Urhobo Historical Society

URHOBO PROGRESS UNION, NORTH AMERICA
(UPUNA)


MOTHER'S DAY 2001
Source:
Subject:         URhobo Greetings -2
   Date:         Sun, 13 May 2001 00:58:24 EDT
   From:        Onapela@aol.com
     To:         ppekeh@acsu.buffalo.edu

TO MOTHER URHOBO IN THE DIASPORA
WITH LOVE AND EXPECTATIONS

It is only with the passing of the years, as we grow and experience life that we really understand the depth of a mother's love.

Remembering you on mother's Day because you play such a special part in my life
---- and you have such a warm sport in my heart.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
WITH
LOVE AND APPRECIATION
************

Observance of mother's Day may not be a big deal in Urhobo land; but its significance is understandable to immigrants who have sojourned long in North America. The important role of a mother in inculcating family and community mores, values and attitudes in the formative years is universal across cultures. Bearing this in mind, I invoke the popular saying attributable to Christ by all 4 apostles that “----- Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's –“ (Mark 12:17). While many of US Urhobo parents were raised in Urhobo land, most if not all of our children have not had the opportunity to learn or speak the Urhobo language. They are not alone as many of US parents can hardly speak or write in Urhobo.  There is also seeming lack of opportunity to learn and appreciate aspects of the Urhobo “way of Life” that is critical to the sustenance of CULTURE.

In this regard, there is much we can learn from other immigrant cultures that have found ways to propagate their culture within the American society. I challenge us all to begin a meaningful effort toward enhancing the Urhobo culture. Our mothers – wives, sisters and daughters -- have a crucial role to play in the new awakening.

**********
As I join other Urhobo children, sons and husbands in sharing the joy of mother's Day with our mothers, wives and daughters, I urge you to reflect on the cultural crisis that confront our generation and the next. I urge you to do that which is right in sustaining the Urhobo way of life – culture. Urhobo’s expectation is simply a reaffirmation of what all mothers do.

After all, think of all the special things a mother finds to do. And maybe you'll see why this comes with so much love for you.

Happy Mother's Day

Ona Pela
President-General
Urhobo Progress Union, North America (UPUNA).
May 12, 2001

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