Last Saturday night an award of distinction was bestowed on Attorney Frieda Montanti Goldstein by the African Community of Queens, New York. At a ceremony that took place at the Obi Ibgo Center on November 14, 2015, she was crowned African Queen Mother by a Nigerian Chief who flew in with his entourage for the occasion. Following traditional tribal blessings and incantations, Attorney Goldstein was presented with a bracelet made of African ivory. She was also adorned with a necklace made of ivory to symbolize protection. Following the jewelry presentation, she was clothed in a typical Nigerian cloak made of faux leopard print. Finally she was crowned with a red felt cap, similar to the one worn by the chief that signified her ultimate title as African Queen Mother.
She was introduced by Franklyn Allapko who is well recognized for his instrumental and charitable work in the African Community in the greater New York City area. Mr. Allapko provides services for African nationals present in the United States who need assistance in every area from life insurance, investment opportunities to job placement. Mr. Allapko and Attorney Goldstein began working together in January of this year and have collaborated together reaching out to the African immigrant community in New York City and the surrounding areas, offering free immigration legal consultations and pro bono services for the indigent.
Another dignitary who recognized Attorney Goldstein was Bishop Rosemary Porbeni, a prominent religious leader in the African Christian Church Community in New York City. Bishop Porbeni has hosted Attorney Goldstein in her own parish, where they offered a free immigration law clinic a few months earlier. Since that time, their friendship has allowed the first clinic to blossom into a continued outreach, offering pro bono services and consultations to her congregants in the area of immigration law.
The evening culminated in a typical Nigerian feast served by gracious hosts in full traditional Nigerian regalia. Following the sumptuous meal, dancing followed well into the midnight hour. Nigerian music was provided by a DJ, as well as several live performers. Attendees numbered in the hundreds, including dignitaries such as the former Minister of Transportation for Nigeria, Kema Chikwe who served in New York City, under President Bill Clinton.
Attorney Goldstein, who studied African Law, under Professor A. Kodzo Paaku Kludze, from Ghana, while a student at Rutgers Law School, became interested in African culture early on in her career and has traveled to Africa on two occasions. She and Mr. Allapko are organizing a trip to Ghana this coming year, to conduct a seminar in Accra that will provide information to individuals in Africa, wishing to immigrate to the United States.
Attorney Goldstein, whose office is located in mid-town Manhattan offers consultations to immigrant families in order to determine how they can legalize their status in the United States. Her immigration legal services also include family based petitions, political asylum claims, and help with U.S. citizenship applications. Numerous individuals and families have been touched by the work Attorney Goldstein is doing in the African community in New York City and the prestigious award she received reflects only some of the recognition she deserves.
