Disciplines

African American Studies | Public History

Abstract

As a part of the African Immigration Research project of the Bronx African American History Project, this is an oral history of Tochi Mgbenwelu ‘15, an aspiring architect. Even before coming to Fordham University to study, Mgbenwelu had multiple experiences as an international student due to the nature of her father’s job. Mgbenwelu was born in London, raised in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and then moved to Lagos, Nigeria at the age of 15. Her father is Igbo and her mother is mixed Igbo and Yoruba. She details an intersectional perspective when discussing her experiences at Fordham referencing various identities and lenses such as being Nigerian, being Black, and being a woman. Mgbenwelu notes that transitioning into college as an international student was not uncomfortable, but she had to adjust to cultural barriers such as greetings and honorifics.

Mgbenwelu expressed frustration with the lack of cultural sensitivity and knowledge about Africa that her peers and notes the indirect pressure she felt in having to represent the whole continent of Africa even though she is an international student from Nigeria. She credits her parents for her cultural pride. Her freshman year at Fordham, she joined ASILI the Black Student Alliance and in her sophomore year she served as a club representative on the executive board. She currently serves as the club’s president and has committed herself to the revitalization of the club and its activities over the years.

Mgbenwelu plans on attending graduate school to pursue an accredited career in architecture and has intentions on giving back to her Nigerian community. She emphasizes the importance of being true and honoring your cultural heritage and identity.

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