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Hello From The Editorial Desk
EDITORIAL
Putting together the 2024 last edition of the magazine signalled approval and affirmation of resuming the print version of the New Americans magazine after a long pause due to the Covid challenge in 2020. Having printed bimonthly since the beginning of 2024 with the support of sponsors and advertisers like the City of Columbus Department of Neighborhood, Park National Bank, Felbry College of Nursing, God’s Grace Auto, Heart of Ohio Family Health Center, Horizon Science Academy and JPS Print, we are resolved to strengthen our print edition with vigor and commitment.
Being the end of the year, there is no suitable cover than a story of sacrifice and giving ably depicted in the interview with Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey, who was born in the ghetto of Darkuman, Accra, Ghana, West Africa, and leading other volunteers, as the Chief Server and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit resource center distributing food items to the numerous people that come to the pantry for free food supplies. Over one million people have been served in the last 10 years by the pantry as Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey vowed to “fight hunger” on behalf of the needy.
With the conclusion of the 2024 Presidential election, the anxiety that comes with it, especially as it relates to immigration issues come to the fore. Ohio-based immigration attorney Emmanuel Olawale writes about the possibility of deportation and the need to be prepared.
And critical to small business owners is the Corporate Transparency Act’s requirement that existing companies doing business in the United States should report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them (Beneficial Ownership) to The U.S. Department of the Treasury latest January 1, 2025. Failure to file the report under the Beneficial Ownership Information Report, BOIR can result in penalties of up to $500 per day.
As we wish all a successful end of the year, we also look forward to a great beginning in 2025 wishing all the very best.
Deba Uwadiae - Publisher/Editor-In-Chief | Okon Ekpenyong - Bureau Chief Contributors - Grace Washington,Tatiana Bozhinovski. Patrick Olabode, Sudarshan Sharma, Taiwo Akinlami, Abi Uwadiae, Advisory Board, Alpha Tongor, Dr. Seleshi, Asfaw, Todd Hager, Ibrahima Sow, Jibril Ali Mohamed, Imran Malik, Dr. Bartholomew Shepkong, Bhuwan Pyakurel and Shola Adebuga
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Cover Story.
Thursday, November 21, 2024, 30 cars were already on the line at the Inprem Holistic Community Resource Center, 5757 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio at 1.30pm waiting for the 2pm start time for the center’s pantry to open and serve them. Every third Thursday of the month, Apostle Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey, who was born in the ghetto of Darkuman, Accra, Ghana, West Africa leads other volunteers, as the Chief Server and Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit resource center to distribute food items to the numerous people that come to the pantry for free food supplies. Over one million people have been served in the last 10 years. Often in military outfit, Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey who came to the United Staes on the US Diversity Visa Program in October 2002 said, “I put on the military uniform as a symbol of fighting hunger.” He spoke on what inspired him to serving the people in need with Deba Uwadiae, publisher of the New Americans magazine.
Alex-eric Abrokwa-Clottey
Alex-eric Abrokwa-Clottey was born in the ghetto of Darkuman Accra. I studied in Ghana till college level. I accepted the call to serve God through the service of mankind after high school. My mandate to the acceptance of the call of God is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, feed the
Alex-Eric Abrokwa-Clottey
A Soldier Against Hunger
poor, give hope to the hopeless, and recovery of destiny through prayer and the study of the word of God in the year 1998 before moving to the USA through the US-Visa lottery program in October of 2002. I served in three churches before I founded “In His Presence Ministries International” in 2009. I studied Nursing and practiced in various fields for eight years, before starting the Inprem Holistic Community Resources Center in 2014.
Motivation
In His Presence Ministries International was serving the community since 2010 once a year as part of the vision received in 1998, while in Ghana. In the year 2014 the church moved into a bigger space. I accepted to obey the call to feed the poor, give hope to the hopeless, by establishing Inprem HCRC. I am obedient to a greater call.
Services
Inprem HCRC is a holistic community resource center, serving the community with some of the basic needs to be able to integrate. We have served as the food pantry, clothing, after-school, free clinic, household items, access to technology, and employment. We serve everyone
from any of the zip codes. We have served over 1,400,000 people in the last 10 years from 44 counties, 356 zip code, with 33,500,000 pounds of food.
Inprem
Every day is amazing at Inprem HCRC food pantry with cars parked all around the shopping mall. Thursday is the busiest day of the week. Inprem has not received any funding from any major grant, whether from the city, state, or federal. We have been doing this with our dependable volunteers. No one has been on payroll.
