Tag: Afropolitan

  • December In Ghana: Focused On Culture, Education, Health, Community

    December In Ghana: Focused On Culture, Education, Health, Community

    Let’s have a different type of Detty December, shall we? I took the time to connect and search to create a schedule of events and programs that resonated with me. From panel discussions, cultural showcases, and community initiatives, I feel the time was worthwhile. As a disclaimer, some of the events were free, some I was invited to with a free ticket, and some I purchased a ticket. Compared to the last time I indulged in Ghana’s December season (in 2019), I am encouraged to see more variety in programs, events, initiatives, and people. This is something a lot of people were commenting on back in 2019 and I’m glad to see more people show up to make that happen.

    Now let’s elaborate on the recap

    The MoneyHub Business Summit

    First, the MoneyHub Business Summit. The event was very well organized. You know how some events can be a lot of talk with no substance. This was the complete opposite. The speakers shared relatable insight and the community was like-minded in networking priorities.

    Disclaimer: I was invited with a free ticket.

    Here are some gems I picked up from the speakers:

    • Always keep learning.
    • For business in Ghana, focus more on private individuals for building and investments, instead of the government.
    • Build it first. Take your time to grow. The team and collaborations come later. You don’t need an office or aesthetics to be successful.
    • With your service, product, network, or mentorship: focus on how you contribute to save time and provide a good time to others.
    • Be vulnerable. Teach someone. Allow someone to teach you.

    Journey to Womb Wealth and Wellness

    Next, Journey to Womb Wealth and Wellness with Travel Deeper Inc. This session was focused on fibroids. We had insightful and impactful conversations, empowering testimonies, breath work, affirmations, and a delicious meal.

    Disclaimer: I purchased my ticket.

    Did you know there is advocacy happening here to raise more awareness and resources for fibroids and grow past stigma? Whether its medically, holistically, traditionally, or all the above, people are taking their power back and sharing the knowledge.

    I feel really encouraged events and communitites like this are developing and taking more space here. It’s needed.

    Ladies First: A Hip Hop Brunch

    The Ladies First Hip Hop Brunch with Crescendo Foods was cool. Three lady chefs prepared a 6 course meal inspired by lady hip hop artists. We also got to jam to a lady hip hop playlist. This was a unique experience.

    Wood x Watta: Afro-Caribbean Business Brunch & Art Show

    This event featured multiple panel discussions, art exhibit, and networking

    The main gem I picked up: We now are more knowledgeable of the data and evidence for what we are capable of, what our value is, and the limitless possibilities. We are removing the middle men and obstacles. We are doing all of this slow and steady. I really appreciated the initiative and mindset.

    For example, during one of the conversations focused on real estate, I noted how the main customer base developers are relying on are Ghanaians living in the Diaspora. This developer and their team made an intentional effort to create a database for this to understand who to target their marketing and who to build for. I found this interesting because since 2019, most of the rhetoric for selling to and marketing to Diasporans have been for people who are not from Ghana. As in, making the claim that all the rising in buildings, events, and prices are due to African Americans, Caribbeans, or others coming to Ghana. On the ground, I have noted this is not the case when it comes to who is living in these new apartment buildings…even when some of them remain empty for some time. So, it was refreshing to hear developers here be honest about what the market actually is.

    Additionally, it was at this event they announced the launch of the Ghanaian Jamaican Chamber of Commerce. Proving there is more being done to bridge the gap in business, culture, travel, etc between these two countries.

    Pure Persona Relaunch

    This woman-owned business started as a natural hair care line. With this relaunch they are expanding as a lifestyle brand with a new tea product. This event was a combination of a product launch and photography exhibit. The theme focused on self-care in a woman’s sanctuary.

    These are some of the gems I picked up:

    • Celebrate and respect wellness practices, giving credit to the originals who invented them.
    • Self-care looks different for everyone. In this collaboration, the photos showcase women in their sanctuary. Community activities, like weaving together, cooking together, or dancing together, are considered self-care. or a labor of love. It is very different from meditating alone on a mountain in Narnia.
    • Give yourself permission to expand in every direction your heart desires. It all connects.

