NYC Festival: Culture promoter tasks Nigerians in the U.S. on peace, unity

A U.S.-based Nigerian arts and culture promoter, Joyce Adewumi tasked Nigerians on promoting peace and unity.

Ademumi smade the call at the 14th Annual New York City Multicultural Festival in New York, organised by the New York African Chorus Ensemble (NYACE).

NYACE is an award-winning non-profit organisation based in New York City, founded by Adewumi, with the mission of preserving native African art forms, provide easy access to the viewing and learning of African music, and provide forums for the exchange of ideas.

“What we are bringing to you today is a reminder of the richness of our differences- the differences in our language, our dance, our music.

“It is the diversity this city naturally embodies, it is the understanding that it is the presence of culture representative here that proudly declares not only on behalf of our city but to the country and world at large that we are unity.

“We are the ones that celebrates it, we sustain it and we are the ones that speak its truth to power,” Ademumi said.

The president of NYACE thanked those who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of harlem community, especially Mr Wille Walker, who was installed as Life Grand Patron and recipient of the Community Hero Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

“Today, it’s our privilege to honour Mr Voza Rivers, a name that resonates with the noble pursuit of bridging the gap between numerous cultures around the world. Rivers embodies the essence of a true Global Cultural Ambassador.

“Throughout his life, he has devoted himself to fostering understanding, appreciation and collaboration among diverse communities, tirelessly working to promote cultural exchange and celebrates the richness and diversity of human heritage,” she said.

In addition, she said Global Cultural Award would be presented to Rivers who had dedicated his life to building bridges and nurturing cultural understanding on a global scale.

“His extraordinary contributions to the field of Arts and Culture have left an indelible mark, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

“This award was donated by His Royal Highness Alhaji Sumaila Muhammed Mera and presented by the Nigerian Consulate in New York,” she said.

Responding, Rivers thanks Ademuwmi for the honour, noting that he had been working to promote arts and culture in African countries, citing his work with orphans in Zimbabwe.

“For the work I have been doing here in Harlem, I adopted 14 children in Zimbabwe and two weeks ago, I was celebrated for this achievement in the country.

“Thank you Harlem for what we are doing together,” he said.

In his remarks, Assistant/ Chief, New York city Police Department, Ruel Stephenson said Adewumi’s initiative of annual celebration of multicultural festival should be emulated to help people understand their diversity and uniqueness.

“This should be supported by everyone in this community not only by police alone, people commit crimes because they lack understanding of other people‘s culture.

“The festival highlights the fabric of all that defines ethic culture, the arts, music and food.

“Exposure to this festival helps to educate, break barriers caused by cultural bias and showcase the similarities in all of us exposing the rich lifestyle that has each culture brings to our community in this great city.”

Also speaking, Manhattan Borough President, Mark Levine said initiatives like the festival could help break down barriers and facilitate understanding between neighbours.

“Through music, poetry, fashion, art, and food from around the world, the festival celebrates the contributions of New Yorkers of every descent and embodies the diversity of our city,’’ he said.

Our correspondent reports that the festival featured diverse cultural traditions, including live performances by Korean traditional dance of Choomnoori, Multicultural Choir, Tapani Sissoko (traditional group from Mali, among others.

The festival was hosted in partnership with New York Department of Police, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assemblyman, Saint James Presbyterian Church and other elected officials and civic organisations.