Sacred stories of the Orishas

I did a previous blog introducing the worship and culture of Orishas. I noted that I would be going through some of the stories of the Orishas. In some societies, these stories are called Patakis- sacred stories that provide lessons and teachings to the community and aid them with maneuvering life and how to stay connected …

The Power and Significance of Afrikan Goddesses

I think if you read my blogs by now you know I am all things Afrika! So… Story time! This past semester I took a course called “Feminist theory” and you can imagine we talked about a lot of depressing things covered in equality and oppression. I had decided that I was going to have positive vibes …

The entertainment industry as a tool of empowerment: a closer look at the Miss Rwanda competition

I have stayed away from discussing this topic, however, over the Winter I found myself engaging in various conversations with numerous Rwandan diaspora and them expressing their opinions and frustrations with the Miss Rwanda contest. Plus, the competition is like on going and its about to be booming. Before I continue, I want to remind everyone …

Reclaiming our identities through names: from Inès to Amata

{there is beauty. rhythm. songs. respect. dignity. pride. history. struggle. resistance. in my mother tongue. everything i forget when i borrow the white man’s language.} All transitions are hard. Nothing concerning change is easy. I know this because ever since I decided to, well not change, more like take on another name, it has been …

The cost of being a conscious student activist.

My heart has been bleeding every day since I started my activism. Whether my eyes are closed, enjoying my own company or simply trying to find peace in silence, I cannot stop myself from thinking about the discomfort I have faced since I got here. In my free time, I watch political documentaries, listen to …

Dear media, please accept my decline to Pray for Paris.

Two days ago, on November 13th 2015, there was an attack on France by terrorists (allegedly a part of ISIS) that left approximately 128 dead and another 200 injured. After this was reported by literally all news sources; from CNN, BBC to FOX and The Guardian and New York Times, of course I would say …

Afrikan women’s projects that changed/are changing the world and we don’t hear about.

A few days ago I was having a conversation with a friend and I remember telling him that "when I was young, I wanted to see Afrikan womyn on television just so I could know that even I could be and do big." I wish mainstream media would highlight these strong, influential and of course …

Embracing the angry. Black. Woman.

Before I start, I want to mention that I am an Afrikan woman living in the United States. However, upon my arrival, I quickly learned that there is an identity that was manufactured for people like me. It did not matter that I was not African American or that I was Afrikan, I became Black. …

Growing up as XX chromosomes.

Growing up, I was told there are just certain things girls should not do, say or even think about. I remember back in the day, a simple thing like a girl wearing an anklet meant she had no manners at all. If you had more than one piercing on your ears, you were believed not …

A mother’s promise to her unborn Afrikan son.

When you get here, The world will be ready for you To receive you as another Black child, Another Afrikan child. But I promise you, You wont be. When you get here Even before you figure out How to open your eyes, You’ll already be labeled As the hungry sick Afrikan child! The world will …