This year, The Nigerian-American Multicultural Center’s A Night of Excellence Gala to be held on Friday May 3, 2013 at 6:30pm will exceed its past events. The gala will commence with a cocktail hour during which guests will enjoy some Nigerian appetizers. After the cocktail hour, guests will enjoy more Nigerian cuisine during dinner accompanied with entertainment. The entertainment will feature African dancers, an African jazz band, and a fashion show displaying African contemporary wear. The gala will be chaired by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, H.E. Mr. Olugbenga Ashiru. Honored guests who will be present are Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Professor Adefuye, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Councilmember Jackie Christie, and Isiah Carey of Fox 26 News will be the Master of Ceremony for the event. In addition to dinner and entertainment, there will be a silent as well as a live auction featuring Alaska fishing adventures, Napa Valley adventures, vacation packages, signed memorabilia by Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon, sports packages, spa days, gourmet meals, African contemporary wear and African artwork. One of the art pieces is by world-renowned conceptual artist Yinka Shonibare, MBE. His work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennial, the MCA Sydney, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Smithsonian. Shonibare has become well known for his exploration of colonialism and post-colonialism within the contemporary context of globalisation. Shonibare’s work explores these issues, alongside those of race and class, through the media of painting, sculpture, photography and, more recently, film and performance. Using this wide range of media, Shonibare examines in particular the construction of identity and tangled interrelationship between Africa and the western world and their respective economic and political histories. Mixing Western art history and literature, he asks what constitutes our collective contemporary identity today. Funds raised will go towards scholarships and mentorship programs for high school students and young professionals. About NAMC NAMC is a Houston based non-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization that seeks to build a vibrant Nigerian community in Houston and serve as a bridge between the Nigerian community and the greater Houston community. The organization hosts many activities designed to enrich the Houston community, such as youth mentorship, professional development events, summer camps and cultural awareness programs.   Online Event Registration powered by RegOnline USD150.00