
Please select one of the options below to purchase tickets for our annual gala, select the QR code or use the payment link to get to the payments page. And if you are sending us a donation, please, donate generously! Give our students a chance to succeed!!
