Africans came to Lowell in search of better economic and educational opportunities. Many won a “green card” in the immigration lottery, which grants them a permanent home in the United States. In other instances, Africans re-connected with family members. Others fled the political crisis in their homes, including repressive regimes or civil wars. Under such circumstances, people arrived as refugees. While African immigrants and refugees live all over Lowell, there is a center of activity in Centerville, where several shops and a church exist.
