On Syracuse’s north side, a small African grocery store represents more than a business for its owner. For Olivier Sekarore, the opening of his Kwetu African Store is a connection between his roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo and his new life in the United States.
A sign outside his store reads, “It feels like home.” It’s a message Sekarore says reflects his mission: creating a welcoming space for African immigrants looking for familiar foods, culture and community.
“I’m still going. I want to do more than this,” Sekarore said.
Sekarore immigrated to the United States after fleeing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He escaped the fighting by joining a refugee camp at the age of 19, where he lived for two years under difficult conditions.
“We’d been there for two years. Life was not good,” he said. “It felt like you left your country for no reason.”
Even after arriving in the United States, Sekarore said new challenges emerged.
“The big deal is the language barrier,” he said. “To do an application, everything is written in English. To fill out an application by yourself is hard.”
Sekarore said community organizations like the nonprofit Rescue Mission Alliance helped him adjust.
Today, Sekarore’s store is stocked with African products meant to help immigrants seeking a sense of familiarity and belonging. He said the space also allows him to give back by sharing his experiences with others navigating similar paths.
“So they know me before, and now I’m here,” Sekarore said. “I can teach them. I can give them the little experience I have.”