2024 Umu Igbo Unite Digital Magazine

Volume 8

www.umuigbounite.com

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What’s

Inside Letter from the Founders

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Letter from the Editors

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UIU National Convention Planning Team

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Founder Q&A

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Igwe Bu Ike: The Tribalism Paradox

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Key Ways To Elevate Your Healthcare Career

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I Am Because They Were, They Are Because I Am

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Black Girl Blues

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UIU Financial Statement

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UIU Convention: Through The Years

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Chapters At A Glance

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UIUCares Annual Report

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UIU Socials At A Glance

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Get To Know UIUFamily

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Igbo Cravings: Recipes to Try At Home

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LETTER FROM Celebrating 20 years

Ndewo nu! Welcome to the 20th Annual Umu Igbo Unite Convention! We express our gratitude to God for consistently guiding us in our mission to bring together and strengthen Igbo professionals in the Diaspora, uphold Igbo culture and language, and foster a deep sense of pride in being Igbo.

Umu Igbo Unite (UIU), was founded in 2005 in Atlanta, Georgia by the D.I. Anadu and J.C. Okpukpara families.The driving force behind UIU’s creation was the recognition of the need for a well-organized network that caters to the specific cultural, professional, and social requirements of first-generation Igbo Americans and the broader diaspora.

Since its inception, UIU has grown to over 1,500 members nationwide with more than 14 active chapters: Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, DMV, Boston, Tristate (NY, NJ, CT), Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Bay Area, Austin, Miami, Seattle and Nashville.

As a community-as-a-service organization, Umu Igbo Unite Corporation is continuously working towards building a network of professionals who share a deep commitment to culture and community.

Today, UIU takes pride in being the leading network of Igbo Americans, positively impacting the diaspora, Nigeria, and the African continent as a whole. We achieve this through four core pillars: Cultural Preservation Connecting the Diaspora Entrepreneurship Civic Engagement

Despite the economic downturn and ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, UIU remains dedicated to its path of recovery and progress. Our key priorities for the upcoming years are: Ensuring financial sustainability at both the national and local chapter levels.

Fostering the development of a robust professional pipeline through internal and external initiatives focused on professional development, education, and healthcare.

Expanding the UIUTourism program to meet the growing demand for educational and historical travel to Eastern Nigeria.

Strengthening connections between the diaspora and Igbo heritage by cultivating strategic partnerships and building bridges between communities.

Last year's convention, our 19th, was held in the Bay Area, California, was an unforgettable experience! Thanks to the hard work of our planning team and our wonderful sponsors, including XSITE, Ernest Ezenna, Gwacham 5, Ancestry, NK&Co to name a few. We had an exciting lineup of speakers and panelists, like Ngozi Dozie, Karen Obilom, Dr. Ify Ike, Beverly Adaeze and Joy Ofodu among others, as well as a fantastic performance by A-list entertainers! It was a weekend filled with learning, networking, and celebrating our heritage.

THE FOUNDERS of Umu Igbo Unite

This year's theme, "Igwe bu ike | Our Unity is Our Strength Celebrating 20 Years of UIU's Influence," perfectly captures the vision of our organization. It's a celebration of two decades of impact and a nod to the power of coming together to achieve greatness.

As we move forward, we're excited about our five structured programs that are designed to serve both the Diaspora and our homeland: UIUCares - the community service arm of UIU. We strive to provide support to Igbos back home and Igbos in the Diaspora by focusing on Education | Accessibility | Relief | Wealth Creation | Service UIUConvention - the annual convening of over a thousand Igbo Nigerians in one city! Networking with a Cultural Twist!

UIUTourism - an annual trip to tour Igboland where we explore and experience the rich Igbo history and culture firsthand.

UIUConnects - a platform created to connect Igbo professionals in the Diaspora with domestic companies and international opportunities in Nigeria and abroad.

UIUIgboLanguage - a program created to teach the Igbo language through virtual courses, videos, and our YouTube video series in partnership with Ije the World Traveler.

UIUFamily (New!) - building a sense of community among Igbo couples and Igbo families with children.

We will continue to keep our community informed of the progress made across these programs.

As always, we would not be here without our parents migrating here to provide a better life for us. We are forever indebted to them, Dr. & Dr. Mrs. D.I. Anadu and Reverend & Dr. Mrs. J.C. Okpukpara.

We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of our dedicated team of National Board Members, Chapter Executives, National Planning Team, and National Operations team to our members. Your passion and commitment have made UIU a global force for good!

Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and supporters for making this convention possible. Enjoy the weekend, forge new connections, and celebrate our rich Igbo heritage. Stay safe and healthy, and remember that our unity is our strength. Chukwu gozie unu!

Udo! The Founders of Umu Igbo Unite Corporation

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OUR MISSION To foster an inclusive platform where individuals of all cultural backgrounds can create their family trees and privately preserve, explore, celebrate, and securely share their heritage, memories, and family history data with their trusted community.

Cultivating Heritage | Uniting Families | Preserving Legacies

www.mynativetree.com

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS Ndewo UIU Convention Attendees, We are thrilled to present this special edition, crafted with dedication and enthusiasm to capture the essence of the 20th year of our beloved organization. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive and memorable keepsake that reflects the spirit of unity, innovation, and community that UIU embodies.

Within these pages, you will find insightful articles, details on the history of UIU, and profiles of our amazing founders. We have also included features on the latest advancements within our organization, thought-provoking editorials, and highlights from past conventions to inspire and inform you of where we have been and how we will continue to grow.

Our editorial team has worked tirelessly to ensure that this magazine serves as a valuable resource for you. We hope it enhances your experience, fosters new connections, and sparks meaningful discussions. Your presence and participation are what make this convention a success every year, and we are honored to be part of this journey with you.

Thank you for joining us at the 2024 UIU Convention. Let us celebrate our collective achievements, explore new horizons, and create lasting memories together.

