One important development wey dey happen now for the diaspora community na the effort to give citizenship and proper recognition to people of African descent, including those with Nigerian ancestry. The United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, wey be established in August 2021, dey work hard to improve the safety and quality of life of people of African descent.
This forum, which also serve as an advisory body to the UN Human Rights Council, recently launch a competition to design its new visual identity. The competition, which opened on the International Day of People of African Descent on August 31, 2024, and will close on November 1, 2024, is open to artists of all ages and backgrounds from the African diaspora. The goal na to create a logo that truly represents the diverse cultures, histories, and experiences of people of African descent globally.
According to Rockyath Adechoubou, founder of Auction for Change and a member of the competition’s jury, “Artists who are part of the diaspora bring a unique, lived perspective that is vital for a project like this. This contest is not just about design; it’s about narrative, connection, and cultural expression.” She hope say the new logo will serve as a powerful symbol of pride, unity, and recognition for people of African descent.
This initiative also align with broader efforts to recognize and protect the rights of people of African descent. For instance, in the context of immigration, laws like the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (Hart-Celler Act) have significantly impacted the number of immigrants from Africa, including those from Nigeria, who can acquire citizenship in countries like the United States.
