LAUREL, Md. (DC News Now) — During the month of September many in Prince George’s County are celebrating African Heritage Month. It is being done to showcase culture and the impact African immigrants make.
Aramide Adeyemi said it feels great to know her culture is being celebrated. She and her husband, Doc, are Nigerian immigrants who own Aramide, a fashion store in Laurel, selling authentic Nigerian clothing.
“When you think how far we’ve come to be able to have time to celebrate us it’s a great feeling and you take great pride in it,” Adeyemi said. “Now we have a voice and an opportunity to showcase our talent and to showcase what we have and why we are successful.”
County councilmember Wala Blegay said 40% of businesses in Prince George’s County are owned by African immigrants. She said Maryland is home to the fourth largest share of African immigrants in the country.
“What’s beautiful about Prince George’s County is that the African community is thriving. Over the last 20 years, Africans have moved here and we’ve got almost 20% of the population and many of the businesses that people frequent are owned by Africans now.”
Earlier this month, Gov. Wes Moore officially proclaimed September as African Heritage Month in Maryland.
