For The Love of Roots

I was so sorry to read in The NY Times about the tragic loss of noted author, Chimamanda Adichie's, son, while receiving medical care in Nigeria. I enjoy her work and can only imagine the depth of her grief.🙏🏿

Can we discuss, however, how is it that we have so many successful Nigerian doctors in the US when the need for even basic medical care is so great in their own country?

Show me a Nigerian who will not boast about how proud s/he is to be Nigerian, how they are the strongest, most capable, most intelligent, and most confident of certainly all African people, perhaps people in general. So, how is it that they don't stay or return to Nigeria to develop it into a great place to live and work so that when one does fall gravely ill, they are not scrambling to get to the UK, US, Canada, or the like, for care?

I love Dr. Patrick Awuah, a Ghanaian who studied and obtained tremendous wealth in America, who went back to Ghana and started Asheshi University. He put his money and his commitment where his mouth was. He said he could not, in good conscience, live in the US in the lap of luxury knowing that basic necessities were non-existent in his own country. So he packed up and went back to Ghana and started the university. Students who attend Asheshi, pledge to reside in Ghana and use their talents to build that nation, not another. How commendable! I had the pleasure of touring Asheshi during my stay in Ghana. It is a beautiful campus. My hat is off to Dr. Awuah for realizing his dream. 

Some years ago, while living in Ghana, I had the pleasure of meeting a father and son while dining in a local restaurant. Dressed in matching outfits, they were adorable. I struck up a conversation with the father who let me know that Little Kwame was born in Reston, Virginia. I think he thought, as an American, I would be impressed at his announcement. He went on to explain that Little Kwame, when he reached the age of majority, would return as a citizen to the United States and attend the university of his choosing.

I asked if, when Little Kwame became a lawyer, a doctor, or an Indian Chief, would he remain in the US and contribute to that economy or would he return to develop Ghana. The father chuckled and gave a look of amusement at my question, and said, of course he would remain in the United States. To which I responded, then I am not impressed. I offered that Kwame should not stay in the US, but that he should return to Ghana with his new skills, to support the nation and the economy that had reared and educated him such that he was able to be accepted to a school of his choosing in the United States.

Seeming to understand my position, the father went on to share with me an African parable, if you will, that says if his grandfather, who died 100 years ago, should awake, he would have no problem finding his way back home. Translation, not much has changed in Ghana. Not much will change in Ghana, Nigeria, and similar nations, as long as their best and the brightest fail to return.

I know it's not as easy as I imply, especially for those who perhaps are not first generation immigrants or those who have become accustomed to a whole other lifestyle. I do understand the dynamics of such a decision. Many argue that monies earned abroad, afford them to take care of a families back home. But what about the nation?

While living in Ghana I also met other Ghanaians who did return to Ghana and started businesses to employ their own people, to build their own nation. Some of them reported feeling and being treated like expats in their own land. I appreciate and deeply respect that they are still there, still doing their part. Call it a deep recognition that self-preservation is the product of nation preservation, as is actively being modeled in Burkina Faso and neighboring countries of which I am immensely proud.

I remember having a discussion with a Haitian friend in the US who explained to me that I didn't understand the implications of how hard it would be to go back to Haiti, especially given the politics. I countered that I didn't think she understood or appreciated that the lifestyle she enjoys in the US did not come without much pain and much suffering. The sacrifices made and the struggle endured by Black Americans is unprecedented, unmatched, and sadly unknown to or respected by, far too many immigrants who enjoy hard won civil rights currently being dismantled in America.

I will continue to question persons from developing countries who don't return as did Dr. Awuah and others, especially those who judge Black Americans while enjoying the fruit of our struggle allowing that they live and prosper in this country while failing to physically support, live in, or develop, the homeland they "love".

Again, my heart bleeds for Ms. Adichie's loss. It is my prayer that some good might result from this very tragic and public loss experienced by such a high profile person. Perhaps her tragedy will bring attention to the need for provision of even basic professional services in Nigeria and other developing nations compelling migrants from said countries to physically [re]commit to taking care of home first, which is where all charity should begin...

~ Miss Higgi Says

Famed Nigerian Author Blames Death of Toddler Son on Negligent Care 

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/11/world/africa/nigeria-adichie-son-death-blame.html

Against The World...

The world is going to turn against the United states. Mark my words. There's no reason that the rest of the world should sit by and allow America to continue to be a bully who ignores international law, who kills innocent fishermen, and invades innocent countries kidnapping their President and  his wife for that which has nothing to do with the US or what's happening here. 

The US is stuck in a colonial state of mind. That ship has sailed. I can't imagine that countries are just going to sit back and allow them to bogart their way in and take what they want, Free Africa! There are other nations just as strong as the United States. They will intervene either to defend victim nations or to take control of their resources themselves. What they are not likely to do, is sit around and just allow America to dictate what happens in "their" hemisphere, which is what stephen miller proclaimed the US will do just yesterday on air with Jake Tapper. 