    The African Festival: The Second Coming of Kwame Nkrumah

    This was one of the most enjoyable experiences for me. It was a spectacular production. I really appreciate the initiative and intention. It was a wholesome event for all ages.

    Ok, the plot. The gods request for Kwame Nkrumah to come back to life to save Africa. We see all the freedom fighters in the underworld strategize for this and one by one convince Kwame Nkrumah to accept the request and go. He comes back to life and establishes the United States of Africa. But can a leader who is selfless truly succeed?

    Now, this next part does include spoilers for the play. If you don’t want to know what happens in the story yet, skip this next part, please.

    Cool, right? The play had history, culture, and comedy. It also planted intentional seeds. I loved how they connected generations and interacted with the audience throughout the play. Kwame Nkrumah had an assistant, who was supposed to also be his bodyguard, who provided most of the comic relief and connected with the audience. He primarily spoke pidgin and would ask Kwame Nkrumah the questions others would feel too embarrased to ask. I thought this was very important because it shows the future and support for Ghana and it’s people is not only restricted to those who speak “big big” english.

    They also had a great scene where these two characters were debating which generation had better music. So, they decided to have a competition and the audience must vote. Kwame Nkrumah sang with the band, including songs by Bob Marley and Osibisa. His assistant sang with the band, including afrobeat songs that are being played on the radio now. The audience sang along to all of it, but, of course, voted for the assistant.

    Through out the story, we see Kwame Nkrumah surprised or disappointed by what he sees is happening in Ghana today. Once he established the United States of Africa, he hosts a dinner celebration and chooses to invite the Queen of England and a representative from the US. Of course, at this dinner, there is an assassination attempt and his assistant is killed. This causes Kwame Nkrumah to return to the underworld. We see him talking with the other freedom fighters. He is very upset and saddened. Noting that again, he tried to help Africa, and again they tried to kill him. Each of the freedom fighters remind him of why he is the only person out of all of them who can make the difference Africa needs. It is a really powerful and important scene as they each share the history they each contributed to.

    In addition to the play, the venue was transformed with exhibits and replicas of African landmarks to take photos with. There were also camels.

    For me, this was the highlight of my entire December in Ghana experience. Every detail of this production was intentional, organized, and impactful. I really loved the message. If they end up touring or coming back to Ghana, please make a point to see this and support. It is well worth it. I would see it again.

    I, Dagny, DJ

    Yes, it is true. I DJ. Actually, I started DJing a while ago, but this is the first time playing publicly and consistently. I share more on that story in the video below. At the moment, I am focusing on Kizomba music. I kind of see this music as another illustration of Pan-Africanism. Music from different parts of the continent and Diaspora.

    I’m grateful to the social dance community in Accra who have been open to me playing at their social parties. They have been very encouraging with tips, opportunites, and equipment. It has also been fun creating my signature DJ style and introducing them to new songs, plus witness what people enjoy to dance to.

    Just to think, 2 years ago (in 2021) I was introduced to Kizomba dancing in Accra by a stranger. Then, 1 year and a half later (in 2023) I’m traveling to Benin with the Kizomba community to my first dance festival. This year (in 2024), I am DJing at Kizomba parties and my name is on flyers. I’m encouraged to see how this experience continues to blossom.

    If you would like to hear some of my mixes, I upload them on mixcloud. I’m also experimenting with posting videos of me practicing with different genres on Instagram (possibly later YouTube). Next, I’m interested in exploring how to produce mashups and remixes.

    Aguma Tea: Moroccan Tea Tasting

    My final event was a Moroccan Tea Tasting with Aguma Tea. This was my first time at a tea tasting. We learned about the benefits of different herbs and created our own tea. We also sampled different teas from Morocco. It was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I also loved the theme.

    Overall, I enjoyed myself. Which was your favorite event? Let me know in the comments. I always love hearing from you.

