Get to know us
The African Outreach Center (AOC), based in San Jose, California, is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering African immigrants in the Bay Area, addressing challenges like housing insecurity, employment barriers, language isolation, and cultural disconnection, through targeted media, advocacy, and civic engagement. It bridges critical information gaps between Bay Area diaspora members and their East African home countries via uncensored journalism that covers local issues like visa struggles and workplace discrimination, alongside authentic cultural storytelling to combat stereotypes and foster belonging. AOC drives community organizing against systemic inequities, builds nonprofit capacity for self-reliance, and creates sustainable economic opportunities for African journalists and creators through integrated platforms like online TV (live town halls on rent hikes), radio (job tip lines), blogs (policy explainers), and podcasts (immigrant success stories).
Our Mission
Our mission is to enhance the well-being, dignity, and integration of African immigrants by connecting them with essential resources and ensuring their voices are heard in the broader community.
Our Vision
AOC envisions a society where immigrants live with dignity, experience full inclusion, and celebrate their cultural heritage as integral members of the Bay Area community.
Our Team
AOC's BOD consists of seven visionary leaders from African diaspora backgrounds including, South Sudanese, Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Kenyan, Egyptian, Cameronian and Nigerian professionals primarily in the Bay Area and other US regions. They set strategic direction, approve budgets, and oversee governance for media platform development and civic programs. Key roles include Chair (strategic vision), Vice Chair (partnerships), Treasurer (financial sustainability), Secretary (compliance), and Coordinators for Civic Education, Community Outreach and Health Access, as well as members with focus on media policy and community representation.
AOC relies on 20+ active volunteers, mostly African immigrants and youth, filling roles like live stream operators (using OBS/Restream), podcast editors, social media promoters, on-air hosts, and event facilitators. They receive training in tools like StreamYard for broadcasts and audiogram software for clips, ensuring authentic voices drive uncensored journalism and cultural programming.
Hon. David Nyang K.
Founder / Chairman & Executive Director
Mr. Hussein Desta
Deputy Chair
Mr. Kennedy Odhiambo
Secretary
Dr. Gatwech R. Nyoat
Treasurer
Ms. Hanan K. Rezk
Coordinator (Civic Education Specialist)
Ms. Martha N. Gatkuoch
Coordinator (Health Access)
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Coordinator (Community Outreach)
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Administrative (Program Assistant)