WHO ARE WE?
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political instability and recent Rwanda and Uganda’s invasion
wars in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).
Those wars left a legacy of violence, corruption, and economic
collapse that continues to plague the country. While a few
Congolese might have arrived in California following Congolese
independence in 1960, the first major waves of Congolese
migrants in northern California were students in the 1970s. Most
students anticipated a temporary stay for educational purposes,
but the deteriorating political and economic situation at home led
many of them to remain in the United States.
The escalation of conflict in the 1990s created a big wave of
political refugees which has swelled the size of the Congolese
community in Northern California from around 50 to several
hundred, according to recent community estimates. Most
Congolese in California have settled in their new lives and are
productive members of the community despite the challenge of
new cultural shock that all immigrants go through. They have
learned the English language, graduated from American
Colleges and Universities, and are busy professionals who come
from every walk of life: public/private sector leaders, engineers,
accountants, teachers, nurses, priests, professors, lawyers,
doctors, students etc. For some of them, they have started new
career here in California because the professional expertise and
education acquired in the Congo are often not recognized by
United States employers, and consequently many educated
Congolese have had to take first unskilled and low-paying jobs
like security guard.
English language is also a big challenge to Congolese when
they first arrive in the US. Contrary to many African countries
which were British colony, both Congo are French speaking
countries. But in a very short time, Congolese easily manage to
adjust to their new homeland language by going to school to
learn the English language. Although some families were able to
migrate together, many of them came to United States alone, but
have successfully managed to reunite with their families left
behind.
Although Congolese in California come from a range of ethnic
and religious backgrounds, they have attempted to overcome
divisions and organize into a single Congolese community.
Earlier Congolese settlers have become active not only in
providing assistance but in creating and nurturing a Congolese
cultural identity. First Congolese community leaders formed the
Congolese Association in the late 1980s as an informal social
and mutual aid organization. It adopted a ByLaws and formal
structure in 1997 known today as INGA Association that
organise big community social events and gatherings for
maintaining Congolese cultural identity of distinct music, dance,
and foods.
INGA Association has a new goal-oriented and visionary
leadership team dedicated to advance its community. They are
distinguished individuals with demonstrated personal and/or
professional success in their lives, and are driven by strong
believe in the mission of the Community Association.
community
support to make
a difference
Leadership@ingaassociation.org
