Community
Texas Southern partners with IgboFest to promote education, culture, and diversity
IgboFest Houston, a cultural entity and festival that showcases the African heritage and Igbo culture to the great city of Houston has partnered with the Texas Southern University (TSU) to promote, embrace, and encourage culture, and diversity education in the community.
TSU will be visibly present at this festival to showcase their potentials as an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming institution for all members of the community. Internationally renowned TSU’s Debate Team will also be at this event to perform the “Igbo Landing Mass Suicide of 1803”, a rendition of one of the largest mass suicides of enslaved people that took place when Igbo captives from what is now Nigeria were taken to the coast of Georgia.
According to Dr. Chris Ulasi, TSU’s acting Dean of the School of Communications who also chairs the Houston IgboFeast, “This partnership is highly needed and most importantly, would reflects the mission of the IgboFest in building cultural awareness, linguistic diversity through teaching and learning of critically endangered languages, and youth cultural literacy.”
Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. Texas Southern University, one of the nation’s largest HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), possesses an impressive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, a diverse faculty, and 80-plus student organizations.
IgboFest Houston has reigned for decades in the City, bringing in performers from across the United States and globally. The 2022 IgboFest will showcase the Ijele Masquerade, classified as the biggest masquerade in Sub-Saharan Africa. Group performances will range from traditional to acrobatic dancers, whereas other displays will involve very rare masquerades from the Igboland. Expected at this event are; Government representatives including Houston’s Mayor, Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green, Texas Hour Rep. Jarvis Johnson, and others.
This colorful carnival which also is the largest African cultural festival in the City will hold at the Discovery Green – 1500 McKinney on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Admission is free. Bringing the African heritage and indeed the Igbo culture to the most diverse city in America is traditionally motivating and spiritually authentic.
Texas Southern University, one of the nation’s largest HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), possesses an impressive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, a diverse faculty, 80-plus student organizations, and an alumni network comprised of educators, entrepreneurs, public servants, lawyers, pilots, artists, and more, many of whom are change agents on the local, national and international stage.
For more information, please call 281-788-8133 or 832-452-7784
Today, I write with great joy and admiration to wish you, Prof. Chris Chinwe Ulasi, a delighted 70th birthday. It is a glorious milestone, and my family and I are honored to join friends and colleagues in celebrating this remarkable occasion with you here in Cancun, Mexico.
Since I first met you in 2005 at Texas Southern University (TSU), Houston, Texas, you have consistently demonstrated that you are a true Nwannedinamba—a brother from Anambra State, Nigeria. As both a colleague and a friend, you have been a source of inspiration to all who have crossed your path.
Shortly after I joined TSU, a colleague informed me that I had a “brother” in the School of Communications. That brother was you. Not long afterward, we co-presented a training seminar for Akwa Ibom legislators, accompanied by their then-Governor, Akpabio, who now serves as Senate President of Nigeria. I vividly recall how your training manual immediately impressed me with its depth and clarity. From that moment, we became not only colleagues and friends but brothers in every sense of the word.
You are a bona fide poet whose work resonates deeply with those privileged to read it. Your poems, carefully crafted and rich in meaning, often reflect the pressing issues of the time. I read them more than once to fully grasp their layered insights. They remind me of my younger days, poring over Dele Giwa’s columns in The Concord newspaper, pen and paper in hand, collecting new vocabulary. Thankfully, with the aid of modern technology, deciphering your poetic expressions has become more accessible, though no less profound.
Beyond your academic scholarship, you are a respected public intellectual. Through your efforts and those of your colleagues, you revived the West African Pilot News as co-publisher and executive editor, initially founded by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. I still recall when you invited me to join the editorial board and contribute op-eds. Initially hesitant—declaring myself a criminologist, not a journalist—you quickly convinced me that the goal was to elevate Ndigbo voices. You were right: too often, the positive narratives of Ndigbo are overlooked. Since then, the Pilot has become a vital platform for scholars and writers across disciplines to express optimistic, forward-looking visions of Nigeria and Africa. This is a tremendous legacy—one that you and your team should be proud of.
