Extremely Popular Play "This Is Our Chance" Revisited
This Is Our Chance, is arguably the first full-length play by an African author in the English language. Written while Ene Henshaw was a medical student in Dublin, Ireland, This is Our Chance, has undergone many reprints, and has been extremely popular in West Africa since its first production by the Association of Students of African Descent in Dublin in 1948.
This Is Our Chance, is arguably the first full-length play by an African author in the English language. Written while Ene Henshaw was a medical student in Dublin, Ireland, This is Our Chance, has undergone many reprints, and has been extremely popular in West Africa since its first production by the Association of Students of African Descent in Dublin in 1948.
Since its publication in 1956, it has gone on to become one of the classics of African literature, read widely and performed in schools and colleges across the English-speaking Commonwealth.
Princess Kudaro and Prince Ndamu have been sent by their fathers, Chief Damba of Koloro and Chief Mboli of Udura, to be educated in a big city. Despite the fact that their communities have been long-standing rivals and venomously hate each other, they fall in love and enjoy the care-free anonymity of city life. However, both are simultaneously called back home to their villages.
Princess Kudaro is tutored in her father’s palace by Bambulu, an intelligent though self-important
and pompous character who has had a Western European education. Their quarrelsome relationship propels the central theme of the play, the tug between modernity in the western sense and traditional African customs and tradition. While Kudaro blindly and impetuously reacts to the stifling ways of life in the village, Bambulu argues for change, though his prescription verges around the more superficial aspects of western habits and conduct.
When Kudaro elopes with Ndamu, Bambulu becomes the scapegoat for her insurrection. He is arrested and threatened with death. Eventually, Kudaro falls into the hands of Mboli’s soldiers and in an ironic twist, Prince Ndamu is captured by Damba’s troops. Both chiefs, stubborn and fiercely proud, wrestle with the conflicting weights of tradition, enmity and parental love.
Common sense prevails and Damba releases Prince Ndamu with a message of peace to his father, Chief Mboli.
The themes and issues covered in This Is Our Chance: the tug between tradition and modernity, inter-tribal enmity, forbidden love and the challenges of leadership are as pertinent today as they were when the play was published.
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Christine & Darasimi: Two Faces of Successful Home Schooling In Nigeria
To Home school or not? Listen to the valedictory addresses given by two graduates of the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) program Ms. Christine Gomwalk and Ms. Darasimi Olayiwole, then make up your mind
To Homeschool or Not?
By oyiza adaba
Listen to the valedictory addresses given by two graduates of the ACE curriculum, then decide for yourself. Ms. Christine Gomwalk (18) and Ms Darasimi Olayiwole (18) spoke passionately and admirably at the graduation ceremony, which happened at the Covenant Word Unlimited Ministries, Jos is a partnership of the Gomwalk Home School, LCA Academy using the Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) Curriculum.
“Schools and homeschools around the world use the A.C.E. School of Tomorrow® program in the training of their children. The A.C.E. program consists of Bible-based K–12 curriculum, student programs, and professional training. Although other publishers have marketed academic curriculum, no one has produced a life-changing character package like that of A.C.E. Children’s minds develop best in a God-centered environment of absolutes and love. They emerge with a sweet attitude and with a greater, richer concept of God and how He wants them to live.”
26th Harmattan Workshop Agbarha-Otor 2024
26th Harmattan Workshop Agbarha-Otor 2024
theme: Folklore, Folk Tales, Folk Art, Myth and Legends
FACT SHEET: Outcomes of the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
During the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the United States worked closely with UN Member States to highlight and address pressing human rights concerns and to uphold the universal values, aspirations, and principles that have underpinned the UN system since its founding. Our statements and positions underscored the U.S. commitment to promoting the universality of human rights, including by addressing discrimination, inequity, and inequality in multiple contexts.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
FACT SHEET
July 12, 2024
Outcomes of the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
During the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the United States worked closely with UN Member States to highlight and address pressing human rights concerns and to uphold the universal values, aspirations, and principles that have underpinned the UN system since its founding. Our statements and positions underscored the U.S. commitment to promoting the universality of human rights, including by addressing discrimination, inequity, and inequality in multiple contexts.
This session, the United States advanced our priorities on a broad range of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including economic, social, and cultural rights, including:
Renewing the mandate of the Special Rapporteur (SR) on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
The United States worked with the EU and other partners to renew the mandate of the SR. This mandate is particularly important given Eritrea's ongoing human rights violations and abuses, including its arbitrary detention of individuals for exercising their freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, or religion or belief, and its repression of those who conscientiously object to Eritrea’s compulsory, indefinite national service.
Renewing the mandate of the Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Equity and Justice in Law Enforcement (EMLER)
The United States strongly supports the renewal of the EMLER mandate and cosponsored the resolution that passed by consensus. The mechanism is part of a global effort to advance the rights of members of marginalized racial, ethnic, and Indigenous communities. The United States was proud to host an official country visit from EMLER in April 2023.
Advancing Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls
As part of our longstanding work to address the human rights of all women and girls, we reaffirmed support for eliminating discriminatory laws and practices. We strongly advocated that the human rights, health, and welfare of all women and girls be protected in several key resolutions, including Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and girls, Technology facilitated gender-based violence, Menstrual hygiene management, and Accelerating progress towards preventing adolescent girls’ pregnancy. Additionally, as an active member of the Group of Friends on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, the United States worked with our partners across the session to highlight the importance of protecting the human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Other Priorities:
The United States joined consensus on the resolution to continue reporting on the human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, the resolution providing human rights technical assistance and capacity-building in Libya, and the text renewing the work of international expert Antonia Urrejola in identifying obstacles to carrying out the 2016 peace agreement in Colombia.
