In a groundbreaking acknowledgment of cultural diversity and immigrant contributions, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein officially proclaimed June 14, 2025, as “Igbo Day”—a historic first for the state and a major milestone for Nigerian diaspora communities across America.
Five Decades of Igbo Excellence in the Tar Heel State
The official proclamation, signed on May 21, 2025, recognizes that thousands of Igbo people have called North Carolina home for over fifty years, building legacies that span multiple generations. Governor Stein’s declaration celebrates the community’s commitment to preserving Nigerian heritage while actively contributing to North Carolina’s economic, civic, and cultural fabric.
The proclamation specifically highlights Igbo excellence across critical sectors: education, entrepreneurship, law, medicine—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—information technology, and the arts. Many Ndigbo serve in state and federal government positions, demonstrating their deep integration into American civic life.
From Festival to Official Recognition
The journey to official recognition began in 2022 when Igbo North Carolinians established the nonprofit Igbo Day Festival Organization. Their first festival on July 10, 2022, united Igbo families and educated North Carolinians about Igbo culture, art, music, and traditional values. Three years later, this grassroots movement achieved governmental recognition.
Community Impact Beyond Culture
Governor Stein’s proclamation emphasizes charitable work that extends far beyond cultural preservation. Igbo North Carolinians have volunteered in local schools, adopted highways for environmental cleanup, supported women’s shelters and hospitals, organized food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals—demonstrating what the governor called their “beacon of unity, support, and cultural pride.”
What This Means for Nigerian Americans
This proclamation sets a powerful precedent for African immigrant recognition across the United States. It validates the contributions of Ndigbo while encouraging future generations to embrace their identity with pride. As Governor Stein noted, the Igbo community’s vision transcends cultural preservation—it’s about thriving, ensuring traditions flourish, and guaranteeing that their contributions to American society receive the recognition they deserve.
For Nigerian diaspora communities nationwide, North Carolina’s Igbo Day represents more than symbolic recognition—it’s institutional validation of African immigrant excellence in America.
Celebrating your Igbo heritage? Share how you’ll observe Igbo Day on June 14.