Our Research Roots

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 AFRISOTA was born from a doctoral dissertation exploring Human Rights Violations Against Legal Immigrants in Minnesota. That research exposed systemic inequities, harmful narratives, and institutional barriers that many African immigrants face, despite their legal status and invaluable contributions to the state.

We believe that research is not just academic, it is personal, political, and liberatory. It gives voice to lived experience, documents injustice, and builds the foundation for meaningful change.

• Community-Led Inquiry – We center the questions and concerns of African immigrants themselves
• Cultural Memory & Storytelling – We value oral history and community knowledge as forms of research
• Action-Oriented Findings – Our research is not for archives—it fuels advocacy, programming, and transformation
• Intersectional Analysis – We explore how race, immigration status, culture, and systems intersect in people’s lives.

Completed Works:

"Human Rights Violations Against Legal African Immigrants in Minnesota"

- By Dr. John Ewu -
This foundational research document led to the creation of AFRISOTA. 

 Download a copy 

"The Long Way Home: An Immigrant's Tale: Some Journeys Are Meant To Be"

 - By Dr. John Ewu -  

This easy-to-read Masterpiece gives you a glimpse of an African Immigrant’s journey to the U.S.

Get your copy

  Work-in-progress: 

"Preserving Cultural Wellness and Heritage Among African Immigrants in Minnesota"

- By Dr. John Ewu - 

"Parenting Practices and Youth Mental Health Outcomes in Minnesota's African-Immigrant Families Following the Murder of George Floyd"

- In collaboration with the Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota -

We are actively seeking:

• Academic Partners to co-lead community-based research or offer institutional collaboration
   
• Graduate Students or Interns in public health, sociology, anthropology, or education to support data collection, transcription, or evaluation
   
• Community Researchers who bring lived experience and cultural insight to the research process
   

Interested in working with us?