The United States also co-sponsored resolutions on thematic issues including the independence of the judiciary, jurors, and assessors and the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests. We joined consensus on resolutions on freedom of expression, the human rights of seafarers, safety of the child in a digital environment, and the importance of free secondary education.
Joint Statements:
Reflecting our core value of championing policies and practices that provide equal opportunities and protections for everyone, no matter their gender, the United States was proud to lead a joint statement cosponsored by states from all regions that condemns conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. We continued our efforts to shine a light on the use of transnational repression by leading a joint statement condemning the actions of countries to silence critics beyond their borders through intimidation, surveillance, or violence. The United States also led a joint statement on athletes as human rights defenders.
We also joined statements on Georgia, Ukraine, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, the Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, and the Olympic ideal. To advance gender equality, we signed statements on Women's Economic Empowerment; Women, Diplomacy, and Human Rights; Women's and Girls’ Human Rights; and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity.
Side Events:
A central highlight of this session was the side event the United States co-hosted with the EU on our joint U.S.-EU guidance for online platforms on protecting human rights defenders online. Panelists discussed growing online threats faced by human rights defenders (HRDs), underscored the need for online platforms to allocate sufficient resources to address the threats faced by HRDs, and the critical need for cross-platform collaboration.
The United States co-sponsored several additional side events, including events on Arbitrary detention, Decriminalization of homelessness, LGBTQI+ issues, Belarus, and Building a roadmap towards a disability-inclusive post-2030 agenda, among others.
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2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
BACKGROUND: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) on Monday, June 24 with Cindy Dyer, Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. On Tuesday, Ambassador Dyer will brief FPC journalists on the report, which represents the world’s most comprehensive resource of anti-trafficking efforts around the globe.
2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
The film and series Òlòtūré directed by Kevin Gyang focuses on human trafficking, migration etc. It is now showing on Netflix.
WHAT: Washington Foreign Press Center On-The-Record Hybrid Briefing
TOPIC: 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report
BRIEFER: Cindy Dyer, Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons
WHEN: Tuesday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. ET
WHERE: National Press Building, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 800 and Zoom
RSVP: Sign Up. Priority given to in-person attendees.
BACKGROUND: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken released the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP Report) on Monday, June 24 with Cindy Dyer, Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. On Tuesday, Ambassador Dyer will brief FPC journalists on the report, which represents the world’s most comprehensive resource of anti-trafficking efforts around the globe. The Report is mandated by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and exemplifies the United States’ longstanding bipartisan commitment to combating human trafficking. This year’s Report, the 24th edition, includes narratives for 188 countries and territories, including the United States. The 2024 TIP Report describes key issues in the Western Hemisphere region and focuses on the anti-trafficking efforts of governments and other stakeholders. The Report also documents several emerging global trends including the continual growth of forced labor in online scam operations.
Cindy Dyer serves as the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Ambassador Dyer is a human rights advocate with three decades of experience at the local, national, and international levels to address human trafficking, sexual assault, and domestic violence. In 2021, she served on the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military. For 12 years, she was the Vice President for Human Rights at Vital Voices. She previously served as the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice. She began her career as a specialized domestic and sexual violence prosecutor in Dallas, Texas for more than 13 years where she was also a weekly hotline volunteer at a local women’s shelter.
FOREIGN BROADCASTERS: Download a digital copy of the video for all on-camera FPC events at the DVIDS website.
Washington Foreign Press Center
National Press Building
529 14th Street, NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20045
Phone: (202) 504-6301
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VERITAS UNIVERSITY MAKES RESOURCE VERIFICATION VISIT TO THE PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL INSTITUTE OF LUX TERRA
The Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, on Thursday May 23, 2024, hosted a visitation panel from Veritas University, Abuja. The team led by Prof. Mike Kwanashie, were at the take-off site of the Institute to verify the readiness of the Organisation to enter into an affiliate relationship with the university, by way of human and physical resources, as well as policies, processes and procedures.
VERITAS UNIVERSITY MAKES RESOURCE VERIFICATION VISIT TO THE PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL INSTITUTE OF LUX TERRA
The Psycho-Spiritual Institute of Lux Terra Leadership Foundation, on Thursday May 23, 2024, hosted a visitation panel from Veritas University, Abuja. The team led by Prof. Mike Kwanashie, were at the take-off site of the Institute to verify the readiness of the Organisation to enter into an affiliate relationship with the university, by way of human and physical resources, as well as policies, processes and procedures. After inspecting the space allotment for all statutory offices and positions, and being taken through the physical and electronic library resources, the team settled down to do a quick evaluation of the curriculum content of the two postgraduate programmes of the Institute, namely, the Post Graduate Diploma in Psycho-Spiritual Trauma Healing, and the Master's degree in Psycho-Spiritual Therapy.
Recall that on April 26, 2024, Lux Terra received the approval of the National Universities Commission (NUC) to begin the process of affiliation with Veritas University, towards floating in Nigeria the integrated Psycho-Spiritual Therapy programmes that the Institute has been running in Nairobi , Kenya, for over 10 years. The recent visit is therefore a significant step towards entering into the affiliation agreement, and towards a subsequent Accreditation Visit by NUC. See pictures below
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Highlights Prof. El Anatsui Receives 2024 Doctor of Fine Arts From BARD COLLEGE
Highlights of BARD COLLEGE ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOURTH COMMENCEMENT
Bard College President Leon Botstein and the Bard College Board of Trustees honored Bard’s exceptional award recipients with Honorary Degrees including Prof. El Anatsui who was the recipient of the 2024 Doctor of Fine Arts
Ghanaian Sculptor, Prof. El Anatsui receiving the 2024 Doctor of Fine Arts at Bard College
Oyiza Adaba, New York
BARD COLLEGE ONE HUNDRED SIXTY-FOURTH COMMENCEMENT
Bard College held its 164th commencement on Saturday, May 25, 2024. Bard President Leon Botstein conferred 395 undergraduate degrees on the Class of 2024 and 229 graduate degrees. Bard also conferred 40 associate degrees from its microcolleges and Honorary Degrees to exceptional award recipients like Prof. El Anatsui, who was the received the 2024 Doctor of Fine Arts
The Ghanaian sculptor, who is known for his ground-breaking redefinition of sculptural installations that hang in the world’s most prestigeous museums, was in good company. Other recipients include Hollywood actress Rachael Weisz, David C. Banks chancellor of New York City Public Schools, Carla Hayden, the 14th Librarian of Congress and Imad Abu Kishek president of Al-Quds University (AQU).
