​

A Historical and Community Portrait of the Asanteman People and the Asanteman Association of Chicago & Midwest

 

⸻

 

Origins of Asanteman

The Asante people, also known as Asanteman, are one of the most influential and culturally rich ethnic groups in Ghana, tracing their roots to the powerful Asante Kingdom centered in Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region. Founded in the late 17th century under the leadership of Otumfuo Osei Tutu I and his spiritual advisor Okomfo Anokye, the Asante Kingdom rose to prominence as a political, military, and economic powerhouse in West Africa. Guided by a centralized chieftaincy system, vibrant kente-cloth tradition, and the symbolic Golden Stool (Sika Dwa Kofi), the Asante developed a legacy of resistance, unity, and cultural sophistication. These traditions continue to shape Asante identity both in Ghana and abroad.

​

​

Migration and the Asante Presence in Chicago

In the 1960s and beyond, Asante migrants—driven by educational, economic, and political motives—began settling in the United States. Chicago, known for its strong African immigrant networks, became a key destination. By the 1980s, Asante immigrants had formed a strong nucleus in the city, balancing integration into American life with the preservation of Asante culture. To organize socially, preserve customs, and support community needs, Asante descendants in the Midwest established the Asanteman Association of Chicago & Midwest (AACM)—one of the earliest and most enduring Ghanaian hometown associations in the U.S.

 

Formation and Mission of the Asanteman Association of Chicago

Formed in the 1960s, the AACM became a vital cultural and support network for Asantes in the Chicago area. By the early 1980s, the Association helped found the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC), establishing itself as a charter member and trusted cultural pillar.

 

The AACM’s mission includes:

• Promoting Asante customs and values

• Supporting community welfare, youth mentorship, and educational opportunity

• Strengthening diaspora ties to the Asantehene and the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi

• Celebrating cultural pride through language, music, and ceremonial practice

​​

 Contributions to the Ghana National Council of Metropolitan Chicago (GNC)

As a founding member of the GNC, the Asanteman Association of Chicago continues to play a central leadership role. Its ongoing contributions include:

• Leadership: Members have served as GNC presidents, cultural coordinators, and advisors

• Cultural Presence: At Ghanafest, AACM leads the display of royal procession, drumming, and regalia, representing the Asante Kingdom with honor

•  Institution Building: AACM has mentored newer Ghanaian associations and helped maintain the cultural integrity of GNC programming

•  Charity & Advocacy: AACM joins GNC initiatives in civic education, health drives, and cultural diplomacy

 

Cultural Highlights and Community Life

AACM hosts events that reflect Asante values of respect, unity, and ancestral memory, including:

•  Akwasidae celebrations honoring ancestors and Asantehene

•  Asante Day and Ghana Independence Day events

•  Storytelling and traditional rites shared with younger generations

•  Participation in ACONA (Asanteman Council of North America) events, promoting inter-city unity among Asantes in the diaspora

​

 

Philanthropy and Legacy Building

The Association also engages in impactful charitable projects, such as:

• Donating 93 hospital beds and 88 mattresses to Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi

• Supporting school development, medical aid, and sanitation programs in Ghana

• Offering scholarships and educational support to Ghanaian-American youth in Chicago

​

Asanteman in the Diaspora: Past, Present, and Future

The Asanteman Association of Chicago & Midwest not only preserves tradition but redefines it through service, education, and visibility. From the founding wisdom of Osei Tutu I to the civic dedication of modern Asantes in Chicago, the spirit of Asanteman thrives. As the community continues to grow, AACM serves as both a cultural steward and a bridge builder, linking Kumasi to Chicago with pride and purpose.

 

Asanteman mu aye den! – There is strength in Asanteman!

​