The Dramatic Recreation of the Igbo Landing Story,” and an exhibition to commemorate the 220 years since Igbos were forcefully taken to the United States for slavery.
Dr Ikechukwu Erojikwe, the Convener of the conference and a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, UNN, disclosed that the event aims to showcase the Igbo worldview, spirituality, arts, technology, science, and other concepts that will inform the world on the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people.
The conference will also tell the story of the heroic deeds of the forebears and document the historical monument of Igbo history.
Erojikwe noted that Igbo Landing was the first black civil rights movement in human history in 1803 when 75 Igbos were captured by slave raiders in the Otuocha/Aguleri area of Anambra State and were taken to the United States of America.
At Dunbar Creek in Georgia, the Igbo captives refused slavery and walked into the sea in mass suicide. He explained that the conversation on forced slavery would enable participants to understand what transpired 220 years ago.
Prof. Chima Korieh, Institute of African Studies, UNN, would be the Keynote Speaker, while Prof. Damian Opata, UNN Emeritus Professor, and Prof. Water Hawthrone, a Professor of History from Michigan State University, US, would be among the lead paper presenters.
According to Erojikwe, the two-day event would kick off on May 23 with exhibitions and a candlelight procession that will take place from UNN’s Arts Theatre to the Pavilion of Theatre and Film Studies for an evening of chants, poetry, and cocktails.
On May 24, there would be a courtesy visit to Prof Charles Igwe, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, before the commencement of the opening ceremony.
Partners to the conference include the Institute of African Studies, Department of Theatre and Film Studies, Department of History and International Relations and Centre for Igbo Studies, UNN, Council for Igbo States in America, and Centres for Igbo Studies, Dominican University, Chicago, United States, among others.
The conference will bring people from different walks of life to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people and is expected to impact positively on the Nigerian cultural scene.