Earth Scientist Naomi Oreskes delivered the 2024 Commencement Address, in which she addressed the difficulties of today’s world, and challenged young minds to finding a middle ground in resolving conflicts.
“It's an instinct for many of us to want to resolve contradictions. To conclude that Heidegger must be either a great thinker or a fascist—because how could he be both? To say that Locke, as a racist, cannot be an inspiration to us today. To insist that Schrodinger’s cat must be either alive or dead.”
“The world needs both speaking and listening. If no one spoke, there would be nothing to listen to. But if no one listens, then there isn’t much point in speaking. ”
Located in upstate New York town of Annandale-on-Hudson, Bard College is a liberal art institution that was founded as St. Stephen’s College in 1860. It was also home to the late Nobel Laureate Prof. Chinua Achebe from 1990 to 2009. The Nigerian author of the globally acclaimed novel “Things Fall Apart”, was the Charles P. Stevenson Jr. Professor of Languages and Literature at Bard College.
The ceremony was accompanied by a Luncheon at the President’s residence, a tour of Achebe House, barbecue and fireworks..
Photos for President’s Luncheon, Commencement Ceremony and Tour of achebe house
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LEAH SHARIBU 21st BIRTHDAY: SETTING CAPTIVES FREE AND RECORDS STRAIGHT
On her 21st birthday, we were concerned to read media reports about captive Christian heroine schoolgirl Leah Sharibu. While most of the facts reported in the story is old news, including our world exclusive report on her birth of a second child in captivity, we’re troubled by the claim that Leah converted to Islam and was married, “According to a "repentant" terrorist, Sharibu first married Abdulrahman after converting to Islam and had a son with him.”
By Emmanuel Ogebe
US Nigeria Law Group Washington
How Leah exercised her legal rights in captivity
On her 21st birthday, we were concerned to read media reports about captive Christian heroine schoolgirl Leah Sharibu. While most of the facts reported in the story is old news, including our world exclusive report on her birth of a second child in captivity, we’re troubled by the claim that Leah converted to Islam and was married, “According to a "repentant" terrorist, Sharibu first married Abdulrahman after converting to Islam and had a son with him.”
Our sources which include women who were fellow captives with Leah however said
“When she first arrived their camp, they gave her out to a certain commander who took her as his slave, but later on went ahead to free her and marry her.
After taking in for him, she asked for a divorce, because she was always fighting with his wives
She then married her second husband had a baby girl for him in May 2021.
But heard he passed sometime last year Abu Farahi Aka Ali Abdallah.”
The fact of the matter is that Leah was enslaved due to her refusal to convert to Islam and served a particular commander.
He was so impressed with her that he on his own volition decided to emancipate her from serfdom and then married her.
However bitter conflict arose between her and his other wives who still looked down on her as an infidel even if she was now supposed to be their co-wife. Just like the biblical story of Joseph who found favor as a slave in Pharaoh’s commander’s house but got into trouble with his wife, Leah had a similar predicament.
Seizing on her coequal status as a wife and her matrimonial rights under the law, Leah who is a highly intelligent girl applied for divorce and therefore escaped from that toxic environment.
It was a short lived victory because she was immediately taken by a high ranking commander as his wife in view of her status as a high value captive but at least her circumstances changed dramatically henceforth.
The military recently rescued Chibok girl Lydia Simon with three children after 10 years in captivity. it is feasible that the military can rescue this global Nigerian icon too. We commend the military for their gallantry.
In addition to seeking her release by the Tinubu regime to show greater concern for Leah Sharibu, we ask for protection and relocation for her birth mother and siblings who were recently displaced during Easter by terror attacks near Sambisa.
We call on FGN to reunite all rescued Chibok girls to their families and to provide full details of and access to information on total numbers of those rescued to resolve the needless and scandalous controversy of figures of those still missing.
We call on Kano state government to release the Du Merci orphans kidnapped over four years ago by the APC government who have still not been released till date despite full and total exoneration of the wrongfully persecuted humanitarian professor Solomon Tarfa.
Kano state cannot afford to be a running mate to Boko Haram terrorists in kidnapping schoolchildren like its predecessor.
We call on Nigeria to clear the air on false narratives that the CIA rescued 30 Chibok girls as published in a recent book “The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA” by Liza Mundy (Crown Books, October 2023).
Emmanuel Ogebe
US Nigeria Law Group
Washington
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NWU Report on Retaliation Against Media Workers During the War on Gaza
For the last 6 months, members of NWU's Digital Media Division have been investigating retaliation in the media industry during the war on Gaza.
Dear members,
For the last 6 months, members of NWU's Digital Media Division have been investigating retaliation in the media industry during the war on Gaza.
A team of two dozen FSP-NWU members collaborated to research and produce the report, which is now live at redlines.nwu.org.
This is a first-of-its-kind effort to document a pattern which many of our industry colleagues have informally observed for several months: the workplace repression and punishment of media workers who have voiced criticism of Israel or support for Palestine. The report tallies 44 cases of workplace retaliation occurring between October 7, 2023, and February 1, 2024, impacting more than 100 people. It draws on data compiled from two surveys distributed by NWU as well as news reports and social media posts.
