Bridge Building, Intersectionality and Inclusion

Individual Paper/Presentation

Engaging and serving Black immigrant communities

Primary Author(s)

• 

  Ana Ndumu, MLIS, PhD

  Postdoctoral Researcher
  University of Maryland

Now more than ever, libraries are challenged to be progressive and inclusive. Skills such as cultural competence, community engagement, and advocacy are increasingly becoming important to our work as librarians, particularly for those who serve foreign-born populations.

According to U.S. census data, the foreign-born Black population has skyrocketed. In the last 40 years, cities like Miami, Atlanta, New York, and Houston have experienced profound transitions. The proposed session will shed light on the information contexts and practices of African, Afro-­Caribbean and Afro­-Latinx individuals living in the U.S. Regardless of the politics and debates surrounding immigration, the fact remains that there are already 3 million foreign-born Blacks who permanently reside in the U.S., and they need resources to assist them with adjusting, acculturating, and advancing while in their new environments. Using approaches developed from personal experiences as a Black immigrant, years of work as an urban librarian, as well as focus group and survey research conducted with different immigrant enclaves, the presenter will share best practices for establishing or strengthening ties with Black immigrant communities.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the experiences and information worlds of Black immigrant communities.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to design programs and services geared toward Black immigrant communities.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to identify best practices for establishing trust and build partnerships with Black immigrant communities.