Warm Regards, Ezinne Ndujiuba, Chidera Agude, Chinyere Onyirimba, Martina Umeh, Ezinwa Nwakama, Ezinna Amadi, & Chidera Nicole Nwanna Editors, UIU Convention Magazine

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MEET THE NATIONAL PLANNING Kin Pa guslleNyjoUk fe u re

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Chidera Nicole Nwanna

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Ezinwa Amanze

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Elizabeth Opara jiaku

Elizabeth Obielu

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SCAN TO LISTEN

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Q&A

We caught up with the Founders of Umu Igbo Unite to hear what inspired them, their greatest achievements within UIU and what the future holds

What inspired the creation of Umu Igbo Unite and what makes UIU so special?

Ijeoma Anadu Okoli: The creation of Umu Igbo Unite (UIU) was inspired by a deep-rooted desire to preserve and celebrate Igbo culture and heritage. We recognized that there was a need for a platform where Igbo professionals, especially the younger generation, could connect, share experiences, and support one another. UIU is special because it fosters a sense of belonging and community among Igbo people globally. It is a space where we can celebrate our traditions, address our unique challenges, and empower each other to achieve our fullest potential.

Njideka Ukaegbu: UIU was created to provide young Igbo students and professionals in America, who may be here alone without family, with their own "village"—a community where they can connect through shared culture and language, helping them stay connected to their roots. It's easy to feel lost in a foreign land, but with a supportive community by your side, success is much more attainable. UIU is special because of its people. The dedication and commitment of its members ensure its sustainability year after year, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Onyinye Igbokwe: UIU was created to provide young Igbo adults a space to navigate being both Igbo and American. We formed it to build a sense of community that was lacking at Naija meetings with our parents, where we often felt sidelined and heard repetitive discussions about Nigeria's issues without seeing much change. We recognized that to make a real impact, we had to take initiative ourselves.

Ijeoma Emeka: It’s incredible to think about the creation of UIU as something that happened in past tense. I can still see the 8 of us together in Atlanta at our parents village meeting - thinking why can’t we do something like this but with kids our age which would be way more funnnn?! At that time, I remember it wasn’t cool to be from Africa, UIU is special for many reasons including being at the forefront of helping change that narrative instilling pride in being a Nigerian and Onye Igbo.

I’m so grateful that 20 years later, UIU remains special and unique to people of all ages also because of the immediate sense of community you have when you join a local or national chapter.

Uche Ndefo: We wanted to be connected to other Igbos in the diaspora. We lived in small towns in the northwest of the US when we first moved to the states. The only Nigerians we knew were the ones we knew through our parents, and certainly very few were our age. What makes UIU so special is that it has provided a venue for bonafide connections! There are so many people who connect to other people - and these connections are so special because these people understand things about you that you don’t have to explain. They understand your strict upbringing, your values. Your name is not foreign to them because they have a sister, cousin, brother, uncle, aunt, with your name. Bottom line, the people and the connections are what make UIU so special.

Amaka Onyereri: UIU was born out of a need for young Igbo adults in the diaspora to connect to their culture as well as each other professionally, socially and culturally. It was evident that the connection piece to the culture was desperately needed for our young adults newly graduated from college. UIU created a space for us to embrace our language, music, culture, and people with pride and passion, thus filling a void that existed for a lot of us. We also wanted to create a space where we could create professional connections where we shared ideas to propel us forward in our careers.

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How has Umu Igbo Unite evolved over the years, and what achievements are you most proud of?

Onyinye: UIU has grown into a multifaceted organization addressing various needs. Watching the expansion of chapters and members, along with their unique contributions, has been phenomenal. The planning team's diverse talents and interests have driven UIU in exciting new directions.

UIU has enabled me to connect with more people and deepen my understanding of what it means to be Igbo. I'm particularly proud of our physical presence in Nigeria through the UIUCares Enugu office. This office has been crucial in executing and monitoring our impactful work in Nigeria. The dedication of our hard-working staff inspires hope for Nigeria's future. The commitment of UIU members to collaborate with them, and the strong connection between our staff and members, has been heartwarming.

We are truly bridging the Diaspora and the homeland, fostering positive outcomes.

Amaka: Growth and reach is the most obvious, impressive and critical achievement as it demonstrates that UIU continues to meet a core need amongst our young adults.

Achievements that I am most proud of are growth of our chapters and the incredible programs that we continue to offer as well as our impact in Nigeria through UIUCares.

Ijeoma O.: Over the years, UIU has grown from a small group of passionate individuals to a vibrant and dynamic organization with a significant impact. We have expanded our reach through grassroots efforts, creating chapters in various cities and states, each working tirelessly to promote Igbo culture and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

One of our proudest achievements is the annual UIU Convention, which brings together thousands of Igbo people from around the world. This event has become a cornerstone for networking, cultural exchange, and learning.

Additionally, we are proud of our UIUConnects programs, which have helped countless young Igbo professionals navigate their careers and achieve their goals. Our community outreach through UIUCares initiatives have also made a tangible difference in the lives of many, both within and outside the Igbo community.

UIU has seen tremendous growth, evolving from a small gathering of about 100 people at our first convention to thousands of attendees from all over the world. The achievements I'm most proud of are our continuous efforts in our homeland. We have dedicated staff managing daily operations, which motivates me to strive for better outcomes and ensure our people can become self-sufficient.

Njideka: UIU has seen tremendous growth, evolving from a small gathering of about 100 people at our first convention to thousands of attendees from all over the world. The achievements I'm most proud of are our continuous efforts in our homeland. We have dedicated staff managing daily operations, which motivates me to strive for better outcomes and ensure our people can become self-sufficient.

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Ijeoma E.: I’m so proud that we’ve evolved with the times while staying true to igbo tradition and culture. For example, from a career perspective, we would have panels with successful doctors, lawyers and engineers and now we have panels with those + very successful creatives including influencers, entrepreneurs, etc.