The testimony gathered highlights how retaliation is affecting coverage of what might be the most important geopolitical event in at least a decade. It also highlights the ways in which retaliation is a labor rights issue. If there is any bright spot in this bleak landscape, it's the power of the union. Unions have been able, in some cases, to prevent retaliation from occurring or seek justice when it does.
As our president Larry Goldbetter said, "As a member of the International Federation of Journalists, the National Writers Union has stood for press freedom and against political targeting of media workers since the union’s founding in 1981. Now, we are witnessing how a coercive and retaliatory environment within the media industry can give way to the arbitrary and violent repression of the press, even in a U.S. context. It has never been more urgent to stand in solidarity with our Palestinian journalist colleagues who have been targeted with extreme violence simply for doing their jobs."
We will continue to stand in that solidarity and use our collective power to fight against repression and censorship, both for ourselves and for our fellow media workers, including the many student journalists at universities across the country.
Share the report widely!
With pride in our union,
Elena Novak
NWU Comms Manager
comms@nwu.org
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Coalition of 50 Organizations call for Special Students Status (SSR) for Nigerian International Students
WASHINGTON, DC - April 3, 2024 Over 50 local, state, and national organizations, spearheaded by the Nigerian Center in Washington, D.C., are urgently urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to grant immediate designation of Special Student Relief (SSR) for Nigerian students.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact :
Nkechi Ilechie,
Policy Director, Nigerian Center.
Coalition of 50 Organizations call for Special Students Status (SSR) for Nigerian International Students
WASHINGTON, DC - April 3, 2024 Over 50 local, state, and national organizations, spearheaded by the Nigerian Center in Washington, D.C., are urgently urging Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to grant immediate designation of Special Student Relief (SSR) for Nigerian students. This designation is crucial as Nigeria currently grapples with one of its most severe economic downturns in recent memory, ignited by soaring inflation rates exacerbated by monetary measures, resulting in a historic decline in the value of the national currency, the naira. As of April 1, 2024, the exchange rate stands at 1,304 to $1. Such currency fluctuations can significantly escalate the cost of education, rendering it challenging for students and their families to afford these expenses.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) possesses the authority to suspend certain regulatory requirements for F-1 students and issue Special Student Relief (SSR) benefits under emergent circumstances such as natural disasters, armed conflict, and financial crises. F-1 students from countries undergoing such conditions encounter substantial economic hardship. SSR permits students directly impacted by the crises to apply for employment authorization to work off-campus, exempt them from regular student employment requirements, and enable them to reduce their course loads if necessary.
Individuals seeking immigration assistance are encouraged to reach out to the Nigerian Center online or via phone at 202-330-0352.
"Nigeria, as one of Africa's most populous nations and a significant contributor to global academic endeavors, faces economic turmoil jeopardizing the educational aspirations of its youth. The plea for SSR designation underscores the urgent need for compassionate and pragmatic measures to support Nigeria," stated Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director, Nigerian Center.
"During the recent visit to Nigeria, Secretary Antony Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to Nigeria across various sectors, including economic, military assistance, and cultural exchanges. SSR presents an opportunity to actualize these commitments as it directly impacts Nigerian citizens studying and preparing for global leadership opportunities that strengthen US-Nigeria ties," remarked Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director, Nigerian Center.
Letter signatories : African Communities Together (ACT) African Immigration Initiative Al Otro Lado American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC Asian Children's Educational Fellowship Capital Area Immigrants' Rights Coalition Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. Chacón Center for Immigrant Justice Church Women United in New York State Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP) Delaware Africa Coalition Deported Asylum Seekers Assistance Project DRUM - Desis Rising Up & Moving Estrella del Paso (Formerly DMRS) FAITH IN TEXAS Global African Business Association (GABA) Global Vision Foundation, inc Haitian Bridge Alliance Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project International Institute of New England Justice Action Center Louisiana Advocates for Immigrants in Detention NAPAC USA National Employment Law Project National Partnership for New Americans Nigerian American Lawyers Association (NALA) Nigerian Center Nigerian Economic Summit Group Omo Yoruba Association, Inc Poder Latinx RCCG - Jesus House, DC Rebirth Hub Africa Red Eagle Enterprises Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, New York Strangers No Longer (Michigan) The Campaign for Hong Kong The Coalition of African & Caribbean Communities-Philadelphia (AFRICOM) The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights True Alliance Center Inc. Page | 4 UndocuBlack Network United African Organization United Nigerian Americans council-md Wilco Justice Alliance Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture Yoruba Unite of North Carolina Zumunta Association USA Inc
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USAID and IFRC to Host First Global Summit on Extreme Heat
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will host the first Global Summit on Extreme Heat on March 28, 2024 at 8:30 AM ET. This virtual summit will bring together global leaders and changemakers to discuss solutions and strategies to protect communities and workers from extreme heat.
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Office of Press Relations
For Immediate Release
March 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
USAID and IFRC to Host First Global Summit on Extreme Heat
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will host the first Global Summit on Extreme Heat on March 28, 2024 at 8:30 AM ET. This virtual summit will bring together global leaders and changemakers to discuss solutions and strategies to protect communities and workers from extreme heat.
USAID Administrator Samantha Power and IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain will be joined by government and private sector leaders from across the globe, including NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad and the Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who are developing innovative solutions to reduce the impacts of extreme heat events and increase climate preparedness plans for all, saving lives and livelihoods.
Extreme heat is a growing threat. 2023 marked the hottest year on record, coinciding with deadly heat waves on nearly every continent, from Pakistan to Tunisia to Texas. The 10 hottest years on record have all come in the past decade (2014-2023) and scientists expect temperatures to continue to rise. Extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense, resulting in more deaths and exacerbating other climate disasters such as drought and wildfires.
