Official Statement from ELOI on the Detention of our Executive Director, Pastor Steven Tendo
It is with heavy hearts and deep concern that we speak to our partners, supporters, and the global community regarding the arrest and continued detention of our Executive Director, Pastor Steven Tendo, in the United States of America. Pastor Steven Tendo has been residing in the United States as an asylum seeker, faithfully and diligently […]
The Silent Killer: Heart Health in the Immigrant Community
Introduction: The “New World” Diet February is American Heart Month. While we often focus on infectious diseases (malaria, HIV) when talking about Africa, the biggest killer of African immigrants in the US is Non-Communicable Disease—specifically Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) and Heart Disease. Why? Because migration changes the body. The Stress Factor: “The Immigrant Heart” It […]
The Griot in the Living Room: Why Oral History Matters for Black History Month
Introduction: When an Elder Dies, a Library Burns There is an African proverb: “When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.” We are in the middle of Black History Month. Often, we look to books and documentaries for history. But for the African immigrant community, our history is sitting in the living […]
8,000 Miles of Love: The Reality of Marriage in the Immigration Wait
Introduction: The Empty Seat at Dinner This Valentine’s Day, restaurants across America will be full of couples. But for thousands of asylum seekers and refugees, the seat across from them will be empty. Their spouse is 8,000 miles away—in a camp in Kenya, a village in Uganda, or hiding in a safe house. This is […]
The Mask We Wear: “Code-Switching” and the Mental Load of the African Immigrant
Introduction: The Two Voices Listen closely to an African immigrant speaking to their family on the phone. You hear a certain cadence, an accent, a warmth, perhaps a mix of English and a local dialect. Now, listen to that same person answer a work call 30 seconds later. The pitch changes. The accent flattens. The […]
The “Dreamer” Parents: The Sacrificial Love Behind the Success
Introduction: The Shadow Generation We often talk about the “Dreamers”—the children brought here young who go on to become doctors and engineers. We celebrate them. But we rarely talk about the Parents. The father who worked three shifts as a janitor so his daughter could go to college. The mother who never learned English because […]
Invisible Blackness: The Unique Struggle of the Black Migrant
Introduction: The Double Bind As we continue Black History Month, we must shine a light on a specific subset of the Black experience: The Black Migrant. Being Black in America is hard. Being an Immigrant in America is hard. Being both is a unique intersection of difficulty that is often ignored in policy debates. Black […]
The “February Slump”: Fighting the Mid-Winter Blues
Introduction: When the Adrenaline Fades On January 1st, everyone has hope. “This is the year I get my papers.” “This is the year I learn English.” By January 30th, the adrenaline has worn off. The sky is grey. The court date is still delayed. The job is still hard. We call this the “February Slump.” […]
Roots and Wings: Bridging the Gap for Black History Month
Introduction: February 1st Approaches This Sunday marks the start of Black History Month. For a recent immigrant from Uganda, this can be a confusing time. They are Black, but they are not African American. They share a skin color, but not a history. There is often a silent tension—a “gap”—between the African immigrant community and […]
The “Refund” Lifeline: Why Tax Season Matters for New Americans
Introduction: The W-2 Arrival It is January 30th. In mailboxes across America, W-2 forms are arriving. For the average American, tax season is a headache. For the low-income immigrant family, tax season is a lifeline. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit are often the largest single sums of money a […]