May 2010
Contributors
Wambui Wamutogoria Utamaduni Wear AIM Contributor ‐ Kenya
Anthony Odufuye AIM Contributor Tech Buzz
Bernice Mitoko AIM Contributor
B Kitchen ’s
Editor’s Note This year once again the Red10 team made quite the impact at the MN AIDS walk. Many thanks goes out to all the sponsors we had this year, without whose help the Red10 event would not have been possible. The energizing sound of African drums in the air accompanied the Red10 team as they made the 10K walk. Our message was clear: “We are Africans, we are proud of it and we are here to make a difference”. When Red10 committee members did a radio interview, thanks to Charles Dennis at KMOJ, he asked why such young people were so actively involved. The answer was simple. Someone has to do it; someone has to keep people talking about it because too often people choose to avoid the subject. In our January issue, I wrote about a lady who published a video stating that she had intentionally infected numerous people with the HIV virus as well as other STDs. This turned out to be a hoax, but in some cases this is a harsh reality. There have been additional stories of people who choose to infect other unknowing victims with HIV. This, of course, is due to utter resentment and complete disregard for other people’s lives. The HIV/AIDS stats among African born individuals in Minnesota alone are staggering. Although African born residents account for only 1% of the population in Minnesota, 11% of the new diagnoses were from the African community. 4 out of the top 6 countries that account for HIV/AIDS cases in Minnesota are African. Let’s also keep in mind that these stats are only based on people who have actually gotten tested! One important thing people have to understand is that choosing not to get tested, not to use protection, is complete and utter disregard for one’s own life. If you were told today that you were HIV+, how would that change your life? Are those few minutes of passion worth changing the course of your life forever? People all around us get diagnosed with terminal illnesses that are unpreventable. They have no choice but to live with the cards they are dealt. You have a choice. Get tested, know your status. Being HIV+ is not the end of the world, I know people who have lived and continue to live healthy productive lives for years being HIV+. Make the right choice for yourself today. Take care of yourself, because if you don’t take care of yourself, who will? Much Love and Respect,
Linda Obel Join us on Facebook – Red10
Red10
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead -
Editor & Creative Director, Wedding Nouveau
Feature Story
F
ri Bailey’s passion for Wedding Nouveau is evident for all to see. The first time I read her work and looked at her blog, I felt like someone had created the missing link. The link that fills the void for intercultural and multi-ethnic audience’s world wide. Her Dream Palette inspirations are always a favorite and the pictures of the Real Couples and photographers she highlights are true proof that there is beauty in diversity, and that culture is a unifying and enriching part of ceremonies that celebrate the joining of families. Fri Bailey is the creative director and editor of Wedding Nouveau, the ultimate style guide for intercultural brides and multi-ethnic weddings. As a Creative Designer & Actor, originally from Cameroon, with New York Sensibilities and a home base in Los Angeles, there’s a lot to draw from. WEDDING
NOUVEAU is a cross cultural style guide for today’s bride. It features images taken by some of todays sought after photographers documenting real weddings of interracial/ multicultural couples that dare to dream outside the box. Along with tips on different traditions, trend breakers, new wedding fashion styles that merge modern with tradition and creative ideas, Wedding Nouveau captures the unique essence of Fusion weddings. Fri has an MFA from Columbia University's School of the Arts, a list of theatrical and commercial credits, and experience in creative design and writing for themed entertainment. Most of all, she's a mom, a wife, a lover of fashion, style and the celebration of diversity. AIM Magazine caught up with Fri, who was gracious enough to talk to us about her life’s passion and the inspiration that is evident in her work.
AIM: Please tell us your full name and where you come from? FB: Fri Bailey - Born and raised in Douala, Cameroon. Currently residing/ working in Los Angeles, CA. AIM: What are your fondest memories of Cameroon? FB: It's always the little things that sneak up on you like a secret crush. The moments that make you who you are, only revealed when in a new environment. The value of growing up in Africa, particularly Cameroon is that there are innate mannerisms, interests, and social values that you don't realize you miss, until you are in a foreign environment. My fondest memories of home have to be the social. That is the family gatherings, the pomp and circumstance around the most mundane activities, such as sitting down to dinner. Everything from who sits at the head of the table, to how you address an elder in tone and greeting, how you receive guests (expected or not), how you settle the bill after dinner, how lunch break usually goes over 3-4 hours, how a football game is an easy justification for a public holiday, how dinner at 10pm is considered early... The little things. AIM: What is/was the hardest adjustment to living far away from home? FB: I moved to New Orleans at the impressionable age of 14. At that age, you're at the cross roads of self discovery and desire to fit in. I suppose the hardest adjustment at that time was trying to balance my sense of "patriotism" with reality. What it means to be a
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Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated. "No" is really just a synonym for "Not yet!
