THE AFRICA SOCIETY IN SHANGHAI
“Preserving Heritage. Cultivating Identity. Building Community.”
Our Core Mission
To support African families and individuals in Shanghai by building emotional resilience, cultural rootedness, intercultural understanding, and positive contributions to Chinese society.
6 Strategic Pillars Guiding Our Mission
As we work to uplift African communities in China, our programs are rooted in six interconnected pillars. Each reflects a deep commitment to cultural dignity, family strength, youth empowerment, spiritual resilience, artistic celebration, and global friendship.
1. Culture & Heritage
Focus: We provide immersive and joyful access to African cultural life.
Programs Include:
- African storytelling nights with elders, authors, and young readers
- Traditional dress, dance, and drumming classes
- Language revival circles (Swahili, Yoruba, Igbo, Amharic, Zulu)
- African culinary workshops and family potlucks
- Visual arts exhibitions exploring diasporic identity in China
Why It Matters: These experiences help root young people in their heritage and cultivate pride and continuity—not assimilation.
2. Family Support & Relational Wisdom
Focus: Drawing from African philosophies like Ubuntu, we support strong family systems and culturally grounded parenting.
Programs Include:
- Parenting in the diaspora: Raising children with African values in Chinese schools
- Marriage and family retreats bridging African and Chinese wisdom traditions
- Men’s & women’s circles for emotional resilience and spousal connection
- African Fathers Matter initiative promoting gentle fatherhood and legacy building
Why It Matters: These gatherings strengthen the relational fabric that binds families and generations together.
3. Youth Identity & Education
Focus: Empowering African youth in China to thrive with clarity, confidence, and leadership.
Programs Include:
- Youth Mentorship Academy connecting students with African professionals
- Intercultural leadership development workshops
- Afro-Chinese teen panels on race, identity, and creative expression
- African Roots School Clubs at international schools
Why It Matters: Young people gain both pride in their roots and skills to shape the future.
4. Healing, Faith & Resilience
Focus: We provide spiritual and emotional support for those navigating displacement, grief, and transition.
Programs Include:
- Faith fellowships rooted in African Christian traditions
- Diaspora grief and identity workshops
- Refuge and prayer circles for new students and workers
- African chaplaincy for intercultural families and crisis care
Why It Matters: These safe spaces help our community heal, reflect, and reconnect to their spiritual and ancestral compass.
5. Art, Music & Celebration
Focus: Reclaiming African narratives in public spaces through creativity and joy.
Programs Include:
- Africa Day Festival in Shanghai with fashion, dance, food, and guest speakers
- Diaspora Gospel & Afro-Jazz Concert Series
- Film nights with community-led post-screening discussions
- Poetry and storytelling slams inspired by oral traditions
Why It Matters: These events counter stereotypes and celebrate African dignity and vitality in the heart of China.
6. Community Diplomacy & Socio-Cultural Exchange
Focus: We foster meaningful Africa–China relationships at the civic and grassroots levels.
Programs Include:
- Cultural exchanges with Chinese universities and family groups
- Joint seminars on Confucian and African ethical worldviews
- China-Africa family roundtables on education, identity, and values
- Civic volunteerism that showcases Africa’s goodwill in Shanghai
Why It Matters: Dialogue, partnership, and shared values build bridges of understanding and respect across cultures.
Impact and Alignment
With Chinese Social Goals
We directly serve the shared goals of Chinese society:
- Social harmony through intercultural understanding and trust-building
- Stable family structures supported by heritage and values
- Youth virtue development based in global identity, not alienation
- Positive public engagement from foreign residents rooted in gratitude and contribution
Leadership & Structure
Founder: Dr. Joseph Boyd & Local African Council Members
Location: Community centers, university campuses, and partner institutions across Shanghai
Collaborations:
• The International Family Society (IFS)
• Shanghai faith communities
• Chinese cultural offices and social enterprises
• African student unions and national embassies
“Our Roots, Our Strength, Our Future – Together.”