Nnomea Ukaegbu was born in Abia State, Nigeria, 2005. Her father first immigrated to New York City, where a sibling had settled, before briefly returning to Nigeria to marry her mother. After Nnomea was born, her mother stayed in Nigeria to complete her nursing degree. When her younger siblings were born, her mother moved to New York, while Nnomea remained in Nigeria with her aunts because it was more financially feasible to raise two children in America rather than three. At 9, Nnomea joined her family in the United States.

Nnomea considers herself more Nigerian than American, crediting her work ethic and connection to Nigerian culture. Because she frequently visited America while her siblings lived there, moving to the United States was not a major culture shock. However, she feels living in America sometimes distanced her from her Nigerian identity, as she now explains she was born in Nigeria despite not having a Nigerian accent for example. She is grateful to live in New York City, where its diversity reminds her of Nigeria’s many ethnic groups. Through her village’s cultural association in New York, Nnomea attends events with fellow Nigerians, showing how communities abroad maintain their connections to Nigeria.

For her object, Nnomea chose a family photograph taken in Nigeria during her grandmother’s retirement celebration. The image captures one of the few moments when her immediate family was together after years apart. Displayed in her parents’ home, the photograph represents the family, culture, and belonging that connected them across continents.

– Simone Oduola

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant