Los Angeles couple ties the knot at North American Black Historical Museum

Culture and centrality the key factors in choosing Amherstburg

Posted By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo

Posted 7 months ago

Mohammed Orjarigi and Moya Smith exchange their first kiss as man and wife during their wedding Saturday at the Nazrey AME Church, located at the North American Black Historical Museum. The couple, originally from Minnesota and now residing in Los Angeles, chose the church due to its centralized location for relatives and its cultural significance.(Photo: Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo)

AMHERSTBURG – The North American Black Historical Museum was the focal point of a wedding over the weekend, however the bride and groom were making their first visit to the area.

Moya Smith and Mohammed Ojarigi of Los Angeles were married inside the Nazrey AME Church with their family and friends watching and supporting them. It was due to the location of much of their families why they chose Amherstburg to be wed. Smith explained they have family in Toronto and Minnesota and wanted a centralized location for the wedding.

The couple are originally from Minnesota themselves.

Smith said they both enjoy museums as well, and were thrilled when they contacted the North American Black Historical Museum and to learn it was available. Ojarigi added that they both enjoy culture and that it is found in Amherstburg. The church was a key stop on the Underground Railroad. Both commented that the hospitality was superb when they came to town.

"It’s just been grand," said Ojarigi. "We love it here."

Smith said it was a lot of hard work planning the wedding and expressed her deep gratitude for the vendors and florists who assisted in making the weekend a success.

"Everyone was so great," she said.

A lot of work was done online and the newlyweds were happy with the support they received.

"If it wasn’t for the Internet and Kajiji, I don’t know what we would have done," she said with a laugh.

The couple arrived last Thursday and stayed at Duffy’s Motor Inn. Other stops besides the museum included Bob-Lo Island, Uncle Vito’s Rhythm Kitchen, Uncle Tom’s Cabin and a trip to Detroit.

Museum Administrator Kenn Stanton added, "The couple learned of the museum from our website, www.blackhistoricalmuseum.org. This is another example of how Amherstburg’s Black Historical Museum draws visitors to the benefit of our business community."