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Uche Onwa

@uche_onwa

2.8K

followers

2746

following

Founder/Executive Director: @bdlinitiative
CEO @famousvalcouture & @famousvalevents
Public Speaker,
Model
Human Rights Activist,
Fashion designer

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Just the perfect way to end the year.
I was featured on @swervmagazine Nov/Dec issue where I talked about what it means to be Black, LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Living in the U.S.

This journey had led me to creating an organization @bdlinitiative to advocate for, empower and provide support to Black LGBTQ+ migrants while bridging the gaps between Africans and African Americans. These were the supports I wish I had when I first arrived.

My advocacy began at the age of 15, after my childhood friend was raped by a homophobic mob for perceived homosexuality. A few months after the attack, he tested HIV+ and, overwhelmed by his circumstances, committed suicide. The loss filled me with rage and fear, knowing how easily I could have met the same fate. This event ignited my passion for justice and led me to advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Nigeria.

The 2014 passage of the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act emboldened vigilantes across the country. In 2016, one of my friends was murdered and left in his apartment for four days. I was called to identify the partially decomposed body. Another friend, a transgender woman, was beheaded in her apartment. I, too, faced persecution, mob attacks, discrimination, and death threats which ultimately led me to flee to America for my safety.

When I left Nigeria, I thought America would be the answer. But I quickly realized that while I had escaped the homophobia back home, I entered a world where I now had to explain both my Blackness and queerness. I wasn’t just gay; I was a Black, African, immigrant. In LGBTQ+ spaces, I often found myself explaining cultural nuances that were foreign even in these supposedly inclusive environments. Navigating the space between my Africanness and queerness has felt like living between borders that are never fully crossed.

You can read the full article with the link on my bio.
I will also officially be launching my organization on Friday 27th while also celebrating my birthday, please consider supporting this cause by making a one time/reoccurring donation, following us on social media and or volunteering. taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @uche_onwa

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2 years ago

Y’all allow me to introduce you to my new baby.
Her name is Qaunisha.

I deserve this and more, been working double job the past months, what better way to treat myself.

My first car, and I’m ready for more great things. by @uche_onwa

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4 years ago

It over a month but still feels like yesterday even when I have forgotten about it someone sent me this picture

It feels really great to be recognized and acknowledged for your work and contributions to the society.

Even when you think people are not watching, they are.

Someone told me recently that his friends in Atlanta were talking about me, I don’t know these people but they were talking about this young Nigerian gay activist in New York doing amazing things.
I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity, thanks to everyone that believed in me and supported me one way or the other.

I am always reminded of the reason I do this work. It not easy but this type of recognition makes it better.

#reelsinstagram #reelsviral #recognition #award #hönor #activist #explorepage taken in New York City, N.Y. by @uche_onwa

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4 years ago

Being gay, Nigerian, and living in America comes with plenty to talk about. So I brought @uche_onwa, @kachinna_, and @igwe_obinna1 together, and we got into it!

From growing up in church to first kisses, messy breakups, and the family expectations that follow us into adulthood, we talk about how our experiences have shaped how we date and express ourselves. We laughed, we disagreed, and we told the truth.

Listen or watch wherever you get your podcasts. Link in bio. by @uche_onwa

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a day ago

Still smiling thinking about Friday night.

One thing I really loved about it was seeing everyone connecting, mingling, laughing, dancing and genuinely having a good time. At different moments I just looked around the room and watched people meeting each other and enjoying themselves, my heart was full. The space created an atmosphere for that, and that meant a lot to me.

Every time I host one of these Afrobeats events, I’m reminded of why I started doing this. These spaces are needed. I see it in the people who continue to show up and I hear it through your feedback. It’s always been bigger than just throwing a party, it’s about music, culture, community, connection and joy.

And I won’t lie, it takes A LOT to put these events together, from 😂 the planning, expenses, running around and especially the FOOD! Cooking and making sure everyone is fed might honestly be the hardest part. But seeing everyone enjoying themselves makes it worth it.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, my cohost and DJs @visionsofego and @patbigbe, everyone who helped behind the scenes, and everyone who continues to support what we are building. I don’t take any of it for granted.

We are still learning and growing, so keep sharing your feedback, the good and the things we can do better.

AfroFusion by Uche is just getting started.