  • My First Time At Night With The Kiz Stars In Accra

    My First Time At Night With The Kiz Stars In Accra

    As you may know, social dancing continues to be a gift that keeps on giving in my life. From the community to the music to the different dance styles, there is so much to learn and grow with, if you are open to it. I had the pleasure of attending Kizinfinity‘s Night With The Kiz Stars, #NWK23, in Accra. They planned to provide back-to-back enjoyment, and they did not disappoint. The festival included tours to the Central Region, Eastern Region, and Greater Accra, plus dance workshops and parties focused on Kizomba. Here, I would like to share with you a mini-recap of parts of the program I attended, what stood out to me, and why you need to come and support the next one. Let’s indulge, shall we?

    The Program

    I only attended the dance workshops and parties.

    To begin, the opening party was at Soho at Marina Mall. The DJs provided a nice mix of traditional Kizomba, Salsa, Bachata, Urban Kiz, and Afrobeat fusion. The guests were giving what they needed to give.

    Next, the workshops, parties, and performances at Wiggles Bar in the Trasacco area. This covered two days.

    The workshops were enjoyable and provided a nice variety of style and fun. Each session went pretty fast. I really appreciated that the instructors included some tips for technique within their choreography routine. I also liked the tips on mindset that some of the instructors shared: set your intention to come to dance with your enjoyment as a priority + share your smile and fun with others.

    The performances! Ok, I can’t post all of them…and I promise I’m not playing only favorites…but these were lovely.

    These are only a small glimpse. Make sure to check out Kizinfinity for all the videos and photos.

    Finally, the beach party at Trophy Tavern.

    The Organizing

    I really appreciate how Kizinfinity dedicated time and effort to organize this program. Communication is one of the most important factors that can make or break an event. NWK23 had a separate Whatsapp group for all guests to be notified of announcements, ask questions, and share event related content. Leading up to the event, Kizinfinity shared (1) a calendar schedule with activity, location, and attire information, (2) short form videos for details on the location, what to explore in and around Accra, and attire inspiration, (3) and an IG live to answer questions, introduce special guests, and reiterate the activity schedule. During the event, Kizinfinity shared in the Whatsapp group welcome messages to guests traveling to Accra, branded text images as reminders for what to expect on each day, and announcements for schedule changes. While on Instagram, they shared branded professional video recaps for each day. At the end of the program, heart-felt “thank you” and “goodbye” messages were shared all around in the Whatsapp group.

    The branded media was also on point. There was one official photographer, Kidjo Photography, and one official videographer, EriCarL Appa, covering this event. That is a big deal for one person each. First, timeliness. They both delivered edited media in a very short amount of time, considering how much photos and footage they must have taken. Second, they both did a great job in showcasing the program authentically. I know I am not the only person who sometimes might give a discreet boombastic side-eye to event photos and videos that seem to only show certain angles and cuts to make the event look bigger or better than it actually was. The photos and videos above genuinely represent the size, fun, and hype that this program had. You can see more of the photos on their Facebook page.

    The Kizinfinity team also did justice to the level of hospitality Ghanaians pride themselves for. At any given moment during the program, they were checking in with and showing up for their guests in person and online to make sure everyone was comfortable and having fun. As a guest, you came not feeling as if you were attending an event alone, but instead, feeling as if you were a star among a family of wholesome stars.

    A few activities inspired me to envision a remix for that activity. Are you open to hear my insight? Are you sure? It’s not by force.

    Ok. This is only an imaginative suggestion. Take what resonates with you and, if you choose to, implement it in the way that feels aligned for you. Here we go…

    We had one activity where we were taught a dance to do with a traditional African drum. It was fun and an intense workout for some, me included. This got me thinking. I understand the sentiment to incorporate something to showcase traditional culture, especially for the guests who traveled to Accra for the event. Since the majority of the guests are African, could we take more creative license with the traditional African drum? Ok, hear me out. Imagine this. We have the drum / dance instructor with 10 additional different drums. Everyone who wants to participate gets a chance to play one of the drums. The activity begins with learning the significance behind each type of drum and certain rhythms. Then we are taught a 2 or 3 part rhythm to play together. Simple enough to get the hang of it quickly, but a little complex to be interesting. Those who are not drumming are given the challenge to dance Kizomba (or some variation of it) to the rhythm the new drummers were taught. We go maybe 2 or 3 rounds so the new drummers also get a chance to dance, if they want to.

