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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For media inquiries, please contact:
Washington, D.C. — Mayor
Muriel Bowser has once again issued a proclamation, declaring
Sunday, October 1, 2023, as “Nigerian American Day” in the
District of Columbia. This proclamation shines a spotlight on the
cultural richness and contributions of the Nigerian American
community to the fabric of the nation's capital and the United
States as a whole.
In response to this recognition, the Nigerian
Center is rallying its community and allies across the United
States to celebrate these contributions and offer support to
those on their journey to becoming Nigerian Americans.
According to Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director
of the Nigerian Center:
"Today, as we celebrate Nigeria’s
independence and the significance of Nigerian American Day, we
reflect upon the pivotal role played by the Nigerian Center as a
pillar of support within our community. It is remarkable to
consider that just a few years ago, there was no such center
anywhere in the country dedicated to advancing our community's
interests. Whether it's championing immigration justice,
providing essential financial and homeownership programs, or
fostering cultural initiatives, the Nigerian Center is reshaping
our collective narrative in America and forging new paths for
emerging Nigerian Americans."
We are pleased to announce the following
initiatives to be rolled out by the center in the coming weeks:
1.
Policy Advocacy: Securing
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nigeria. There are currently
over 100,000 undocumented Nigerians in the US who, through TPS,
can overcome financial exclusion, become taxpayers, and employers
of labor.
2.
Financial Education:
Launching the "Path to Prosperity: Unlocking the American
Dream" entrepreneurship education series for African
immigrants. This program includes a free financial clinic
component where new Nigerian immigrants can receive free tax
education and preparation services during the 2024 tax season and
beyond.
3.
Civic Education: Challenging the culture of
civic apathy in our community through civic education through the
“Community to Capitol” series, a program to educate our community
on civic engagement, participatory democracy, and justice.
4.
Cultural Preservation:
Providing cultural programs and language classes for the African
diaspora to reconnect with their Nigerian ancestry. This will
include introducing African language curriculum and cultural
classes in U.S. Public and Private Schools.
5.
Storytelling and Media:
Redefining the stereotypes surrounding the Nigerian community by
developing a media component that tells our story and changes the
narrative. Starting in October 2023, we will release a short documentary
that showcases the varied contributions of this community on both
the local and global levels.
To read the full proclamation from Mayor Bowser,
please visit www.nigeriancenter.org/media/nigerianamericanday2023
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