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Event
Okili & The United Africa Club Music Festival Fundraiseir
Never has a mission of love been so heart-felt than for United Africa Club founder Okili Nguebari, who has not visited his homeland and small village in the tropical rainforests of Peoples Republic of Congo for 25 years. The baby of 22 siblings, Okili yearns to visit his remaining family there. Funds will be raised for a long awaited reunion with his kin over seas; an African themed dinner - dance, sponsored by The United Africa Club, 501c3, non-profit Org., will be held Friday, Nov. 7 @ The Sebastopol Community Center. Okili's been unable to travel Africa due to Red Tape with Immigration Naturalization Services (INS) that began more than 30 years ago.
It's been four years since Okili's last big celebration which was related to his immigration troubles. In the spirit of past UAC events, which became popular, the 1990's through the Millennium, via yearly African Music Festivals, the upcoming soirée features African drumming through the night; headlined by three bands: Danjuma & Omola (Afro-Beat), Midnight Sun Massive (Caribbean), Rising Signs (Reggae world fusion), & Guests TBA.
Why should anyone care? Because Five years ago heightened publicity of Okili's Immigration status attracted statewide Media and the assistance of Congressman Mike Thompson when he'd been seized in front of his Santa Rosa home by six ICE Agents, and taken to a remote, privately owned, immigration detention facility in Arizona. Known in the community as a man of heart who hosted fabulous African Events for two decades in Sonoma County, help came from those whose hearts he'd touched, and funds were raised at three Music events at the Sebastopol Community Center. Those funds helped pay attorneys and remove him from detention after three long months. Success was reached via an Amnesty Class Action Law suit and thanks to the help of Atty. Ms. Florence Ndedi, resulted in a Permanent Immigrant Resident Visa after 30 years of insecurity with INS. Today his application for actual Citizenship is in the process.
Okili is known for his giving and loving nature, his belief in helping others, and simply sharing of himself, which always includes good African food. In 1981 Okili came to the US to learn English and improve his Electronic skills. Little did he know he'd build a life, raise a family, and in 1998, found the United Africa Club, which calls for African Countries to be united, to showcase Africa's positive contributions in the world, and nurture cultural / learning exchanges between Africans & Americans. One UAC mission statement is to promote the beauty of African Arts and Culture; over the years, Okili and the UAC have brought big name African Music Stars to Sonoma County, such as Pepe Kalle, Sally Nyolo, Samba Ngo, etc
The intention: Funds to be raised to bring himself and his wife and grown children who have never been to Africa. A goal of $25,000 is needed to send the family abroad a minimum $6000 for Okili alone. There'll be a silent Auction, and additional donations gracefully accepted. A luscious African Dinner kicks-off the evening included in Ticket price; Beer & Wine available. Doors 6:PM. - $15 advance via Brown-paper Tix where extra donations can be made - $20 @ door. Location: Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris St., Sebastopol, CA 95472. Info: 707-544-3524 - okili@sonic.net
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LocationSebastopol Community Cultural Center (View)
390 Morris Street
Sebastopol, CA 95472
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: Yes! |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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