It had been a very hectic couple of weeks, all leading up to this past weekend-- the ALA Decennial Celebration. There were plans for over 700 people to attend, and there were a lot of important people here! Not only were the donors wined and dined, but there were also heads of state, ministers of different parts of African governments from around the continent, Nobel prize winners and more! It was humbling to be a part of it, and exciting. There really is a sense that this generation of students will be transformative to the continent and it is a privilege to be a part of it. It feels like we're a part of history in the making, though, of course, the day to day reality is that we're still working with teenagers. But, I have no doubt, that one day I will recognize one of these students in the news one day.
One of the most powerful moments for me was when Graca Machel, former education minister of Mozambique, second wife of Nelson Mandela, and advocate of rights for women and children, turned to the second year student who was "interviewing" her at the final event of the day, and told her, as a young African woman (and I'm quoting from the a twitter report of it); As Graca Machel closes the @ALAcademy decennial celebrations she holds the young lady’s hand and says ... ‘I want you to fly but as you fly be rooted in the African soil and African-ness. Always know we will be here to catch you’ #ALA10
It was like a blessing and a passing on from one generation to the next and it sent chills down my spine. It really was an amazing event to attend and it gave us a renewed sense of purpose. It did, to be honest, bring some questions to our minds about our particular role here as non-Africans. This may not surprise you, but the movie, The Black Panther, is incredibly popular here. The kids love it -- the celebration of African identity and even the tacit put-down of non-Africans. It puts us in a bit of an awkward spot. Do we have a right to be here, part of this revival? If yes, what is our role? It's more complex that it first seemed when we signed up....
I will say this, as complex as the big picture is, the relationships that both Hans and I have with the students (both big and little!) is real and important. I love the girls on my hall and I am thankful I can help their journey, even in a small way. For example, one of the girls on my hall messaged me at the last minute -- can I take her to the mall? Well, I was going straight to the mall after work, so what do you need? Unfortunately, I didn't see her response until 5:55pm -- and stores close at 6pm here! I raced to the Pick N' Pay (like Meijers) and grabbed what she needed -- a pair of black pants and white shirt, in 5 minutes. When I got back, not only were they the right type of clothes, but I had managed to get the right sizes too! Mom instincts kicked in and saved the day! And that, is a moment beyond race or country or even post-colonial history. It's just a mom helping a girl who needs some clothes at the last minute. And maybe that is the answer to a complex question.
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