Nnewi USA holds 22nd Convention July 13

The Nnewi USA, NUSA, an umbrella organization of all Nnewi people and Nnewi Unions from Nigeria, living in the United States of America will hold its 22^nd Convention at the Circus Hotel and Casino, South Las Vegas, Nevada from Thursday, July 13 to Sunday, July 16, 2017.

Spokesperson for NUSA in Columbus, Ohio, Peter Egwudo told TheNewAmericans that “the 22^nd Convention will be hosted by the Nnewi USA Southern California,” adding that the theme of the event is “Micro Demographic Dynamics of Nnewi People in USA.”

According to him, “many programs are lined up for the convention including cultural dances, display of Nnewi arts and craft and group life insurance package.”

Government and community leaders from both the United States and Nigeria are expected at the event.

NUSA is a nonprofit entity organized under the 5.01 © (3) Section of IRS Tax Code to foster appreciation of Nnewi cultural heritage in the communities and involve members in community development and charitable causes.

Commissioner Kevin Boyce: New Americans and Rich Conversation

Commissioner Kevin Boyce

Between May 2012 and November 2016, Commissioner Kevin Boyce of Franklin County, Columbus, Ohio served as a State Representative for the 25th Ohio House District. In acknowledging the high population of new Americans in that District, Commissioner Boyce who was elected by the voters of Franklin County to serve as a Commissioner in 2016, had various conversations with the new Americans’ community. As the conveyer of the New American Forum on Wednesday,  May 10, 2017, he spoke with TheNewAmericans on his mission to put on the front burner the contributions of the new Americans to the growth and development of Central Ohio and in due time, the State of Ohio. 

Conversation 

When I was a member of the House of Representatives, Ohio House, my district in particular, had a high population of new Americans. In various conversations with our community we realized that we needed to have a broader conversation about economic awareness, education access, access to health care and other cultural competency-related kind of issues in those areas.  We started a small round table conversation in the office and it turned into broader and deeper conversation. Last year we introduced three bills in the legislature, this year we have this forum and we are going to do a report. It is becoming a rich conversation and it is only going to grow. 

Response

The response has been excellent, I haven’t had any negative feedback. With the exception of the executive orders that came from the White House, I really feel that Central Ohio certainly is an inclusive community that values diversity. I feel strong about new Americans being a part of our community. Eventually we will take out the word “new” and speak to all Americans. At the end of the day America is a country of immigrants – from the very beginning. I think that will prevail also.

Expectation

What we should expect from now depends on what comes from the White House. It is hard to really put your hand on what their next steps are, considering they’ve done two executive orders that are somehow anti-new Americans. There are number of bills out there that threaten to stop funding to communities that don’t abide by their restrictions. I think that this conversation is just beginning and it could get a lot worse than it is today considering where this administration is going since the beginning of their tenure. I think we are stronger together and the more we convey like this and have our own position the stronger we will be. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and really try to break down each issue. That is why we got these committees where many folks in the community  can participate and we can really drill down and fill back the layers and see where we have some gaps, where we need to put some resources and where we need to do some planning.  Those committees  will meet the rest of this year and generate a report for our community that will be sort of our blue print for where to go next.

State Strategy

I hope that with this conversation, I will like to see long term. This conversation happens in every urban city in Ohio. At a statewide conference we can come together and really pick best practices from one community to the next and work together for a State strategy. I am really hopeful for that.

Columbus is Special - Mayor Andrew Ginther

Mayor Andrew Ginther

The Mayor of Columbus, Ohio State, Andrew Ginther has reiterated the uniqueness of the City of Columbus which has created an environment for every voice to be heard and included in the discussion of moving forward together.

Mayor Ginther said at his Annual Summer Reception in Columbus, Tuesday that “regardless of what people think, this city is special and it is unique because of our people and our focus on the collective good, not focusing on what divides us.”

According to him, “in recognizing that we all don’t agree on every issue but knowing that there is a common bond between us all that pulls us together, this is going to make our next chapter more relevant than we have never seen before.

“It is important for us all to remember that regardless of the divisions, the rhetoric, the language that you are seeing in our nation’s capital and in other places around the country, Columbus is special, Columbus is different because we know that we can’t reach our full potentials in the community until every voice is heard and included in the discussion, even those we disagree with.”

He added that “we can do it respectfully, we can do it honestly, and we can do it directly and still move forward together.”   

