The National Association of Seadogs has got rare recognition from the Speaker of the United States House and Oakland Council member, Nancy J. Nadel, during their 5th annual programme in a series of Black History Celebrations at Oakland City Hall on Saturday February 23, 2008.
"I am delighted to join the National Association of Seadogs in celebration of Black History Month. Your steadfast commitment to enlightenment and revitalization enhances the quality of life in those communities you touch; we thank all those who have worked to shape an American identity that embraces the cultural diversity within our great nation the speaker stated.
According to a statement made available to THISDAY by Osagie Enabulele, the commissioner for parks and recreation, Oakland, California, the forum, examined how diversity within black culture is becoming one of its greatest assets. Critically acclaimed media innovator and author, Jerri Lange, author of "A Black Woman's Life in the Media" was on hand to address the audience and to talk about the critical role black woman have and continue to play in the media.
"We are very pleased to continue in the NAS tradition of enlightening the community. And we appreciate Ms. Pelosi for her acknowledgment and are honored by Councilmember Nadel for the City Council Proclamation recognizing NAS," NAS Northern California Afta Shock zone Capoon Echinei Oshionwu said.
NAS forums have become celebrated for their engaging dialogue, and for raising the bar on the African influence in the bay area. In addition to Lange, heading up the program was Stevina Evuleocha, Professor at California State University, East Bay; author Aya Fubara Eneli, Esq., and a special recreation of Malcolm X's riveting, the "Ballot or the Bullet" by Michael Lange.
As the forum examines black culture and diversity in all shades of black, rounding out the panel was William Bill Patterson, EBMUD Director and former President Oakland Black Caucus, along with Kola Thomas, President for Oduduwa Heritage Organization, Oakland.
The international nonprofit organization, dedicated to 'fighting the ills of society' originated in Nigeria and is comprised of over 20,000 members worldwide. The African confraternity started at Nigeria's premier University, the University College Ibadan in Ibadan, Nigeria in 1952. It is comprised of professional males from all walks of life, whose aim is to build a strong black economic base that supports African politics at home and abroad. NAS also aims to facilitate closer relations between Africans, African-Americans and every other race, to promote justice and peace among humanity.
"We are pleased to continue being recognized by people in such high regard. Last year, Assembly Member Honorable Sandre R. Swanson, 16th Assembly District presented a California State Assembly resolution No. 860 stating the contributions the Northern California Chapter of NAS has made to the local area and beyond is invaluable, and reflects an organization devoted to the highest ideals of community service. Mayor Ronald V. Dellums presented NAS with a Proclamation as well declaring "NAS INTERNATIONAL DAY," said Osagie Enabulele, event coordinator and NAS First Mate of NAS Chapter in Northern California Area, who also served as the Master of Ceremony for the event.
Others presented last year, was a certificate of special congressional recognition by Congressman George Miller and from State of California Senator Don Peralta certificate of recognition.
Traditional African finger foods were offered for sample by EHI Catering to promote traditional African culture and African American "soul food" was also available. The two great tastes mingled the traditional Nigerian and African American cultures.
NAS began as a University campus confraternity in the premier university, University of Ibadan, Nigeria and has grown into an international organization with branches in 36 states of Nigeria including the Federal Capital Territory and overseas in South Africa, UK, USA, Japan, The Netherlands and Canada.
This Day
23 March 2008