I’m most proud and thankful for our unity, longevity and positive sustainable impact that we’ve had in the diaspora and Igbo land e.g. feeding thousands of students, brand new 10- restroom facility for a girls school, scholarships for students both in the states and Naija, Glory to God!. This was achieved through our foundation - UIUCares and the UIU local chapters. I also remain ecstatic and grateful to God that our parents Rev. & Dr. Mrs Jonathan & Kate Okpukpara and Dr. & Dr. Mrs. Donald & Edith Anadu who are key to our growth are here to celebrate with us and reap some of the seeds they’ve sown.

Uche: What an evolution it has been! I am most proud of the volunteers who have made this organization what it is today.

I’m so grateful that the mission of UIU resonated with so many intelligent and high- performing, high-achieving individuals who have helped UIU evolve into what it is today.

I am also equally if not more proud of the chapters because UIU meeting once a year at conference was not enough.

People were hungry for more regular connections.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future of Umu Igbo Unite and its potential impact on the Igbo community, both locally and globally?

Onyinye: My vision for UIU is to expand our network to everyone interested in the development of our people. I aspire to be part of decision-making processes that have a global impact. Our communities are rich in talent, and I hope UIU will be a springboard for change and development both at home and in the diaspora.

I also want to see us enhance Igbo language teaching through everyday products for the next generation, ensuring our language thrives. There is nothing sweeter than seeing knowledge passed down through generations, and our language is a crucial part of preserving our culture and traditions.

Amaka: My vision for the future of UIU is that we continue to expand our programming and our reach by: 1. Growing more chapters 2. Building on our professional network to continue to lift our community upwards to even greater heights in our careers.

3. Expanding to a younger audience (kids, teenagers) thereby ensuring that our Igbo kids grow up with that cultural pride, identity and connection; so they always know they are part of a great people and embody our Igbo values and know without a doubt na Igbo amaka!

Ijeoma E.: I pray that UIU remains a source of joy and long lasting connection to Igboland for my children, grandchildren and beyond. There is still so much untapped potential that can ensure we accomplish our vision to be a solution in the diaspora. By continuing to create programming that focuses on the preservation of the igbo language and culture, building a community of people that identify with their Igbo heritage, upholding the advancement of Igbo people in the diaspora, Nigeria, & Africa whilst providing the opportunity for enterprise and professional development through a network of people united by ethnicity. I believe Nigeria can be a better place. I dream of a time when our children go back and forth between the states and Nigeria without fear, investing in both economies. There’s literally nothing we cannot accomplish with Gods help and with the united, intelligent, loyal, and kind Igbo people. Igbo Kwenu!!

Njideka: My vision for the future of UIU is to expand globally, establishing networks and chapters in every corner of the world where Igbo people reside—it's possible because Igbo people are everywhere. Additionally, I hope to leverage our network to help rebuild Nigeria. By addressing deficiencies in various industries and infrastructure with the honest, hardworking people and resources we've gathered over the past 20 years, we can make significant improvements. Lastly, I aim to pass on the organization to future generations, who are quickly coming of age and will bring new and fresh ideas to sustain UIU. Uche: I look forward to the day when every major city in the US will have a chapter and everyone will be within a couple hours drive of a UIU chapter - I’m not sure how feasible that

will be for some parts of the US but I know that there is a Nigerian family in every town in America so I believe it’s possible. am most excited about kicking off our annual tour of Nigeria because I believe that if we can make Nigeria a destination, our economy will benefit greatly from this. A lot of Igbo people in the diaspora do not have a relationship with Nigeria that is independent of their parents and yet have traveled all over the globe. As well as our brothers and sisters who were separated from us centuries ago that are eager to find their proper homes. We need to clear the path and make it easy and safe and fun for them to come home.

I pray that we continue to grow our language program. It is something I am not doing so well with my own kids and I need external support to make this happen.

Above all, I am praying that UIU will continue to be here for when they (my kids) are old enough to participate and be immersed in the language and culture. God has been so merciful to us so far and I pray that He will be faithful to complete the good works He started with Umu Igbo Unite!

Ijeoma O.: Looking ahead, my vision for UIU is to continue expanding our reach and deepening our impact. We aim to create even more opportunities for connection, learning, and growth for Igbo people in the diaspora. This includes enhancing our digital presence to ensure that even those who cannot attend our events in person can still benefit from our programs and resources.

We also aspire to strengthen our partnerships with other organizations and institutions to amplify our efforts in preserving Igbo culture and advocating for our community's needs. On a global scale, we hope to influence, include and inspire other diaspora communities by showcasing the strength and resilience of the Igbo people.

Ultimately, our goal is to build a legacy that future generations of Igbo people can be proud of—a legacy of unity, empowerment, and cultural pride. By doing so, we believe we can make a lasting impact not only on the Igbo community but on the world at large.

Networking with a Cultural Twist!

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Igwe Bu Ike: The Tribalism Paradox Written by Martina Umeh and Obie Njoku

By a simple measure, tribalism can be understood as the human tendency to self-select, organize, and advocate for issues of common interest to a people of a shared ethnic origin. It appears, however, that the term “tribalism” often comes with the baggage of being associated with negative occurrences that border on various forms of conflict, discrimination, and targeted persecutions. But is tribalism necessarily a bad phenomenon?

Imagine that you recently moved into a new residential community. At the end of the year, the community organizes its first gathering, allowing residents to meet and socialize beyond their immediate neighbors. As a teacher, you meet others from various backgrounds and discover two residents in your same field. You spend most of the evening talking about your shared profession. Anthropologists would argue that this ‘community’ of three professionals is a form of tribal affiliation. Tribalism can be based on profession, political ideology, religion, ethnicity, sports fandom, and more. This behavior is rooted in human evolution and the need to create safe spaces that offer comfort and protection.

