Christelle N. Onwu, a prominent human rights advocate and former City of New York African Diaspora Advisor, has launched Express Connexion, a consulting firm dedicated to bridging the gap between organizations and New York’s thriving African diaspora. With a background in community organizing, public service, and academia, Onwu brings a wealth of experience to this new venture.
Express Connexion offers a range of services, including strategic advisement, community relations, program management, and event planning, all tailored to meet the unique needs of clients seeking to engage with this diverse community. In this exclusive interview with the African Journal, Onwu shares her vision for Express Connexion and how her passion for human rights continues to drive her work.
Learn how Express Connexion is empowering organizations to build stronger relationships and make a meaningful impact within New York’s African diaspora community. Read more to discover Onwu’s insights and the firm’s innovative approach to community engagement.
Historically, the number of migrants from Africa’s 54 countries has been so low that U.S. authorities classified them as “other,” a category that has grown exponentially, driven recently, officials say, by fast-rising numbers from the continent.
According to government data obtained by The Times, the number of Africans apprehended at the southern border jumped to 58,462 in the fiscal year 2023 from 13,406 in 2022. The top African countries in 2023 were Mauritania, at 15,263; Senegal, at 13,526; and Angola and Guinea, which each had more than 4,000.
Nonprofits that work on the border said that the trend has continued, with the absolute number and share of migrants from Africa climbing in recent months as potential destinations in Europe narrow.
