SOUTH CAROLINA/United States of America: Grand Knight Emeritus, Sir Tonna Okei, President of the Organization of African Unity, South Carolina (OAU-SC), on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, led a high-powered delegation of ethnic minority leaders residing in South Carolina to a crucial meeting with Sheriff Leon Lott of Richland County, who also represents the board of U.S. Sheriffs. The delegation engaged in productive discussions on the new U.S. administration and strategies to promote, protect, and defend the interests of ethnic minorities.
The delegation included Mr. Nghiep Nguyen, leader of the Vietnamese community; Mr. Edgar, leader of the Latino community; Elder Felix Agho, President of the Nigerian community; Baba Derrick Jackson, spiritual leader of African Americans; Pastor and OAU Board Member Dr. Arthur Kennedy, a physician and two-time Ghanaian presidential aspirant; among others. They acknowledged the return of Donald Trump as the U.S. President and emphasized the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and inclusive engagement under the new administration.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Sir Okei, who holds the chieftaincy title “Asoju Oba of Oyotunji,” described the discussion as fruitful and progressive. “We just concluded a vital discussion with the sheriff, who represented the board of U.S. Sheriffs. Our conversation focused on how to protect and defend the interests of ethnic minorities in the face of a new administration that may introduce new policies. We emphasized the importance of respect, collaboration, and ensuring that we, as law-abiding professionals, are recognized as integral members of the American society,” he stated.
Responding to the delegation, Sheriff Lott reassured the group that law enforcement’s primary focus remains on individuals who commit violent crimes. “We do not stop people to ask for immigration papers. If someone is a victim of a crime, they will be treated as a victim and receive full assistance. The horror stories happening in other places are not happening here. Law enforcement is committed to ensuring fairness and upholding the law without discrimination,” he assured.
Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, speaking on behalf of the OAU-SC, expressed deep appreciation for Sheriff Lott’s longstanding support for ethnic minorities. He recounted his personal experience as a two-time UN refugee, emphasizing the fears and challenges faced by immigrants. “America had an election, and there is a new sheriff in town—President Trump. Immigration was a major campaign issue, and we are already witnessing deportations across the country. Many of our people live in fear, reluctant to go to work, school, or seek help from law enforcement when needed. We urge law enforcement agencies and policymakers to consider due process and compassion when dealing with immigration matters,” he stated.
Dr. Kennedy highlighted the historic contributions of immigrants to the United States, from Alexander Hamilton to Nobel Laureate Wangari Maathai and even the ancestors of President Trump. He noted that, contrary to prevailing stereotypes, immigrants are law-abiding, educated, and contribute significantly to American society. “A 2006 U.S. Census survey reported that Nigerians may be the most educated ethnic group in America, with 17% holding master’s degrees and 4% possessing PhDs. Studies by Stanford University and the Cato Institute confirm that immigrants are significantly less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens,” he emphasized.
Dr. Kennedy concluded with a plea for fairness and compassion. “While laws must be enforced, we ask for due process and humanity in handling immigration matters. As President Reagan once said, ‘I believe in amnesty for those who have put down roots and lived here, even though they may have entered illegally.’ Our faith also calls for kindness towards strangers, as stated in Leviticus 19:33-34. Let us heed this call and treat immigrants with dignity and respect,” he urged.
In a related development, Sir Okei, alongside Carolina Distinguished Professor Grace Boutte and Dr. George Johnson, Vice President of OAU-SC, attended the grand opening of Palace African Cuisine, a Pan-African restaurant established by Dr. Boateng, a physician, in South Carolina. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Africa, reinforcing the contributions of immigrants to the American social and economic landscape.