Despite the negative Tribalism can be based on connotations, profession, political ideology, tribalism is not religion, ethnicity, sports necessarily bad. In fandom, and more. modern societies, ethnic tribalism is often highlighted, especially in conflicts like those between the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, Serbs and Albanians in former Yugoslavia, and Fulani herdsmen and farming communities in Nigeria. These conflicts have cost millions of lives, making ethnic tribalism a volatile issue.

So, why is tribalism a subject that we need to devote so much attention to? Well, In Nigeria, a country with dozens of ethnic, language, and cultural groups, tribalism is significant. Even though Umu Igbo Unite, is an organization that exists to serve the needs of young Igbo people in the diaspora, the mission and character of UIU transcends ethnic/tribal boundaries.

Although Nigeria is a country that strives to exist by its Motto of “Unity And Faith,” historical accounts and media feeds that stoke ethno-tribal sentiments are never in short supply. Given that we have inherited such a diverse and multicultural country, one question to consider is, How should a better understanding of

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tribalism influence our relationships with those from different ethnic backgrounds?

From its founding, about twenty years ago, Umu Igbo Unite was conceived as an organization that caters to the cultural, social, and professional needs of young Americans of Igbo descent. UIU was the first of its kind, and as UIU grew, our brothers and sisters from other parts of Nigeria and beyond found this organization and its stated mission so appealing that they wanted to join hands with us. UIU opened its doors and created a welcoming space for all to share in a family of like-minded folks who want to support positive growth among a community of diaspora African peers. Every time you went to a UIU function, from Atlanta to Seattle or from Los Angeles to Boston, you would notice that members of the UIU family in each chapter come from various parts of Igbo land, but also from other ethnic groups and tribes from across Nigeria and West Africa.

In UIU, we are not unaware of each other’s ethnic identities, but we have not allowed our diverse backgrounds to negatively impact our mission of creating a social and professional network of peers.

Does that make you wonder: Has UIU found the magic wand for ethnic harmony? What role has tribalism played in UIU? How has UIU managed to present and function as a united and coherent entity despite the diversity of its membership? How has UIU shielded itself from the negative effects of incessant occurrences of ethno-tribal divisions in our home country?

One way to understand Umu Igbo Unite as an organization is to see it as a "tribe" of its own.

Consider our opening illustration of three teachers bonding as a tribe bound by their professional identity. While tribalism is often associated with ethnicity, it's not the sole basis for forming tribal affiliations. Tribes can form based on one’s political affiliation, religious beliefs, sports fandom, or professional associations. As a tribe of Diaspora Africans, Umu Igbo Unite (UIU) strives to maintain an environment where all people of African descent can unite under a cultural identity and support each other in facing challenges unique to young Americans of African descent.

In UIU, the most prominent form of tribalism is our shared cultural identity as people of African descent.

Many UIU chapters have executive board members, including chapter presidents, whose last names indicate they come from outside Igbo land or even outside Nigeria.

diversity in backgrounds, opinions, and cultural orientations to find the best leaders for our growing family. UIU is a tribe of African Americans focused on cultural, professional, and social networking.

As we continue to grow, we anticipate that the diversity of backgrounds in our membership will continue to expand. That is a welcome development!

The Igbo principle of Igwe Bụ Ike provides a philosophical foundation which reminds us that a community's strength lies not only in its numbers but also in empowering each member to grow personally in a manner that benefits the entire community. As we gather to socialize and celebrate achievements, we encourage everyone to proudly share their professional and cultural backgrounds with whomever they encounter.

In UIU, tribalism is embraced with a positive attitude.

We find strength and comfort both in our ethnic identity and also in this tribe called Umu Igbo Unite!

UIU strives to transcend divisive tribal ideologies, thus allowing members and chapter leaders to connect and promote growth regardless of ethnic, professional, religious, or other identities. Once again we say, Igwe Bụ Ike! May our unity in diversity continue to be our strength!

This year's convention theme, "Igwe Bụ Ike “an Igbo maxim which roughly translates to, "There is Strength in Numbers”, highlights why UIU has adopted a progressive approach to tribalism. UIU embraces

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KEYS TO ELEVATE YOUR CAREER MORE EFFICIENTLY IN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD Written by Ike Ogbaa, MD

Here are some of the most efficient ways to elevate your career in the healthcare space: 1. Set clear goals: Define your career goals and create a roadmap for achieving them. Regularly assess your progress and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards advancing your career in the healthcare industry. Be stubborn on your goals but flexible in how you get there.

2. Develop a specialization or area of expertise: You need to have a strong understanding of the industry and stay up-to-date on the current trends and developments. Seek advanced credentials or certifications: Consider pursuing higher education such as a master's degree or certifications related to your field of expertise to enhance your knowledge and skills.

3. Networking: Cultivate positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders in the industry to enhance your reputation and increase your visibility within the field. Build a strong professional network by attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and connecting with colleagues and mentors. Build relationships with key stakeholders, including colleagues, mentors, and industry leaders.

4. Continuous learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, regulations, and advancements in your industry by attending workshops, seminars, and relevant courses. Pursue advanced certifications. Seek opportunities to work in different areas of your industry to broaden your skill set and gain a comprehensive understanding of how the industry operates.

Seek out opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities.

5. Demonstrate results: Strive to achieve tangible results in your projects and initiatives to showcase your capabilities and value to your organization.

6. Develop leadership skills: Take on leadership roles or projects that allow you to showcase your leadership abilities and demonstrate your potential for growth within the organization.

Demonstrate leadership skills and a willingness to mentor others.

7. Stay adaptable: The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay adaptable and open to change to succeed in this dynamic environment. Stay adaptable and open to change.

8. Develop communication skills: Effective communication is key in any industry. Work on improving your communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey your ideas and collaborate with others. Learn to think clearly, speak concisely and write effectively. Develop strong communication and presentation skills.