    Do you see how beautiful such an experience could be? Looking at the types of people who attended this program, by all means some will add there own singing or special effects to the rhythm. In this way, you are able to incorporate traditional culture with the theme of the program plus provide an opportunity for creative collaboration, which would seamlessly flow into the next workshop dance activity.

    It’s an idea. Flow with it. I’m sure you can add more to make it work better for you.

    Things We Can All Take Note Of For Social Dances / Festivals / Fiestas

    Venue

    For social dances in general in Accra, I have observed how finding and convincing a venue to participate can be tricky. Most of the time, the venue is a restaurant / bar that has agreed for the social dance to occur on a day they either have low traffic or have customers that will see the social dance as free entertainment. As the social dance community in Accra continues to grow and evolve, I hope and trust more quality venues in Accra continue to recognize its value and continue to enhance the experience. That way, there can be more venues that provide the right floor for dancing, temperature control or relief, comfortable seating, appropriate music equipment, and genuine interest in the dance community.

    Timing

    There is a fascinating need to balance the intricate dynamic between CP time (Colored People Time), GMT (Ghana Man Time), and scheduled time. During this program, the organizers, instructors, and DJ’s were ready at the time they were scheduled. The opening party was scheduled for 8pm on a Wednesday. At 8pm on that Wednesday, the music was playing and the floor was ready. The workshops were scheduled to start at 4pm on Friday and Saturday. At 4pm on Friday and Saturday, the music was playing and the instructors were ready. However, the guests were not all ready. This was not as much of a glitch for the parties, but this did cause a change in schedule for the workshops.

    I understand that some guests come to these festivals only for the dance parties, which is fine. However, for the ones who sign up for the workshops, we can do better. On the organizer side, it might be beneficial to have more of a gap of time between the workshops and parties, but again, that is dependent on guest attendance. Would it make a difference if program tickets were divided for parties only and workshop + parties to get a better sense of who will attend the workshops? How can we entice guests to show up closer to the start time? On the guest side, if a program has already demonstrated they are punctual, why keep them waiting for you? Would a different time schedule work better for you?

    I feel we can create a win-win situation for all sides. It will get there eventually.

    Etiquette

    Kindness and boundaries are important and should be respected. This is something that came up during this program (and has come up a number of times in social dancing in Accra in general), so it stood out to me. This is not to generalize or indict anyone, but I feel as a community, being more open in communicating how we are making an effort to ensure this is a safe community for everyone is beneficial for all of us.

    Kizomba is a fun dance. There are variations of it that can make the dance more intimate, which requires balancing each dance partners comfort zones. Up to this point, I have primarily danced as a “follow.” The main glitch I have experienced and witnessed is a mismatch in understanding and a mismatch in accommodating or correcting when a boundary or request is articulated.

    This is not to single out one particular gender or one side of the dance. “Follows” are also capable of overstepping boundaries or being a mismatch. Sometimes, a “lead” does not know there is an issue because a “follow” did not articulate it or speak up. For all of us who are supportive of this community and genuinely are not here to cause harm, I feel we can create a win-win situation. We can all continue to hold space for each other to learn and evolve our comfort zones, articulate our boundaries, look out for each other, and accommodate different requests and styles without feeling concerned about being judged or ostracized.

    What To Expect At Night With The Kiz Stars, NWK

    If it is not already obvious, you can expect back-to-back enjoyment at Kizinfinity’s Night With The Kiz Stars. A diverse community who share a common passion for dance and fun. A program that is organized, intentional, and understands the assignment. An experience in Accra that is different from your typical night life or tourist attraction. Memories that you will cherish forever. An opportunity to “show dem.”

    Thank you to the Kizinfinity team and the dance community. I am looking forward to the next one.

    Are you coming? Let me know in the comments.

