Meet the May Member of the Month, Alane Bibang! Alane has been an active member of ACT since September 2014.
Where are you from?
I am from Gabon.
You recently attended the DAPA/DACA rally in Washington D.C. What did that experience mean to you?
Attending the rally in front of the U.S. Supreme Court meant a lot to me. The rally showed me how powerful a united immigrant community could be. It was amazing to see how people organized and came together from all over the country to fight for a cause they believe in--whites, blacks, Asians, and Latinos all united in one group!
Do you have a favorite activity you enjoy doing in NYC?
It's hard to choose one activity I enjoy doing in NYC because I have so much fun experimenting with different things. There are so many museums, galleries, shows, and restaurants serving food from all over the world! Going out and exploring NYC is also a great way to meet people from different cultures and countries. If I had to pick one, however, I'd say the exhibit on Governor's Island. Artists came from all over and displayed their work in the homes of former officers on the fortified Island.
Obviously, there is also the African collections at the MET Museum and the Brooklyn Museum. Many museums in NYC have free days during the week and I would encourage all of our community members to visit.
What is one of your favorite African movies?
I like the movie Bal Poussiere.
How have you been involved with ACT?
I volunteer as an interpreter with ACT. I attend the Monthly Membership Meetings and assist with the consecutive French-English translation. It's a great way I am able to serve my community.
How are you trying to make a difference in the African community?
I try to help people from my community in many ways, mostly around immigration and jobs. I am in the process of setting up a company that will give American investors a platform to invest in our beautiful continent. I also started a transportation company, where I provide jobs to our community members. It is still very new, but as the company grows I intend to provide a lot of jobs to my fellow community members. God willing.