Dayton at Work and Play: Umoja East & Central African Market

February 9, 2023 By Bill Franz

Angelique Nyambanguka came to Dayton from the Congo 7 years ago. She started Umoja East and Central African Market last year at 2601 Stanley Avenue. It’s one of the three international markets in Old North Dayton. The shop is filled with items from Africa.

Angelique showed me around the shop and I ended up buying some tea from Rwanda. As we talked, Angelique apologized that her English was not perfect. When I learned that she speaks four languages I suggested that she shouldn’t feel bad if she fails to speak them all perfectly.

Here she is showing me some shoes from Africa.

About Bill Franz

In retirement Bill Franz bought a camera, learned how to use it, and became a volunteer photographer. He has done photo projects for the Humane Society of Greater Dayton and for almost two dozen other local organizations.

In 2013 Bill started a project of his own – photographing people at work. Since then he has photographed hundreds of workers, from butchers and bakers and candy makers to clowns and sculptors and fire eaters. The photos have appeared in solo and group art exhibitions and also in less traditional venues such as hospitals, retail stores, nature centers and breweries. They have been seen by hundreds of thousands of people. Profits from photo sales go to Dayton area nonprofits.

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About Bill Franz