  • Where In The World Is Dagny

    Where In The World Is Dagny

    It is finally time for me to come back to YouTube. I am so excited to be filming again and to share all my new content. So, first, where in the world I have been?

    As of filming this clip, I have been living and working in Accra, Ghana for one whole year. Crazy, right? The growth I have experienced during this journey is really wonderful, which is why now is the perfect time to share my adventures and tips. Check out the video for my life updates, new content coming to my channel, and all that good stuff.

  • Why Does Technology Steal All My Time

    Why Does Technology Steal All My Time

    In a world where immediate satisfaction is almost faster than the speed of light and privacy is a joke from a 1990s comedy, are our lives better with technology and social media? Or better yet, do you really think what you think? Or is it a product of what you are consuming?

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl Marvel Red Sweater Leather Jacket

    Whenever another headline is published announcing a data leak, bulk password breach, or digital ownership rights, I always wonder if we are really using technology to the best of its ability. Don’t get me wrong, I am not about to advocate for banning smart phones and/or the internet. Rather, I want to discuss how we can use these powerful tools to further enhance our lives in a positive way.

    Take for instance the film and book The Circle. I will admit I have only seen the movie, props to Tom Hanks and Emma Watson. That story is set in the not so distance future where your entire existence is attached to a cloud server for everyone to interact with. One of the messages the characters were debating was whether transparency is true democracy or just creepy. I feel that depends on what the information is being used for. Scrolling through someone’s feed cannot substitute active communication with the person when you are trying to get to know them. Neither is scrolling through meme’s and videos for hours at a time the most productive use of your time. So, how do we improve this?

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    Social media is a great tool to reach more people and ideas then you would without it. Take it as an introduction to the person or idea. As you consume information about people, events, culture, and news, take the time to develop what you think about what you are seeing. How do you feel after watching that clip? What do you already know about that topic? If you were having a discussion with that person or about that topic, what would you contribute? Make an effort to look beyond the sound bites and the viral comments.

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl

    Privacy and social media is also an interesting balance. The way things are going, it seems like we only have two choices: one, make every effort possible to remain off the grid by living in an underground laboratory, or, two, accept that every aspect of your life is accessible for entertainment and capitalism purposes. Not much of a balance, is it? I remember there was a time when my friends and I would freak out if we searched for our name on Google and there was one search result that showed some obscure web page from a newspaper or school post. Now, it is common for private information that the Yellow Pages never listed to be accessible with a click or small subscription. Is that a big deal? If we are not all members of a secret ninja society, should we care if this information is floating around? I still find it concerning.

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    What does this mean for networking and opportunities? Even if you do choose to make your social media accounts private or under alternative names, does the overload of private information help or hinder your prospects? Does it create more biases or openness? Ideally, it should give us space to be more inclusive. If you are building a team you want to be proud of, it could make sense to know what everyone’s opinions, struggles, passions, and dreams are to better understand how everyone will grow within what you are building. To better understand how to push it forward.

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    Ok, let’s get back to using social media as a positive tool. I love that Twitter now has a bookmark feature. It is better than messaging myself links to things I want to take the time to indulge in later. One of things I finally got a chance to see is Alex Wolf’s mini-documentary “Attention for Sale.” As she spoke about how advertising and technology continues to influence our attention span, rapid clips of various pop culture history flashed across the screen. I find it fascinating to take note of how social media continues to influence human and consumer behavior, which Alex did a wonderful job breaking down. If you have not seen it yet, you should definitely check it out. I love how she concluded with, “we are people of the heart living in a world made for the eyes.”

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    Do you notice how normal it has become to have everyone and everything pushing for your attention? How difficult it is to decipher between distractions? How naked and anxious you feel when you forget or lose your phone? This goes back to paying attention to how you feel. Maintain the autonomy of your opinions and emotions.

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl

    Now, time management. Why does it feel like we have less time in a day? That is because a lot of our time is unaccounted for. Can you honestly pinpoint what you did with your time in the hour before you started reading this post? What about this morning? What about yesterday between 2:15pm and 3:21pm? What about last week? When I hear people complain about time or ask for advice on how to better manage their time, I always respond asking them what is their relationship with time. Most would say they feel time slipping from them or imposing restraints on them.

