African Union Host Africa Day in NYC

By: Tinu Najia

No words can describe how much the African Union pulled all the stops to host probably the swankiest feast for the auspicious Africa Day in the big apple. The week long celebration commenced with a flag raising ceremony at Bowling Green, downtown Manhattan, an occasion spearheaded by the incomparable Mr. Len Ejiogu.

This event, which concluded at the African Center in Harlem, would mark the city’s first Muslim Mayor’s Africa Day, being a Ugandan-Indian-American- this celebration was quite significant. Despite Mayor Mamdani’s absence- though he did send a representative- the guests list rivaled the "Who’s Who" of United Nations’ African dignitaries.

Just about every African nation’s Ambassadors and esteemed dignitaries were in attendance, all proudly decked out in various fine African attires. The honorable UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed blessed the auspicious occasion with her presence and gave a profound speech that resonated with guests with admiration and tremendous respect. She joined the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations Ambassador Mohammed Fathi Edrees in cutting the celebratory cake, shortly after, guests dined on a bounty of delicious sumptuous meals from various parts of Africa. The feast looked more like an African Thanksgiving, food was in abundance.

I myself greedily navigated two full plates piled high of various vegetarian dishes. Not one person went home on empty stomach. For one night, we forgot about our borders, lines drawn by colonizers, dividing tribes and traditions. As a proud Nigerian myself, I forgot about my own origin and simply morphed with my fellow Africans from all religions, traditions and mindset. It felt like one big family coming together to celebrate diversity, perseverance, tenacity, comradery, and aspirations.

Considering the current political climate we’re experiencing worldwide, this couldn’t have come at a better time. An era we can all appreciate and celebrate our unique cultures and traditions. A time to remind each other not to be divided mentally by lines drawn in the sand. A gentle reminder that a single match stick is easy to break than a bunch of match sticks, every day should feel like Africa Day. I’m so grateful for my community! Thank you Len Ejiogu and all the African Council and African Union team for all that you do!

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