The Camden Public Library and the community group, Connecting Across Cultures, based in Camden, will welcome Georges Budagu Makoko on Thursday, May 20, at 6:00 pm. as the second speaker in their new series about immigration in Maine. Makoko will talk about his journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the U.S., his experience seeking asylum in Maine, and his transition to citizenship. He will read short excerpts from his memoir Ladder to the Moon: Journey from the Congo to America. Makoko’s appearance follows an event in April that featured Reza Jalali, executive director of the Greater Portland Immigrant Welcome Center, who spoke about the history of immigration in Maine.
Georges Budagu Makoko is the founder of Ladder to the Moon Network and co-founder and publisher of Amjambo Africa. He was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and moved to Rwanda in 1994 due to political unrest. He graduated from National University of Rwanda with a degree in Business Administration and moved to the United States in 2002, where he sought and received asylum. Makoko strongly believes in advocating for peace, reconciliation, and justice for all. He is pleased that Maine’s more rural areas are showing an increased interest in the immigrant experience, and is eager to share his thoughts about the kinds of help that immigrants need, as well as how communities can be welcoming to newcomers.
To pre-register, email: [email protected]
