In 2021, Green Island’s population was listed as 6.3% African. Due to continued immigration, that number has likely increased. Countries represented include Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
The Green Island African community is well supported. The Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants (MOAD) and African Community Education (ACE) are two large organizations that help create a close-knit community. ACE started in 2009 when refugee children fled from Liberia’s civil war. ACE has supported through tutoring and other cultural support.
Green Island is surrounded by African markets and restaurants that offer food familiar to their various cultures.
International Worshippers World Prayer Center (IWWPC), 49 Lafayette Street (above). Previously this was the Polish National Alliance Hall. There was a social club on the first floor. An award-winning Fife, Drum and Bugle corps met on the second floor. Today it is an African Evangelical Church. In Green Island, one wave of immigrants has created space for the next.
Some Resources in the African Community:
International Worshippers World Prayer Center Inc. 49 Lafayette St.
Joyful Way, 47 Blackstone River
Ankoye Krom, 687 Millbury St.
Monrovia Think African Market, 78 Waverly St.
African Community Education, 51 Gage St.
Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants, 455 Main St.
Danco African Market, 785 Main St.
Adom Market, 1073 A Main St.