2024 Impact Report: A Year of Telling Our Story

In 2024 we embraced the theme of Telling Our Story.

We leaned fully into the opportunity and responsibility of stewarding the Nigerian brand story. A story that extends beyond new immigrants in the U.S. to include Black Americans and Afro-Latinos whose origin story traces back to Nigeria.

At Passport DC, the largest cultural diplomacy festival in the country, we represented Nigeria both as a country and as a thriving immigrant community in the U.S. Following this, we established a historic partnership with African Ancestry, Inc., allowing Black Americans to connect with their Nigerian heritage through language and cultural classes at the Nigerian Center. We also collaborated with schools in Washington, DC, and Maryland, promoting our shared cultural identity. During Nigerian American Day, we elevated this narrative beyond the ordinary, and by working with both the U.S. and Nigerian governments, we presented our story to the world.

As we step into 2025, I am excited to announce our theme Leading the Culture Forward. This year, we will build on our three pillars—regional responsibility, community power, and cultural representation to make a national impact.

As the U.S. continues to navigate immigration policy, we stand ready to help create and reimagine a new paradigm—one that positions immigrants as assets to America and the world. Our policy work will expand beyond the District to impact the broader region and the country. We are fully embracing our purpose and responsibility to lead the Black immigrant community into new power.

As we embark on this new year, we recognize that our progress has been built on the dedication of our volunteers, community partners, and donors.

Thank you for investing in change.

Gbenga Ogunjimi

Executive Director - Nigerian Center