Luke Smith Memorial Service
Our community sadly lost Luke Smith at the hands of a barbaric attacker over the weekend at Courtney Place, Wellington. While police investigation is on the way, our deepest condolences go the Smith family at this time and may God grant them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Brian who is Luke’s dad shared on the news that “He was our whole life. He was a young, energetic 21-year-old who was full of life and lived life to the fullest,” Luke’s memorial service will take place this Saturday 12 October at 2pm in Trentham Masonic Center, Islington Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt. During this time there will be talks to remember Luke and you are all invited to attend and stand by the family. To support cost for the family at this time, there are two give-a-little funds open to everyone to contribute: JusticeForLuke set up by The Blackhouse and Support Needed to Honor Luke’s Resting Place set up the Family Priest (Duane Greyling). ACCW is working with the family and members in our community to provide additional support through this very difficult period. We also would like to acknowledge the support provided by David Walters and family, and Liya from The Blackhouse including others to numerous to mention. See you all at the memorial service.
New Year Celebration
New Year Celebration 2023 2022 marked the year of COVID-19 economic recovery with memorable impact on all communities including our African community all over Aotearoa New Zealand. ACCW is hosting a New Year community get-together on Saturday. This is to celebrate a new vision, community cohesion and aligning strategic goals for 2023. In keeping with the spirit of ubuntu, there will be a shared BBQ lunch, and all community members are invited including guest and friends of Africa. It is truly an opportune time to reconnect, network, and share our visions for the new year. Further details can be found in the accompaning flyer and for all inquiries please contact Tendekai (022344470), Jawahir (02108361720) or Ras Judah (0211701713). Event Details 📅 Date – Saturday 14th January 2023 ⏱️ Time – 10:00am – 2:00pm 📍 Location – Avalon Park, Lower Hutt https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfTl3W2wirk Highlights The notorious windy Wellington gave us a break with ample summer sunshine to enjoy the New Year 2023 Celebration. There was lots of social cohesion and networking among the community which saw attendance from all regions in Africa. Some key figures in attendance were the Acting High Commissioner of South Africa Edgar Motsisi, our first MP from the African community Ibrahim Omer, Wellington City Councillor Nureddin Abdurahman, Dr Ruvimbo Bangure, Denise Barlow-Byarugaba, Kira Hundleby from Te Papa, our elder Francis Ogwaro, Liya Lupala from the Black House, ACCW finest radio anchor Francois Byamana Judah and Jacqueline Wilton from Change Makers. The event showcased kids entertainment by Pride Lands Childcare, good vibes by DJ Dozen Tendekai and delicious African food from Jessy’s Kitchen. Not forgetting the international chefs on the grill Stanley, Kosam, Jawahir and Khon. ACCW would like to thank all the participants, guests and families for taking out time to support this event. Special thanks to ACCW Events and Planning Committee, the volunteers from Change Makers performers and Smalls Photography. Long live the African continent! See you in our next event and enjoy the video highlight and photos below…to view more photos, head to ACCW Facebook Page.