Community relationships for Africans in the U.S. increasingly extend to other members of the Black diaspora including African American and Afro-Caribbean communities. This extension fosters new cultural collaboration and social dialogue. Other African immigrants forge alliances with the larger Philadelphia community and make their mark on the city scene.

"As an immigrant in Oman, where I was before, you are always just an immigrant. You will never be part of the society, no matter how long you stay there, one year, fifteen years, or thirty years.  You do not feel that here in the United States. This country belongs to hard-working immigrants."
-         Sudanese businessman in Philadelphia

In the last decade, successful collaborations have emerged between members of African American and African immigrant communities. At Odunde, an annual Yoruba celebration recreated by African Americans, many African vendors offer cultural goods for sale.  Philly Dance Africa, organized by the Philadelphia Folklore Project, features collaborative performances by African immigrant and African American dancers.

Dr. Cyprian Anyanwu has served the Philadelphia community in a variety of capacities.  He currently runs a drug rehabilitation center. Active in community and local politics, Cyprian ran for City Council in 1999.

Leaders in the Eritrean community, concerned that their new nation was not represented among the flags on the Parkway, worked with city officials to have the Eritrean flag included.  In July 7, 2001 the Eritrean flag was raised outside of the Franklin Institute -- an important day for Eritreans, for whom the event marked increased recognition of their homeland in the Philadelphia landscape.