Nigerians came from all over the tristate area and beyond to celebrate the 56th year of independence from British colonialists. Floats packed with dancing people traveled from 54th Street on Second Avenue to 44th Street outside the Nigerian Consulate. The big party and stage was set up at 47th Street on Hammarskjold Plaza. Speeches went alongside the youth and people such as DJ Don blasting out the sounds of Afrobeat, Afropop, jùjú, Highlife and fuji. Big shoutout goes to annual MC, Sumonu Bello-Osagie, who kept everything exciting. Cultural and historical pride were everywhere.
Young people, elders, families and babies came dressed traditionally or in flag colors of green and white or African-inspired clothes. Headwraps, once again traditional and with a 2016 twist, were worn proudly. As always, the food was plentiful—pounded yam, egusi, shaki, suya, cowfoot, chin-chin, jollof and vegetable rice. It was a feast for the eyes and the belly. Many plates were packed to take home. Africa/Nigeria pride T-shirts, buttons, caps and bags were selling out. Special praise was given out to Harlem’s 28th Precinct Inspector Olufunmilola Obe and to Chinedu Echeruo, founder of Gigameet.com. It is always a fun time. For more information, log on to www.OANWEB/org.