ABOUT AFRIC'ART
Who We Are
Empowering a New Generation of African Immigrants
AFRIC’A.R.T (Africa Autonomous, Resilient, Thriving) was created to support the growing African immigrant community in New York. We focus on providing accessible programs in English literacy, entrepreneurship, the arts, and media empowerment.
We are not only building bridges in the diaspora—we are also cultivating a movement rooted in pride, heritage, and collective strength. AFRIC’A.R.T aims to tremendously contribute to inspiring Africans worldwide and encouraging African unity by promoting cultural expression, solidarity, and collaborative growth across the continent and its global communities.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Meet Our staffs
Ousmane DIOP
President CEO
Ousmane Diop is a sociologist and a social scientist graduate, an interpreter, a project manager, entrepreneur and a community leader. He is a natural and a well-known leader in the African community of New York and political leader. He was born in Senegal where he demonstrated early leadership skills and impacted the lives of many people through socioeconomic and youth programs. He holds a BA in social sciences and BA in liberal arts from Hunter College in New York. He is a well-known and a charismatic leader in the African diaspora of the United States. Through his work he has lifted up thousands of migrants and helped them navigate the system and smoothly integrate the American society. He is a political leader aiming at gaining an elected seat in New York City to better represent the interest of New Yorkers as a whole. AFRICART is a perfect example and illustration of his vision as leader and a community oriented personality.
Tommy Lorenzo BADIANE
Executive Manager
Tomy Lorenzo Badiane is a multidisciplinary social entrepreneur, project manager and independent interpreter/translator with over a decade of experience in international development and arts & culture. Born in Ziguinchor, Senegal, he has combined grassroots bilingual literacy initiatives, nonprofit leadership in New York and strategic operations support across legal, education and immigration sectors. He excels at building bridges across languages, cultures and systems to deliver measurable impact. Most recently he started serving as Executive Manager at AFRIC’A.R.T., empowering African immigrants through english literacy, media, entrepreneurship and the arts. A lifelong learner and change-maker, Tomy brings creativity, rigor and purpose to every challenge.
Papa Amadou DIOKHANE
Ibrahima SYLLA
Treasurer
A strategic Information Technology leader with more than 15 years of experience driving impact across technology, public health, culture, and community development. He holds a Master’s Degree in Information Technology and specializes in information systems, digital transformation, and technology-enabled solutions.
Throughout his career, Ibrahima has collaborated with international organizations, public institutions, and nonprofit initiatives to strengthen systems, improve data-driven decision-making, and support sustainable development. His experience includes contributions to national health and social programs such as Programme National de Lutte contre le Paludisme and Ligue Sénégalaise de Lutte contre le Cancer.
He has also played a leadership role in community empowerment and youth development through the Modou Lô King Arena Senegal Foundation, supporting initiatives focused on sports, culture, and social impact.
As Treasurer of Africart, Ibrahima brings a vision centered on connecting African creativity, innovation, and global opportunity through technology, arts, and community-driven initiatives that foster sustainable growth and cultural impact.
Melvin MOFUS
Creative Branding Lead
Melvin Mofus is a recent graduate of the City College of New York in Harlem. He received his BA in International Studies, Anthropology, and Black Studies. He is very passionate about working to strengthen the African diaspora culturally, socially, and economically. His interests is in research, humanitarian, and advocacy work.
Amy
Core Values
Rooted in Purpose, Driven by Values
Testimonial
What They Say
Volunteering with AFRIC’A.R.T has been life-changing. I’ve learned so much about African cultures and met some of the most inspiring people. It's more than a nonprofit — it’s a family.
AFRIC’A.R.T helped me launch my catering business. I never thought I could be my own boss in a new country, but they showed me what's possible.
The cultural events are powerful reminders of where we come from. They help our kids grow up proud of their roots, even far from home.
Our organization is proud to partner with AFRIC’A.R.T. Their grassroots work has a real, measurable impact on immigrant communities across NYC.
Get involved
Donate, Volunteer, Collaborate
Ways to Contribute:
- Donate: Fuel our programs and expand our impact. [Online donation link]
- Volunteer: Teach, mentor, coordinate, or contribute your time and skills.
- Partner With Us: We welcome collaboration with institutions, media platforms, and community groups.
Ongoing Needs:
- ESL instructors and mentors
- Event coordinators
- Grant writers and digital content creators
I came to New York not speaking a word of English. Thanks to AFRIC’A.R.T’s language classes, I can now speak confidently and help my children with school. They gave me my voice back.