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Cameroonian (or immigrant of any other country) in the U.S. I compare it to "believers" who only attend church on Easter, I had to explore what it meant to celebrate my heritage consistently and genuinely, rather than when it was convenient. Now, as an adult, a creative director, and artist, a wife and new mother, the hardest adjustment has to be how to balance work and family. The values of family instilled in me from my childhood are very different from popular beliefs in the US. Maybe one day, someone will write a book about that balance, specific to immigrants. Having lived in the US for so long, I am neither Cameroonian, nor American...I suppose my beliefs are uniquely Camerican. AIM: Tell us about your business, when you started, the name, the products etc FB: Wedding Nouveau is the ultimate style guide for cultural, ethnic and interracial weddings. It was launched in the fall of 2009 in response to my personal experience planning my own wedding. Flash back a year. In May of 2008, I celebrated one of the most beautiful days of my life, my wedding to my husband, a Caucasian American. It was a culmination of over a year of planning, and experience that I found very taxing not just because of the inevitable stress of juggling vendors but the fact that there were no wedding resources specific to intercultural couples. Wedding Nouveau showcases real weddings of multi-ethnic couples from modern, to traditional. With features of fashion designers, photographers and event planners from around the world, my goal was to celebrate diversity one inspiration at a time. I call Wedding Nouveau my "Blog meets Magazine", offering the professional insight of editorial features and comprehensive research or a magazine with the intimacy and daily inspiration of a blog. All things, that I felt were missing when planning my own wedding. Bottom line, if I felt frustrated with the lack of wedding resources for interracial couples, then I was sure others out there felt the same way. The response has been overwhelming and a confirmation of my sentiments. And it's only the beginning. AIM: What is your most unforgettable career milestone? FB: My career background is in theatre and performing arts. I've had the privilege to tour in Europe in theatre productions, star in commercials as well as being the creative director on several themed entertainment projects, as well as Wedding Nouveau. However, my most unforgettable career milestone would have to be the arrival of my daughter four months ago. Being a mom is by far the biggest and most rewarding career move. AIM: Where do you draw inspiration from for your blog, Wedding Nouveau? FB: Inspiration for me comes from anything and everything. Film, theatre, fashion, music, photography, colors, anything. It really boils down to what moves me at any given moment. I prefer to stay open to the possibilities. AIM:
What projects are you currently working on?
FB: Wedding Nouveau recently got a much needed makeover, which I'm very excited about. Now I look forward to implementing some of the accessory items such as a digital magazine, webisodes of fresh interviews of real couples as they go from "I will" to "I do.", and lots more that I can't discuss ď Š
Feature Story AIM: If you had to pick your favorite African designers or photographers, who would be on the list? FB: Kirette Couture, Yinka Shonibare MBE, David Tlale, and Mataano. AIM: What advice would you give to people/organizing an event, designing their living space, and or deciding on a style for their wardrobe? FB: Trust your gut. One of the main reasons I started Wedding Nouveau is because I was frustrated with how mass-produced and standard wedding events were. I believe that dreaming outside the box isn't just a style choice, it's as essential as food to the soul. AIM: What causes or issues are you passionate about? FB: Raising awareness about HIV in developing countries in educated and cost effective ways. Knowledge isn't just power, it's healthy. AIM: What advice would you give to young/upcoming designers? FB: Go where you are celebrated, not where you are tolerated. "No," is really just synonym for "Not yet."
Well said Fri and we’ll wrap this up for now, in the way that you do best by saying...
§ http://www.weddingnouveau.com Email: fri@weddingnouveau.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/weddingnouveau Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wedding-Nouveau/128237609876
The Buzz Handcrafted jewelry is fun to wear alone or in bunches Set of three Maasai bangles is wrapped in vibrant beads www.Utamaduniwear.com
Check out the limited edition shoes from Uhuru Clothing www.uhuruclothingcompany.com Uhuru is a Swahili word meaning 'freedom'. Uhuru Clothing Co. goal is to enhance the image of Africa, to educate and enlighten and last but not least to give Africans and those who want to represent Africa a lifestyle that reflects who they really are. I am African and I am proud. Uhuru stands for whatever you believe your freedom is.
Tribute to Jomo Kenyatta T-shirt by Tano design . Tano Apparel offers a lively clothing and accessory line that celebrates political and social movements. Any Tano Design poster can be turned into a T-shirt at the standard t-shirt price. Tano Design aims to promote cultural awareness, political consciousness and social justice through creative design concepts. The idea is the synthesis between a passion for design and a belief in agency and the respect for human rights. The word Tano, which means five in Kiswahili, represents the 5 values of Tano Design: Dignity, Confidence, Advocacy, Innovation, & Social Justice.
http://www.tanodesign.com Protect your eyes with Wayfarer inspired sunglasses. Eyewear features a vintage-inspired design www.overstock.com
Bold Times‌. Big, bright and beautiful watches pop with any outfit you have on.
B’s Kitchen………….
B
ernice is a friend of AIM Magazine who was always posting pictures of the fabulous meals she was cooking on facebook. These were more than just meals, they were unusual combinations, flavors and the presentation was always just impeccable. The passion with which she approached each aspect of the meal, from shopping to prepping to enjoying the final product, had such an infectious joie de vivre that we felt we needed to share this. We were so humbled and honored when she agreed to share her love of cooking with AIM...and in her own words; we introduce you to B’s Kitchen by Bernice Aoko Mitoko, who is affectionately known as "Mayor".
