When I was young, my father said to me, "Boy, you'd be proud to be a Negro." I remember asking, "But why?" At that time, all I knew about being Black was what I'd seen on TV—a mixture of stereotypes and struggles that shaped my young mind. But at that moment, as I looked at my father, I noticed a tear in his eye. It was the first time I'd ever seen him cry.
A week later, my parents brought home something that changed my life: a set of books called the Negro Encyclopedias. These volumes, created by Ebony magazine publishers out of Chicago, were dedicated to African heritage and covered everything about Africa, from A to Z. That was the beginning of my journey.
Even though I’ve never physically been to Africa, I’ve traveled there mentally and spiritually countless times. Now, at 64, I know I have to make the journey in person—to set foot on the soil, to kiss the ground, and to connect with my ancestors. Every African American should make that pilgrimage, just as Muslims go to Mecca or Christians go to Jerusalem. We all deserve to go back home.
Africa should thrive for those who live there and all who carry its spirit in our hearts.
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Your true legacy lies in your impact—the challenges you overcome, the lives you touch, and the inspiration you ignite. Titles may fade, but the influence you leave behind endures. Choose a STEAM path: excel in learning, design your destiny, and shape the future. Be more than successful; be significant. - Dr. Ayo Olufade
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