LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over 60 immigrants became American citizens on Friday during a naturalization ceremony at The Muhammad Ali Center.
What You Need To Know
- 60 immigrants took an oath of loyalty during a Louisville ceremony
- 27 different countries were represented
- Ceremony was in conjunction with WorldFest happening this weekend
A life-defining moment had Albert Mukendi Kabanangi feeling understandably overwhelmed.
“I’m happy. I’m a little bit nervous because it’s my first time,” Kabanangi said. Kabanangi migrated to the U.S. from The Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017. His entire family is still there.
On Friday, the 35-year-old and 60 other immigrants became American citizens, pledging their oath to the United States.
“I’ve been talking to different people with different accents. Just like me, as you can hear, my accent is different because I’m not actually from here, but right now I am glad to be a citizen,” Kabanangi said.
The DRC was one of 27 countries of origin represented at this ceremony and shortly before 2 p.m. Friday, the faces of many nations swore their allegiance to one.
Kabanangi said he wants his first act as an American to be a trip to the post office. “To apply for my passport so I can go visit my family first of all,” Kabanangi said.
Friday’s naturalization ceremony was presided over by U.S. Magistrate Judge Brent Brennenstuhl with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer also spoke at the event.
The naturalization ceremony happened in conjunction with Louisville’s WorldFest celebration.
The four-day, free festival is taking place at the Belvedere near 5th and Main Street. It features over 50 food vendors, 70 musical and performance acts across several stages and a large international marketplace.