Her Story…………. The question of my roots raises interesting questions that are best discussed over many bottles of wine, beer and heated debates. I have been told I am not Kenyan, because I was born here in the US. As far as I am concerned I am a kenyan luo from South Nyanza. I was born in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. I grew up there and spent a few years in Kenya. I have 2 brothers, affectionately called the senior brother Omieri E. Mitoko, R.Ph. M.B.A., and the junior brother Ogalo Ogzi Mitoko. I now reside in Jersey City, NJ. My passion for cooking is hard to explain, it’s a high I get from being in the kitchen, just trying new dishes and mixing different herbs, different fishes be it mahi mahi, salmon or lobster and creating sauces. The whole process just gives me a natural high, and seeing the looks on my family's face when dinner, lunch, breakfast or whatever I create in the kitchen is served just gives me that natural rush! My hero or rather my she-ro is affectionately known as MOMMITTO - my mama ( in my family we have pet names, that have stuck). My Lil Diva (my daughter Kenice) inspires me, no ifs and buts about it. She keeps me energized, focused and grounded! She makes me want to do it all. The birth of Lil Diva had some serious complications that
B’s Kitchen…………. waylaid my plans of enrolling in culinary school. I eventually graduated from the program at Hudson County Community College - The Culinary Arts Institute. Jersey City, NJ. I am currently working on a cook-book which will hopefully be published late this summer or early fall. I am also in the process of putting together a prospective menu. In addition, I am also working with my Investor Angels and we plan on starting a catering business or a restaurant. For those of you pursuing your life goals, never ever let anyone tell you it is not possible, once you have HOPE and you believe..the sky's the limit! These are great words said by a wise man (OBAMA)..YES WE CAN, for me its YES I CAN!!!! Cooking tips: All through culinary school the chefs always told us that practice makes perfect, these are simple words that are so true. Go home practice dicing onions or tomatoes, use it for stock or a tourne and keep practicing until you get the perfect tourne or stock or sauce. Practice, practice...I live by it! For catering services or consultation contact Bernice Located in New Jersey Tel: 917-407-8015 Email: bmitoko@yahoo.com
B’s Kitchen Lobster salad with Garlic Pepper Remoulade and mesculin salad 1 cup mayonnaise, recipe follows 1 tablespoon capers, minced 1 or 2 anchovies, minced 1 shallot, minced 1 teaspoon minced fresh chives 2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley leaves 1 1/2 teaspoon of chopped garlic salt and freshly ground white pepper 1/2 cup of diced peppers (red and green) 3/4 cup of diced red onion In a bowl, combine all the ingredients until well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep refrigerated until needed. Mesculin salad which we use a garnish and also to build the salad Lobster sam dams lager lemons old bay seasoning celery carrots onion pickling spice whole spice Cooking the lobster is simple. In a pot pour all the ingredients and bring to a boil, add the lobster tail or lobster whichever you prefer and let cook for not more than 5 to 6 minutes. For the lobster mix, I have omitted measurements, you want to do everything according to taste and it also depends on how much lobster you are cooking. Once your lobster is cooked, shock the lobster by placing it in basin full of ice and ice cold water. So now comes the fun part, cut the lobster tails in half, take out all the lobster meat, you can leave it whole or you can dice it by chopping it roughly, squeeze some lemon, some diced onions, diced peppers, salt and pepper to taste, and you have your salad. For the plating, I recommend that first timers buy bagel chips at any bakery or supermarket. With all that in hand we are ready to build our tower of lobster salad. Take some mesculine mix, place it in the middle of the plate, place a bagel chip and place some lobster salad on the chip, pour some of the delicious garlic remoulade, then
place another bagel chip and follow the same procedure. I usual build a tower that is 4 bagel chips high. Each time as you place the lobster on the chip, you drizzle some of the sauce. Once you have built your tower you want to do the presentation on the plate. I place the garnish on the top, dice some fresh parsley or even cilantro basically whatever you have in your fridge ...let the creativity flow!!! You can take sprigs of mesculin and place them around the plate, space these out so you can drizzle the sauce around like I have. And there you have it a simple lobster salad.
Bon Appétit! Kendall-Jackson wine goes well with this meal…. “Some serious vineyards' fruit is included in this wine, which no doubt explains the big, tropical fruit-scented nose, fine acidity, and medium to full-bodied flavors. It is an amazing Chardonnay for the price."
The Wine Advocate
Photo Credits Joe Delano
Eddie Mandhry is a human rights educator working with youth in some of the most marginalized and impoverished communities in New York City to promote civic engagement, global literacy and youth activism. He holds a BA in Political Science and African Studies from Hampshire College, and an MSc in International Relations from the London School of Economics. He is a 2008 graduate of the Columbia Business School Social Enterprise Executive Education program. He previously interned with The Hague Appeal for Peace, the Aga Khan Foundation in Geneva, and the Inter-Africa Committee on Harmful Traditional Practices against Women and Children (also in Geneva, Switzerland).
