Immigration Equality’s work aligns itself well with helping add the stories of Black immigrants to our Black history.

What Black History Month Means to Me

We’d like to introduce you to the incredible Oliver Anene, a former Immigration Equality client and current Board Member. Oliver came to the United States after fleeing persecution in Nigeria for his work as an LGBTQ activist. He is now a director at PricewaterhouseCoopers, sits on our Board and Nominations and Governance Committee, and continues to be an activist and spokesperson for LGBTQ immigrants everywhere.  

We sat down with Oliver to discuss Black History Month, and his involvement in Immigration Equality.  

What does Black History Month mean to you? 

I appreciate that there are months dedicated to commemorate the experiences of racial minority groups in our society. As a first-generation immigrant who identifies as a Black gay man, my experiences and history differs vastly from the experiences and histories of Black gay men whose family and ancestries are tied to the U.S. Celebrating Black History Month provides an opportunity for younger Black people, and Black people from other parts of the world, to learn about and connect with the history of Black people in the U.S.  

Why do you feel Black History Month is important?  

The stories of Black people who paved the way and fought for the society we live in today need to be told, acknowledged, and celebrated. It is a solemn reminder of where we were and how far we’ve come. Without this context, it becomes difficult to define the theory of change for newer racial justice movements 

What is your favorite part about being on the Immigration Equality board?  

I am so proud to serve on the Immigration Equality board, which is filled with passionate individuals of diverse backgrounds. It offers an opportunity to support the work through fundraising and hands-on practical support to the organization’s staff. I also love every opportunity to tell my story of one who went from Immigration Equality client to board member, bringing a client perspective to board discussions, and raising money for a great cause. 

How do you see Immigration Equality’s work as relevant in Black History month?  

Immigration Equality’s work aligns itself well with helping add the stories of Black immigrants to our Black history. By enabling Black people like me to find a home, start a new life, and join social causes, we join the millions of Black Americans fighting daily for equality and justice in this country.  

What historical figure do you feel should be more widely known and celebrated during Black History Month?  

Dr. Ron Simmons PhD, was a scholar, community activist, longtime advocate, role model, and mentor to Black gay men living with/at risk for HIV. 

Do you have any personal traditions during Black History Month?  

In the past five years before the pandemic, and as part of Black History Month, I was lucky to be invited to speaking events at colleges in New York, including John Jay, The New School, etc., where I would talk about the experiences of Black LGBTQ immigrants to the US. This was something I looked forward to, in an effort to incite students’ interest in immigration reforms for LGBTQ migrants.  

We are so grateful to have Oliver as a member of our community, and we hope that you will join us in celebrating him and all that he has accomplished! Will you make a gift today in support of our inspirational clients just like Oliver?