NO APOLOGIES

Today is a fun day! Just became $250 richer. (Follow @zikora.media.arts + Tosinger) – They are doing fantastic work elevating the consciousness of our people!

I came to America some 15 years ago, when I was 16. America provided greater economic freedom but America was never a means in itself. I was born here but raised in Africa. I have always known, and mistakenly thought everyone knew, that being born in the abroads doesn’t suddenly change the composition of your ancestors. Our forefathers are not in the afterlife chatting in English, I can tell you that.

When I noticed the attempted dismissal of all things African as barbaric, I decided to do something about it. Recall, I used to wear black lipstick; then I outgrew that, started wrapping my hair. Fast Forward to now, braiding intricate African styles. In fact, on my résumé, my picture is of me in a headwrap. While others work to suppress their accent, I increase it, even occasionally throwing in french and kinyarwanda sayings. The pinnacle of my fight was when I appeared as en extra in Black Panther. Shortly after, the narrative shifted and Black was fashionable. We thank God.

We are here waiting. For when they forget again, we will be sure to remind them. Put some respek on our names. We are the birthplace of humanity. Argue with the sun and the stars.

XOXO