Eddie was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and shares Ethiopian-Omani heritage. He recently launched a company called TANO Design. The New York based company’s aim is to promote cultural awareness, political consciousness and social justice through creative design concepts. The idea is the synthesis between a passion for design and a belief in agency and the respect for human rights. The word TANO, which means five in Swahili, represents the 5 values of TANO Design: Dignity, Confidence, Advocacy, Innovation, & Social Justice.
TANO Design currently carries unique apparel and icon based posters, and a portion of the proceeds from all their products goes to support the amazing work being done by grassroots organizations around Africa. 20% of the proceeds this season are going towards an organization named South Kivu Women's Media Association (AFEM/SK). AFEM/SK is a remarkable collective of Congolese women journalists, working against gender based violence in the war torn Kivu region of the Democratic republic of Congo. If you are interested in contributing towards a good cause while still rocking some fabulous tees, check out their website at www.tanodesign.com. Contact Information: Eddie Mandhry 1203 Dean Street, Brooklyn, NY 11216 Phone 917-385-9862
See, Speak, Hear No Evil‌. See No Evil The 2010 World Cup games are set to start June 11 through July 11. These soccer matches will be hosted for the first time ever in an African Country, South Africa. The African way of hosting such a revered event will involve a lot of pomp and circumstance and I believe I will be eager and ready to watch every single minute of the ceremonies and the brilliant sportsmanship that will be on display at the matches. All I want to know is, what will you be watching when sports history is being made? For more information on the matches, go to http://www.fifa.com/worldcup
Speak No Evil 'Africa's best stories,' is a quarterly collection of the VERY best short stories and poetry by some of Africa's best writers. It is a selection of the best of African literature from Africa's finest writers. In this first volume, we feature heartwarming stories by some of Africa's most renowned writers such as Noble-Prize laureate Wole Soyinka, Orange Prize winner, Chimamanda Adichie, our very own David Omwange, Caine Prize finalists Sefi Atta, Muthoni Garland, and Jude Dibia among other equally awesome writers. These are storytellers from the gods, telling a diverse range of stories, under varying circumstances. Their stories will make you laugh, cry, grin, wish, reflect and reminisce. Let these stories keep you company while lying in the comfort of your bed, on the bus/subway on your way to work or when having a cup of tea/wine.
Hear No Evil Kuduro dancing is similar to Dancehall dancing of Jamaica and was best popularized by the group Buraka Som Sistema. Kuduro music can be traced to the late 1980s when music producers in Angola started mixing African percussion samples with calypso and soca rhythms to create a style of music then known as "batida". An Angolan MC, Sebem, promoted this mix and is credited with starting the genre. Kuduro is a word with a specific meaning to location in the Kimbundu language, which is native to the northern portion of Angola. It has a double meaning that translates to "hard ass" or "stiff bottom" in Portuguese, which is the official language of Angola.. To check out this funky beat, listen to Buraka Som Sistema’s award winning album, Black Diamond.
Take a dip… Bikinis and Swim Wear: You’ve worked hard for that perfect bikini body all winter long so go ahead and show it off. Reward yourself with one or all of these fabulous pieces…you’ll be glad you did and so will the hunks at the beach. (Told you about those Ruffles )
Dress up your swim wear with these cute cover-ups and spend some time socializing or sipping on mojitos by the pool.
Fashion The Speedo/Brief! TRUST ME when I say that not every man should embrace this trend. I don’t care how self-confident you are. If there’s visible spillage in the stomach and/or thigh area do the rest of us a favor and say NO to The Speedo!!! (P.S: Europeans and South Americans are not exempt from this rule)
The Speedo/Brief! TRUST ME when I say that not every man should embrace this trend. I don’t care how self-confident you are. If there’s visible spillage in the stomach and/or thigh area do the rest of us a favor and say NO to The Speedo!!! (P.S: Europeans and South Americans are not exempt from this rule)
For those who insist on wearing thongs or flip flops, this would be how. AMQ for Puma old white Ligament Snake' thong sandals
Board Shorts: check out old navy in-store and online for swimwear under $20
G-Spot – 7 ways in 7 days Here’s a G-Spot first! Instead of subjecting you to one of my usual monologs ranting and ravening about the highs and lows of intimate relationships I thought it would be a good change of pace if I proposed a communication-enhancement activity. I call it “7 Ways in 7 Days”; seven ways to say “I love you” to your significant other over a seven day period. The purpose of this exercise is to address the issue men seem have with saying I love you on a routine bases while simultaneously reminding women there are other ways to express love, thus to not be fixated on hearing those exact words. Men fall short of saying I love you enough. However, ladies, there is a good reason for this. Men believe that actions should speak when it comes to matters of the heart, not words. Any lying fool can say I love you, but to show it repeatedly is the goal of every good man. So for men, saying it is superficial because if his woman doesn’t feel loved, then saying he does means nothing. This is the reason we *men+ don’t feel compelled to blurt it out each and every time we have the impulse to, but it’s not necessarily an excuse for not doing it at all. I’ll be the first to admit we need to say it more often simply because we know it’s important to our women. A woman needs to be told she is loved periodically regardless of how well her man treats her. I believe the reason for this is the combination of vulnerability that comes with saying it and the “evidence” it provides. For a woman, being told is important because it further distinguishes her from all others. See, if you are a good man, then to some degree you’re good to everyone, not just your woman. You are kind to your woman as well as your neighbors. You are helpful to your woman as well as your friends. You make sacrifices for your woman as well as your family. So to her, the distinction comes by way of the declaration of love. Saying it “renews” the covenant you have with her to love her *in that way+ and no other. It is the proof she requires. “…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks!” (Matt. 12:34b) OK, here are the rules. For seven consecutive days the two of you must verbally express love without saying “I love you.” You cannot use the same phrase more than once and you cannot use any of the phrases the other one uses. Although face to face is preferred it doesn’t have to be. And lastly, regardless which of you says it first the other must respond at that time. Ladies there will be no waiting to see if the man remembers to say it then getting upset because he forgot. This isn’t about creating a “gotcha moment!” Say it when you feel it, even if you’re first to do so each time. By the seventh day there should have been a total of 14 expressions of love spoken. For example, Sunday morning I say, “I adore you” and she replies, “I admire you”. Monday afternoon she says, “I desire you” and I reply, “I esteem you and hold you in the highest regard.” Tuesdays night I say, “I value you”… and so on.
