Why are our black bodies disposable to you?
A sad, horrific thing happened on Tuesday, January 15th. Armed gunmen launched an attack on an office complex that included a popular upscale hotel, Dusit, in Nairobi, Kenya. I was one of …
Think Piece
Commenting on cultural, social or political phenomenons
Amma Asante is Britain’s director to watch
In Hollywood, the lights are brighter. This is one of many reasons the talented British screenwriter and director Amma Asante, whose parents are Ghanaian, is not a household name. But she …
Why we should all watch ‘Crazy Rich Asians’
The romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians opens this weekend in most countries around the world, and I think that we should all watch it. Here is why. I loved Black Panther. A lot of black …
How I found my voice in Japan
Hi everyone, I’m Swinky and I’m a singer. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya, I sang in school and in church. Now and then I’d join choirs and enjoy being a part of something bigger than myself. …
Why we still need to be talking about slavery
The deep sadness associated with slavery does not make it an easy topic of discussion; but the depth of resistance and perseverance and sheer determination of fighters and survivors eases …
Can Bride Price in Zimbabwe be feminist?
I was born in Zaka, a small rural farming district in the South East of Zimbabwe seven years after Independence. When I was three, I moved to the capital – Harare to live with my …
Are Africans ready to talk about mental health?
With art by Monica Obaga The first time I had a sneaky suspicion that my brain did not quite operate like other people, I was twelve. It was my first year in a new school, in a new country, …
What technology can do to save our African history
Speaking from an African perspective: colonial portrayals dominate historical narratives, and the lines between biased characterizations and authentic representations have become severely …
Why I’m suspicious of crochet braids
I am very suspicious of crochet braids. Not the faux dreadlocks, I love those! I’m a huge fan of dreadlocks but I can’t commit to real ones because I love changing hairstyles and letting go …
In the United States, One Can Not Be Here and Simply Be African
In the United States, one cannot be here and simply be African. One must also be black, and being black and being African in America are completely distinct identities. With blackness in …