Appreciation
We have done what we can. We thank all our partners, donors and Volunteers. We appreciate all our sponsors. Last, but not least, is our great communities in Central Ohio and its surrounding suburbs. Inprem HCRC needs help now than ever. People can donate at our website www. inprem.org, or mail to 5757 Karl Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. Also, for further information, people can call 614-516-1812. They can also volunteer to help serve the community. A need Is not a respecter of person. Anyone can be in need at any time.
Facing Deportation: How to Prepare and Navigate the Process
By Emmanuel Olawle
Deportation, formally known as “removal,” is the legal process by which the U.S. government expels non-citizens from the country. For many, receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) marks the beginning of an uncertain and emotionally challenging journey. Preparing for this process is critical, as it involves significant legal, financial, and personal consequences.
Unlike criminal cases, respondents in immigration proceedings are not entitled to court-appointed attorneys. This key distinction leaves many individuals navigating complex legal systems without professional legal assistance unless they can afford it or secure help from a nonprofit organization.
Deportation begins when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issues an NTA. This document outlines the reasons for removal, which can include entering the country illegally, overstaying a visa, or violating U.S. laws.
The next step is the Master Calendar Hearing, where respondents appear before an immigration judge. During this preliminary hearing, the charges are reviewed, and the respondent is informed of their rights, which include hiring an attorney at their own expense.
If the case moves forward, a Merits Hearing is scheduled. Here, the respondent can present evidence and arguments for relief from removal, such as asylum or cancellation of removal. The judge then issues a decision.
If the judge orders removal, respondents have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). However, if all appeals fail, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) enforces the deportation order.
Steps to Prepare for Deportation
Facing deportation can be overwhelming, but preparation is essential. Here’s how individuals can brace for the process:
1. Seek Legal Representation
Hiring an experienced immigration attorney is vital, but it’s important to remember that the government will not provide one. Legal counsel can assess the case, identify defenses, and apply for relief options like asylum or cancellation of removal.
2. Understand Your Rights
Non-citizens have specific rights, such as the right to a fair hearing, the right to remain silent, and the right to legal representation at their own expense. These rights can help respondents avoid self-incrimination and better navigate the process.
3. Compile Supporting Documents
Gather evidence that supports your case, including:
• Proof of family ties in the U.S.
• Employment records and community contributions
• Documents showing hardships you or your family would face if deported
4. Explore Relief Options
Depending on individual circumstances, relief options may include:
• Asylum: For those fearing persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group membership.
• Cancellation of Removal: For long-term residents who can demonstrate good moral character and significant hardship to U.S.based family members.
• Voluntary Departure: Allows individuals to leave the U.S. on their own terms, avoiding the formal consequences of a removal order.
5. Create a Safety Plan
For those facing possible deportation, it’s wise to:
• Arrange for the care of children or dependents
• Organize financial and legal affairs
• Ensure trusted contacts have access to essential documents
Immigration policies can shift quickly. Staying updated on legal changes and seeking professional advice is critical. Without access to court-appointed attorneys, many respondents face the daunting task of representing themselves in immigration court. The absence of free legal aid underscores the importance of seeking nonprofit or pro bono assistance whenever possible.
Additionally, respondents must attend all scheduled hearings and comply with court orders. Missing a hearing can result in an automatic removal order, regardless of the case’s merits.
Deportation is a life-altering event with far-reaching consequences, but preparation and informed decisionmaking can mitigate its impact. Seeking professional legal advice, understanding rights, and exploring relief options are essential steps for anyone facing this challenging process.
For those navigating the U.S. immigration system, the road may be fraught with uncertainty, but knowledge and preparation can offer a measure of control and hope for the future. (Emmanuel Olawale is an immigration attorney based in Ohio, representing clients throughout the United States. He can be reached at 888 9 WIN WIN (888 994 6946) or emmanuel@olawalelaw.com. Visit www. olawalelaw.com for more information.)
The year 2024 has been full of activities with the one year anniversary of N’daye Fatou Foundation, opening of Sudan Cultural Center, New Americans Book Fair 2024, Nigerian Culture Day, Columbus Chamber of commerce 100th Chamber Clambake & Lobster Feast and New American Leadership Academy 2024 cohort.
