Labor Day weekend proved to be one of labor -- and celebration -- for Nembe Ibe USA. The national organization -- established in 2007 by a group of professionals from the community of Nembe Kingdom (Ibe) in Nigeria to lend aid to those back home -- held its 2016 convention in Little Rock. Highlighting that gathering was the ninth annual fundraising gala, which took place Sept. 3 in the ballroom of the Embassy Suites.
Jorn Agugbuem served as master of ceremonies for the evening, which included dinner. The program also included a libation to American and African ancestors by Patricia McGraw; an introduction of the gala planning committee by Dr. William Rutledge; a welcome address from Youngdede Omiela, president of Nembe Ibe USA; and a history of the organization by Nembe board Chairman Aye Omuso. State Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, gave the evening's keynote speech.
The gala also featured a performance by Outloud Artistry Young Stars, an African-dance group led by artistic director and fashion designer Korto Momolu.
A fundraising drive for the organization became a competition of sorts among attendees pledging donations. It then segued into a celebration, starting with a procession led by a costumed performer depicting the Ofirima Masquerade, a spiritual and ceremonial figure in Nigeria's Igbo culture. Spectators began "spraying" dancers with dollar bills as a show of love and support (and, for this occasion, as a fundraising tool).
The gala drew an estimated $60,000, according to Kristy Ikanih, event planner and public relations chairman for the local chapter of Nembe Ibe. The money will be used to provide community outreach in Arkansas as well as for short-term medical mission trips and related educational programs in Nembe.
-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams
High Profile on 09/11/2016