One of the oldest African communities to call Pittsburgh home hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, approximately 40 years after the first Congolese immigrant arrived, there’s a thriving group of approximately 400 members who make up the Congolese Union of Pittsburgh (CUP).
According to Benoit Kihumbu, the organization’s president, many Congolese originally came to Pittsburgh as students and, after earning their degrees, decided to stay. “We feel a special bond with the city,” he says. “It’s becoming a melting pot like New York City. We want to help people see the beauty and value of different cultures and embrace them.”
CUP’s mission is to build and maintain a supportive community—not only for its Congolese members, but also for people of all background, beliefs and means. “We want everyone to thrive without discrimination,” explains Benoit.
BENOIT KIHUMBU
That support includes improving access to specialized social services for its members and people from other countries, including offering English as a second language (ESL) classes.
Benoit notes, “After going door to door in Crafton Heights, where most of the Congolese refugees are resettled, we learned that many people had a language barrier that was causing them to lose jobs due to a lack of understanding and speaking English.”
That discovery prompted Benoit and other CUP leaders to reach out to Literacy Pittsburgh to work together to provide ESL classes, which are held twice a week in the basement of 950 Woodlow Street in Crafton Heights. The classes are open to all immigrants and people in need. “Currently, we’re teaching English to Congolese people, as well as people from Iran and Afghanistan,” Benoit notes.
In January, CUP held its annual youth event that showcases Congolese culture and promotes Congolese businesses in Pittsburgh. “Congolese Diversity and Cultural Day, offers authentic food and traditional dress, dancing, music, and drummers,” explains Benoit. “We also invite speakers who provide a brief history of the Congo, as well as how many of us migrated to Pittsburgh.”
In the summer, CUP also hosts a Congolese Diversity and Cultural Day outside in a park setting. “We invite everyone to come celebrate and learn about our culture and enjoy food, games, music and drum playing,” says Benoit.
The 2022 summer celebration included a proclamation from the Mayor of Pittsburgh recognizing the Congolese community as Pittsburgh’s largest group of refugees. “It recognizes, celebrates, and thanks the people of Congolese descent for making Pittsburgh a stronger and more diverse city,” says Benoit. “We’re proud to add to Pittsburgh’s vibrant culture.”
To learn more about CUP, visit the organization’s Facebook page.
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