The virtual summit will take place online and will be livestreamed and open to the public. You can register and find additional information at www.USAID.gov/HeatSummit. The Summit is in coordination with the Biden-Harris Administration’s PREPARE initiative.
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Abandoned And Forgotten - Pilgrimage to Leah Sharibu’s School on 6th Anniversary
Leah, the world’s youngest prisoner of conscience designated by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (she was 14 on Feb 19, 2018) may be world famous but it hasn’t helped her school.
Abandoned and forgotten - pilgrimage to Leah Sharibu’s school on 6th anniversary
MEDIA ADVISORY
Please find below U.S. Nigeria Law Group’s Fact-finding report on Leah Sharibu’s 6th abduction anniversary specially released for International Women’s Day 2024.
USNLG IWD 2024 SPECIAL FACT-FINDING REPORT:
Abandoned and forgotten - pilgrimage to Leah Sharibu’s school on 6th year abduction anniversary - Part 1
On the sixth anniversary of heroine Christian teenager Leah’s abduction, a visit to her school in Yobe State, Nigeria shows abject neglect just like her.
Leah, the world’s youngest prisoner of conscience designated by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (she was 14 on Feb 19, 2018) may be world famous but it hasn’t helped her school.
The Government Girls Science School Dapchi is a shadow of its former self, decrepit and overgrown with weeds since that fateful day, as discovered on our recent fact finding mission.
Below is the school dormitory where Leah Sharibu was tending a sick student just before she was abducted
School dormitory
Below is the classroom drawing board still showing the last thing written on February 18, 2018 - the eve of the terror attack
Classroom drawing board
Below is the computer lab of the Govt Girls Science Sch Dapchi
Computer lab of the Govt Girls Science School
Below is Leah’s classroom
Leah’s classroom
Birds now occupy the staff room as goats and other animals roam free where schoolgirls used to be.
But it is not just infrastructural decay that devastated the school after the terror attack.
Many of the girls have been unable to complete or continue their education.
Several were displaced during subsequent attacks by Boko Haram on Dapchi leading to our intervention.
One of Leah’s schoolmates who went to school in Bauchi was abducted, forcefully converted and wedded by one of her lecturers leading to our intervention last year.
Another schoolmate was impregnated by a military personnel on security deployment to Dapchi who refused to take responsibility for the baby leading to our intervention last year.
Ironically as for Leah herself who was impregnated twice by her abductors, her children are being catered for by the terrorists but a Nigerian soldier abandoned responsibility for his daughter from impregnating Leah’s classmate.
Leah’s widowed birthmom and blood siblings in the village close to Sambisa forest have experienced displacement too from continuing terror attacks leading to our intervention.
Leah’s eldest sister has also had two children while Leah was in captivity which she remains unaware of. Incidentally Leah birthed a boy and a girl in captivity and her sister also birthed a boy and a girl as well.
Sadly despite the infamous Dapchi and Chibok school mass abductions six and years ago, over 600 women and schoolchildren were kidnapped this IWD week in just two incidents in Borno and Kaduna. Each atrocity exceeds the Chibok mass abductions of 276 students a decade ago
To be continued
Emmanuel Ogebe
US NIGERIA LAW GROUP
Washington
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HARLEM HOSTS GLOBAL AFRICAN WOMEN’S DAY
On March 16, a special Pan-African gala will take place in Harlem to celebrate Global African Women’s Day with African women and women of African descent from around the world, spanning; Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean.
If you're in New York and looking for a striking statement piece or a versatile staple, international culture and entertainment, the Global African Women’s Day gala is the place to be.
PRESS RELEASE
New York, New York: February 20, 2024
On March 16, a special Pan-African gala will take place in Harlem to celebrate Global African Women’s Day with African women and women of African descent from around the world, spanning; Africa, Latin America, Europe and the Caribbean.
The cultural gala will be held at historic Alhambra Ballroom in Harlem during the annual two-week UN Women’s Conference, Commission on the Status of Women, when New York city streets will swell with parliamentarians, activists, and NGO delegates representing their countries from around the world.
The keynote speaker and honoree for the afternoon will be Her Excellency Verónica Nathaniel Macamo Dlhovo - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique. Also being honored are: Chief Mrs. Nike Okundaye, a renowned Nigerian textile artist and gallery owner / Dr. Gina Paige, Co-Founder & President, African Ancestry, Inc. Pioneer, Entrepreneur, Black Identity Influencer / and special recognition to a soul-fusion performing artist and founding fellow of the Teaching Artist Institute, Ms. Kim Poole.
Distinguished guests include Dr. Epsy Campbell, the former Vice President of Costa Rica and Minister of Foreign Affairs. and current member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent who will deliver a special message.
Also, on hand will be live performances by the incomparable Red Sahara and others. As well as, products for sale by Shayee Textiles which produces a range of wearable art, from intricately designed clothing to statement-making accessories. If you're looking for a striking statement piece or a versatile staple, international culture and entertainment, the Global African Women’s Day gala is the place to be.
A portion of the proceeds will support travel grants for women living in rural areas and distressed communities to participate in forums where their issues can be represented.
