By Frank Akakpo, Bolingbrook
When Ghana, the West African nation formerly known as the Gold Coast, gained independence in 1957, the number of Ghanaians living in the Chicago area was relatively small. However, over the next four decades, Chicago’s Ghanaian community experienced significant growth, reaching between 10,000 and 15,000 people
Waves of Immigration
- 1970s: The first wave of immigration occurred in the 1970s. Opposition to military coups and undemocratic regimes drove Ghanaians, especially students, to seek educational and other opportunities in the United States.
- 1980s: Economic hardships in the 1980s further fueled migration, leading to a Ghanaian population in Chicago of approximately 5,000–7,000.
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Settlement Patterns
- South Side and North Side: Initially, Ghanaian immigrants settled on the South Side of Chicago. However, an increasing presence emerged in North Side neighborhoods like Uptown.
- Suburban Community: The largest suburban Ghanaian community is located in Bolingbrook.
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Community Organizations
- Ghana National Council (GNC): Formed in the 1960s as the Ghana Student’s Union, the GNC provided a home base for Ghanaian migrants. It evolved into an umbrella group for 12 ethnic and professional associations in Chicago. These associations include the Asanteman Association, Brong Ahafo Association, Ewe Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Fante Benevolent Society, Ga-Adangbe Association, and more.
- Mission: The GNC serves two purposes: supporting the Ghanaian community in Chicago and educating Ghanaian American youth and the broader public about Ghanaian culture.
Cultural Celebrations
- Ghanafest: Since 1988, Ghanafest has been an annual cultural festival held each July in Washington Park. It features a durbar attended by chiefs and queen mothers from various ethnic associations. The festival introduces Chicagoans to Ghanaian cuisine and arts and crafts.
Strong Ties
Wherever Ghanaians have settled in metropolitan Chicago, they maintain strong ties to the local ethnic community and Ghana itself. The community stands out as one of the most vibrant immigrant communities in the diaspora. Their rich cultural heritage, resilience, and shared aspirations contribute to the city’s multicultural fabric.
Some Of The Qeenmothers In The Community
