There was the breaking of cola nuts, a sign of welcome into the home.

A chicken was placed in a cage, but later allowed to fly away. Soon, several elders and chiefs gathered around to perform the traditional rites. Then a new name was given.

That was part of the scene on March 26, 2011, when hundreds of family, friends and members of the Igbo tribe gathered to participate in a cultural day in Franklin, Tenn. The highlight of the event also included the renaming ceremony for Landon Jones, an African-American who had traced his ancestral roots to the tribe from southeastern Nigeria.

One of the largest ethnic groups in the West African nation – numbering more than 40 million

– Igbo populations also live outside the country, significantly in Gabon, South Africa, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom , China, Japan and the United States.

“In our tribe, when a baby is born, we gave him three names and bring him out to the community,” said Chief Theo Egbujor, the Eze Udo I (King of peace) of the Igbo community in Nashville.

“This time, we have a young man who wanted to reconnect to his ancestral home; he was presented to us (elders); and we renamed him,” said Egbujor, who performed a traditional blessing.

Born in Peoria, Ill., Jones – now renamed Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula – is a senior at Tennessee State University in Nashville, where he is studying Africana studies. In 2009, he decided to trace his African roots and soon found that his father’s ancestors came from the Igbo tribe. He later was put in contact with the Igbo Association of Nashville, who organized the March 26 event.

“The discovery of my father’s roots set me on the course of regaining my consciousness of who I really am,” said Amaefula, 25. “My new name gives me a sense of identity with my African culture, land, heritage and tradition.”

Amaefula’s older brother, Oland Williams, who did not attend the Tennessee event, said he was proud of what his sibling had done.

“I think all black men should seek out their true history,” said Williams, who lives in Atlanta and plans one day to follow in his brother’s footsteps. “It gives value, importance and significance to who you really are.”

 

Amaefula’s new name has several meanings in the Igbo tribe: Chinedu (God leads/God guides/God dictates); Uzoma (good destiny/good vision/good path); and Amaefula (May the lineage not be lost/May the family name not be diminished/May posterity not be compromised).

“I’m very excited that Chinedu has been welcomed back home,” said Innocent Nwaogwugwu, president of the 500-member Igbo association. “He was lost, but is now found.”

Others from the Igbo tribe sent letters of congratulations to Amaefula, noting that they were pleased to welcome him into their fold.

“Congratulations, Chinedu. We thank God that this historic day came to be,” wrote Anthony Ejiofor of the Department of Biological Sciences at Tennessee State University.

“The mutual blessing would be unfathomable, and we look forward to opportunities to put the new genealogical status to work for the benefit of mankind.” Ejiofor said.

Stephen Chukwuemeka Uche added: “Our son Chinedu, it will be well with you. May you not falter! May this be the beginning of greater things for you. If you abide by the Nsọala/Nsọanị (Igbo ethics) that the Igbos that gathered may have told you, your distant Igbo ancestors will continue to celebrate and cheer for you.”

The more than three-hour, colorful renaming ceremony also featured cultural troupe performances by the Igbo Youth cultural dancers; an Ojionu masquerade; an Anambra Akwunechenyi dance and a fashion show.

Nice one.
Congratulations Chinedu, and welcome home!

Chinedu did not make a mistake. He chose well

This is a good look. More African Americans should do this.

The ony time african americans and a the afro the blacks al over the world will find their footing is when they discover africa,when they find their roots.

And the only time african  inhabitants will find theirs is when thy learn to live with one another in harmony.

Very nice. It's good to hear it was all put together by the Igbo Association of Nashville. Every city with significant Naija population should have all the different associations and one or more umbrella organization for Naijas and Africans collectively.

Nice one indeed! Congrats to Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula! we don kolobi anoda bruv! Pop sontin!
Lovely!

. . .But, am I the only one seeing the screaming contradiction? Landon Jones got renamed to Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula by  Chief Theo Egbujor, the Eze Udo I (King of peace) of the Igbo community in Nashville! Damn! How the phuck did Chief "Theo" not rename himself?
The time has come for us to begin to take pride in what is ours. Our names, our cultures and our abilities; people, please cease and desist from naming your kids "Theo," Bartholomew, Nebuchadnezzar, Marcelinus, Rabiu, Ismail and other names that are meaningless to our culture and are trademarks of mental slavery and low-self-esteem.

Let us all be Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula's!

^^^

LMAO!

You're absolutely right. I'll probably be the last in my lineage that will bear an English name.

to me "chinedu is wise"
none of my children will bear english name.

and i will change mine as soon as possible

A African American Black Man Officially Becomes an Igboman. . . . Officially Becomes? Seriously? Many many many things I would want to say, but only one question I actually care to ask: Since when did the "Igbo" develop a culture of naturalization?

Anyway, more power to the guy, since he's looking to reestablish a connection with/to his roots. I can understand/commend that. Where in "Igbo" was he traced to?

By the way, what is this doing in Politics section?

Thats very good

Chinedu oya come settle boys for here ooo

Pay for Owo Omonile, Owo Bus Stop,

Beaf:

Nice one indeed! Congrats to Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula! we don kolobi anoda bruv! Pop sontin!
Lovely!

. . .But, am I the only one seeing the screaming contradiction? Landon Jones got renamed to Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula by  Chief Theo Egbujor, the Eze Udo I (King of peace) of the Igbo community in Nashville! Damn! How the phuck did Chief "Theo" not rename himself?
The time has come for us to begin to take pride in what is ours. Our names, our cultures and our abilities; people, please cease and desist from naming your kids "Theo," Bartholomew, Nebuchadnezzar, Marcelinus, Rabiu, Ismail and other names that are meaningless to our culture and are trademarks of mental slavery and low-self-esteem.

Let us all be Chinedu Uzoma Amaefula's!

Endorsed!

.

that's great Mr Chinedu my name sake!
A good step in the ryt direction!
God will will continue to lead you!

Hmmph! Its even an old topic bumped. Great!