TIG Post

Tag: Massachusetts

  • Boston City Council declares March 2 as ‘Burna Boy Day’

    Boston City Council declares March 2 as ‘Burna Boy Day’


    The City of Boston, Massachusetts, has officially declared March 2nd as “Burna Boy Day” in recognition of the outstanding contributions made by the acclaimed Nigerian musician to the global music scene.

    The announcement came through an official statement released by the Boston City Council and was signed by Councillor Ruthzee Louijeune. 

    The statement underscored Boston’s unwavering commitment to embracing and celebrating cultural diversity through a multitude of events, festivals, and community initiatives that showcase the city’s rich multicultural landscape.

    Burna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ogulu, has become a prominent figure in the world of music, known for seamlessly blending various genres and pushing boundaries.

    His work has not only captivated audiences worldwide but also served as a powerful symbol of cultural unity and representation.

    “Boston’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating culture and diversity is evident in the range of cultural events, festivals, and community initiatives that showcase the city’s multicultural landscape; and Burna Boy’s legacy serves as a reminder of possibility, reminding us to continue amplifying voices that have long been silenced or overlooked,” the statement read.

    The declaration of “Burna Boy Day” is a testament to the city’s dedication to honouring individuals who have played a pivotal role in fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.

    The symbolic gesture aims to acknowledge Burna Boy’s impact on the global music stage and his role in breaking down cultural barriers.

    “Now, therefore be it, that March 2, 2024, is designated Burna Boy Day in the City of Boston,” the statement concluded.

    As part of the celebration, the City of Boston is expected to host various events and activities on March 2nd to honor Burna Boy’s cultural influence and artistic achievements.

    This historic proclamation reflects the city’s commitment to embracing diversity and recognizing the transformative power of music in fostering unity among communities.

    See statement below:

  • Harvard celebrates Ghana’s Kente in documentary film

    Harvard celebrates Ghana’s Kente in documentary film

    Ghana’s rich cultural heritage took center stage with the debut of the groundbreaking documentary film, ‘The Importance of Kente to Ghanaians & Black Africans,’ at the esteemed Harvard Kennedy School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

    Directed by acclaimed BBC journalist Amma Prempeh, the film explores the intricate artistry, cultural significance, and global impact of Kente cloth, a traditional Ghanaian textile steeped in deep historical roots.

    “Kente is more than just a cloth; it’s a living embodiment of our history, values, and aspirations,” said director Amma Prempeh.

    “This film is a tribute to the generations of weavers who have kept this tradition alive and a celebration of its continuous relevance in our globalized world.”

    The premiere, hosted by the Africa Caucus and Black Students Union, marked the beginning of Black History Month and capped off the “Africa Caucus Around the Fire Policy Series.”

    The documentary delves into the journey of Kente, tracing its transformation from a symbol of Ghanaian royalty to a potent global emblem of resistance and identity.

    It delves into various aspects such as its cultural significance, economic and social impact, and its pivotal position in global politics. Through the voices of weavers, historians, and cultural scholars, the film presents a rich tapestry of narratives, offering profound insights into the enduring legacy of Kente.

    After premiering in Ghana on August 26, 2023, at the Golden Eagle Cinema in Kumasi City Mall and later at the African Regent Hotel in Accra on September 10, 2023, this poignant documentary made its international debut at Harvard.

    This marks a significant milestone, as it extends the vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian culture to a global audience, stimulating conversations on identity, representation, and cultural interchange.

  • Teenager passes away after consuming spicy tortilla chip in Massachusetts

    Teenager passes away after consuming spicy tortilla chip in Massachusetts

    A young person in Massachusetts passed away after eating a very spicy tortilla chip as part of a social media dare.

    Harris Wolobah, who was 14 years old, passed away unexpectedly on Friday due to stomach pain caused by participating in a promotional activity called the ‘One Chip Challenge. ’ This challenge was part of a marketing campaign for a snack food brand called Paqui.

    The chip is sold in its own package and is said to be one of the hottest chips available.

    Wolobah’s classmate gave him a hot chip on Friday morning, and he ate it, according to his mother Lois Wolobah who told NBC 10 Boston.

    Later that day, his mom came to get him from school because he had a really bad stomachache and went to the nurse. He was said to be feeling better after coming back home.

    But when he was getting ready to go to basketball tryouts at around 4:30pm, he fainted. He was brought to a hospital nearby and declared dead.

