Prior to the year 2000 and on, the number of Tanzanians living in Dallas would gather ourselves in the home of one of us for holidays, picnics, birthdays, funerals as well as religious activity. Email and phone were the major communication tools that enabled few who knew each other to gather.
In March of 2009, the formal organization had been put together and a general meeting was convened to honor the inception of the newly formed organization. Several members of the founding committee were confirmed as interim officials including Mr. Simon Nkanda as Chairman, Mr. Abdul Amiri as Secretary/Vice Chairman and Mr. Godfrey Byarushengo asTreasurer. Guests of honor included a representative from the Embassy of Tanzania, to the US, Dr. Switbert Mkama and Chairman of the Tanzanian Community in Washington DC, Mr. Jerome Kassembe.
Immediately following the inception, the Association was registered with the Secretary of State of Texas and the Federal government as a non-profit organization under code 501c3. In September 2009, the registration was finalized granting the association the right to operate as an entity under the laws governing non-profit organizations. The organization has since held elections for full term officials, organized picnic events for fundraising with proceeds going towards the emergency fund. Its annual member contributions have steadily risen over the last three years as members continue to enroll and become active participants in the emergency fund initiative.
The Association of Tanzanian Natives in Dallas was formerly established in March of 2009 with a two-fold purpose; to serve as a voice for the growing Tanzanian Diaspora in Dallas, Texas, within the social settings of the city, state and the country at large, to create an atmosphere of unity in times of rejoicing and in times of hardship among all members of the Community. We stand strong, poised and determined to excel in the essence of life, including education, culture and entrepreneurship.
To serve as a voice for the growing Tanzanian Diaspora in Dallas, Texas, within the social settings of the city, state and the country at large, to create an atmosphere of unity in times of rejoicing and in times of hardship among all members of the Community. We stand strong, poised and determined to excel in the essence of life, including education, culture and entrepreneurship.