Concept Note and Proposal for the Ijaw Cultural Center in Houston, Texas, USA
Introduction
The Law people, one of Negeris's largest etdime groups, have a rich cultural heritage that deserves recognition, preservation, and celebration. To promote and sustain ljaw cultural and heritage in the United States, we propose the construction and establishment of an ijaw Cultural Centre in Houston, Texas This center will serve as a hub for cultural exchange, education, and community development for the ijaw diaspora and the wider America community.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the ijaw Cultural Centre in Houston, Texas, are as Follows:
- To promote preserve, and celebrate ijaw culture, history and traditions.
- provide a space for cultural and artistic exhibitions, workshops, and performances
- To create a sense of community and belonging for the ijaw diaspora and other interested individuals.
- To foster intercultural understanding and strengthen the ties berweun the ijaw community and the local community in Houston
3. Location
We propose to etablish the ijaw Cultural Centre in Houston, Texas, due to its vibrant multicultural environment, a significant Nigerian diaspora population, and accessbility
Facilities and Features
The 25,000 sq feett ijaw Cultural Centre will include:
+ Exhibition hall for traditional airtifacts, art, and historical displays
+ A library and resource centre for ijaw history, literature and cultural education.
+ Performance hall for, events, marriage, burials,music,dance, and theatrical presententaions.
+ Multipurpose room for meetings, workshops, and community events
+ A traditional garden showcasing ljaw artifact, fishing tools and resources flora, fauna, and architecture
+ A gift shop featuring Ijaw crafts and products
+ Restaurants
+ Co Working office spaces
+ Business Center
+ Legal Aid and Immigration assistance offices
+ Ijaw media center and studio (Podcast, Vidoergraphy, TV/Digital Radio production and ljaw language studies.)
+ Ijaw Traditional sports centre
+ Ijaw music and dance production unit
Programs and Activities
The center will host a veriety of programs and activities, including:
- Conventions.
- Weddings.
- Burial ceremonies.
- Cultural exhibitions and showcases.
- Language and history classes.
- Traditional music and dance performances.
- Story telling and poetry readings.
- Art and crafts workshops.
- Community events, including festival and holiday celebrations.
- Quizes.
- Ijaw Elders Adult Day care.
Suntainability and Funding
To ensure the Suntainability of the Ijaw cultural Center, we will seek a combination of funding sources, inculding:
+ Grants from cultural preservation and arts organinations.
+ Donations from individuals, both within the Ijaw community and from the wider public
+ Revenue from admission fees, event rentals, and the gift shop
+ Sponsorship and partnerships with local businesses
+ Revenue Fom events weddings, conventions, Burials
Timelines
The construction and establishment of the Ijaw Cultural Center will be a milti-phase project. The estimated timeline is as follows:
Phase 1: Planning and Fundraising (1 year 2024)
Phase 2: Construction and infrastructure (2 year 2025)
Phase 3: Interior Setup and Exhibition lnstallation (1 your 2026)
Phase 4: Grand Opening and Ongoing Operation
Conclusion
The establishment of the law Cultural Canter in Houston, Tex?s, repesent a significant opportunity to preserve and promote ljaw culture and heritage while fostering
greater cultural understanding and engagement within the community. We invite support and partnerships from local and international organizations, donor, and the jaw
diaspora to make this vision a reality.
The Ijaw Cultural Center will be a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural richness of the jaw people, serving as a place of learning, celeebration, and uncly
for generations to come
Respectfully yours is service to Ijaw Nation
Mr Kenneth Ibiene Anga
Chairman