SE 3/EP 29:Conversation with Abdoulaye Cisse the Founder of BABA and a Community Activist

Since the launching of Pánsá Pánsá Forum, part of the mission has been to engage the diversity of the African immigrant community in conversation about their experiences. Before starting my podcast, I held forums in Bronx, NY, which always included the diverse first and second generations of our African immigrant community. When I decided to move the conversation online to start a podcast, the idea had not changed, and I have continued to engage our diverse population members of our community both in the USA and abroad. I came to know Mr. Abdoulaye Cisse through Dr. Kelechi Lamberts, who was enthusiastic about our meeting and working together on a community project. Even though I have been working in the vicinity of the south Bronx for many years, I never knew about BABA and the incredible and selfless work the organization has been doing within the community. Mr. Abdoulaye Cisse and I recently collaborated on a community conversation with Dr. Kelechi Ibe Lambert of My Black is Transnational and on the experiences of African immigrant parents and their children. The community conversation, which took place in three different parts, focuses the discussion on the experiences of African immigrant parents and their children as we try to balance between two worlds. The event was a success, with many members of our community, both in the USA and in the diaspora, joining the conversation on zoom.  During my conversation with Mr. Adboulaye Cisse on this podcast episode, we discussed his childhood experience growing up in an African immigrant home and the extended community that contributes to who he is today. We discuss his identity as it relates to his African heritage and black identity. We talked about the challenges parents and children face in America as they try to balance between worlds of African identity, race relations, and navigating through the unknowns of American society. The second part of the conversation was dedicated to discussing his organization BABA. Mr. Cisse talked about what prompted his interest in starting the organization and the target population, the organization, intended to serve. He spoke about the project the organization has worked on in the past, what they are presently working on, and their future projects. We talked about community outreach and how BABA is also connecting with other organizations working with the youth within the locality. I am grateful for Mr. Abdoulaye Cisse coming to the Pansa Pansa forum to have a conversation with me and for the outstanding work BABA is doing in community engagements.  Biography  Abdoulaye Cisse, a son of Guinea-Conakry and a representative of the growing member of the West African community in the Bronx, is a well-connected community leader who advocates and mobilizes Black immigrants, the greater Black diaspora, and the greater Islamic community in NYC. His outreach and organizing skills culminate in a four-year education in marketing, a seven-year sales experience, and a life-long passion for serving his community.    Abdoulaye’s passion and proven track record have been recognized with a proclamation from New York State and an honorary plaque from Black People Rock Honors.    BABA Inc, an organization he leads, has hosted dozens of programs that primarily serve the Black diaspora. BABA’s mission is to call for unity and provide culturally tailored educational and social support services that build skills, promote self-efficacy, and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the Black diaspora community. BABA Inc currently has a board of five influential people, a staff of two people, and a volunteer group of close to 50 people. The organization has built a global network in less than a year while empowering its local grassroots community.