Events in Columbus

Taste of Nigeria holds June 17 in Columbus, OH

A display of Nigerian products including food, clothing, jewelry, music, games, fashion show and head-ties (gele) will hold Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203.

The event which is being organized by the Weavers of Nigeria is free for children under 12 and $5 for adult.

YMCA opens New American Welcome Center

A Grand Opening of New American Welcome Center will take place Tuesday, June 20, 2017 at the North YMCA, 1640 Sandalwood Pl, Columbus, Ohio 43229 being the choice by YMCA of the United States of America.

The North YMCA has been chosen to be this space that newcomers can come to for support and resources.

African-American Cultural Festival holds June 3

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, with support from the Department of Neighborhoods, will present the African-American Cultural Festival Saturday, June 3, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Columbus’ historic King-Lincoln District. Admission is free.

It will feature live performances from local artists, as the family-friendly event celebrates freedom and equal rights through opportunities to experience the rich history of the African-American culture. In addition to the performances on the American Electric Power Stage, festival-goers will enjoy KidsZone fun, community and wellness resources, food vendors and an educational walk along the Long Street Cultural Wall – a landmark exploring the history of the Near East Side of Columbus.

Live performances include Luxury Brown, The Free Agents, Dr. E., Milton Ruffin and the Ohio Old School Funk Bank, E-Flat and The Flex Crew.

IKEA COLUMBUS opens Wednesday, June 7

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, expanding the IKEA presence in the Midwestern United States. Customers are expected to start lining-up at the store on Monday, June 5, 2017 – 48 hours in advance of the doors’ opening on June 7.

The 354,000-square-foot future IKEA Columbus and its 1,200 parking spaces is built on 33 acres at the northeastern corner of Interstate-71 and Gemini Place in the Polaris Centers of Commerce.

Asian Festival holds in Columbus May 27
Asian Festival 2017 will hold in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 at the Franklin Park, 1755 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio. Admission is free and it holds between 10am and 8pm on Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sunday. 

Ankara Bazaar holds in Columbus May 29

A platform to showcase elements of Afrocentric vibes devoted to presenting “A” class vendors of African designs, supporting small business owners, celebrating family, and art, music and food will hold Sunday, May 29, 2017 at Nationwide Hotel and Conference Center, 100 Green Meadows, Columbus, Ohio from 1pm to 9pm.

ADO meets Wednesday May 31

The Africans in Diaspora Organization, ADO will meet Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Dynotec Inc. Complex, 2931 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, OH 43231 beginning 6.30pm. Board election is expected to be held at the meeting.

Per Scholas holds Professional Development Series May 24

The Professional Development Series! of Per Scholas, IT free-training institute, will hold on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the school complex, 112 Jefferson Avenue (Career Advancement Room), Columbus, Ohio. It holds between 6pm and 7pm.

The theme which is “Mo’ Money: Strategies on Negotiating Salaries” will be moderated by a Special Guest Speaker. Areas to be discussed include Negotiating Salaries and how to sell your value to the next employer.

Election Board meets May 18

A special meeting of the Franklin County Board of Elections will be held on Thursday, May 18 at 1700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio beginning 10am.

A statement from the spokesperson for Franklin County Board of Election, Aaron Sellers said the meeting will determine the validity of provisional ballots cast in the May 2, 2017 Primary Election and to authorize the rejection of provisional ballots determined to be invalid by board staff.

It will also authorize the counting and inclusion in the official canvas of provisional ballots determined to be valid by the board; to authorize the remaking of provisional ballots and absentee ballots; to certify the results of the May 2, 2017 primary election; to certify issues to the August 8, 2017 Special Election ballot and to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, and/or compensation of the public employee. 

Fun and free health screening Saturday, May 20 on Karl Road

It is a time to reconnect with nature on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Woodward Park Rec Center, 5147 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio. It will also be a time for free health screenings, crafts and hiking beginning from 11am to 4pm.

According to the event coordinator, Nicole Jackson, the program which is tagged “Learn Your Park Columbus,” is open to all ages for free.

“We are encouraging adults, children, youths and families to get outside, be active, have fun and reconnect with nature. It’s time to unplug from your energy-sucking devices,” said Nicole.

NIDOA meets Saturday, May 20

The monthly General Meeting of the Nigerian in Diaspora Americas, Ohio, NIDOA will hold on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the Ashland University, 1900 E Dublin Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio. It is from 2pm to 4pm.