Myne Whitman signs AHTM at Seattle Independence day Event

Myne Whitman, Bellevue resident and Nigerian author will be signing copies of her book, A Heart to Mend at a local event to mark the Nigerian Independence.

BELLEVUE REPORTER

The Nigerian community in Bellevue, Kirkland and Redmond will be celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Nigeria’s independence from Britain. The event billed as the Green and White Party, the colors of the Nigerian flag, will be taking place on Saturday, October 2, at the Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Avenue S, Seattle 98108.

Nigeria has the largest population of any country in Africa - about 140 million - and a great diversity of cultures and people. The major ethnicities in Nigeria include the Urhobo, Kanuri, Igbo, Yoruba, Efik, Hausa, Ijaw, among 200 others and with twice as many languages. Nigeria is often referred to as the giant of Africa but still has some work to do in order to meet the basic living requirements of its teeming population. However, with the strengthening democracy and the large pool of skilled youth, most people are hopeful of better days ahead.

There is a significant Nigerian community on the Eastside and in Seattle. These are members of the Nigerian diaspora, part of the fabric of American society and also hugely important in bringing about positive change to Nigeria. Dandy Chima and Ikenna Ekeh, the organizers of the party, have been part of previous Independence Day events in the Seattle area since 2001.

The Independence party will feature a mix of Nigerian Music with several DJs in attendance and a special Conga performance by Christian Pepin. Everyone is expected to wear green and white outfits to represent the country’s flag and honor the independence anniversary.

The doors open at 10 pm and the fun continues till 1am. Ticket to the event is $10 and there will be free Nigeria snacks and drinks before 11pm.