    The Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, Rachel Monárrez, identified Wolobah as a tenth grader at Doherty Memorial High School and praised him as a talented and promising student.

    Monárrez, who is a mother and educator, expressed that she can’t really understand how difficult this situation is for his family, friends, and teachers. ‘I feel deeply sorry for everyone who knew and loved him. ‘

    Paqui has been selling the super spicy ‘One Chip Challenge’ snacks since 2016. The snacks have a label that says they are only for grown-ups and should be kept away from kids.

    In the past, famous people like Brooklyn Beckham and Phillip Schofield have recorded videos of themselves eating chips.

    The chips used in the challenge have a spicy seasoning made from two really hot chili peppers called the Carolina Reaper and the Naga Viper.

    The company tells people to eat the chip that comes in its own package. After eating the chip, they should try not to eat or drink anything else for as long as they can to feel better. It also wants people to share their thoughts on social media using the company’s hashtag.

    It also tells people who eat chips to wash their hands and not touch their eyes or sensitive parts of their body after touching the chip.

    ‘If you have trouble breathing, feel like you might faint, or get very sick to your stomach, you should get medical help,’ the company advises.

  • Passenger lands plane after pilot collapses as it is descending to the runway

    Passenger lands plane after pilot collapses as it is descending to the runway

    A small plane‘s seated passenger had to take the controls when the pilot passed out in order to crash-land the craft.

    On Saturday, the 79-year-old pilot lost consciousness as they descended into the Massachusetts-off-the-coast island of Martha’s Vineyard.

    The 68-year-old female passenger sprang into action, stabilising the 2006 Piper Meridian, and made a soft landing on a nearby field.

    The passenger was uninjured, but a wing broke off when the small aircraft crashed to the earth.

    The pilot was taken to a hospital in Boston in a life-threatening condition.

    Footage shows the aftermath of the crash with emergency crews surrounding the plane.

    According to NBC Boston, the landing gear had not been released so the aircraft landed on its belly.

    Passenger forced to land small plane after pilot ‘passed out’

    Both passenger and pilot are believed to be from Connecticut, and set off from West Chester, New York, earlier in the day.

    State police, Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

    Last year a passenger with no flying experience managed to safely land a small private jet in Florida after the pilot became ‘incoherent’.

    Interior Darren Harrison had been heading home from a fishing trip in the Bahamas when the pilot became sick.

    He radioed air traffic control who helped him successfully land the aircraft, which was also carrying a second passenger.

  • Ghanaian man shoots family members in US

    Ghanaian man shoots family members in US

    Worcester police have apprehended a 24-year-old man in Massachusetts for shooting two family members.


    The incident transpired on Friday, July 7, 2023, around 8:30 in the morning, and it took approximately 13 hours for law enforcement to successfully apprehend the suspect.

    “On July 7th 2023 at about 8:38 AM, Worcester Police officers were dispatched to a Colby Ave address for a domestic incident in which a male who had shot two family members, but of whom left the scene before police arrived.

    Officers arrived and spoke with a family member on scene. Officers saw the twenty-four-year-old male suspect outside the residence. He appeared to be carrying a handgun. Officers ordered him to get on the ground. He initially complied before jumping up, firing at officers, and running inside the house,” the police said.

    A comprehensive police response, including the Police Hostage Negotiation Team, SWAT Team, K9 Unit, drone operators, and a Mobile Crisis mental health clinician, swiftly arrived at the scene.

    Their concerted efforts ensured the safe extraction of the victims from the house, leaving the suspect alone.

    “For approximately thirteen hours, officers attempted to persuade the male to leave the residence. Hostage negotiators continually attempted to make contact, the drone provided valuable aerial video, and SWAT officers maintained the perimeter. Worcester Paramedics and Firefighters were standing by. The male fired his handgun at officers on several different occasions during the incident, and officers returned fire. Finally, at about 9:30 PM, the male took a step out of the rear of the residence and was taken into custody with the assistance of the K9. He was treated medically by paramedics, placed under arrest and transported to the hospital,” the statement.

    Both the suspect and the two victims, identified as his mother and sister, sustained injuries during the incident and received medical treatment at a hospital. Fortunately, all parties involved are expected to recover from their injuries.


    According to a local Ghanaian blogger based in Worcester, Governor Studios, the suspect was formerly a student at Wenchi Senior High School and currently resides in Worcester with his family. However, the motive or trigger behind his actions remains undetermined.


    The police have stated that the perpetrator will face multiple serious charges related to the incident. He is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on Monday, July 10, 2023.