Black History is Nigerian American History

Nigerian Center at Passport DC, the nation's largest cultural diplomatic festival

As we begin Black History Month today, we honor the immeasurable sacrifices made by Black America that paved the way for Nigerian American culture, including establishing Nigerian American Day in the nation's capital.

This is why our theme at the Nigerian Center this year is "Leading the Culture Forward." We recognize both the responsibility and opportunity to steward the Nigerian brand story beyond just recent new immigrants, but also for Black Americans and Afro-Latinos whose origin story traces back to Nigeria.

This is why we established a historic partnership with African Ancestry to connect Black Americans to Nigerian language and cultural classes at the Nigerian Center. This is why we are expanding our partnership with DC Public Schools to bring Nigerian culture into the curriculum.

Thriving communities are built on social justice, and this is why we continue our commitment to immigrant justice and continue to empower members of our community on their journey to becoming Nigerian, Brown, and Black Americans.

Thank you for the partnership and investments in making this a reality.

Best,

Gbenga Ogunjimi
Executive Director - Nigerian Center