[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GHANAIAN COMMUNITY IN AMERICA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois-

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2021

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, the United States of 
America is home to hundreds and thousands of people of Ghanaian 
heritage including those who were born on this soil to those whose 
family emigrated here for education, job, or economic opportunities--
for the American dream.
  Ghanaian Americans are an important fabric in the tapestry of America 
from the cab driver to the medical doctor. You will find them in all 
parts of the country from Chicago to New York to suburban Ohio and 
Massachusetts. The culture is hard to ignore with rich food, the iconic 
Kente cloth, storytelling, inventions, architecture, and music.
  Today more than ever Ghanaians living in the United States worry 
about racial injustice, home ownership, access to education, access to 
small business and immigration support.
  Like many Americans, the Ghanaian community in America is not exempt 
from the COVID-19 crisis. Ghanaian Americans are essential workers and 
are very active in the health care industry, especially as nurses, 
personal care aides, and nursing assistants. Ghanaians are included in 
the 27.5 percent of all Black immigrant workers in the U.S.--more than 
750,000--who work in the healthcare sector. Additionally, essential 
workers include frontline workers in other key industries like food and 
service & hospitality and leisure.
  And Ghanaian Americans have been contributing to the success and 
business continuity of important industries during these dire times. 
Ghanaian Americans are included in 23 percent of immigrants in the U.S. 
who work in the food and service industry, as well as 20 percent of 
immigrants in the U.S. who work in hospitality and leisure.
  We recognize March 6, 2021 as the 64th anniversary of Ghana's 
independence, its thriving heritage and the rich contributions of its 
people who are important members of our community.

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