Registration is $90 For sponsorship and ticket information, Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3vYoW3q or, contact Deborah C. Nelson at GlobalAWD@gmail.com Message line only 646-535-0755. Global African Women's Day is an activity supporting the UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)
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South Bronx's JOE HALL Appointed New President & CEO Manhattan Neighborhood Network
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful “Ghetto Film School” (GFS)…
Oyiza Adaba, New York
Inside MNN El Bario, Harlem Studio. Photo: Africarelated
Appointment
Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN) announced JOE HALL as Incoming President & CEO, taking over Dan Coughlin’s 18 years of service at the long-standing community television station. Who better to take the reins, than someone from the community-driven South Bronx and visionary behind the powerful Ghetto Film School (GFS)…
PRESS RELEASE
January 4, 2024
Joe HALL, New MNN CEO & President. (Photo: MNN)
Manhattan Neighborhood Network Ushers in New Era with Joe Hall as Incoming President & CEO
New York, NY, Jan 4, 2023 - MNN announced today the appointment of Joe Hall as the new President & CEO of Manhattan Neighborhood Network (MNN), an award-winning cultural organization and the largest community media center in the country.
Operating from two state-of-the-art facilities in Hudson Yards and East Harlem, MNN offers digital media education, training, production and distribution services to 400+ creators annually, reaching more than 400,000 cable TV subscribers, online and live event audiences.
Damian Benders, MNN’s board chair emphasized, "Joe's appointment is not just a new chapter; it's a commitment to our roots of community empowerment and innovative storytelling. His track record speaks not just to his capability but to his deep resonance with our mission."
Joe Hall stated, “MNN is a super smart, best practice organization with strong board leadership that has a bold vision of a more expansive creative offering moving forward. For someone like me, this is the perfect moment to bring my relationships and passion to this dynamic mix – I’m genuinely honored to be part of MNN, and can’t wait to get working with all our stakeholders and community to impact the culture in new and exciting ways.”
Outgoing President & CEO Dan Coughlin added, “I'm proud of what the team has accomplished at MNN and confident that Joe is the right person to take the helm. His experience and creativity are exactly what MNN needs to move forward."
MNN Board Chair Damian Benders, Mayor of the City of New York Eric Adams, and MNN President & CEO Dan Coughlin. Photo by Rowena Husbands.
“I and the board believe his vision aligns beautifully with MNN's mission and that his innovative approach will lead us into a new era of growth and creativity.” - MNN Board Chair Damian Benders
In 2000 Joe Hall founded Ghetto Film School (GFS) a nonprofit academy training 8,000+ underrepresented talent annually through its South Bronx, MacArthur Park (LA), and Tower Hamlets (London) operation hubs. GFS projects have been produced on five continents, with thousands of graduates now working in the film, television, and advertising industries. In 2009 Hall founded The Cinema School as the nation’s first film high school, raising $10M towards the school’s capital build-out and operations.
In 1992 Hall moved to the South Bronx as a social worker leading homeless relocation, job training, youth development, education, and health projects benefiting thousands of neighbors annually. He has been featured in The New Yorker, NY Times, CNN, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and PBS, and is a widely sought-after public speaker including AdColor, foundation conference keynotes, and the Metropolitan Museum’s Kerry James Marshall retrospective closing ceremony.
Hall’s numerous professional awards include the 2005 NYC Mayor’s Award for Arts & Culture, and a Rockefeller Foundation Fellow residency in Bellagio, Italy. He has written OpEds and articles for multiple publications, contributed chapters for books on youth development and education, produced a documentary film for Sundance Channel, and sits on the board of WOCstar Fund investing in tech innovation by women of color-led startups.
Hall completed undergraduate studies at Curry College, and a Master of Social Administration from Columbia University.
About Manhattan Neighborhood Network:
Established in 1992, Manhattan Neighborhood Network is a media learning, production, and distribution hub that promotes creative expression, independent voices and community engagement, empowering local voices & diverse views.
Learn more about MNN and its programs, how to become a community producer, or to register for a class.
Photos: Inside MNN TRAINING
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Photos & Video: Inside Columbia University
Inside peek into the campus of Columbia University, New York, one of the world's most important centers of research that is also considered a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields.
Africa-related, New York
Columbia University Libraries
Columbia University Libraries is a globally-recognized academic research library, serving one of the world's most important centers of research and learning.
Columbia University of New York
UNIVERSITY MISSION STATEMENT
Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty, staff, and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the University to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.
Photo/Video: Africa-Related
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Reflections: "The Mask & The Cross" and Bruce Onobrakpeya at 91
Months before his 91st birthday on August 30, 2023, The High Museum of Art Atlanta hosted Bruce Onobrakpeya, the wood-carver’s son who’s life-long artistic journey sought to find a meeting point between The Mask & The Cross
By OYIZA ADABA
Africa-Related New York
The High Museum of Art Atlanta
The Mask & The Cross by Bruce Onobrakpeya
April 7-July 30, 2023
By Mudiare Onobrakpeya
"The Mask and the Cross" are artworks created by Bruce Onobrakpeya, set in the final days of colonial Nigeria and shortly after its independence. These works offer a unique African perspective, delving into the underlying teachings, principles, and lessons derived from the life of Christ and the Resurrection of Christ.
The artist refers to these pieces as "New Masks" because they represent his endeavor to reconstruct and reimagine artworks using ideas from old masks, many of which were discarded and burned by early Christian missionaries.
The New Masks by Onobrakpeya retain the aesthetic potency of the original masks, now manifested in various media such as paintings, plastocasts, low relief sculptures, and other techniques that he has developed and innovated throughout his nearly 65-year artistic career.
These artworks are infused with the same esoteric meanings, conveying a narrative that transcends geographical and chronological boundaries, making them accessible to people of any culture.
"The Cross and the Mask" serve as narratives that reinterpret the universal essence of goodness by focusing on the core values that should foster a deeper understanding of the Christian message. In these artworks, Jesus Christ and other religious figures are depicted as universal symbols, emphasizing the essence of Christianity rather than being bound by the geographical and anatomical contexts of the Jewish and Roman people.