SOCIAL DIARY
The Joy and Benefits of Attending Accelerate Columbus Cohort
By Shola Adebuga
Embarking on a business cohort can be a transformative experience, attending the Accelerate Columbus cohort for six weeks was a transformative experience for me, offering a plethora of benefits that have extended far beyond the classroom. The Cohort attracted professionals from diverse backgrounds, and industries, creating a melting pot of ideas and perspectives.
For professionals seeking to enhance their skills, expand their network, and accelerate their business growth, Accelerate Columbus presents an ideal opportunity.
One of the most significant advantages of participating in the Accelerate Columbus cohort is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. I had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and built a robust professional network through attending Columbus Chamber of Commerce events. The environment fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, as we navigated the learning journey together.
The collaborative nature of the cohort led to increased motivation and engagement. Learning alongside peers who shared similar goals and challenges created a supportive environment that encouraged participation, refinement of business ideas, the application of new concepts to our businesses and allowing real-time feedback. The shared experience also led to a collective wisdom that benefited all members of the cohort.
Furthermore, the specificity of course materials during the cohort allowed us to dive deeper into relevant business subject matters, fostering a rich understanding that is directly applicable to our realworld business challenges while providing resources
to tackle the challenges. For every ‘faucet’ of business, there were dedicated professionals who specialize in these areas, and brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience to engage with us.
The joy of attending a business cohort lies not only in the acquisition of new knowledge but also in the journey itself. The benefits of such an immersive experience are manifold, ranging from personal growth to professional advancement. For those considering a business cohort, check out Accelerate Columbus | Columbus Chamber of Commerce.
US Business Owners Have Jan.1, 2025 Deadline To File Information About Ownership
The Corporate Transparency Act requires existing companies doing business in the United States to report information about the individuals who ultimately own or control them (Beneficial Ownership) to The U.S. Department of the Treasury latest January 1, 2025. Failure to file the report under the Beneficial Ownership Information Report, BOIR can result in penalties of up to $500 per day.
The Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) is a new requirement under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) for U.S. businesses. It’s designed to increase transparency in business ownership and help combat financial crimes.
Existing companies must file by January 1, 2025, and new companies must file within 90 days of creation or registration to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
The free and easy to file process on the website of Beneficial Ownership Information Report (BOIR) requires:
• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current residential or business address
• Unique identifying number (e.g., passport or driver’s license number)
The BOIR is established to prevent money laundering and other financial crimes, improve corporate accountability and assist law enforcement in investigations.
“It is very important that business owners are well informed about the deadline. The consequences are monumental,” said Adu Bonna, CEO of Lifeline Financial and Tax Services.
Future Soccer Stars Academy Launches In Columbus
Future Soccer Stars Academy has launched in Columbus, Ohio to nurture and organize soccer teams for children aged 5-17 from low-income and at-risk backgrounds, offering academic support, counseling, and mentoring to help them become well-rounded student-athletes and productive members of society.
“Future Soccer Stars Academy aims to provide lowincome families and at-risk kids with an alternative path through soccer, developing future stars who earn college scholarships, excel as student-athletes, and lead healthy lifestyles,” said Ishmael Minta, CEO of Future Soccer Star Academy.
“Our mission is to foster skill development and instill a lifelong love for the beautiful game. Whether your child is a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced player aiming to enhance their skills, our program is designed to meet their needs.”
According to him, “we understand that each age group has unique developmental needs, and our training programs are crafted accordingly. Our experienced coaches employ age-appropriate drills and techniques to ensure that every participant can progress at their own pace. Our primary focus is on the holistic development of each player, both on and off the field.”
I COME WITH TWO TABLETS
By Taiwo AKINLAMI
Talk is not cheap, but it is free. And with the freedom to speak comes the profound responsibility to do so wisely. To speak in pursuit of one’s rights, or to claim freedom of speech, requires courage because even though talk is free, it carries risks. Unguarded words can cross dangerous lines, leading to libel or slander, and a single word can cripple individuals or organizations through lawsuits.
Words hold power. They give direction and instruction, often guiding us through life’s most critical moments. I recall an experience from a few years ago, a memory that remains vivid to this day. My brother, Akinfolaju Akinlami, and I were driving late at night, with a dear friend, Segun Opadeyi, in the back seat. As we approached a checkpoint, we saw men flashing torchlights. Assuming they were police officers, I told Akinfolaju to stop the car, confident that we had nothing to hide. But the moment he rolled down the window, one of the men forcefully reached into the car, hitting my chest and attempting to shut off the ignition. We were confused and unsure of what was happening.
