It’s probably starkly evident that I was asked to share my story as an African-American woman living in Uganda on one of the most influential blogs dedicated to such endeavors, hence the blog title. First off, I’m extremely humbled to be featured. You never know how your story will influence and inspire the rest. One mere step out on faith moment really became a huge life transition for me.
I immediately obliged, although my initial response was delayed due to the whirlwind of obligatory commotion that is a constant in my life as a self-identified expat. So, please, don’t delay like me. Get on that blog and check it out! You can find my recent interview here at AAinAfrica.com!
What an honor to have the opportunity to share my story on such an amazing platform dedicated to African-Americans living on the continent! I get so excited when I read the other stories featured. Although we have varying backgrounds, cultural experiences and country options, we can all relate to one common thread which represents true love, appreciation and preservation for Pan-Africanism.
Heck, having the opportunity to live on the friggin continent is simply amazing and beyond my wildest intentions!
This recent interview with Kaylan, the Editor-in-Chief of AAinAfrica.com was an effort to communicate my reflections on living in Uganda as an African-American and how those experiences have awakened my senses and opened my third eye, both on the continent and in the U.S. My story, along with so many others featured on the blog, will hopefully bridge the unfortunate gaps of miscommunication often influenced by the white man.
All of my life, I heard negative stories regarding the complexities of Africa. Between the wore torn countries, famine and financial crisis, Africa was always thought of a place to avoid, if possible. For someone like me, who is extremely curious about continent dwelling, I immediately differed and began to use my You Tube channel and blog to share a different story. I realized that it’s all about who the story comes from. Please believe that your narrative is different than mine but both are heavily influenced by experience, personal ignorance’s and societal influences.
What narrative are you telling, especially if you have brown children?
Why you should read it
Are you considering a move to Uganda? The continent? Or…You really want some kick ass inspiration??? Nuff said. This is reason enough, girlfriend.
Why you should subscribe to AAinAfrica.com
What I like most about this blog is how each story is a unique and reflective piece focused on fellow AA’s such as myself across the continent. Even more, it focuses on knowledge that is completely resourceful to one considering a move to a particular African country. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to check out her blog as soon as you can. There is some very powerful information shared and it’s well worth the peruse.
As a reflection…
One thing we must do globally across the Diaspora is continuously support black owned businesses, brown writers and bloggers, or anyone who identifies with your purpose so that further unification can be created instead of working against each other.
We all want to achieve greatness and/or share our testimony, right? The main point I’m trying to make here is why not make it an opportunity to uplift, support, create, build and simply embrace each other?
Now, don’t get the timeliness of this article wrong. My latest post focused on why AA’s who currently live in the States should consider staying put instead of jumping ship across the pond, especially if your reason for moving abroad is simply to dodge Trump’s (feel free to add in whatever explicit statement here) butt.
Girlfriend or (guy friend) take many seats because that’s such a counterproductive impulse, especially in light of the current political climate. This is the time more than ever for unity to ensue and not fear.
Can’t you see that this approach could slightly hinder our stance as a people more so in relation to our growth and progression?
If you do move abroad, I can’t stop you. In fact, living abroad and following through with this “life” has been chock full of amazing, life altering experiences for me and my son. However, don’t get it twisted. In the broad spectrum, so much of this life is filled with transient moments, some more expected than others…
Anyways, thank you in advance for the support. Make sure to check out and support Kaylan’s blog. You can also find her on Face book.
In the meantime, thank you for reading, sharing and experiencing life in Uganda with me!
Don’t forget to check out the interview here!
Ms. Black Expat 
“One thing we must do globally across the Diaspora is continuously support black owned businesses, brown writers and bloggers, or anyone who identifies with your purpose so that further unification can be created instead of working against each other.”
Yazz indeed. This is one of my favorite blogs, always on point. I will definitely subscribe to the blogs you recommended as well.
LikeLike
Thank you! I appreciate you highlighting this as it’s so true: We must open up and support each other in multiple ways.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m being honest with you. I’ve read the entire article, and all I can say is wow. I don’t know how you deal with the adjustment, but that information is Gold. Its a lot of colonized minds out there as well, and the white people get upset at you for being an AA that won’t take the imperialist attitude. Smh. That article was amazing.
LikeLike
Eddie! I so appreciate you for being one of my biggest fans and supporters on this blog. Thank you for your comment and reading this article. Yes, the same narratives apply here and are aptly accepted as the norm since the systemic approach to white supremacy is practiced without question.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I read the entire interview transcript. I would not have expected the staring at all. When I lived in Azerbaijan it was crazy in your face picture taking staring without apology but it’s understood because blacks were rare. I know being from a small island of 120k people, I’m able to tell a black foreigner pretty quickly, but to stare??? No!
Half caste…. Gosh! My Nigerian friend told me that they’d try to touch my face and scorn me because I’m mixed race. This is sad. Still a long way to go. We’re really messed up from our past.
I enjoyed reading. It’d be a great idea to publish a book.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What are you mixed with? You said half caste….
Yes, the staring is beyond annoying. I wanted to flip the bleep out most of the time but the lady in me said gosh golly NOOOO!
Are you planning on moving back overseas eventually?
LikeLike