Dr. Emmitt McHenry, the African-American computer wizard who developed the .com code for internet emails, has finally reconnected with his Igbo ancestry. The induction ceremony took place at the Smithsonian Institute of African Museum in Washington DC, USA, and was presided over by the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Engr. Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, CFR.
Dr. McHenry’s induction was also witnessed by Gen. William E. (Kip) Ward, Rtd., the first commander of the U.S. Africa Command in Stuttgart, Germany in 2007.
The ceremony was a joyous occasion for Dr. McHenry and his family, who have long known of their Igbo heritage but had never had the opportunity to formally reconnect with their roots. Dr. McHenry’s father passed down the information about their Igbo ancestry, and Dr. McHenry recently validated it with a DNA test.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Chief Iwuanyanwu highlighted the Igbo people’s ingenuity, audacity, resilience, and unique capacity to turn adversities into diverse opportunities. He also expressed delight that some of the African American descendants have traced their roots back to their Igbo lineage.
Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, Dr. McHenry and Gen. Ward were appointed to the Presidential Advisory Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. They are the latest in a long line of accomplished Igbo people in the diaspora, including scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, and religious leaders.
