The Story of Igbo Landing
At Igbo Landing, our ancestors paid the ultimate price for freedom. This place in Georgia, USA, carries the memory of one of the most powerful acts of resistance against enslavement.
The land we stand on was once part of the plantation of James Hamilton. Remember his name, because Hamilton was at the center of the conspiracy to illegally bring captive Africans to this island. By the early 1800s, importing Africans was already outlawed in the United States. Yet Hamilton and others defied the law, trafficking human lives for profit.
When Hamilton died in Philadelphia in 1828, he was counted among the wealthiest men in America. But every dollar of his fortune was built on the suffering of Africans who were illegally enslaved—including the Igbos who were brought here.
There have long been stories—distorted by lies—that the Igbo captives committed mass suicide when they landed here. But what truly happened was an act of defiance. Faced with enslavement, the Igbos chose to resist rather than submit. Their actions became a symbol of dignity, courage, and the refusal to accept bondage.
Igbo Landing is therefore not just a site of tragedy—it is a sacred ground of resistance. It stands as a reminder that our people valued freedom above life itself, and that the wealth of men like Hamilton was purchased with blood, resilience, and sacrifice.
Presidential Address by CHIEF DR. (MRS) JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA AGUOJI
AN ADDRESS PRESENTED BY CHIEF DR. (MRS) JOSEPHINE UZOAMAKA AGUOJI, DURING THE 12TH IGBO WORLDWIDE FESTIVAL OF ART AND CULTURE ON 25TH AND 26TH JULY 2025 AT IGBO LANDING ST. SIMONS ISLAND GEORGIA, USA.
Great progressive pillars of Igboland!
Distinguished CISA family!
Ohanaeze,ekene m unu!
It is with immense joy and profound gratitude that I stand before you today as the President of the Council of Igbo States in Americas (CISA) to welcome you to the 12th Annual Festival of Art and Culturein this my 2nd year of leadership and the 222 years since the heroic 1803 Igbo resistance at Dunbar Creek.
CISA— Annual Festival of Arts July 26, 2025
Ohanaeze PG Applauds CISA for Its Global Promotion of Igbo Cultural Heritage
The Ohanaeze President General, Senator John Azuta-Mbata has applauded the Council of Igbo States in the Americas (CISA) for its consistent efforts in promoting the rich cultural traditions of ndi-Igbo and in connecting with peoples of Igbo heritage globally. This was contained in his goodwill message to CISA in their just concluded 2025 Igbo World Festival of arts and culture held in Brunswick and Igbo landing site in St. Simons Island, Georgia USA the weekend of July 25-26, 2025.
In the message delivered on behalf of Ohanaeze President General (PG) by Diokpa Delly Ajufo of Anioma Redemption Group, the PG Senator Azuta-Mbata acknowledged the significance of the fiesta in showcasing the values of Igbo cultural heritage, describing the emotional laden reconnection and naming ceremony rituals bonding African Americans of Igbo DNA with their Igbo roots as remarkable initiatives.
The Ohanaeze PG characterized CISA activities as a classic resolved to uphold and immortalize the cherished legacies of Igbo worldviews with Igbo descendants in diaspora for stronger ties with their homeland. Senator Mbata further noted that Igbo diaspora remittances has remained the robust bedrock for economic development of the region as well as an inevitable pillar of survival for ndi-Igbo, especially in this hard times. He also expressed concern with the festering circumstances of insecurity in the land, and pointed out, however, that the current Ohaneze leadership is partnering with seven universities in Igbo speaking states for the promotion of Igbo language, culture and history. The PG finally called for constructive relationship with CISA and wishes her a successful festival.
Earlier in his address, the chair of CISA Board of Trustees, Onowu Abagana Regent, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze extolled the rituals of commemorating the historic Igbo landing at Dunbar Greeks of St. Simons Island and called for concerted efforts in promulgating Igbo Cultural values and building an all inclusive sustainable outreach that connects all Igbo descendants lost in the era of slavery.
Also in her address, CISA President Dr. Mrs. Josephine Uzoamaka Aguoji welcomed all the attendees, and stressed the theme of the festival: “Reconnecting with our ancestors” who 222 years ago in 1803 did the unthinkable in overpowering their captors and decided to return back to Igboland from whence they came. This singular action according to CISA President resonated deeply with our collective memory and rich cultural heritage.
Earlier in the week, Cosby H. Johnson, Mayor of the City of Brunswick, along with the city commissioners proclaimed July 25 and 26, 2025 as ‘Igbo Landing Day’ in the city and welcomed all visiting the city from across the globe.
His majesty Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Ezeora the 34th of Eri kingdom, the Royal Father of the festival did the cleansing and the reconnections rituals. The festival which witnessed intellectual and cultural displays brought together people from different countries that include Canada, South Africa, Nigeria, Dubai, Costa Rica, and different states in United States. CISA is thankful to Mazi Ezeoke of Njenje TV for the festival coverage. With the conclusion of this festival, CISA has added another milestone in its annals.
Chief Mathias Mgbeafulu
CISA Media & Publicity Director The Ring Shouters (African Americans of Gullah Geechee people) performing at the Igbo World Festival of Arts and Culture. Amadiebube.