Events with
Join FunTimes as we celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of the African diaspora. From captivating performances to thought-provoking discussions, FunTimes Magazine brings you a curated selection of events that showcase the talents, stories, and experiences of the diaspora community. Come and be part of our inclusive and empowering events that embrace the beauty and resilience of the African diaspora.
City proclaimed ‘Nigerian Independence Day in Philadelphia’ in Patriotic Flag-raising Ceremony to Celebrate 65th Anniversary of Independence
October 1, 2025
FunTimes hosted the Nigerian Independence Flag-raising & Awards Ceremony showcasing the rich cultural heritage and accomplishments of local Nigerians. The event outside of City Hall in Center City Philadelphia on October 1st fostered an understanding, respect, and appreciation for a nation with a storied history. The occasion was a testament to the enduring spirit of the Nigerian people in an afternoon of pride and patriotism in which the City of Philadelphia proclaimed it “Nigerian Independence Day in Philadelphia.”
The event was in observance locally of a milestone -- the 65th anniversary of the country’s separation from Great Britain, as the Nigerian community proudly raised both the green-and-white colors of the flag and also awareness of Nigeria’s contributions. The ceremony featured the patriotic flag-raising, remarks by city and community officiials, a performance of African “Talking” drummers, and a procession of African masked masquerade performers, a presentation of a City mayoral anniversary proclamation, achievement awards to three Nigerian community leaders and the unveiling and distribution of FunTimes Magazine Nigerian Independence Anniversary print keepsake edition by editor Dr. Eric Nzeribe. Dr. Juliet Njoku, was the event emcee.
Community leaders of Nigerian descent from the world of academia, medicine and entertainment were bestowed the Azikiwe Legacy Award for their outstanding achievements: Dr. Brenda A. Allen, President of Lincoln University, Dr. Odiraa Nwankwor, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, and Laolu Senbanjo, acclaimed musician and multi-disciplinary artist (Senbanjo's brother accepted the honor on his behalf). The awards were part of the launch of the Oral History Initiative, an exciting multi-year project documenting first-person accounts of the African and Caribbean diaspora in the Delaware Valley and globally. The goal is to promote reporting, classroom engagement, and public dialogue while encouraging storytellers, interviewers, sponsors, and host sites to join the conversation.
Since 1960, October 1st officially has marked Nigeria’s independence from Great Britain. Communities in the Greater Philadelphia area freely wave the vertical bands of green, white and green annually. Nigeria is considered to be the “Giant of Africa,” with its large population and economy.
Honorees of the awards presented at the Nigeria @65 Ceremony
Dr. Odiraa Nwankwor
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
honored for his leadership and service to African communities worldwide
Dr. Brenda A. Allen
President, Lincoln University
honored for her visionary leadership
Laolu Senbanjo
Multidisciplinary Artist and Human Rights Advocate
honored for creative excellence and dedication to uplifting African heritage through the arts
Many of our priorities center around family. That’s why FunTimes Magazine created an engaging virtual event, Exploring the Many Faces of Black Families on July 25, 2025 during National Black Family Month (observed in July). The enlightening and educational virtual ZOOM session focused on family values, traditions, parenting styles, work-family balance, family dynamics, and traditional and unconventional families. Our distinguished and lively panel of educators and experts -- Dr. Ellyn Jo Waller, Annette Deigh and Joel Austin -- shed a sharp light on the state of family living. The event was moderated by multi-media host Lavonne Nichols. The discussion was so riveting, it could have gone on way past the designated one-hour limit....
On April 3rd, FunTimes and Campaign for Working Families held a virtual conversation with award-winning real estate associate and event host Ama Addo and Dr. Nikia Owens, President & CEO of Campaign for Working Families. Learn how to get your taxes done for free, and earn potential Earned Income Tax Credits. That’s money back in your pocket in these inflationary times. Dr. Owens says that each year, more than $100 million in tax credits is unclaimed by eligible residents. So, get what you deserve!
FunTimes takes a look at love in Black culture
On February 21, 2025, we dove head-first into the Valentine’s season with FunTimes Magazine’s latest engaging community workshop, The Color of Love: How The Power Of Love Can Strengthen Black Communities. This post-Valentine’s virtual presentation was inspired by the phrase “loving on us.” It will celebrate love and the power of the Black community in an ever-changing and sometimes unwelcoming world. We explore d ways to cultivate unity and collaboration within Black communities including among younger generations; the role of love in addressing systemic inequality, racism, and economic disparities. We discussed inspiring instances in history when communion and love have been a transformative force in Black communities as well as how the power of love can effectively build intergenerational bonds and preserve cultural heritage. Check out these insights from expert panelists Dr. Kory Grice, of the Life Turn Network of therapists and Christian counselors, and “Your favorite church girl,” Kala West (a.k.a. Kala J.), host-producer of WURD Radio’s Sunday Morning Praise, a weekly faith-based program. The event moderator was Lavonne Nichols, a dynamic multi-media host-author-trauma recovery coach-certified ACEs trainer. Learn about "The Power of Love," and view this transformational experience...
FunTimes presented a holiday virtual event on Instagram December 12, 2024, “Faith, Family & Culture: Learn how different religions celebrate the winter holidays," focusing on Black communities. Moderator Lavonne Nichols and panelists Coach B. Wright (Bulinda Wright-Jones) and Juliette Njoku, Ph.D, led an engaging session celebrating cultures and religions. It was a fun and educational interfaith exploration of family and the spiritual dynamics in our modern-day society. Get a glimpse. Here is a video of the event.
Nigeria Independence Flag-Raising Ceremony in Philadelphia
October 2, 2024
Recently, FunTimes successfully hosted Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration and annual and historical observance in Philadelphia, bringing together the Nigerian Diaspora, African Americans, and others from the Caribbean and African communities. The event engaged our city and community partners, and attracted a large crowd and wide media attention from three major Delaware Valley news outlets, securing a coverage outreach of 500,000 people. High-profile events like this effectively showcase how cultural celebrations are vital in creating spaces for networking, collaboration, and cultural exchange. These efforts highlight the importance of maintaining and deepening ties between the local Diaspora and their countries of origin.
Photos by Laura Elam (top right), and Emmanuel Oyelami (all others)
LIVING SINGLE: Navigating Valentine's Day
February 2024
FunTimes held an enriching Instagram Live discussion on Living Single during Valentine's Day featuring guests Funmi Saheeb, Donovan West, and Jennifer Harris.
