Unlike most African Americans, I also had the privilege of growing up in close proximity to brothers and sisters from across the continent. A Nigerian family, the Obogous, moved down the street from our family during my middle school years. Around the same time, my parents made the choice to host a student from Sierra Leone who lived with us while completing doctoral studies at Long Island University in mathematics. My parents also posted gatherings at our Hudson Valley home with lots of food on a regular basis. Those who came included grassroots organizers, activists, educators, and hungry African undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in colleges and universities in and around Metropolitan New York. It was only later in life that I realized the interactions with Africans from various parts of the continent had been unusual for me as an American. Consider hosting a party and invite people you know with connections to Africa. Attend related lectures in your community. Check the event websites at colleges in your vicinity for performances, art shows, and lectures on Africa. Attending events will lead you to other people with an interest in Africa. You will meet people from the continent and perhaps you can host a gathering around food and music at your home like my parents.