Now I want to hear from YOU what did you love about Friday night, what can we do better, and what kind of AfroFusion experience should we create next?
#afrobeats #afrofusion #amapiano #community #dancehall by @uche_onwa

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12 days ago

#everydaypeople #atlanta by @uche_onwa

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18 days ago

Pressure creates diamonds. Water reveals the shine. 💎💦

Unapologetically BLACK. Unapologetically ME.
Every scar, every curve, every inch of this body tells a story of survival, growth, and becoming.

I am the art. I am the masterpiece. And I’m still becoming.
#explore
#blackboyjoy✨
#melanin
#selflove
#blackandwhitephotography by @uche_onwa

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23 days ago

During Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Week last week, directly impacted people, leaders, organizers, advocates, and movement partners from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the #CommunitiesNotCages National Day of Advocacy, meeting with more than 70 members of Congress to demand action.

We came with clear demands: stop the expansion of immigration detention, shut down detention centers, claw back ICE funding and redirect those resources toward our communities, and support legislation that protects the dignity and freedom of people impacted by immigration detention.

At a time when families are struggling to afford healthcare, housing, food, and other basic needs, billions of dollars continue to be invested in detention and deportation. We are demanding a different vision, one where our resources are invested in keeping families together, meeting community needs, and strengthening our communities, not expanding systems of detention and harm.

Our communities deserve investment, dignity, care, and freedom, not cages.

#CommunitiesNotCages #EndTheICEAge #DignityNotDetention taken in Washington D. C. by @uche_onwa

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25 days ago

Pauline @free_pauline is still detained at Stewart Detention Center, separated from her daughter, loved ones, and community. Her continued detention is a painful reminder that our work is far from over.

At our recent press conference, community members, advocates, elected officials and partners came together with one clear demand: FREE PAULINE.

Pauline deserves to be home with her daughter and surrounded by the community that continues to fight for her. We will continue raising our voices, organizing, and building pressure until she is free.

We need you in this fight. Join the campaign, share Pauline’s story, show up to actions, and help us demand her immediate release.

Pauline belongs with her family and community, not in detention. FREE PAULINE NOW. taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @uche_onwa

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a month ago

A much needed trip with good friends
#explore #fortlauderdale #miami #vacation #friends taken in South Beach, Miami by @uche_onwa

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a month ago

What started as an idea four years ago continues to grow into a space where we can dance, celebrate our cultures, build community, and simply experience joy together.

A huge THANK YOU to our incredible DJs @djanniboglobal @dj_teecee @djtonikworld @brian_bk_keith for keeping us dancing all night; my friends @seesyltete who flew in from NYC and Houston and jumped right in to cook all the food except my famous Asun rice that you all love so much 😂; my mom @coachudaku, who helped serve and make sure everyone was taken care of; our door team, beautiful bartenders and everyone who helped behind the scenes; and the amazing people @bmyrandall and Asa who opened their beautiful home to us. ❤️

And most importantly, thank you to EVERYONE who showed up! You are what makes this experience what it is. This space is not just for me, it is for all of us. As we continue to grow, I want it to reflect our community, so I welcome your feedback, ideas, and support. If you believe in what we’re building, there is always room for you to be part of it.

And speaking of growth… FamousValEvents is officially becoming AfroFusion by Uche! Our LLC is officially approved, so when you start seeing AfroFusion by Uche on flyers, don’t be confused, same Uche Valentine, same energy, bigger vision.

Thank you for continuing to show up, dance with us, and believe in these spaces. We’re just getting started.
#afrofusion #afrobeats #dancehall #soca #explorepage✨ taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @uche_onwa

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a month ago

The energy I saw on this dance floor on Saturday made me emotional.

Growing up and living in Nigeria, I always wanted a space where I could be my authentic self while enjoying the music, culture, and dancing that I loved. That space was never provided to me.

So being able to create the kind of space that I and so many of us once craved means more to me than I can explain. Watching many of you dancing freely, celebrating our cultures, connecting, and simply experiencing JOY reminded me exactly why I started doing this.

For me, this was never just about business or making money. It has always been about creating the spaces I wish I had and building community through music, culture, and joy.

Thank you to everyone who came out and brought that dance floor to life. 🥹❤️ And as we continue to grow, I want to hear from you too, my DMs are always open for your feedback, ideas, and thoughts on how we can make these experiences even better.

Stay tuned, because we are just getting started.
#afrobeats #reels #dance #music #community
Video credit @igwe_obinna1 taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @uche_onwa

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a month ago