Suddenly, Segun Opadeyi in the back shouted with urgency, “Akin, move! Move this car now!” That voice of direction, those powerful words, saved us. Akin stepped on the throttle, and we escaped. Only God knows what would have happened if we hadn’t heeded that voice. Those men weren’t police officers, they were likely robbers or, worse, ritualists seeking their next victim. In that moment, words became the difference between life and death.
What struck me is that Segun sat in the back, without control of the steering wheel, yet he controlled the situation with his words. This teaches us two invaluable lessons: first, you can lead from anywhere. That is the hallmark of situational leadership. Second, you don’t need to
be in the front seat to steer the course. He who speaks the right words owns the situation.
Words are free, but they demand courage, courage that can be costly. I recall great speeches, both oral and written, that have changed the world for good. I remember Paul’s speech before King Agrippa, found in the Book of Acts, chapter 26. I remember Martin Luther’s Ninety-Five Theses, nailed to the door of Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517, which ignited the Reformation and introduced the enduring phrase “The just shall live by faith.”
I remember Eleanor Roosevelt’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, when she presented the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reminded us that “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home.”
I remember Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s speech on September 11, 1963, before he was sentenced to prison for treasonable felony, often referred to as “My Trial and Conviction” or The Allocutus.”
I remember Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speeches: “I Have a Dream” and I’ve Been to the Mountaintop”, his final speech on earth. I recall Nelson Mandela’s allocution before he was sentenced to prison, titled “The Struggle is My Life.”
I remember Fidel Castro’s defiant “History Will Absolve Me” and Frantz Fanon’s prophetic “The Wretched of the Earth.”
I also remember Barack Obama’s speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004, often referred to as The Audacity of Hope,” and Wangari Maathai’s Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech in 2004, where she said, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground.”
Finally, I recall Bill Gates’ 2008 speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he
warned of the flaws in capitalism and introduced the concept of “Creative Capitalism,” urging corporations to leverage their resources to tackle social challenges while still making a profit. His words came just before the global economic meltdown.
What do all these speeches have in common? Though spoken at different times in history, each of these words pushed the envelope, shifted culture, gave direction, and reshaped the landscape of discourse. These speeches provided the impetus and inspiration to move our world from one generation to the next, from one civilization to another, and from impossibilities to possibilities. Their words could only be ignored at the peril of those who failed to heed their message.
These speeches and their impact inspired me while writing my two latest books, “The Burden and Wisdom of Parenting” (an autobiographical account of my childhood) and “Transforming Child Discipline into a Culture of Discipline.” I kept firmly in mind the unforgettable words of the ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, and engineer Archimedes: Give me a lever and a place to stand, and I will move the world. Since 1997, God and the people He has brought into my life have given me a lever and a place to stand. By grace, I have moved the world to look toward our precious children. Now, I feel it is time to move the world again by documenting my field experiences, beginning with my childhood story.
As Paul once said, “Necessity is laid upon me; woe unto me if I do not preach the gospel.” My gospel is one of Family Strengthening, Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®, and Rights-Based Parenting. As I quoted on page 3 of “The Burden and Wisdom of Parenting,” Elie Wiesel’s words ring true: “To not tell your story is to betray your existence.”
It is in this spirit that I come bearing words in two tablets.
In my work, I have dedicated myself since 1997 to guiding families, child-focused organizations, and policymakers. Whether working with local or international bodies, I have taken on the responsibility of blowing the whistle, calling attention to critical issues, and providing direction.
Today, I bring two tablets filled with words, words designed to give direction, save lives, transform organizations, and offer our children hope and a future. I come bearing a manifesto of 15 chapters, rich with the diverse issues our children are grappling with today. This manifesto is not just a call to action; it is a blueprint. It includes practical curriculum recommendations, guidance, and steps toward creating a better world for our children.
The second tablet I bring focuses on transforming the misguided concept of child discipline into what we now call a **culture of discipline**. Until discipline becomes a culture, it remains ineffective. In this tablet, I offer 42 key targets and 12 biographical case studies to help transform child discipline into a lasting, impactful culture. These are not just words; they are guideposts, tools to comfort and direct, and calls to action that challenge us to redefine our commitment to the children in our lives.
I have done my part under God, and now it is your turn to do yours. These books are revolutionary, designed to cause change and shift culture. They are countercultural in the best way possible, redefining how we see and treat our children.
Would you join me on this journey? I believe you should.
