Screen Actor Lamman Rucker and family received a traditional red carpet homecoming into the Tikar tribe of Cameroon at the home of H.E. Joseph Bienvenue Charles Foe Atangana on February 8, 2014.
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
The actor, known for his acting roles including several Tyler Perry movies and sitcoms, was conferred the title Prince Tawong, meaning “father of the land or community”. The ceremony led by Ambassador Foe Atananga, The US NW Fons, the Cam Royals Included Rucker's mother Nana Malaya, (named Mama Mantoh mother of the palace or queen mother), his sister, and several grandchildren. The Chiefs and Royals representing each region in Cameroon, gave participating family members a traditional Cameroonian name and performed a "crossing over" ritual, which placed the family's feet back to their country of ancestry, Cameroon.
Especially significant, is that the spectacular display of Cameroonian culture took place in February during the time when African Americans celebrate their culture, history, and connection to the African Continent.
Malaya Rucker, matriarch of the Rucker family notes: "this recognition is paramount to being born ‘African American’ and knowing that you are part of a greater community. I have worked all over Africa and always felt connected; it will be an important rite of passage to our children and grandchildren. Lamman and I are very honored and excited to be welcomed home."
Through DNA testing, the Rucker family was able to trace their roots back to Cameroon through the services of AfricanAncestry.com. Founded in 2003, African Ancestry has traced the maternal and paternal lineages of more than 150,000 people including Oprah Winfery, Samuel Jackson, Condelezza Rice and posthumously Martin Luther King Jr. and Marcus Garvey.
Lamman Rucker and family hope to be very active in the Cameroonian community and are looking forward to traveling home to Cameroon in the near future. "This isn't just about a title for me, it’s about responsibility. I plan to learn more about my culture and discover how I can make positive contributions to the advancement of Cameroonian Arts, Culture and Education."
This event was initiated and produced by
Mocha Ochoa-Nana, Principal of The Oracle Group; a D.C. based public relations firm, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon,
Marie Noel Meka of PRESBY USA and
Divine Nana of
CameroonVibes.com
For additional information please contact The Embassy of Cameroon at 202-265-8790 or The Oracle Group at 954-793-6401
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
Lamman Rucker ceremony - Washington D.C., Feb. 8, 2014
Photo: © Citivisual