9. Master the art of leverage: There are 4 major forms of leverage and you have to master at least one them to be truly successful or make significant impact in this world. The 4 major forms of leverage are code (technology), media, labor (opt: other people’s time) & capital (opm: other people’s money).

Code, stay abreast of technological advancements in the healthcare industry and be willing to learn and adapt to new tools and systems that can enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Media, learn the art of capturing people’s attention using traditional or social media. Attention is becoming an increasingly valuable currency. Labor, understand the concept of emotional intelligence and master the art of managing, being aware and influencing yourself & others. Capital, you have to learn how to make money work for you rather than working for money. You have to evolve from getting paid for your time to getting paid for your judgement and making good decisions.

10. Be proactive: Take initiative in seeking out new opportunities for growth and development within the company, such as volunteering for challenging assignments or proposing innovative ideas. Take initiative. Show a willingness to innovate and think outside the box.

Remember, career advancement takes time and effort, but by focusing on these key areas, you can position yourself for success and accelerate your career growth in any industry. By following these strategies and continuously investing in your professional development, you can elevate your career in the healthcare industry and position yourself for long-term success.

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Before I was born in southeast Nigeria on July 4, my ancestors were Igbos. My bloodlines flow from my ancestors to my parents, and that makes me an Igbo woman; my beautiful heritage.

Coming to America was a dream that I never thought would come true. I had a vision of how my life would be in America as an adult. At age 21, I was persuaded to leave Nigeria after experiencing trauma of my eldest sister, Franca, dying as young as 34, leaving three babies behind.

I came to California with the core of me. “Always do your best and be your best. Always remember whose daughter you are” my mother told me. I never forgot, and I taught my kids the same.

You see, my father was the Igwe (the king) of my hometown, Ihe. Yes, I am adaeze (a princess) by birth, but living in America has ways of changing your life in unexpected and unsuspecting ways. However, I remain grateful.

I remember while living in the Bay Area of California, by Lakeshore/Grand Avenue to be precise, some students at my community college would make fun of my accent, yet wanted a taste my homemade jollof rice, fried plantains, and stewed goat meat (hahaha). Anyway, I didn’t feel bad about my uniqueness because I understood that every human being has an accent and it’s a part of what makes us special/different. One African-American girl in my class, with an American mom and a Nigerian dad, swore that she’s only American. Either her father never educated her or she was 100% ignorant.

Written by Nkem DenChukwu Can YOU imagine if we all sounded or looked the same?

Think about that for a minute.

I was never intimidated or had low self-esteem because those students were ignorant. Felt sorry for them rather being angry at them. They didn’t know ANY better. Imagine being angry at a drunk person. You shouldn’t. Rather, you teach that person to do better by thinking better.

Years passed and I grew up. I became a graduate, even got my master’s degree, had a few heartbreaks, lost my first love at 24 to Death, traveled to Hawaii & to many parts of America, had my four beautiful babies (17, 19, 21, and 22+), wrote my first book, Tribal Echoes (inspired by my Igbo culture, the beauty of language, and the ignorance of culture), became award-winning author/filmmaker, and living each day intentional, hopeful, & grateful.

You need to also know that before I became a mother on October 1st, I told myself that my children must know that they are first umu Igbo. They are Americans by country of birth, but their bloodlines flow from their ancestors’. I made sure that I spoke to them in the language of my mother, their mother. My children are because I am. I am because my father was and my mother is.

For thirty years while living from the west coast, east coast, and in Texas for 20+, I proudly carried my beautiful Igbo heritage with me like a song in my heart that everyone (heard) hears. From our language, music, attire, authentic ethnic dishes to all that we are as Igbos.

Ask yourself: Who am I if I do not know where my bloodlines flow from? Answer this: Who are we if our language becomes extinct due to ignorance or reasons? No matter who or what you/we become, your/our bloodlines can never be altered. Be proud too!

So, if you ever meet me, read, or hear about me, Nkem DenChukwu, just know that I am more. I am that beautiful ada Igbo from Ihe in Enugu State.

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Written by Ngozi Ashibuogwu, M.S., LPCC In my work, I have encountered numerous women and girls suffering trauma, which manifests in behaviors such as irritability, sadness, fear, changes in appetite and sleep, isolation, nightmares, and avoidance. These individuals often struggle with negative self-perceptions, feeling unlovable, unworthy or broken, and fear expressing their emotions. In therapy sessions, we work to identify and address the root causes of their distress, which clarifies potential steps and treatments. However, a concerning issue I've named "the silent killer" complicates the healing process.

Clinically known as dysthymia or persistent depressive disorder, this condition is a long-lasting form of depression that often goes unrecognized due to its subtlety. Symptoms include a persistent depressed mood, low self-esteem, hopelessness, fatigue, and changes in eating habits lasting for two years or more. It's crucial to acknowledge these signs not for diagnosis but to understand and articulate the struggles one might be facing. Dysthymia often leads to a pervasive feeling of emptiness and hopelessness, where joy and light seem distant, and one's self-image becomes tainted by perceptions of gloom. Despite occasional moments of warmth and peace, the emotional burden often remains overwhelming and persistent.

We meet a woman named Elizabeth in Luke, Chapter One, Verses 5-80. From my clinical judgment, I would diagnose her with persistent depressive disorder. The scriptures reveal that Elizabeth and her husband were from a rich priestly ancestral history and served God faithfully, but “had no children because Elizabeth could not conceive, and both of them were well along in years.” (Luke 1: 7 CSB) This is very revealing because the scripture identifies Elizabeth as the sole reason for infertility.

