How has your immigration journey shaped your activism?

“My immigration journey is the foundation of my activism. I was born in Europe while my parents were living there, yet my belonging was constantly questioned because of the color of my skin. Although I held citizenship, every interaction requiring identification—school enrollment, government services, public institutions—became an interrogation of my legitimacy. These repeated moments taught me early that for Black immigrants, citizenship is often treated as conditional. Others were assumed to belong; I had to prove it. That experience shaped my understanding of identity, justice, and dignity, and it pushed me toward advocating for immigrant belonging and equity long before I realized it was activism.“

What does receiving this recognition from Global Detroit mean to you?

“I have known Steve for many years, even before Global Detroit was created. I have watched him work intentionally to ensure that Michigan built real structures to support immigrant communities. He has also been a personal champion—supporting my leadership, opening opportunities like MPLP, and believing in my work.

Being recognized by an organization I respect, and by someone who has walked alongside me, is deeply meaningful. I do not do this work expecting recognition. I do it with purpose and integrity. This award affirms that commitment and reminds me that people see the impact, even when you are focused on the work itself.“

What advice do you have for people who are just starting their journey to create impact?

“Center the voices of your community. Be transparent, work hard, and stay grounded in your values. Do not chase recognition; pursue meaningful impact. Not every effort will be visible, and you may never witness the full results of the seeds you plant. Sometimes your role is simply to prepare the soil so others can plant and harvest. But no act is too small. Every intentional action creates a ripple that can change lives, systems, and futures.”

What challenges have you faced in your work, and how have you navigated them?

“As a Blvck immigrant woman, my voice and expertise were not always valued in immigration spaces. People often expected me to conform to their vision of what leadership should be. I eventually decided to create my own lane and lead in a way that aligned with my principles.

Sustaining ABISA with limited resources has also been difficult. I often had to stretch every dollar while refusing to compromise the integrity of the work. I centered impact, transformation, and relationships rather than income. Over time, the results of our work built trust, partnerships, and opportunities that allowed ABISA to grow.”

How has your work impacted your community locally and nationally?

“Our work helped bring visibility to Black immigrants in Michigan—a community that existed but was unnamed and unsupported in systems, data, and policy. By naming the community, we created a platform for advocacy and pushed institutions to acknowledge and serve us.

We also connected Black immigrant experiences to the broader landscape of racial and social justice in the United States.

Key impacts include:
• Launching the Black Immigrant Bail Fund, the first of its kind nationally, which freed 283 Black immigrants from detention between 2020 and 2022.
• Supporting 87 undocumented families during COVID who received no assistance.
• Ensuring that deceased migrants received dignified burials.
• Securing Africa Day proclamations in the City of Detroit (2024) and the State of Michigan (2025).

These achievements reflect a commitment to dignity, visibility, and community-centered advocacy.“

How do your cultural and personal experiences influence your work?

“My identity—as a Black Muslim woman from Senegal, the land of teranga—is central to my approach. Hospitality, dignity, and service are core cultural values, and my faith reinforces the responsibility to welcome people and challenge environments where dignity is denied.

My father taught me that knowledge, skills, and degrees mean nothing if they do not serve the community. That principle guides every aspect of my work. I choose to contribute, to be useful, and to ensure that whatever I know and whatever I build advances the wellbeing of others.”

Beyond the usual trimmings of good food and great networking opportunities, this year, in spite of the spike in anti-immigration national policy and discord we anticipate high attendance and a record breaking fundraising goal. We invite you to join us for the celebration, speakers, and to recognize the efforts of Seydi and others, of whom model the simple idea that Michigan Prospers with Immigrants.