35 awarded citizenship - Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | Courier Electronic Edition

Local News

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

35 awarded citizenship

By JOY BROWN

staff writer

Abena Atakora left what is considered to be the center of the world six years ago to come to the United States.

But just because her home country of Ghana lies along the Greenwich Meridian, the Equator doesn't necessarily mean her world is centered on her former homeland.

Instead, Atakora, along with 35 other northwest Ohio residents from countries ranging from Canada to Korea, were granted U.S. citizenship on Monday at a naturalization ceremony held at the University of Findlay.

Presided over by Judge Jack Zouhary of the U.S. District Court, Northern District of Ohio, this was the first naturalization ceremony held at UF.

UF public relations officer Brianna Patterson said Zouhary wants to host these events in places other than around Toledo to give more people the opportunity to see them. Several high school students, those affiliated with UF, and community members did just that on Monday.

Recognizing that the United States and its ideals were built on the strengths of immigrants, Zouhary congratulated those being naturalized for their courage and commitment.

Zouhary, whose father immigrated here in 1924, reminded the crowd the first Ellis Island immigrants in the early 1900s, having left their countries, culture and often family for an opportunity at a better life, "were not greeted by dignitaries or media. Instead there were doctors with stethoscopes and bureaucrats with a lot of questions. There was confusion, fear, excitement. They came in part because of the freedoms, freedom of speech, religion, assemblage, where ideas can flourish."

New citizens were asked by Zouhary to "embrace the democratic ideals of America while embracing" their cultures. He also asked them to maintain tolerance, respect for others and their opinions, and the driving force to improve life for themselves, their families and the country.

"You are the keepers of the flame. Jealously guard it and generously spread this gift of liberty," Zouhary said.

Many of the new citizens were surrounded by family and friends while taking an oath renouncing citizenship in other places and promising to defend the country if called upon. And unlike Ellis Island immigrants, most, if not all, faced hordes of media wanting to hear their stories on Monday.

Atakora's cousin snapped several pictures as she took the stage to receive her certificate and stood by the flag.

"My mother has been here for 20 years," Atakora, 25, said of why she came to the United States. She now works in Toledo as an aide for the mentally handicapped and said she gained citizenship to make it easier to have her husband Kwaku, who is still in Ghana, come to the U.S. to live.

Akounda Blakma, formerly of the western African nation of Togo, said his wife is already a citizen here and he wanted to become one too in order to travel more easily.

"We have family and friends from all over the world" from Germany to Asia, the 31-year-old said, relieved that he will finally be able to acquire a passport.

Blakma, who has lived in this country for 7� years, initially came here to attend UF. He now lives in Lima and works at a Honda engine plant.

Blakma said his family couldn't attend the ceremony because his wife had to work, but said becoming a citizen was still "pretty exciting."

Contact staff writer Joy Brown at:

419-427-8496

Send an e-mail to Joy Brown

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Main Street will not be accessible from East Lincoln Street. Lincoln Street will be closed to through traffic from South Main Street to South Blanchard Street from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for continued improvement work. Access to local businesses and residents only will be maintained.

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OTTAWA -- After certifying election results on Wednesday, the Putnam County Board of Elections has announced a recount will be required for the Union Township trustee race, according to Deputy Director Shelly Burkhart.

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Incumbent Daniel R. Ellerbrock has secured his position on the board, earning 685 votes. However the remaining trustee spot will require a recount as Gery P. Wurth earned 598 votes and Mark J. Kahle collected 601 votes, according to official results.

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