Iron sharpens iron, so let’s be better because of it!
Gerald Montgomery
WWW.Utamaduniwear.com
Tech Buzz Have you ever wondered what Apple TV was all about? A sleek looking device the size of a mac mini that was supposedly going to change the way we watch television. Most people have never heard of it, and of those who did, it left a lot to be desired. On the 26th of May 2010, Google (Apple’s biggest competitor) revealed its plan for a device which takes Apple’s idea and builds on that platform by not only improving on it, but redefining and changing the way in which we will watch television in the future. Goodbye Apple TV and welcome Google TV – TV meets Web, Web meets TV. During its demo of Google TV, Google demonstrated how we could turn our existing HDTV sets into something more than a device that can watch only content with set show times. In today’s busy world, more people find it easier to watch content online due to the flexibility in being able to choose when to watch their favorite shows. With its ability to seamlessly deliver media from the Internet to the television with a simple and easy to use interface, Google TV brings that capability to your TV set. In addition, the platform offers a fully functional web browser (Chrome) and the ability to add and use Android apps through the Android Marketplace, thereby making for a more elaborate viewing experience. Much like Google on your computer, Google TV also allows you to type a search of something you may want to watch. What makes this cool is that the results will show both web and TV results. If you chose the TV option then it goes to your TV channel. If you choose the web option, it takes you to the internet site you selected. If you select a future TV option, you can set your DVR to record the show. In addition, with the Android apps you could play games, tweet, view photos, or even just update Facebook from the comfort of your couch. For instance, you will be able to use PIP (Picture in Picture) to keep your current show open while browsing the web. This means you can look up your fantasy football standing while watching the game in real time. When you come across something you would like to share with a friend, you will have the capability to look up and email links to the show you’re watching via Hulu. Google TV is scheduled to be released in the fall of 2010. Sony and Logitech have both partnered with Google to build set-top devices and also integrate the capability into televisions and blue-ray players. I for one will happily make room in my entertainment center for one of these.
Alita’s travels This installation of Alita's Travels is a compilation of journal writings that capture Alita's initial travels to Ghana. These are her first perceptions of Ghana and the people and events she experienced. Alita is blessed to be able to travel for work, passion and pleasure. These travels take her to countries in Africa and South America. While on the road, Alita is witness to a great many adventures. She pens these encounters in the most amazing way that captures our hearts, transports us to the regions she is visiting and traveling through and she unwittingly brings us face to face with all she encounters on the road. Alita shares these writings with her friends and family and AIM Magazine is honored that she has chosen to share this series of stories with us. Thank you Alita!
