For Nigerian photographer Ima Mfon, heritage is about pride -- and unity. His series "Nigerian Identity" is a celebration of those who share that bond with him.
For Nigerian photographer Ima Mfon, heritage is about pride -- and unity. His series "Nigerian Identity" is a celebration of those who share that bond with him.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
The subjects came from all lines of work -- accountants, consultants, even a custom stationery designer. George, seen here, is a student getting his master's in urban planning.
The subjects came from all lines of work -- accountants, consultants, even a custom stationery designer. George, seen here, is a student getting his master's in urban planning.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Mfon told all of his subjects to look into the camera as if they were looking at a person, creating a connection with the viewer. Mfon told CNN that he is currently trying to expand the project to include people both older and younger than his own generation.
Mfon told all of his subjects to look into the camera as if they were looking at a person, creating a connection with the viewer. Mfon told CNN that he is currently trying to expand the project to include people both older and younger than his own generation.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Anthony is a financial analyst. He is pictured wearing a traditional Nigerian cap.
Anthony is a financial analyst. He is pictured wearing a traditional Nigerian cap.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Many of the subjects said their Nigerian identity stems from their families, upbringing or names.
Many of the subjects said their Nigerian identity stems from their families, upbringing or names.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Mfon explained that his rich culture isn't apparent to most people passing him on the street. "Regardless of my unique heritage, I am reduced to being just black," he says.
Mfon explained that his rich culture isn't apparent to most people passing him on the street. "Regardless of my unique heritage, I am reduced to being just black," he says.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Miriam is a filmmaker and director based in New York City.
Miriam is a filmmaker and director based in New York City.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Niji, a fashion designer, is photographed one of the scarves he created based on traditional Nigerian methods and patterns.
Niji, a fashion designer, is photographed one of the scarves he created based on traditional Nigerian methods and patterns.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Mfon said he chose Ese as a subject because she also understands the frustration behind Nigerian identity, and how hard it is to assert one's own values.
Mfon said he chose Ese as a subject because she also understands the frustration behind Nigerian identity, and how hard it is to assert one's own values.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Donald is a musician in New York City. Mfon explained that Donald's earring and tattoo would be frowned upon in traditional Nigerian culture, but they do not make him any more or less Nigerian.
Donald is a musician in New York City. Mfon explained that Donald's earring and tattoo would be frowned upon in traditional Nigerian culture, but they do not make him any more or less Nigerian.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
For now, his series features mostly young people from New York and a few from Texas. He hopes to travel to other countries to find larger populations of Nigerians to include in his work.
For now, his series features mostly young people from New York and a few from Texas. He hopes to travel to other countries to find larger populations of Nigerians to include in his work.
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler
Folayan is a friend who has felt frustration living as a black man in America. "A lot of times black people are not necessarily portrayed in the best light in the media," Mfon says, "I wanted to create pictures that had a sense of pride and elegance to them."
Folayan is a friend who has felt frustration living as a black man in America. "A lot of times black people are not necessarily portrayed in the best light in the media," Mfon says, "I wanted to create pictures that had a sense of pride and elegance to them."
Ima Mfon/Klompching Galler