By Osita Mbonu
On June 14, 2025, North Carolina will observe its first official “Igbo Day,” a landmark recognition of the Igbo people’s rich cultural heritage and significant contributions to the state’s social and economic fabric. Governor Josh Stein’s proclamation, issued in May 2025, marks a historic moment for the thousands of Igbo residents who have called North Carolina home for over five decades.
The Igbo people, originating from southeastern Nigeria, have established a vibrant and thriving community in North Carolina. Their presence spans more than 50 years, during which they have nurtured strong bonds of unity, cultural pride, and mutual support. Governor Stein emphasised the community’s commitment to preserving their heritage, encouraging Igbo residents to connect and celebrate their identity while fostering a sense of belonging within the broader North Carolinian society.
This proclamation is not merely symbolic; it acknowledges the deep integration of the Igbo community into the state’s cultural mosaic. The Igbo Day Festival Organisation, founded in 2022, plays a pivotal role in this cultural preservation. By organising festivals that showcase Igbo art, music, language, and traditional values, the nonprofit fosters cultural pride and educates both Igbo families and the wider public about this rich heritage.
The proclamation highlights the Igbo community’s extensive contributions across multiple sectors, including education, law, medicine, entrepreneurship, information technology, and the arts. Many Igbos hold influential positions within state and federal government, reflecting their active civic engagement and leadership.
Beyond professional achievements, the community’s spirit of volunteerism and charity is notable. The Igbo have adopted highways to aid in beautification efforts, supported women’s shelters and hospitals, organised food pantry drives, and participated in cultural performances at local festivals. These actions underscore their dedication not only to their own cultural sustainability but also to the welfare and enrichment of North Carolina as a whole.
North Carolina joins a growing list of U.S. states recognising Nigerian ethnic groups with dedicated cultural days. Minnesota declared an Igbo Day, while New York and Texas have recognised Yoruba Day and YorubaFest Day, respectively. These proclamations reflect the increasing acknowledgment of African diasporic communities’ roles in shaping American cultural and economic landscapes.
The establishment of Igbo Day in North Carolina serves as a beacon of cultural pride and unity, inspiring future generations to embrace their identity and contribute meaningfully to society. It also symbolises the state’s commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity.
As June 14 has come to be, North Carolina’s citizens encouraged to participate in the observance of Igbo Day, joining in the celebration of a community whose history, culture, and contributions have enriched the state for decades. As the debut edition did, The Igbo Day promises to be a vibrant showcase of Igbo traditions, music, art, and community spirit, reinforcing the values of unity, cultural preservation, and civic engagement.
In recognising Igbo Day, North Carolina not only honors the past and present achievements of the Igbo people but also sets a precedent for embracing cultural diversity as a cornerstone of its identity and future growth.