Alita’s Travel Safaraye Ghanaians celebrate every holiday on the calendar and simply must take at least 3-4 days to prepare, celebrate, and recover, so I have been without students since Friday due to the highly anticipated May day event. So Pearl, her boyfriend and I decided to take a little vacation to "Mole," a wildlife reserve about 3 hours north of Tamale. For some reason Dutch and Canadian women are the only tourists I have come across, and we were 3 of about 9 people staying at a small hotel at the end of a very long, bumpy, and DUSTY trek! (You couldn't see my freckles when we arrived because I was covered in orange sand!) The views were stunning, as we overlooked a never-ending valley of green terrain and water holes. I had no idea what type of wildlife surrounded us, or how close our encounters with them would be! Our first night there I dressed up in my white dress and bangles flew out of the door and came face to face with the ugliest beast I have ever set my eyes on! The warthogs we see on TV don't do them justice, and I came face to face with a snorting, hairy, fierce looking beast that appeared to be ready to charge at any moment. I stood frozen as we stared each other down, until he finally snorted and trudged off! Lucky for him ;) The next morning, after a beautiful cool rain, I was listening to Gypsy Kings and doing my "wanna be a Mexican" salsa dance on my back porch, when I swirled around and a whole family of elephants were standing less than 10 feet away motionless, starring, as if I were the spectacle!? And the Baboons! Within 3 days I witnessed these little suckers steal: a baby's bottle, 4 pairs of sunglasses, 3 plates of food, countless pieces of clothing and SIX wallets...including mine. Yes, I was robbed by a baboon! He got me for about 285,000,000 cedis, which is about $240.00!! I'm sure his master i.e. the person that trained him was thrilled, as that's more than the average Ghanaian earns in 6 months! In all seriousness though, I really took some time to be still and think about what I want to focus on while I'm here. Time is flying by and I feel a desperation to make a significant difference that will have a long lasting effect; primarily with the young girls I have encountered in/out of my classes. Only 30% of girls are given the opportunity to go to school, and if they have male siblings their chances are even smaller. These girls break my heart. I see them peering in the holes of the rooms outside my class, and when I enter the school yard they are the first ones to come hold my hand, asking what I have taught in class that day. My classes have grown from 15 to over 35 in the two weeks I have been teaching, but students who are not enrolled or don't have uniforms are not allowed to enter any class rooms. You cannot imagine the amount of corruption that goes on within the NGO's here that are supposed to be helping these girls! Everyone takes a cut. Everyone talks a lot about what needs to be done and how these goals can be met; but even the highly funded, and fancy titled individuals and organizations don't accomplish much, if anything from what I can see. So, this is my project! I have started taking a very aggressive interest in this situation, and will do something about it before I leave. It costs so little for one of these girls to attend school, and I am in a rare position to arrange sponsorship. First and foremost by first assuring that funds go to their intended places. My goal is to hand pick about 50 girls from varying schools, and find a way to ensure they receive the education they are entitled to and all that goes with it. I will keep you updated, and will ask for your involvement once I have everything put together, but in the meantime enjoy my pictures‌
Alita’s Travel Lights off, lights on! Wow! It’s been two weeks since I’ve been able to write, and there is no way I’ll make it through all that’s going on in the desperate 20 minutes I have before lights go off again, so bear with me while I ramble to fill you in! My friends and co-workers find it fascinating how quickly I have acclimated in Tamale; In my short time here I have gotten to know everyone in town which has me attending weddings, funerals, and functions of all kinds (which most recently included a Beauty Contest, where a 200lb girl won 1st place (I gotta love Africa for their appreciation of a large woman)). I am making a valiant effort at learning “Dagbani” which is the most difficult dialect I have ever heard, but rather fun to speak; the positive response to any yes/no question is “N’aaaaa” so when I bike by a group of women in the morning and say “D’asiba,” (good morning), they all get excited that I am speaking their language and yell out “N’aaaaa!” Going to the villages around Tamale’ is my favorite part of my week; I have been visiting with families and looking at the progress of some of my organizations’ projects, which brings me into huts and compound homes where people have never seen a white person, much less a red-head speckled one. They all welcome me with open arms, offering anything they can to make me feel welcome, including an insistence to dance with them at any given opportunity. As soon as I hear drums, I hide! Africans love to make fun of foreigners dancing to their music, and there really is no option to stay seated when you are surrounded by a band of drums and urging women, men, children and chiefs! So, I have started taking African dance lessons so I don’t look like a complete moron, get some exercise, and admittedly to flirt with my very handsome and talented teacher. No worries though, I don’t foresee myself becoming Village-Hut-Mother of 12, and really, it’s just so much fun! I am working every day, all day, and spend many sleep-less nights thinking of how I can accomplish all that I have come to envision before I leave. My sponsorship program is in full swing, I have been interviewing girls from schools and villages all over Tamale. So far I have met with about 60, and this experience has changed me, forever. I have been asked to go on a radio show this Thursday to talk about what I’m doing, and how it correlates with the Yaro program, young women’s rights etc, and I am working on my web site! Along with Albert, the two of us have a bit of a dream in mind for these girls and the future of Yaro, so you will be seeing what I have been putting together soon! Every time I think of you I try to find words to tell you how it feels to be here; what it has been like sitting in front of a child who has never felt worthy of speaking to at all. The tears that roll off their cheeks because of their 3 hour walk to school on empty stomachs, torn shoes, and bruised hands, has put a promise in my soul to change some destinies. However, I have also learned what is realistic, and what stands in my way to accomplish anything self-sustaining. I have never welcomed such an enormous challenge, somehow with an optimism and determination from where I’m not too sure.
