2022 Gordon College Black History Month Campaign
Black History Month, @mio_gordon and @gc_afrohamwe has big plans to celebrate! In keeping with the tradition of shining a spotlight on a different country each year, we’re celebrating 🇳🇬 NIGERIA 🇳🇬
On the coast of the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, Nigeria is home to the Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo and many more people groups. There you’ll find huge geological diversity (rainforest, desert, waterfalls), lots of yams and beautiful coral beads as illustrated in this logo. Follow along as we share the stories of Gordon’s Nigerian students and what they love about their country and culture 💚
Stephanie Onwe ’25
She was born in Raleigh, NC, but grew up in Abuja, Nigeria.
What elements of your Nigerian culture would you love to see more people emulate?
“Nigerians never give up in any situation. If the hypothetical door won’t open by regular means, the door can be opened by heavenly means (prayer).”
Do you have a favorite Nigerian tradition?
Wedding celebrations and Sunday rice! “Weddings are usually big affairs—about 1,000+ people. They are really only rivaled by burials which are celebrated usually on the grandeur scale. That is because burials are seen as celebrations of life. And as for Sunday rice, it is white rice and some type of stew, chicken, fish, goat meat or all the above, usually eaten after church.”
What piece of Nigeria’s history/culture do you wish was talked more about?
“I wished the rich culture and the positive attributes about the country was spoken about more. The media always portrays Nigeria as poor, full of corruption, lacking electricity, not English-speaking, dangerous. It portrays that the people live in huts, ride camels, are mostly scammers and some other ridiculous generalizations. The unique Nigerian spirit, the vibrant culture, our sense of humor and adaptability: I wish more people actually took time to know the culture or visit before making or believing assumptions of the media. Nigeria is a truly diverse country. There is diversity in everything: the food, the culture and the people.”
KC Osuagwu ’22
Everyone should embrace: Nigerian seasoning
Favorite Nigerian tradition: New Year celebration with family
Favorite meal: Jollof (fried rice)
Nigerian celebrity we all should know about: Davido makes great music
Best place to visit in Nigeria: Lagos
What piece of Nigeria’s history/culture do you wish was talked more about? Britain/American occupation and exploitation
“I celebrate Black everything all year. I don’t seclude it to a month. Knowledge is a resource, a resource that can be used for the advancement of the whole community. I celebrate my heritage and history by furthering my knowledge in any aspect, not just science.”
Jason Asonye ’25
He’s a computer science major who was born in Abuja, Nigeria, and grew up in New Jersey 🇳🇬
What does your Nigerian heritage mean to you?
“My Nigerian heritage connects me to a line of intelligent, valiant and creative minds who have worked their hardest to make sure that the generation after them as all the necessary resources to succeed . . . when one person in our family succeeds, we all succeed.”
What is your favorite Nigerian meal or dessert?
Jollof rice (a special kind of rice filled with an assortment of spices and stew), Chin Chin (baked donut) and Puff Puff (another fried dough delicacy).
What Nigerian phrase is particularly meaningful to you?
“‘Only the thing for which you have struggled will last.’” When you go through a struggle to obtain whatever you want to obtain, it will last longer because you know how much time and effort it took you to achieve it.
What part of your Nigerian heritage are you most proud of?
“I am proud of the fact that my family, both here and in Nigeria, encourage me to aim for the top. My culture is extremely competitive when it comes to academics, so when you think you are working hard, there is always someone working harder. This mindset has inspired me to push myself in my studies and in my life as well.”
Which Nigerian musical artists does everyone need to know about?
Burna Boy (Afro-fusion, Dancehall), Wizkid (Afro-beats, Reggae), Reekado Banks (Afro-beats, Pop), Rema (Afro-rave, Trap).
