Aro mma mma nu !
On May 24th – May 26th 2024 (Memorial Day weekend) All Aro USA held its World Convention celebration in Newark, New Jersey. The 26th anniversary of AAUSA was headlined by the theme – “Aro Kingdom in the 21st Century: Development in Education & Health.”
For this year’s convention, at the direction of AAUSA President Mazi Chris Onyeador and his Executive Leadership Team, the AAUSA Young Professionals Wing (AAUSA YP) was tasked to organize as an affiliate of AAUSA and to prepare and execute programs to coincide with the main delegation. AAUSA YP engaged young professionals of Aro descent across the United States and their respective AAUSA chapters. The AAUSA YP Convention Planning Committee was co-chaired by Nwamazi Ivi Nwosu and Adamazi Ivuoma “Ivy” Okoro. The committee comprised 15 individuals from various Arochukwu communities living in the diaspora.
The weekend festivities kicked off Friday evening with a welcome reception and mixer where young professionals came together to familiarize themselves with one another and to engage in activities, games, and fellowship. On Saturday the Young Professionals delegation held their conference where several programs took place including presentations on cultural customs in Arochukwu including marital rites, the history of Arochukwu, and its 19 villages and communities – geography, language, and traditions. There were opportunities to engage in networking activities that consisted of career discussions and mentorship in industries including healthcare, finance, technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, business, and government.
Our “Arochuwku All-Stars” panel consisted of young professionals (YP’s) excelling and speaking on different aspects of Aro Excellence, their upbringing, and their respective careers. It was a major highlight of the afternoon’s festivities. Individuals included in this panel were: Councilwoman Roxy Ndebumadu – Bowie, MD District 4, Dr. Emmanuela Uko – Internal Medicine Physician, Nwa Mazi Bobby Okereke of the New York Giants in the NFL, and Nwa Mazi Chikere Ogbonnaya – Entrepreneur and Consultant. The panel was moderated by AAUSA YP Co-Chair Ivuoma “Ivy” Okoro.
Saturday evening was the signature event – The All Aro USA Gala Night
The evening was a celebratory occasion consisting of food, dance, entertainment, fundraising and cultural dances/festivities including the Ekpe procession, the Women’s Ojojo Dance, and the Ikpirikpe War Dance to name a few.
Sunday was an opportunity to take in the sites of New York City for those that wanted to tour the “Big Apple”. Sites included the Empire State Building, Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. To cap off the weekend, those young professionals still in town, were able to assemble for a farewell and celebration dinner in the heart of Times Square for laughs, fun, and fellowship.
As the YP delegation reflected and left convention weekend they left with commitments to become more involved and engaged with their respective AAUSA chapters as well as a commitment to continue regular communication and meetings with the Young Professionals Wing including opportunities to meet collectively during non-convention years. As we prepare for the upcoming convention in 2026, our YPs are excited and ready for all that is in store and in helping to be a part of all the good work that All Aro USA has already done, is doing, and will continue to do.
Ndewo nu,
Nwa Mazi Ivi Nwosu
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