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Philadelphia City Mayor Campaign 2003

Exclusive interview with a strong candidate for Philadelphia Mayor Mr. Sam Katz in our events section

Collaboration of African Communities Endorses Sam Katz for Mayor

PHILADELPHIA, PA – September 23, 2003 – Seeking greater inclusion and recognition from Philadelphia City government, the Collaboration of African Communities today announced its endorsement for Sam Katz as Mayor of Philadelphia.

The coordinator of the organization, Cyprian Anyanwu, said that the current administration has neglected the needs and concerns of the African community, including healthcare, education, and economic development.

“African immigrants in Philadelphia are not asking for a handout. We are asking to be given an equal opportunity in the City of Brotherly Love,” Anyanwu said. “We know that Sam Katz recognizes how industrious Africans are – that we are viable contributors to the economy of Philadelphia.”

Katz said that the African community would not be forgotten in his administration but rather would be a partner in making Philadelphia a City that is welcoming to people from all countries.

“Today, by supporting me, you are giving a voice to the African community,” Katz said. “You are proving that the African immigrant community can, and should, have a say in how this City is led.”

Katz said his administration would better support the African community by offering services that allow them to cross cultural divides and play a greater role in the City.

Katz said he would strongly support the creation of an Office of New Americans, which would help immigrants learn English. The office would act as a liaison between City agencies and immigrant communities throughout the City, assist immigrants in applying for and obtaining U.S. citizenship, and strengthen the ability of immigrants from diverse cultures and languages to fully participate in Philadelphia’s economic, cultural and social life.

“I know you have felt shut out of the process in a Philadelphia City government that caters to the powerful and connected,” Katz told the African community. “But I commit to you today that you will be connected to the Katz administration.”

The Collaboration of African Communities includes immigrants from Angola, Mali, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Namibia, the Ivory Coast, Sudan and South Africa.