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Fourth of July In Miami Gardens ... Nigerian Style

At the Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center in the heart of Miami Gardens, a couple hundred people came out to play, compete in flag football and basketball, step, and watch the Fourth of July activities ... all with a Nigerian Twist.

 

 

The City of Miami-Gardens partnered with the Edo association of Florida for an all day event.

Linda Hodgins Holloway founded the Super Soul Steppers, a line-dancing group performing at the amphitheater.  She was dressed in red white and blue attire with President Obama earrings, and said from the wobble to the electric slide, the steppers will do it.
 

“That’s how I get my name," she said. "‘Lovely, Love-To-Dance Linda.’”

 

Just after the steppers performed, the Nigerian-American group began running the festivities.

 

Scott Izevbigie, the organization's president, said they play music from multiple African countries and America, and share culinary traditions to integrate cultures.

 

A DJ played a mix of Caribbean tunes, traditional Nigerian songs, and American top 40 hits while people ate barbeque and drank Coca Cola.

 

“We appreciate what the United States has done for us because this is now our home,” he said when asked why they decided to put on a celebration on the 4th of July.

 

Miami Gardens Mayor, Oliver Gilbert, helped begin the festivities with the Edo Association, and said the all-day city celebration is really for everyone to honor America’s birthday.

 

“Later people are just going to come out, and enjoy fireworks and celebrate,” Gilbert said.

 

This was the Edo Association's 21st Fourth of July celebration in South Florida, and their second at Betty T. Ferguson Recreation Center.

 

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