2nd June 2023
Postscript
The Solo exhibition by Onobrakpeya which was extremely well received at the prestigious High Museum in Atlanta, came to a close, at the end of July. "The Mask and tne Cross" is now billed to travel to The Smithsonian Museum, Washington D.C., in the second quarter of 2024 and the National Museum of Montreal, Canada shortly after.
3rd Sept 2023
ARTIST TALK: The celebrated artist Bruce Onobrakpeya was joined in an in-depth conversation on opening night by renowned art historian and critic Dele Jegede , with keynote delivered by his daughter Kabari Onobrakpeya.
ARTIST TALK: Bruce Onobrakpeya and Dele Jegede with renowned art critic, with keynote by Kabari Onobrakpeya. Video Source: The High Museum
“Art is something which I think has proved to be a pattern of working as well as playing; and so I don't stop playing, I don't stop enjoying using my hands. And also I don't stop thinking.
- Bruce Onobrakpeya -
HAPPY 91st BIRTHDAY!
From us @ Africa-Related
To see and do this at 91, is the prayer…Sir Bruce at the Onobrakpeya's Art Center in Agbarha-Otoh Delta State, Nigeria Video courtesy of Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
Photos of high museum opening by Bruce Onobrakpeya Foundation
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KHALIL GIBRAN - A Greater Beauty in Words and Drawings
The name Khalil Gibran usually sparks a conversation about his popular 1923 book, The Prophet, but this world renowned Lebanese American author is also known as a powerful artist, poet and essayist.
Welcoming Picture at The Drawing Center New York. The famous photo with a book taken in 1839 of the young Lebanese immigrant Kahlil Gibran at age 14, by F Holland Day who funded and guided his education.
By Oyiza Adaba
Africa-Related New York
An Exhibition
July 11 - September 10 2023
The name Khalil Gibran usually sparks a conversation about his popular 1923 book, The Prophet, but this world renowned Lebanese American author is also known as a powerful artist, poet and essayist. A Greater Beauty: The Drawings of Kahlil Gibran is an exhibition which features over one hundred of his works, and coincides with the 100th anniversary of this world-renowned publication.
Five artists came together to celebrate the art of Khalil Gibran at the The Drawing Center, where a collection of his drawings, writings and poetry are currently exhibiting.
Readings from various writings of poetry by Arab and Arab American artists like Nuar Alsadir, the poet and nonfiction writer who has authored books like “Animal Joy”, and Adam Bakri, a celebrated Palestinian actor and son of a prominent actor who has starred with Keira Knightley in “Official Secrets” and is unforgettable in his compelling performance in the film Omar. Mona Kareem has written three poetry collections, and her works have been translated into nine languages. She is the recipient of several awards including the 2021 National Endowment Grant.
Palestinian-American writer performance artist Fargo Nassim Tbakhi also featured with his provoking pieces, while the award winning Syrian-born New-York-based rapper and spoken word artist Omar Offendum closed out the show with a powerful rendition from his critically acclaimed theatrical performance titled Little Syria. Influenced by the work of Gibran and the Arab light writers, Offendum engaged the audience in a sing along, weaving Gibran’s poems together with his own musical repertoire.
Omar Offendum - The result was a spiritual evening - not in a religious sense, but in a deeply personal interpretation and presentation of Gibran’s works by participating artists.
Curating Conflicts
Curator Claire Gilman delivering her opening remarks
In her opening remarks, lead curator Claire Gilman touched on the conflicts Gibran faced in his life, which caused him to be described as a non sectarian mystic, self oriented writer and visual artist with a foot in both Arab and Euro American culture. He was a proud Arab, Maronite Christian, a Syrian patriot who wrote in English and Arabic, and he continued to be outspoken with his support for great Syrian and pan Arab states until his death on April 10, 1931.
He came to America as a political refugee, and the conflicts that he faced settling into this new world, reflected so deeply in his writings and his works. According to their essay, Gilman and her co-curators, scholar Nika Lanson, Joseph Geagea, Director of the Gibran Museum in Bsharri, Lebanon, alongside three other contemporary artists, explored Gibran’s search for universal truths that transcends cultural religious boundaries, his rejection of modernism for a uniquely egalitarian Universalist aesthetic, his deep investment in the political issues of the day, and his acutely felt responsibility to the homeland while making his way as an immigrant into a new world.
THE PROPHET
by Khalil Gibran
First Publication: 1923
Translations: 100 languages
Sold: 10 million copies worldwide
Artist from Israel Yifat Bazelel sits in front of The Drawing Center, New York
NY-based Sculptor & Designer Ogundipe Fayomi listens intently inside The Drawing Center.
Danielle Aldouby - Art instructor at Columbia University Teachers College leaving the The Drawing Center
The Drawing Center has been a New York City staple for over five decades. It put together this ambitious scale exhibition with several partnerships such as Dominique Levy and the Andy Warhol Foundation for visual arts and several others.
Khalil Gibran the popular poet who wrote the classic book The Prophet in 1923 that is popularly used in wedding vows, but did you know he was also a visual artist known for his signature use of bright sky blue water colors?
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Khalil Gibran the popular poet who wrote the classic book The Prophet in 1923 that is popularly used in wedding vows, but did you know he was also a visual artist known for his signature use of bright sky blue water colors? 〰️
Photos by Africa-Related
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The FILM FESTIVAL MASTERY Class Is Every Filmmaker's Guide
It's common knowledge that the success of an indie film can be heavily influenced by whether or not a film has a successful festival run. This FREE webinar by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings teaches how to navigate the circuit AND how to advance your career.
By Africa-Related New York
The Film Festival Mastery
Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald
Filmmaker Justin Giddings
If you missed the FREE webinar titled The Film Festival Mastery by Festival Director Jon Fitzgerald and Filmmaker Justin Giddings, here is a replay for you!
