How Many Nigerians Live in Houston? That's a Jollof Rice-Sized Mystery!
Ah, Houston, Texas. The land of cowboy boots, sizzling barbeque, and apparently, a whole lot of Nigerians! But just how many Nigerians are we talking about? Buckle up, y'all, because this is where things get interesting.
The Official Count: Not Quite Telling the Whole Egwusi
The 2020 census says there are around 34,937 Nigerian-Americans chilling in H-Town. Now, that's a respectable number, for sure. But here's the thing: anyone who's ever been to Alief knows this feels a tad low. For those unfamiliar, Alief is practically Nigeria-on-the-Brazos, boasting a thriving Nigerian community.
The Whisper Network: Numbers Spicier than Suya
The internet, that great gossip rag in the sky, whispers of a number closer to 150,000 Nigerians in the Greater Houston area. Now that's a party! We're talking jollof rice for everyone, enough aso ebi (vibrant Nigerian garments) to clothe a small nation, and enough generators to power a blackout the size of Texas (although hopefully, that won't be necessary).
Why So Many Nigerians in Houston? Hold My Palm Oil
There are a few reasons why Houston is a magnet for Nigerians. The oil industry, a big draw for Nigerians with expertise in petroleum engineering, is one. The sunny weather (most of the time) and strong economy are another. Plus, let's be honest, Texans are pretty darn friendly, and that goes a long way.
The Impact: Bigger Than Fela's Afro
The Nigerian community has had a huge impact on Houston. From businesses like grocery stores stocked with plantains and egusi to sizzling Afrobeat clubs, Houston has embraced Nigerian culture with open arms. It's a beautiful display of diversity, and let's face it, Houston is all the richer for it.
So, How Many Nigerians Are There Really?
The truth is, we might never have a perfectly accurate number. But one thing's for sure: Houston is home to a thriving, dynamic Nigerian community that's making a big splash (or should we say, efo riro?) in the city.
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