In partnership with ABISA, the inaugural Michigan Blvck Migrant Convening positions workforce access, housing, and education as critical pathways to long-term economic mobility.
Saturday, October 26th, 2024
Detroit, Michigan — This past Saturday, the Global African Business Association (GABA) was honored to co-sponsor and participate in the inaugural Michigan Blvck Migrant Convening, hosted at Wayne State University by our community impact partner, the African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs (ABISA). The gathering marked a pivotal step toward advancing inclusive economic opportunities for Michigan’s Black migrant communities, setting the tone for transformative, cross-sector dialogue on workforce integration and structural equity.
With a focus on reimagining economic mobility through the lenses of employment, housing, and education, the convening brought together thought leaders, advocates, and practitioners committed to building a stronger, more inclusive Michigan. GABA’s leadership played an active role in guiding these conversations, reflecting our deep commitment to aligning economic systems with the lived realities of African and Caribbean migrants.
“This convening reminded us that workforce integration is not a siloed issue—it’s a systems issue,” said Akindele Akinyemi, Co-Founder of the Global African Business Association “If we are serious about building a future-ready economy, we must create entry points for Black migrants that are rooted in dignity, skill-building, and long-term opportunity.”
Akinyemi moderated the Re-powering Economic Opportunities and Workforce Integration panel, emphasizing the importance of bridging skills gaps, scaling workforce training, and removing systemic barriers to employment and entrepreneurship. He challenged stakeholders to view migrants not as participants, but as co-builders of Michigan’s future economy.
“We cannot talk about workforce integration without addressing where people live,” said O. Rerhi Onomake, Co-Founder of The Global African Business Association “Stable housing must be part of the employment conversation. When we create intentional partnerships between housing systems and workforce programs, we are not just responding to need—we are building pathways out of economic vulnerability.”
Ms. O. Rerhi Onomake contributed to the Addressing Housing Challenges and Living Conditions panel, where she called attention to the interconnected nature of housing security and economic mobility.
Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi-Bridges, GABA Board Director, participated in the Meeting Educational Challenges and Strengthening Community Support session. Her remarks highlighted the urgent need for culturally responsive education systems that equip migrants for meaningful employment and business ownership.
“Education must be designed with the community in mind,” said Dr. Ajayi-Bridges. “Migrant learners need access to programs that respect their identities, build on their experiences, and prepare them to lead in today’s economy.”
The Michigan Blvck Migrant Convening made clear that workforce integration is not just about job placement—it’s about building an economic ecosystem where Black migrants can thrive. The barriers facing these communities are multifaceted—language, documentation, access to capital—but so are the solutions.
GABA’s commitment to African and African-Caribbean entrepreneurs includes targeted programs for U.S. market entry, digital optimization, and business capacity building. These offerings are designed to support migrants not only in surviving economic transition—but in shaping it.