WATCH THE REPLAY
Here’s what was covered:
How to get into the festivals that will advance your career and the goal(s) of your film.
How to ensure your film has the highest chance of being seen by the actual programmers (instead of the interns)
One simple trick on saving $1,000+ on submission fees without begging programmers for freebies or handouts
How to create a custom strategy based on your film and goals to ensure your film gets into the right festivals
...and a kick-ass Q+A with some GREAT questions!
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CULTURAL EXCHANGE At The New York French American Charter School
Storytelling and weaving lessons from Nigeria to New York. Africa-Related visited the The New York French American Charter School, a tuition free bilingual charter school located in an iconic 120th Street neighborhood in Harlem, New York.
OYIZA ADABA Africa-Related, NEW YORK
and Rosemary Onubaiye, Okene nigeria
Storytelling and Weaving Lessons from Nigeria to New York
Africa-Related visited the The New York French American Charter School, a tuition free bilingual charter school located in an iconic 120th Street neighborhood in Harlem, New York.
The 6:30 am calm in the quiet street and hallways before the bustle of drop offs was quite evident, The hallways filled up quickly, and by 8:00 AM, children from different parts of the world - every continent easily represented from pre kindergarten through to eighth grade - were seated in class.
The NYFACS, which operates with semi-public semi-private status (Charter School) fosters a culture of inclusion and through its rigorous curriculum, students are provided the skills and learning experiences for both academic and life achievements.
Oyiza Adaba reading TITINKORI FOLKTALES FROM EBIRALAND to the second graders at NYFACS
Art teacher, musician and friend Mr. Daniel Villeneuve invited me to spend a morning with the second graders as part of a cultural exchange initiative to promote art, education and artistic children. I was honored to teach about two distinct cultures in Ebiraland -TITINKORI storytelling and ITINOCHI - cloth weaving. and our work with fellow students at St. John Bosco Comprehensive Secondary School, Okene Kogi State. Nigeria
After attentively listening to The Tortoise and The Hare, we exchanged ideas on lessons and morals, then proceeded to learn more about weaving of the Ebira woven cloth, which they happily modelled. The drawings and illustrations from participating schools will be published in an upcoming book, with part proceeds going to charities.
Mr. Bertrand Tchoumi, the ever-welcoming director said the school is continuously expanding and in 2022 its second location at 2108-2118 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Boulevard, close to the legendary Apollo Theatre. The famous building known as Alhambra Hall, was a historical ballroom that hosted great jazz legends like Billie Holiday and Bessie Smith.
The school prides itself with ensuring that its work reflects in the full diversity of the district community school district, and providing the students with added opportunities for learning from each other.
Students are taught subjects like visual arts, music appreciation, talent development, PE, life skills etc in French and English.
‘Titinkori’ Project
This is a new Story/Picture/Audio Book is a collection of stories about the Ebira people located in Okene Kogi State, central Nigeria curated by Oyiza Adaba. The project features a selection of over 20 folktales, stories, songs, parables etc told by a respected crop of elders and storytellers from Ebiraland. They include Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkadir Ogirima, Mr. Sanni Aminu Atima (Ohida) and HRH Samuel Adai Onimisi (Obobanyi of Ihima). Some of the stories are Adeji (The Hare), The Farmer and the Bird (Okasime), The Farmer and his Disobedient Son, The Poor Widow, Her Son and The Hunter etc. Learn more about 'Titinkori' here
Students at St. John Bosco Comprehensive Secondary School, Okene Kogi State Nigeria during a story-telling class delivered by Mallam Ibrahim Abdulkadir Ogirima. Photo: Africa-Related
Historian: Son of late Yusuf Utohu, a male weaver in Ebiraland
The project is seeking young Onabolus and Antubams globally schools and art classes, to accompany each story with their drawings and illustrations. The artistically gifted children are selected from schools in Okene, Lagos, Abuja, and New York.
The final work products include a published book, audiobook, music, and exhibitions to showcase artworks, publicity/launch events, community service and charity donations.
This project's objectives are documenting and preserving tradition, teaching history, encouraging young artistic talent and giving back to the community;and is made possible by Africa-Related in partnership with Ita'i Our Cloth and Tom Adaba Legacy Project.
Learn more about 'Titinkori' here:
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Wreath Laying in Accra Ghana to Mark 155th Anniversary of The Birth of W.E.B DuBois
Images from the Wreath Laying Ceremony on the 155th Anniversary of the late Civil Rights leader, scholar, historian WEB DuBOIS.
Civil Rights Activist, Scholar, Historian and Visionary
Wreath laying on the 155th anniversary of the birth of W.E.B DuBois at the DuBois Centre for Pan African Studies, Accra Ghana
Video Highlights: Traditional dancers and other dignitaries join Japhet Aryiku, Executive Director of the WEBDB Museum Foundation and Virginia Palma, the U. S Ambassador to Ghana in the cerwmony.
Images & Video by Beatrice ‘Bee’ Arthur/Africa-Related
A Wreath Laying Ceremony was held in honour of the scholar, historian and pan-Africanist, who died in Ghana.
The date 23.02.2023 is very significant. It marked the 155th anniversary of the late Civil Rights leader W. E. B Du Bois.
According to the website, ‘The Centre is a complex of four major buildings which include the home where Dr. DuBois spent his last years, an Administrative building, the Marcus Garvey Guest House (simple rooms from $40 / Bed & Breakfast) and the tomb of Dr. DuBois and his dear wife Shirley Graham DuBois'.
In his own words: Autobiography of W.E.B DuBois
Visit the Centre and learn more about W.E.B DuBois, and his remarkable contributions to the pan-African and human struggle. Follow @duboiscentreghana1 to learn how you can contribute to the great pan-Africanist’s legacy.