|
|
In an incredible show of unity and solidarity, Hebrew Congregations in America and Israel have called on the Igbo
to return to their Hebraic roots. Making the appeal at the Second Igbo Landing Dedication and Conference held in
Charleston, South Carolina (October 11-12), leaders and representatives of the religious groups, who made the trip
in the company of their wives and children, said that the survival of the Igbo nation depended on an immediate
return to their covenant- based Hebrew cultural heritage.
Moreh (Teacher) Elesha Yisrael, who is the leader of The House of Israel, Cincinnati, Ohio, came to South Carolina
because "we are part of the Igbo people�We are one and the same�Teach and honor our ancestors." According
to Moreh Herman Taylor of the The Shalom Congregation (House of Israel), Jackson, Mississippi, the Igbo Landing
activities afforded him and his family the opportunity to "bond with my brothers who are members of the House
of Israel�and have gone through horrible experiences in Nigeria in the last forty years." Nasik Danyel, a
delegate sent by Ben Ammi, the Anointed Spiritual Leader of The Kingdom of Yahweh (House of Israel), Dimona, Israel,
delivered a powerful message from his boss reaffirming his support for the Igbo people. It declared that "Ben
Ammi is with the Igbo people," and bemoaned the tragedy that has befallen them. "You are suffering in
Nigeria," he said, "because you have broken away from the covenant. Do not let anyone legitimize you.
Legitimize yourself." The spiritual leader invited Ndigbo to come to Israel next year "so that we can
reason together." The Head of the House of Israel in Charleston, South Carolina, told the participants: "For
future ceremonies, do not waste your resources on hotels and other needs. Call on us and we will provide you with
accommodation, food and all you need." Charleston, South Carolina, was selected as the venue for this year's
events because most Igbo captives passed though its port before being sold into slavery.
Other speakers during the dedication at the Sheraton North included Maazi Hal Sieber, a former speech writer for
John Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK), Maazi Alfufiel Grier (Dr.) of the Cultural Education Institute (NY), David Solomon
(Itshak) of the Philadelphia-based Africa Connect, Adaeze Patricia Patterson (Jamaica), Adaeze Denise Fields of
the St Simon's Island, African American Heritage Coalition, Adaeze Karen Chandler, Ph.D. (Avery Research Center,
(SC), and Authens Oppong-Waddie).
In his paper, Maazi Sieber praised the Igbo spirit of liberty and freedom, a characteristic he has documented in
twenty years of researching the culture that produced the rare and unique character of the Igbo warrior Oba and
his followers, who revolted on an American slave ship and drowned themselves in the creeks St. Simon's Island,
Georgia, rather than be slaves. While revealing that the enslavement of millions of Igbo had led to an acute depopulation
of the land, the White Biafra-Igbo nationalist regretted that the numbers have been grossly underestimated by historians.
Maazi Alfuliel's paper also stunned the participants when he used solid historical evidence to prove that many
Igbo slaves were first taken to Angola before being shipped to the Americas. Consequently, he concluded that the
"the Gullah of the Southern US," many of whom were brought to the US from that country, really "belong
to the Igbo community." The Gullah-Igbo poet, Damian Williams read/acted a stirring poem entitled "I
Will Not Be Your Slave," in which he vowed "I will run like the Igbo to my watery grave before I'm your
slave."
The highlight of the Igbo Landing activities, however, took place on Sullivan's Island, where the slaves were quarantined
before being sold in Charleston's slave markets. In a solemn and somber ceremony which included prayers and remarks
by representatives of the Igbo Traditional Culture as well as Christian and Hebrew Religions, praise was showered
on the Igbo heroes for their courage and indomitable spirit. Then in a powerful display by Ohafia War Dancers led
by Maazi Nnana Umah, the National Coordinator of BIANU, the spirits of fallen Igbo warriors in the New World and
those in the land of their ancestors were symbolically reunited. A visit to the actual place of quarantined brought
the ceremony to an end.
This year's activities were organized and hosted by Ekwenche. And special thanks should be given to members of
this premier Igbo nationalist organization - to Professors Akujieze and Aka, Onumonu, Ejiogu and others- for expending
such enormous human and material resources to make this year's ceremony a reality. Co-organizers of the events
also include the Coalition of Igbo and Biafran Organizations (CIBO), Biafra National Union (BIANU), Biafra Liberation
Movement and the Biafra Committee for Immediate Action (BLM/BCIA).
Four and half year old Nkechinyelu Beatrice and her brother 2½ year old Ugochukwu Emmanuel Nwankwo drove
over one thousand miles with their parents from Toronto, Canada, to attend the Charleston event, which was also
the 200th anniversary of the historic Igbo Landing on St. Simon's Island, Georgia. Born in Canada but good Igbo
speakers nonetheless, both enjoyed their visit to South Carolina. Nkechi liked the food and the meeting because
as she said in perfect Igbo, it is "ka obodo anyi di nma." (that Igboland will be well). Ugo came because
"Igbo masirim" (I love the Igbo). Their father, Maazi Emmanuel Nwankwo, who was the Master of Ceremonies,
is the former president of the Anambra Association in Toronto, Canada. His wife, Mrs. Uzoamaka Blessing Nwankwo,
is the president of Otu Ifunanya, an Igbo Women's organization in Toronto. Calling her experience in Charleston
"indescribable," and the sight of Jamaican and American women dressed in Igbo clothing as "incredible,"
she appealed for unity among the Igbo and for the preservation and promotion of Igbo culture and tradition in Igbo
families. In this regard, she urged Igbo women to realize that they have a special obligation "to promote
Igbo culture and to respect their husbands." Asked why her children could speak Igbo, Oriaku Nwankwo revealed
the secret of her success: "We speak only Igbo at home." Chike Okafor, the oldest Igbo at the ceremony
wished the participants God's blessings and safe journey home until next year's gathering. The words of the Hebrew
prophet speak to the Igbo national challenge:
"Fear not, for I am with you;
From the East I will bring back your descendants,
From the West I will gather you.
I will say to the north: Give them up!
And to the south: Hold not back!
Bring back my sons from afar,
And my daughters from the ends of the earth�
Lead out the people who are blind though they have eyes,
Who are deaf though they have ears."
(Isaiah 43:5-6, 8)
Rev. Fr. Columba Aham Nnorom, Ph.D.
Hebrew Congregations, Others Grace Igbo
Landing
|