Music, laughter, African food, great conversation, drumming and dancing filled the space at the Brooklyn Park Community Activity Center for RHCI’s Annual “Taste of Africa” Fundraiser on October 26, 2025. Many Minnesota communities were represented, including a large turnout of Sierra Leonean Americans, wearing their beautiful, colorful African clothing.
Ajayi Nicol, RHCI Board Chair Betsy Small, author and speaker
RHCI Board Chair, Ajayi Nicol, gave a heartfelt message of appreciation to everyone there. Guest speaker was Betsy Small, author of the book “Before Before,” a memoir related to her Peace Corps volunteer experience in Sierra Leone in the 1980’s and her return to her village decades later. Using Krio language and proverbs, Betsy connected with the audience and shared her passion for Sierra Leone and its people.
New this year was the photo booth, where individuals and groups of people posed for pictures and enjoyed having a photo memory to take home. The African Marketplace featured an assortment of African items and was a popular spot. The Titambe West African Drum and Dance group brought lots of energy and engaged the audience in dance. The food was catered by Afro Deli and featured rice, chicken, beef, salad, and the popular sambusas.
At the time of this article, the goal of $150,000 for this event was within reach, at $140,000. If you wish to contribute, click on https://rhcimnsl.org/give/
With deep gratitude, the RHCI Board and staff in Sierra Leone wish to thank you for your ongoing support to improve the lives of families in the rural Tikonko Chiefdom. You are each making the world a better place.
RHCI Board members (current and several past) with Betsy Small. (not pictured Maggie Pilacinsk)
Thank you to our photographer, former RHCI Board member, Sheku Sheriff.
Click here for the file of pictures from the event: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMaIpg7lL2NzxG-x3E-LYj1VEjMU64ErbYkoH8vk4EKMDiB6gR8sDrqoY3NqqRPZA?obfsgid=101889695578589153624&email=carolnelson855@gmail.com&key=cUliYl9TNGlyUXBidXlCNnBrWlRTTDE5c29sNHNB