Your academic and professional accomplishments speak for themselves. You are a Professor of Radio, Television, and Film, the Dean of the School of Communication, and Chair of the Department of Radio, Television, and Film at TSU. With over three decades of teaching, research, and creative work—and more than 25 years of leadership experience—you have distinguished yourself as an educator, scholar, administrator, and cultural leader. Beyond the classroom and administrative offices, you are a dynamic force in the world of media and literature. A talented screenwriter, producer, director, and poet, you have used your voice and platforms to shape narratives and inspire change. You have been a journal and book editor of the Journal of Nigerian Affairs, formerly COMPO REVIEW. Since 2000, you have proudly served as University Marshal at TSU—another testament to your enduring leadership and commitment.
Your leadership in the Houston community is equally outstanding. The more than 200 people who traveled to Cancun to celebrate you are a testament to your enduring impact. As Chairman of the People’s Club of Nigeria International, Sugarland chapter, your leadership has been exemplary. At Our Savior Anglican Church (OSAC), you oversee communications and have trained younger members to manage the system with excellence, even in your absence. You also serve as Dean of the Diocesan Conference, a role appointed by the Bishop, and are a valued member of OSAC’s governing board. Your dedication has contributed significantly to the growth and unity of the church.
Moreover, in the broader community, you once served as Chairman of the Ndi-Ichie Igbo Cultural Club and now lead its annual cultural celebrations in Houston. These events showcase the richness of Igbo heritage—culinary delights, traditional dances, language, and youth involvement—with elegance and pride.
Nwannedinamba, I could fill many more pages with your accomplishments, but allow me to share a personal story. When I lost my beloved brother, Prof. Ebere Onwudiwe (may his soul rest in peace), you traveled all the way from Nnewi to Isunjaba, Imo State, accompanied by a musical group and heartfelt gifts, including Nkwu Elu. I shared that special palm wine only with members of the Onwudiwe family. Your presence in our family compound remains unforgettable. While we danced to the Ogene music you brought, you engaged in deep dialogue with my traditional ruler about the origins of Isu. My Eze later insisted that you visit the palace, where he intended to present you with archival records on Isu’s history. One day, we will fulfill that promise.
Prof. Ulasi, you are not only a distinguished colleague and scholar but also a cherished friend. We are deeply grateful for your friendship and all you have done for us and the broader community. We also thank your wonderful wife for her unwavering support, love, and understanding.
As we mark this milestone with you, we are reminded that true greatness lies not just in titles held or accolades received, but in the lives touched, the values modeled, and the legacy quietly built each day. You exemplify this kind of greatness. May your 70th year be a continuation of your influence, your light, and your unwavering commitment to building a better, more just, and culturally vibrant world.
As you celebrate your 70th birthday, we wish you continued health, joy, and fulfillment. May the years ahead bring even greater blessings. Thank you for being the exceptional person you are, Nwannedinamba.
With warmest regards,
Prof. I. D. Onwudiwe
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■ Dr. Onwudiwe, a Professor of Criminology at Texas Southern University, is on the EDITORIAL BOARD of the WAP
Community members are invited this Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Alief Community Center in Houston, Texas, for an impactful workshop aimed at supporting African and Black immigrant communities on their journey to naturalization and citizenship. This empowering event will offer crucial guidance on the naturalization process, legal rights, and available resources. The event starts at 2.00 pm.
Immigration service providers will be present to evaluate eligibility for fee waivers and assist with naturalization applications. Participants in need of support must register and complete the legal pre-screening form.
This workshop presents an opportunity for attendees to connect with fellow community leaders and access free legal resources on Know Your Rights, naturalization, and citizenship. Additionally, a thought-provoking panel discussion on Black Immigrant Voices on Rights & Belonging will be held, moderated by Edidiong Obot. Community leaders and advocates will share personal stories, obstacles, and triumphs in their efforts to secure their rights and foster a sense of belonging.
While this event is free, registration is mandatory. Those unable to attend in person can still explore further resources and discover upcoming naturalization and citizenship events in Houston by visiting NaturalizeNowHouston. Event registration link: >>>>
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