Alita’s Travel My classes have also become quite popular, and word has spread that there is a “Salaminga” (Strange white girl) talking about sex in Tamale. I now have three classes of 65 students and do anything I can to initiate interaction! We play games, separate boys and girls; give pop quizzes (where I learned that the majority of students thought that AIDS stood for “Americans Idea of Discouraging Sex!!”). Most recently I gave all students the assignment of writing down anonymous questions to ask at the end of class, for me to answer in front of everyone…I received 14 requests to describe MY first sexual experience, asked to explain why it’s NOT ok for a wife to be beaten if she refuses sex, and many others that even had ME blushing! But, I have somehow managed to keep my cool and not offend, so it’s been very worthwhile and a lot of fun. It has either cooled down or I am finally somewhat used to the heat, but water has been really difficult. I will never turn on a tap or walk into an air conditioned room again without feeling VERY blessed! I really love every day here, my pace of life has slowed significantly and I have learned to take nothing for granted! Especially all of you! You are in my prayers and thoughts every day, so please keep writing back, and tell me how things are there. Am I missing anything? What’s in the news? Is anyone in love? Is anyone going to jump in the lake with me this summer? Love you Love youLeets
By David Omwange.
NEVER THERE‌‌
Shes the song never sung the battle never fought the food 4 thought never tasted the lost parable never taught shes the eleventh commandment the bridges we never crossed the life we never lived the time passed we never lost shes the classic that will remain in fashion even after the future's become history a pain so profound its feared by a million miseries shes the flag never raised the graffiti never sprayed that blazing freedom alien to us human prisons shes the beast we could never tame shes the poetry never recited the beauty you meet between the lines the match never lighted the light bulb that never sparked in Einstein's mind shes the one with no end she never had a start the torch so bright that it touched us beyond the deepest corners of our hearts shes the nation Alexander couldn't conquer the armor the world's weapons couldn't penetrate shes the questions upon which Aristotle never pondered the heat a thousand blessed lovers couldn't generate shes the thought whose thought we never dared the seed mother nature couldn't nurture because of fruit too wild to bare Although she was never there this is the woman with which my deepest consciousness will eternally have an affair
Guess Who’s coming to dinner? If you could have one person in the world over for dinner, who would it be?
While planning the layout for our March magazine we wandered off topic and a new section was born, “Guess who’s coming to dinner?” We each decided to write about people that intrigue us, and we started imagining having these people over at the same dinner table with us…this had us drooling and not over the food! So read on to see who we would like to sit down for dinner with and why. Also, ask yourself, who you would like to bring to dinner? Email us a picture and a paragraph of why you would bring this amazing and intriguing person and the effect this has on you. Dreams can come true right??? Email: aimminnesota@gmail.com
For me, at this particular point in time in my life, it would be none other than President Barack H. Obama and the rest of the first family (if I am permitted to do so). He would show up to my house all presidential and stuff- with security in Ray Bans, extra vehicles and the whole nine. We’d all have a traditional Liberian dinner as a family then him and I would retire downstairs to my “man cave” to sniff and sip on my unopened bottle of Hennessy Paradis Rare XO cognac, which I already jokingly refer to as my “Obama Cognac”. Those who know [about Paradis] know why it’s still unopened. Let’s just say it ain’t cheap, y’all! We’d talk candidly about his journey from a white family to the Whitehouse and his uncensored perspective on racism in America- off the record of course. I’d also really like to hear and understand firsthand what gave him the audacity to pursue his presidential dream and what facilitators he used to get there. (Having a dream is one thing, but executing the steps to that dream does not happen in a vacuum!) I’d want to have dinner with President Obama (and family) for the obvious historic value of his accomplishment, but also because I served in my beloved Marine Corps for 5 years, of which the U.S. President is the Commander and Chief.
By Gerald Montgomery
He was never my boss, as I served from 1992 to 1997, but as a veteran I would still consider it the honor above all honors to vibe with him as a peer. I’d like to sit with him as two diasporic black men; two African-American fathers, two Negro husbands and two survivors of single-parent homes. I’d want Sasha and Malia to have a tea party with Geralynn and “Scoopie”. I’d want his wife to advise my wife and my wife to share a vision of Africa, by way of Liberia, with his. And finally, before the Obama’s leave my home we’d all gather back upstairs to pray together!
Maya Angelou is who l would like to have over for dinner . . . She was born Marquerite Johnson on April 4th 1928 in St. Louis Missouri. At the age of eight she was raped by her mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman. She told her family members, the man was arrested and he only served a day in jail. He was found dead, believed to have been killed by her uncle’s. She went mute for nearly six years, she believed her mouth killed Mr. Freeman. At 14, she dropped out of school to become San Francisco's first African-American female cable car conductor. At 70 she became the first African American woman to direct a major motion picture, “Down in the Delta”. Graceful, Dignified, Eloquent, Phenomenal, Wise and Inspirational are some of the words used to describe this woman. I would love to hear in her own words about it all, her life, and her journey to where it is that she is today. I would really love to hear it and see it through her eyes.
By Susan Wahome
Health
It is important to keep things fresh when choosing a workout routine. Our bodies easily adjust to the activities we engage in, so when we have weight loss in mind, results are more easily achieved by keeping things new. That means, if you usually run three miles every morning, taking up a brisk walking routine would do your body more good than the usual running routine. The key is to keep things interesting so the boredom doesn’t sink in. Spice up your walk in the following ways: 1.