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl

    When it comes to your relationship with time, I feel it is better to view it as something you flow with. As in, you are in control of what you choose to do. The timing of how things happen is what you need to trust. If you choose to use your time sitting instead of running, can you really say time is slipping from you? If everyone is supposed to focus on the speed of their race in their lane, what determines when you choose to sit and when you choose to sprint?

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl

    Among other things, technology can be part of it. Maybe you are comparing your chapter 3 to someone else’s chapter 34 on social media. Maybe binge watching certain shows encourages you to remain in your comfort zone. Maybe playing certain video games takes your mind off of boredom or loneliness. Maybe swiping through profiles tricks you into feeling you are making progress. Maybe participating in trolling debates convinces you that you think for yourself. How are you holding yourself accountable?

    Dagny Zenovia Technology Iron Girl

    I feel the key is to stay grounded. Get clear on what you want to accomplish and where you want to go. Keep an open mind as you explore new perspectives and connect to new people. Direct your time. Feel free to use some of your time to rest, to sprint, to delegate, to give, to receive, and anything else you might need. Technology is not the enemy. It really should be the tool that pushes our evolution further and enhances our reality.

    So, what is your relationship with technology and social media? How is it enhancing or hindering your time management and overall lifestyle? I would love to hear from you. Let me know in the comments.

    Also, remember to connect with me on Instagram and Twitter. I would love to hear from you.

  • Does Your Blackness Empower Others

    Does Your Blackness Empower Others

    What is blackness? It can be uplifting and frustrating to recognize how complex the answer to that question is. It is a spectrum of colors, a history of movements, a source of swag, a hybrid experience, and a resilient soul. Unlike others who can choose when it is convenient to step out of their privileged bubble, we are always in a time where our voices need to be heard and our presence needs to be respected. Our reality is filled with the unrelenting battle between our royal essence and brutal environment. A balance that is constantly shifting.

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    Sometimes, I experience that shift when I feel I have to constantly second guess myself in interpreting how people interact with me and how I allow my identity to be swayed by self-doubt. It takes so much emotional energy to resist carrying my color as a burden. Feeling as if no one around you really understands how much unfair foolishness you have to tolerate on a daily basis. So, when I came across this discussion with Melissa Harris-Perry about the crooked room analogy to define black women’s identity, you know I was snapping my fingers for the entire clip. Her book “Sister Citizen” is on my reading list for this summer. The gist of the analogy: black women are sitting on a crooked chair in a crooked room. As we try to adjust our chair to be aligned with who we believe we are, we overcompensate the adjustment to either oppose the limited spectrum of stereotypes or suppress our natural glow.

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    This analogy is so true! It is also one of the first things I thought of after watching Beyoncé’s beautiful performance at the Grammy’s. (I am not sure if that was the intention, but let us flow with it.) So, how should we align our crooked chair? Is it as simple as paying attention to what influences our mental conditioning? or is it as complex as healing centuries of damage. That is a discussion I would love to continue.

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    How do you use your blackness? I feel there is no one right way to do this, but a few questionable ways to do so. Since everything we do becomes a trend, there will always be some who choose not to participate in order to refrain from jumping on the band wagon and others who choose to participate to make an impact on directing that band wagon. The truth is, there really is no band wagon. Similar to the crooked room, sometimes we are made to feel foolish for doing what is right and made to feel confused for not doing anything. This came to mind while viewing a number of things.

