Guests enjoyed jollof rice, Nigerian chicken stew and plantains at a recent political fundraiser. A growing number of African immigrants in Maryland are making their voices heard in Maryland politics. According to the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR), African immigrants represent 17% of the state’s immigrant population. Often overlooked, this community of about 900,000 people has begun organizing and demanding more political representation. In its research, the IIR found that Maryland has the fourth highest population of African immigrants. California, New York and Texas have higher populations according to migration policy experts.