So here you have this woman who still faithfully served the Kingdom of God while possibly holding the central belief of “It’s my fault we can’t have children. My body is damaged. I am evil, and that's why this is happening to me. I am a broken woman. I am unworthy of his love or God's love because this would not have happened if I was worthy. I am shameful.” Elizabeth’s central belief about herself can be inferred because if you jump down to Luke chapter 1:24-25, it says that when Elizabeth, in her older age, does conceive,

she says, "The Lord has done this for me. He has looked with favor these days to take away my disgrace among the people." (Luke 1:24-25 CSB) Some translations say reproach, which is another name for shame. Although we know that Elizabeth's story ends with conceiving a child, Let's return to the central beliefs Elizabeth wore like a garment of despair, shame, and hopelessness. Her story is a poignant reflection of the profound sadness, shame, and grief many might recognize in their lives. She carried the burden of an invisible clock, marking the passage of time without fulfilling her desire to have a child. As the years passed, the possibility shattered and faded, replaced by overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, depression, and emptiness.

Does this narrative resonate with you who have seen your own bright visions of life—filled with hope, possibilities, and excitement—gradually eroded by life's challenges, unexpected betrayals, and growing burdens? I want to encourage you by letting you know that you no longer have to wear this garment of sadness, emptiness, depression, pain, rejection, confusion, and numbness you have been wearing. Let this article be your sign that someone sees you and wants you to be healed and whole, all it takes is for you to say yes to seeking mental health services. Help and hope are available to you. This is your invitation to acknowledge your pain and embrace the healing that is within reach.

UIU sees you and hears you, that’s why we have partnered with BetterHelp to provide all convention attendees with one month of free therapy. This initiative aims to support the mental well-being of the attendees by offering them accessible professional counseling.

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18

20

2005

2006

2007

2008

Empowering Our Youth: Independence Day Celebration

Charting The Future Together

Igbo Kwenu: One People for One Purpose

Embracing Our Heritage: Strength In Unity

150 Attendees September 30th October 2nd 2005 Location: Atlanta, GA

200 Attendees August 4th-6th, 2006 Location: Atlanta, GA

250 Attendees August 3rd-5th, 2007 Location: Marriott Perimeter Center, Atlanta, GA

250 Attendees August 1st-3rd, 2008 Location: DoubleTree Hotel, Atlanta, GA

2018

2017

2016

2015

Level Up: Igbo Di Egwu

Oganiru: Connect.

Empower.

Mobilize

Igboamaka: Celebrating the Beauty of our Culture

New generation | New views | Building Bridges Together

1000+ Attendees August 2nd-5th, 2018 Location: New Orleans, LA

1000+ Attendees August 3rd-6th, 2017 Location: Los Angeles, CA

1000+ Attendees August 4th-7th, 2016 Location: The Westin, Lombard, IL

1000+ Attendees August 6th-9th, 2015 Location: Newark, NJ

2019

2020

2021

2022

Igbo Ga-Adi: People, Passion, Purpose

Ka Ha Hu Anyi (Let Them See Us)

The Faces of Igbo Excellence: Anyi Nwere Mmadu

The Future is Igbo: Ije Anyi Amaka

500 Attendees August 1st-4th, 2019 Location: Minneapolis, MN

800 Attendees August 8th 2020 Location: Virtual

1000+ Attendees August 5th-8th, 2021 Location: Houston, TX

1000+ Attendees August 4th-7th, 2022 Location: Arlington, VA

2009

2010

2011

Building Tomorrow

Celebrating Igbo Excellence

Bridging Generations: Unity and Progress

250+ Attendees July 31st-August 2nd, 2009 Location: Houston, TX

400+ Attendees August 6th-8th, 2010 Location: Doubletree Guest Suites, Houston, TX

500+ Attendees August 4th-7th, 2011 Location: DoubleTree, Annapolis, MD

2014

2013

2012

Building a Lasting Legacy

Revitalization of our Roots

700+ Attendees August 1st-4th, 2013 Location: Dallas, TX

400+ Attendees August 2nd-5th, 2012 Location: Baltimore, MD

Achieving our Purpose through a Legacy of Unity and Strength 900+ Attendees July 31st-August 3rd, 2014 Location: Atlanta, GA

2023

2024

Ike Di Na Mba: Strength in Community 1,500+ Attendees August 3rd - 6th, 2023 Location: Oakland Marriott City Center

through the years 21

22

23

2024 ANNUAL UPDATE

Dr. Onyinye Igbokwe

Chinwe Onyeukwu

Grace Rebecca Mecha

Njideka Ukaegbu

Samantha Dike

Chinwendu Ngwadom

Ngozi Ashibuogwu

Amaka Iloegbunam

Jane Onwuegbuchu

UIUCARES NATIONAL TEAM

UIUCares endeavors to serve the underprivileged individuals residing in various communities within Nigeria and the diaspora, by providing essential provisions including food, clothing, healthcare services, educational opportunities, and vocational training.

UIUCares serves as the community service division of Umu Igbo Unite, which aims to address the diverse needs of umuigbo living in Nigeria and the diaspora using a multi-faceted approach that encompasses these four distinct avenues: 1. Education 2. Healthcare Accessibility 3. Wealth Creation 4. Relief Why Enugu?

Enugu is situated as the gateway to southeastern Nigeria, it holds historical significance as a former colonial-era metropolis. Its strategic location facilitates seamless connectivity among the five Igbo states within Nigeria. With the establishment of the Enugu office by Umu Igbo Unite Cares, a remarkable opportunity arises to witness the community's needs firsthand and in realtime. This enables the organization to customize programs specifically designed to address and resolve these challenges.

UIUCares sponsors a range of programs aimed at empowering marginalized communities.

Our programs include:

Dr. Chika Onyeanu

Project Manager

Faith Victor Onyekwere

Project Coordinator

UIUCARES ENUGU TEAM

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Ikenna Okoye

Project Coordinator

Restoration Series Technology Program Girl's Health Program Back to School Program Apprenticeship Program Sanitation Project World Malaria Day Prison Program Secondary School Scholarship Program

This past year, UIUCares emphatically reinforced its commitment to the areas of healthcare, education, and community.

