AELA and the Power of Immigrant Voices

Today, we’re diving into the story of a man whose leadership is helping reshape how immigrants engage in American public life — Pious Ali, and the network he founded called AELA, the African Immigrant Elected Leaders of America.

AELA is a national organization that connects and supports African-born elected officials serving in the U.S. It helps them share ideas, mentor one another, and build bridges with other communities — from African Americans to Asian, Caribbean, and Latinx leaders.

Through AELA, Pious Ali is showing that immigrant leadership is not just about representation — it’s about participation, collaboration, and transformation.

And that’s our story for today — Pious Ali, AELA, and the growing impact of immigrant leadership in America.

From Portland, Maine, to cities across the country, immigrant leaders are stepping up, mentoring one another, and building bridges across communities — from African and Caribbean to Asian and Latinx populations, and beyond.

At Amjambo Time, we celebrate these voices, their courage, and their contributions to making democracy stronger, more inclusive, and more representative of everyone.

Thank you for tuning in. I’m Eloge Willy Kaneza.
Keep listening, stay connected, and remember: when immigrant communities rise together, they change the world.