“There used to be an Angolan Association here in B.C.,” adds Lukengo Miguel, vice-president of the AABC. “What we did is just get more involved on the executive part of the Association, and help bring back different programs and collaborate more to help the community.”
Lima and his executive team officially registered the AABC as a non-profit in Feb. 2024, continuing the work of local Angolans to establish strong community ties.
Addressing community needs
Both executive members came to B.C. from other provinces: Lima attended Trent University (Peterborough, Ont.), while Miguel attended a technological institution (Calgary, Alta.). Miguel recalls feeling a stronger sense of community in Alberta’s largest city, as most Angolans lived near each other. In contrast, he observes that Angolans in B.C. are spread around the province and the high cost of living calls for a busier lifestyle.
“Since 2018, the connection with the local Angolan community started by first getting to know one person,” Miguel shares of their work to engage the community. “And then that person introduces us to everyone else that lives here, and from there we started a new WhatsApp group.”
They strive to find ways for the community to develop together, be it through immigration support, mental health education or financial resources. Their financial literacy workshops have discussed topics like credit-building, tax-saving accounts and homeownership.
“[Our events] are not limited only for those who are Angolan,” the president shares. “We do have a lot of members that come to the events, with other community members – some are very consistent, [and] there they are, they are part of it.”
Responsive to their community, the executives recently identified the need for culturally sensitive mental health support, particularly for Angolan men. Miguel notes that the lack of Black healthcare providers with similar lived experiences makes addressing mental health a difficult process.
“There’s a lot more discussion in regard to mental health [and] self-development, and instead of us just spending time in doing that ourselves, we get together,” Miguel explains, adding they are planning a mental health event for May.
Recognizing potential
A large part of the AABC’s work is also simply having fun with each other – bringing the spirit of their tropical, coastal country to B.C. Miguel notes that Angolans are “culturally very happy people,” as embodied through their annual carnival celebrations. Lima adds that Angola’s carnival highlights their culture’s African heritage with music, particularly drumming, from before Portuguese colonialism – a reflection of their diverse culture.
“I would say, like 20 years ago, it was mostly Portuguese and Angolan people residing in Angola, but today is different,” Miguel shares, adding that the country has seen increased immigration from Asia.
According to Lima, Angola’s economy is rapidly developing, partly due to its wealth of natural resources. The country’s capital will host this year’s U.S.-Africa Business Summit in June.
“The downtown of Luanda, Angola looks like you are in Miami, so it’s very, very much upgraded,” Lima adds, while noting that the gap between the rich and poor is still significant. “There’s 38 million people there, it’s almost just as big as Canada, so it has a lot of potential.”
While Portuguese is the national language, there is a variety of other languages enriching Angola’s culture, including Kongo, Kimbundu and Umbundu. For Miguel, it is important to preserve these languages for the younger generation – an initiative the AABC is looking into for the future.
As Angolans celebrate half a century of independence in November, Lima’s motivation to continue expanding the Association, while working a full-time job and balancing family responsibilities is simple: “To unite the Angolan people of British Columbia.”
Angola will commemorate the Day of the Liberation of Southern Africa on March 23, a day for remembering the Cuito Cuanavale battle in 1988 where the Angolans, with the support of Cubans, fought against South Africa’s apartheid troops, leading to Namibia’s independence.
For more information, see www.linkedin.com/company/angolan-association-of-british-columbia