UIUCares engaged in multiple health equity endeavors. Malaria remains a leading cause of preventable illness and death in Nigeria and via its World Malaria Day program, UIUCares worked with local stakeholders to promote increased investment and resources toward malaria prevention.

The medical outreach this year was carried out in three (3) communities in collaboration with partner hospitals. Through these partnerships, UIU was able to provide 200 free antimalarial therapeutic drugs, 210 insecticide-treated bed nets, and consultations with healthcare professionals.

UIUCares has led several community improvement initiatives revolving around vocational training via the Apprenticeship Program The UIUCares Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive initiative that sponsors individuals to acquire skills in various trades. The program is designed to empower participants by providing them with practical training, mentorship, and the opportunity to develop expertise in their chosen fields.

Key elements of the program include financial support, hands-on learning experiences, and a commitment to enhancing employability.

The overarching goal is to equip individuals with valuable skills that lead to sustainable employment and economic independence.

The UIUCares Apprenticeship Program aligns with a vision of fostering personal development, addressing unemployment challenges, and contributing to the overall empowerment of the community. In partnership with our Enugu team, we have 2 new members to learn tailoring and automobile electrician respectively.

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UIUCares has taken a lead role restoring the academic learning environments of impoverished youth through its Restoration Series program UIUCares recognizes that buildings and classrooms are important components of learning environments. Strong evidence suggests that high-quality infrastructure facilitates better instruction and improves student outcomes, among other benefits. The restoration series projects were undertaken in Capital City Secondary School Awka. This contained two blocks of 5 class rooms that were in dilapidated conditions and as such needed to be renovated.

The classrooms were restored with new and refurbished windows, doors, flooring and tiling, ceiling, writing boards, plastering and painting. This is part of UIUCares efforts to support education in the South East thereby making the future of children there brighter. We hope to have exciting updates for you at convention.

UIUCares has also helped student outcomes by mitigating the financial burden compounded by school supplies.

Through its Back-to-School Program, UIUCares provided 750 Enugu public school students with basic school supplies including pencils, notebooks, etc.

By recognizing the increasing influence of technology in secondary education, and its implication for economic growth, UIUCares has also made strides to reduce the computer literacy gap faced by many students in Enugu via its Computer Technology Program.

This 6-month program provided secondary school students with basic computer skills training and has graduated 35 students from the program thus far. Also new this year, the scholarship program doubled in number and we are now sponsoring the full secondary education of 40 students in Enugu and Anambra state.

STUDENT SCHOLA Valentina is a science student with dreams to become a nurse. She likes watching movies and Tiktok videos.

Eze Valentina Chiechezonam 26

Last, but not least, UIUCares continues to recognize the increased need to invest in women’s health by tackling inadequate access to menstrual products.

When left unaddressed, poverty can spiral into poor menstrual hygiene, frequent absences from school due to inability to obtain menstrual hygiene products, embarrassment, and social stigmatization. The 2024 UIUCares Menstrual Health Program was done in 5 schools, Government Secondary School Enugu, Community Secondary School Iva Valley, Community Secondary School Ndiagu-Amechi, Community Secondary School Okpoto, and Community Secondary School Nezi. A hundred and ten (110) students were given a 2-month supply of sanitary pads as well as education on menstruation and menstrual hygiene.

UIUCares is grateful for the volunteers and partners who helped to make these programs and initiatives a success.

Through these new initiatives and more, UIUCares aims to broaden its impact and create positive change in the lives of individuals across various sectors of society. We appreciate all community chairs at each of our chapters who have developed various projects to make an impact in their local communities. Huge shoutout to UIU Boston, Dallas, DMV, Houston and Los Angeles who sponsored various projects with the UIU Enugu team. We are especially grateful to the Gwacham 5 Foundation who continue to sponsor our International student Scholarship here in the United States.

We will be announcing the 10 new winners of $1000 scholarships at the convention!

A special thank you to our partners and sponsors Mr. Chidobe Awuzie

St. Mary’s Hospital & Maternity

The Gwacham Five

Network of Water Rights Initiative (NEWARI)

Women Aid Collective (WACOL)

Ezzycares Multi Specialist Hospital

Zoya Walter Foundation

GenHen Foundation

Carmelite Prisoners Interest Organization (CAPIO)

RSHIP SPOTLIGHT Akadile Francis Sopuru Francis wants to be an engineer. He loves watching Nickelodeon and has dreams of visiting China because of the way they produce gadgets.

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EZIN'ULO . . ANYI: GET TO KNOW UIUFAMILY About UIUFamily UIUFamily speaks directly to the needs of our UIU members past and present but particularly, the elder Millennial to young Gen X demographic of current and former members, who have transitioned into that next phase of life that includes marriage and/or children.

Whether married (with or without children) or single parents, within UIUFamily, members will find a safe space to build fellowship and discuss the realities of sustaining a healthy marriage, strategies for thoughtful childrearing, mastering family finances, and growing wealth in the context of Igbo families.

UIUFamily Events Child-friendly social events and playdates will also be offered, therefore eliminating the age-old dilemma between adult time and child time.

Additionally, UIUFamily will offer an array of didactic and exciting events and programming for our Igbo children to engage with one another, bond with their parents, and to immerse themselves in Igbo traditions and language, thus solidifying the interconnectedness and pride in their heritage that will allow them to actualize their identities as Igbos.

UIUFamily strives to build upon and reimagine the diasporic support systems on which many of our families relied after immigrating to the United States.

In August 2024, UIUFamily plans to host its inaugural event, an engaging virtual chat about building community amongst Igbo families within the UIU demographic. Anyị ga-ahụ ebe ahụ!