Listen to Music or Audio Books while walk.
2.
Walk with a friend. You can keep each other accountable for walking each week.
3.
Keep a Walking Journal and record how much you walk each day.
4.
Change your walking route and explore new neighborhoods, parks and trails.
5.
Join a walking or hiking group.
6.
Walk the dogs at your local animal shelter or offer to walk a neighbor’s dog.
7.
Wear a pedometer and challenge yourself to walk more steps each week.
8.
Get a game like the Wii that has a walking workout.
9.
Switch things up and do other workouts like playing a game of basketball or going for a swim.
10. Reward yourself with a nice little gift if you stuck with your walking workout for a month. 11. Sign up for a Charity Walk and train for it. 12. Challenge yourself with a interval training where you mix up jogging and walking. 13. Add some walking poles to keep your workout interesting and challenging. 14. Walk on a track and see how many laps you can do. 15. Go for a hike on the weekend
2010 Safari Rally - Kenya The 2010 Safari Rally took off as scheduled on Friday the 2nd to Sunday the 4th of April. The Safari Rally is a historical car race that has the best of cross country drivers against the toughest conditions of the Kenyan countryside. The first safari rally was lanched in 1954 and now 56 years later, sponsors, drivers and fans a like flock to watch what has become an Easter weekend tradition. Wambui and the crew decided to follow Mr. Kimathi, the C.E.O of san Valencia group of companies. Kimathi, who last competed in the then World Championship Safari Rally in 2002, would be navigated by IT specialist Norris Ongalo. He would be competing in the 300 Break Horse Power Impreza N10, capable of hitting top speed of 250kph in under one minute, which is sponsored by San Valencia Restaurants and Corporate Caterers.The car which is one of the few Prodrive Subaru prepared machines in Kenya, was launched on Thursday night in a colourful ceremony akin to the Ferrari F1 team unveiling of a new car with display of fireworks surrounded by hot girls at Valencia Gardens Lavington Nairobi in front of corporate clients, motorsport fraternity and the media. Kimathi is making a comeback with the express purpose of dicing with the best and beating them in the process to jump start his rallying programme this year in a number of selected events. He was forced to quit racing in 2003 due to pressures of work in his businesses.” Friday the 2nd of April The event was officially flagged off at the Kenyatta International conference center by President Mwai Kibaki who was accompanied by the Minister of Sports, Helen Sambili. From there the rally cars and crowds moved on to the holding point at Jamhuri Park Nairobi, where spectators were wowed by the first couple of cars that made their rounds Splashing, spinning and flying right past us. Not long after the first few cars made their rounds the rain came down hard and heavy making the black cotton soil impermiable. This made it an even more interesting show as the tough terrain separated the true pros of the sport from the less bullish. In a surprise move the officials decided to call off the first leg of the race deciding that it was far too risky for the drivers and soaring crowds. This was quite a let down for the majority of fans and drivers that had to wait untill the following day after the long awaited debut of the rally. Saturday 3rd of April We were up bright and early to see the flagging off of the rally cars on the 2nd day of the event. On this morning fewer media and crowds were available but diehard fans turned up to cheer on their favorite rally drivers. From there the Rally cars made their way to the service station at Makuyu before moving on to Thika where fans waited for Saturday’s show after the disappointment from Friday’s shut down of the event by rally officials. The crowds were not disappointed as the rally drivers gave quite a show from the beginning of the race. Despite several cars getting stuck in the mud and a heavy downpour, rally officials let the race go on. The crowds showed support for their favorite drivers by helping them get out from muddy puddles. They also gathered around a notorious water paddle making it a litmus test for what a real driver was. Mr. Kimathi’s San Valencia team managed to cruise through a notorious water logged section that gave some drivers a run for their money Once the cars were done in Thika they headed down to Makuyu Golf Club where the cars made a mechanical stop. Crowds had gathered here as well, taking that opportunity to relax in the lush countryside and enjoy some bbq and beer while interacting with their favorite drivers. A lot of these fans showed up here just to take pictures of the engines of the vehicles and to watch the servicing of the cars. All in all Saturday was not a disappointing day for the fans. Sunday 4th of April This was the final day of the event and as usual the cars were flagged off yet again from K.I.C.C. Their first service station was the whisling station. They then moved through Kipeto, Kajiado, Maili Tisa, Timbacto, and then back to Whistling Thorns for servicing. Majority of the crowds, including myself waited patiently at K.I.C.C for the closing ceremony where the ranks of the drivers would be announced. As they waited they were entertained by dancers and comedy skits to name but a few. Finally, the drivers made their way down to the K.I.C.C where they were greeted by enthusiastic crowds. This was a weekend that brought drivers from across Africa for a fantastic experience. All drivers that completed the race were victors in our eyes and the cross continental team from Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Burundi and the like made the Safari Rally a truly African experience. All in all our pick, Mr.Kimathi was ranked #8 for the first couple of days but on the last day he ran into some problems that caused his car to stall. He finished at # 17, which was still fantastic for someone that had been out of the game for about 8 years.
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