Synopses & Reviews
Nigerians first came to the United States to attend American universities, intending to return home. Successive waves of Nigerian students began to stay, and now Nigerian Americans are the largest African immigrant group in the country. Pursuing education to attain professional careers remains the cornerstone of the new Nigerian American families. This book gives students and general readers a clear view of where these immigrants came from, examining the Nigerian values and way of life that have been adapted to American culture, the inroads they have made economically, their relations with other Americans, and their contributions to American society.
The author, a Nigerian immigrant, has experienced the process firsthand and represents his community as an insider. He portrays the people as hard working, religious adherents who value family and education above all, and maintain deep ties and keen interest in current events in Nigeria. Tables, photos, and biographical sketches of noted Nigerian Americans accompany the narrative.
Review
The reader can learn a good deal of general information....[O]gbaa can be credited with us to see many of the questions worth asking.Journal of American Ethnic History
Synopsis
This book offers a clear view of Nigerian-Americans, the values and ways of life they have adapted to American culture, inroads they have made economically, their relations with other Americans, and their contributions to American society.
Synopsis
This book clearly overviews the experiences of America's largest African immigrant group.
Synopsis
Nigerians first came to the United States to attend American universities, intending to return home. Successive waves of Nigerian students began to stay, and now Nigerian Americans are the largest African immigrant group in the country. Pursuing education to attain professional careers remains the cornerstone of the newNigerian American families. This book gives students and general readers a clear view of where these immigrants came from, examining the Nigerian values and way of life that have been adapted to American culture, the inroads they have made economically, their relations with other Americans, and their contributions to American society. The author, a Nigerian immigrant, has experienced the process firsthand and represents his community as an insider. He portrays the people as hard working, religious adherents who value family and education above all, and maintain deep ties and keen interest in current events in Nigeria. Tables, photos, and biographical sketches of noted Nigerian Americans accompany the narrative.
About the Author
KALU OGBAA is Professor of English and Africana Studies at Southern Connecticut State University. He is the author of Understanding Things Fall Apart: A Student Casebook to Issues, Source, and Historical Documents (Greenwood, 1999), and Century of Nigerian Literature: A Select Bibliography (2002).
Table of Contents
Background
Nigerian American Ethnic Roots: the Land, History, People, and Culture
Coming to America
Nigerian Immigration to the United States: An Overview
Adjustment and Adaptation
Dropping the Cultural Baggage
Educational and Economic Adjustment
Adjustment Through Associations and The Media
Intergroup Relations
Evolving Nigerian American Identity: Impediments, Legacy and Hope
Conclusion
The Impact of Nigerian Americans on American Society
Appendix A: Notable Nigerian Americans
Appendix B: Tables
Bibliography