Our Family

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FAMILY

Travel Magazine

UIUTourism

Agency

What’s Included

Register Today

Starting at $2000 /Person

GROUND TRANSPORTATION DOMESTIC AIRFARE & AIRPORT TRANSFER IN NIGERIA 3 MEALS /DAY TRAVEL SECURITY SHARED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS CULTURAL SOUVENIRS & POSTCARDS SWAGBAG

7 DAYS | 6 NIGHTS TRIP OF A LIFETIME! WWW.UMUIGBOUNITE.COM/TOURISM

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2023 Financial Statement ONYE NWERE MMADỤ KA ONYE NWERE EGO

Vendor Marketplace 0.8% UIU Chapter Events 26.2%

Revenue Total Contributed Income 41.6%

Awards & Grants to Others 7.8%

Annual National Convention 31.4%

Fundraising Expenses 23.1%

Program Services 53.4%

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Expenditures

Management & General Expenses 15.7%

Umu Igbo Unite Corporation

Consolidated results as of July 31, 2024

Statement of Financial Position Jan - Dec 2022

Jan - Dec 2023 Jan - Jul 2024

Assets Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents

$150,964

$143,022

$185,459

Accounts Receivable

$7,335

$17,587

$20,411

Total Current Assets

$158,299

$160,608

$205,870

TOTAL ASSETS

$158,299

$160,608

$205,870

-

$8,493

$8,493

$123,638

$107,241

$101,515

Other Current Liabilities

-

$43,623

$31,995

Total Current Liabilities

$123,638

$159,358

$142,003

Long-term Liabilities

$74,589

$78,585

$77,381

Total Liabilities

$198,227

$237,944

$219,385

Equity

$-39,929

$-77,336

$13,515

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

$158,299

$160,608

$205,870

Liabilities and Equity Current Liabilities Accounts Payable Credit Cards

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Chapters at a Glance

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1.2K

MEMBERS

SOCIAL MEDIA AT A GLANCE

19.9K Followers

1 Million + Watch hours

1 IG Shop Shop Now

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Now on TikTok

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Read! Listen! Learn Igbo!

Subscribe Today! www.youtube.com/Ijetheworldtraveler Buy our books! www.ijetheworldtraveler.com

Both books are also available on Amazon.com

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IGBO CRAVINGS "Easy recipes to try at home "

NKWOBI $9 Flavorful and Healthy

FRIED RICE Easy in three steps

OFE AKWU Made from palm nuts

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N K W O B I Ingredients Cow feet 1 large onion 1 cup of ukpaka ½ cup of red oil 2 tablespoons akanwu (potash)

3 Knorr (seasoning ) cubes Ehuru 2 fresh peppers Salt 10 utazi leaves

Instructions Boil the cow feet with crushed seasoning cubes and salt until they are tender. Dissolve the potash in water and strain the water into a pot.

Pour red oil into the pot and mix to create a thick yellow paste. Include salt, maggi, ehuru, and ground pepper. Mix in ukpaka. Combine with the meat. Decorate with chopped onions, utazi leaves, and sliced pepper.

F R I E D

R I C E Preparation Bring out mixed vegetables and let defrost a bit.

Boil rice in chicken broth mixed with water until soft (not mushy] and set aside.

If using chicken or beef, season and cook as desired and set aside.

Melt butter in large cooking pot.

Instructions

Ingredients 3 cups white rice Bag mixed vegetables Chicken/Beef/Shrimp Onion Curry 36

Thyme Maggi/Knorr/Bouillon seasoning 2 cooking spoons butter Chicken broth

Add mixed vegetables to hot butter and cook until soft.

Add shrimp, curry, thyme and seasoning (maggi/knorr/bouillon] and cook (stirring often].

When the blend is fried (but not burnt] add boiled rice one spoon at a time, stirring well to mix everything together.

O F E

A K W U

Ingredients 700g of Palm Fruit 1kg of Beef • Banga Spice Pumpkin Leaves (Ugu) 3 Chicken Bouillon Cubes Scent Leaves

Dry Fish Crayfish Fresh Pepper Salt

Instructions Boil the palm fruit until soft.

Put into a mortar and pound gently, making sure not to break the nuts.

Pour some hot water over the pounded nuts; squeeze in the water and sieve to strain out the extract.

Pour the extract into a pot and boil until it thickens and the oil rises to the top.

Pour in the cooked meat and broth. Stir and allow to cook.

Add bouillon cubes, blended crayfish, cooked stockfish, dry fish, salt, pepper, and banga spice.

Add pumpkin leaves and scent leaves and allow it to simmer for three minutes, and it is done.

Isi Agu: Chieftaincy Lionhead Painting

IGBO AMAKA WORD SEARCH

Artist: Orisha Nnani @orishannani

Can you find the Igbo names, food, and places hidden in the puzzle?

ABACHA ABIA ADAORA AHIHIA AKWA AMAKA BUCHI CHIDIMMA CHINELO DOZIE DUBEM EBONYI

EBUKA EFERE EFIFIE EGUSI EGWU EKENE EMEKA ENUGWU GOZIE IGBO IJELE IJEOMA

NNAMDI IKE NNE IKPERE NNEWI IMO NTI JI OCHE KARAMA KENECHUKWU OGBONO OHA MMADU OJA MMANYA OKPOROKO MMIRI OKPUKPU NGWERE OKUKO NKWOBI OLA NKWU

OLU OLUOMA UDARA

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CONGRATULATIONS TO UMU IGBO UNITE ON ITS 2024 CONVENTION GBOLAHAN OLUBOWALE (MSW)

for united nations secretary general

Let’s work together to make it happen.

Gbolahan Olubowale MSW For United Nations Secretary General VOLUNTEER:~

 Community Mobilization (USA & Global)  Publicity/Public Relations & Mass Media Outreaches  Global High Level Contacts & Advocacy Event Hosts & Planning (USA & Global) & Fundraising + Logistics (USA & Global)  Legal Services

GbolahanOlubowale4UNSG@gmail.com

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Thank You to all of our Sponsors and Vendors

UIU 2024

MAGAZINE August 2024

Umu Igbo Unite 4062 Peachtree Road NE Ste A-317 Alanta GA 30319 www.umuigbounite.com