    Dagny Zenovia Plum Pants African Jacket

    First, the New York Times did a feature on Harry Belafonte to reflect on his life near his 90th birthday. One of the many gems he dropped in that interview spoke about leadership. During the civil rights movement, a number of people were pushed forward to run for office and represent in politics. Ironically, those “leaders” stepped up to office and proceeded to forget about their community and leave their supporters behind. As you may or may not know, the majority of those “leaders” are still in office and “the community” still feels forgotten. This wisdom influenced my response to the recent headlines about black leaders refusing to meet with President Trump and HBCU representatives meeting at the White House. I feel there are two sides to this. One, the black community has grown comfortable with the illusion of freedom. Just because we can sit anywhere on a bus, tweet to our heart’s content, attend any school, and announce that “our president was black, and our lambo is still blue” does not mean we are really equal. It does not mean we are considered significant. Every other group in America skips the line ahead of the black community. Why is that? It is quite heartbreaking, actually. I feel it is similar to when slavery was abolished and some slaves did not want to leave the plantation due to the wicked conditioning they had suffered in believing “massa” protected them. It is similar to what Harriet Tubman noted that she could not rescue everyone because some did not realize they were slaves. So, instead of getting upset, just work with what you have. On the other hand, we should not be shocked when proposed meetings end up only being a photo opportunity. It seems hypocritical, doesn’t it? It is. That is why utilizing blackness can be exhausting and draining.

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    Second, the film “I Am Not Your Negro” is a powerful documentary. Even though reading James Baldwin’s work would give you a similar impression, hearing his words juxtaposed with images from then and now really emphasize how everything he said resonates with what we are experiencing today. I feel it pushed the envelope within the documentary category because it is not simply a biography. The way the director painted a story with James Baldwin’s words, historical photos and footage, as well as current images is really creative. Not only can it be used to introduce James Baldwin to different audiences, it also illustrates how we possibly have not made as much progress as we thought we did.

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    Does this mean that anytime we refer to blackness it should always refer to gloom and doom? No. We are still experiencing a version of the Harlem Renaissance. Take note of all the creative work that has been published and acknowledged: such as 13, Moonlight, Hidden Figures, Lemonade, A Seat At The Table, etc. The increase in community-based programs and individuals stepping up and showing up for their community. The spike in interest to no longer be oblivious of reality. We continue to make something out of nothing. This is one of the many sentiments I picked up from President Obama’s farewell speech. America may never be ready for the change we were willing to bring, but that does not mean we sit back and give up. As long as we help at least one person, that change is still valid. As long as we continue to step up and show up, that hope is still alive.

    Now, when I refer to “America” throughout this post, do I mean every single American person including your pet cat and virtual pet fish? No.

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    How do you think we can continue to use our identity to empower? Let me know in the comments below.

    Also, remember to connect with me on Twitter and Instagram. I would love to hear from you.

    Wearing: Zuvaa blazer; New York & Company blouse; The Limited pants; DSW heels; Aldo purse; Vinti Couture earrings

  • Story: Afropolitan – An Identity, A Movement, or Both

     

    African Princess by Mattahan
    Source: Mattahan

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    Source: needapencil.ch

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    Source: afripopmag.org

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    Source: Vlisco

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    Source: thisisafrica.me

    I was introduced to the term “afropolitan” while listening to an interview with author Taiye Selasi on NPR. She was discussing her recent book “Ghana Must Go,” and mentioned why she considers herself an “afropolitan,”:

    “What distinguishes [Afropolitans] is a willingness to complicate Africa – namely, to engage with, critique, and celebrate the parts of Africa that mean most to them. Perhaps what most typifies the Afropolitan consciousness is the refusal to oversimplify; the effort to understand what is ailing in Africa alongside the desire to honour what is wonderful, unique. Rather than essentialising the geographical entity, we seek to comprehend the cultural complexity; to honour the intellectual and spiritual legacy; and to sustain our parents’ cultures.”

    Her story and opinions caught my attention and I continued to research this term to see how it was received. It turned out I was a bit late in this discovery – there is a sophisticated magazine in South Africa, an insightful blog in the UK, a number of news articles, and a variety of exhibits and panels highlighting this subject.

    With all of these outlets, the definition for an “afropolitan” seems to be up for self-interpretation depending if the individual lives in Africa or the diaspora. I plan to examine these interpretations and see where this search for identity and community could be taken a step further. At the moment, this project will be a short documentary with a supplementary op-ed piece.

    If you or someone you know identifies with the term “afropolitan” or have an opinion you would like to share, comment here or contact me.