In the wake of Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency, leaders and citizens alike are grappling with the implications of his victory, particularly within immigrant and African diaspora communities.
Samuel Sarkodee, A.ka Sam Sarks former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) USA Columbus Ohio Chapter, shared his perspectives on the election results and what Trump’s presidency may mean for African immigrants and other diasporans in the United States.
Mr. Sarkodee began by acknowledging the efforts of both Vice President Kamala Harris and President-Elect Donald Trump. “I congratulate both candidates for their remarkable campaigns,” he said. “They left no stone unturned, traveling from state to state. Ultimately, the results are in, and President-Elect Donald Trump has won.”
Reflecting on the political landscape of Ohio, Mr. Sarkodee noted that the state’s traditionally Republican leanings contributed to Trump’s victory there. “Ohio has a strong Republican base, especially in rural areas, so it was expected that Trump would win here,” he explained.
Mr. Sarkodee, who visited several polling stations, described the voting process as calm and orderly, a testament to the robustness of American democracy. “There was discipline and orderliness at the polls. Even though Democrats may feel disappointment, Republicans here are elated.”
When asked about the impact of Trump’s victory on Africans in the diaspora, Sarkodee expressed a mixed outlook. He acknowledged that, for many African immigrants, there’s often a dilemma about which party aligns best with their values. “There’s a conflict of interest,” he said.
“Our African values and Evangelical faith often align with the Republican base. However, many of the Democratic Party’s policies support immigrants, leading a significant portion of the immigrant community to vote Democrat.”
Addressing concerns around Trump’s immigration policies, Mr. Sarkodee was cautious yet hopeful.
He explained that while many Africans and other immigrants hold legal status in the U.S., some are still in the process of regularizing their papers.
“For those already here legally, there’s no immediate cause for alarm,” Sarkodee advised. However, he acknowledged the worry around potential deportations under Trump’s administration.
“Trump has been vocal about ‘immigration clean-ups,’ which fuels anxiety in our communities. We hope that any measures will be calculated, giving people the chance to update and regularize their status.”
Mr. Sarkodee touched on a specific policy, known as “Project 2025,” which outlines stricter immigration measures. He described the situation as “bittersweet” for African diasporans.
While many immigrants align with the Republican Party’s values, there’s underlying fear about the future. “Even if you are a U.S. citizen, you worry about friends and family here who might be undocumented or facing uncertainty,” he shared.
For Sarkodee and others in his community, Trump’s presidency brings a complex blend of hope and apprehension. Many are waiting to see how his policies will unfold and impact the American Dream for immigrants. “We’re keeping our fingers crossed,” he concluded.
Profile: Mr. Samuel O. Sarkodee (Sam Sarks)
Mr. Samuel O. Sarkodee, widely known as “Sam Sarks,” has carved out a distinguished path as a community leader, educator, and advocate for global integration.
As the President and Founder of the Afri-Net Center for Global Integration, a non-profit organization based in the United States, he dedicates himself to bridging cultural, educational, and social-economic empowerment and diversity, particularly between African communities and the global sphere.
Sam Sarks’ journey in leadership began during his tenure as the Local President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), where he first demonstrated his commitment to service.
His passion for community building continued in the United States, where he took on the role of Chairman for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) – USA Columbus, Ohio Chapter, further solidifying his role as an advocate for Ghanaians abroad.
Today, Sarkodee is also an adjunct professor, where he shares his expertise with students, and a project management consultant, applying his skills in organization and strategy to various professional contexts.
With a career built on community leadership and cross-cultural initiatives, Sam Sarks continues to influence and inspire those around him through his multifaceted roles.
