Gambian Americans

DC United vs Houston Dynamo Charlie Davies

Sanna Nyassi Colorado Rapids 2011 vs Chicago Fire

Fatou Bensouda

Error creating thumbnail:

Lamin Sanneh

Gambian Americans are Americans of Gambian descent. The Gambia is a small country in West Africa, bordered by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. Gambian Americans have a rich cultural heritage and contribute to the diverse tapestry of the United States.

History

The history of Gambian Americans dates back to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, during which many West Africans, including Gambians, were forcibly brought to the United States. In more recent times, Gambians have immigrated to the U.S. for various reasons, including educational opportunities, economic prospects, and political asylum.

Demographics

Gambian Americans are a small but growing community. According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of Gambian Americans has been increasing steadily. They are primarily concentrated in urban areas such as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta.

Culture

Gambian Americans maintain their cultural heritage through traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Popular Gambian dishes include Domoda (peanut stew), Benachin (Jollof rice), and Yassa (marinated meat or fish). They also celebrate important cultural and religious events such as Tobaski (Eid al-Adha) and Independence Day.

Religion

The majority of Gambian Americans are Muslim, reflecting the predominant religion in The Gambia. There are also smaller communities of Christians and practitioners of indigenous African religions.

Notable Gambian Americans

• Jaha Dukureh - Activist against female genital mutilation and child marriage.
• Fatou Bensouda - Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Organizations

Several organizations support the Gambian American community, including the Gambian American Association and the Gambia Youth Organization. These groups provide resources, cultural events, and advocacy for Gambian Americans.

Related Pages

• Gambia
• West Africa
• Transatlantic Slave Trade
• Islam in the United States
• African Americans