In our tolerance and failure to resist the tyranny of a trump presidency, not once, but twice, America has shown the rest of the world that it is not a nation to be trusted. It has shown the world that it is not a nation that can be trusted to even defend itself from an enemy within. Our universities, the highest of our courts, our Congress, our corporations, the largest of our law firms, have all capitulated to lawsuits, caved to policy changes, bought into the destruction of books, history, museums, free press, and so much more. Whatever trump wants, trump gets.

America has abandoned her three branches of government, conceding to the will of the executive branch, which is clearly anti-American. As a nation, Americans have sat back and allowed cruelty beyond cruelty - domestic and international, from ICE agents and alligator prisons to torture chambers in foreign lands. We have allowed that the constitution be disregarded. We watched as a foreigner was given access to top secret information and authorized to take a chainsaw to destroy our government and ruin the lives of countless American citizens and families. The destruction of an already inadequate, but improved, health care system is inevitable. As we have not defended ourselves, other nations are left to interpret our apathy as silent complicity or endorsement of the nation we are becoming.

America is in trouble. The US is not the superpower she still markets herself to be. There are other big boys on the field playing the same game, with the same big toys. She is effin' around and is about to find out that she cannot stand alone against the world. Sadly, those who have resisted, will be casualties of greed, displaced arrogance, delusions of supremacy, unprecedented corruption, and quite frankly, a government that was broken long before trump and his maga party, formerly known as the republican party, effectively consumed by the beast it fed...

~ Miss Higgi Says

And So The War Begins...

When I heard in the middle of the night that there had been an "explosion" in Venezuela, I knew that it was some BS that had something to do with trump's strikes on innocent fishing boats in Venezuelan waters under the pretext of combatting drug traffickers.

What is the connection between trump and Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize but dedicated it to him? I am not versed in Venezuelan politics but it is my understanding that President Maduro is a Chavez guy. If this is so, clarity on Venezuelan politics is not required for it to make sense why some believe he must go. He's a Chavez guy, he's a melanated man presiding over a melanated people in a sovereign nation rich in resources. Venezuela has lots of oil. Need I say more?

trump is an out of control, deranged, maniacal, evil, demented bastard, surrounded only by like minds, all thirsty for war of no consequence to them or their loved ones, who no one can reign in, thanks to a lame duck, sell out Supreme Court and a spineless republican party that has effectively been consumed by the beast they fed. Who needs congressional approval to declare war risking harm to our nation and our troops? Who's gonna' stop him Boo? 👀 SMH...

Once again the press is protecting trump and misleading the American people by reporting that the Venezuelan president has been "captured" by the US government. President Maduro was KIDNAPPED, not by the US government but, by the trump administration, absent congressional approval, therefore absent the will of the American people...

If you are cool with or can make any excuse for any part of an action where a sitting president, a convicted criminal himself, goes into another country and kidnaps their president and his wife and "indicts" them, then you are a huge part of what's wrong with the world today. Pray for Africa...🙏🏿 

Even if this action was taken by a president I liked, such an egregious violation of treaty, trust, sovereignty, and basic humanity, would not be okay with me. I would be just as livid, just as disturbed...

This is a bad dream that worsens with every waking day and it has only been one year. The American people will soon grow tired but when, and what will we do? When, where, and how will our war against tyranny begin?

Happy Last Day of Kwanzaa & Happy New Year!

How appropriate on this last day of Kwanzaa as we greet the New Year, on the heels of closing what has been a very trying, difficult, and sadly, unpredictable year for so many, we are told to focus on the last principle of Kwanzaa, Imani, the Swahili word for faith. 

Imani, the seventh principle of Kwanzaa, reminds us to have faith and to focus on belief in oneself, in our community, and in the righteousness of one's struggle to achieve a higher level of life. 

Ideally, we bid farewell even to a bad year affirmed and uplifted tha, despite the obstacles, we made it through. We embrace the new year high on hope, drunk with anticipation of new beginnings, excited to push a reset button for new opportunities, confident that our new year offers us a new slate, where all things are possible. We must step into 2026 in full faith.

2025 was a year like most have never experienced. We want to believe that when we crossed into 2026, the worst of times were left in 2025. Sadly, we do not know what lies ahead.

What we do know however, is that we find peace and joy in our happy place, whatever that happy place is. It looks different and has different meanings for each of us. Reading, writing, vegging' on a beach, groovin' to soulful music, playing a sport, hanging out with friends or family. You get to decide...

The assignment for 2026 is to find, and frequently visit or do, that which brings you joy or peace. Be intentional about protecting yourself, giving yourself permission to drown out the noise, turn off the worry button, remove the naysayers. Focus solely on healing, listening to, preserving, and restoring yourself. Don't give your thunder to others. Only when we are well, can we be of service best to ourselves, and then to others and our community.

Stride into 2026 full of faith that in finding and protecting your higher self, ultimately, all will be well in your life and in your community...

Happy Kwanzaa!

Happy New Year!

Hello 2026!!!

Kwanzaa Day 5; A Black History Trek to Greensboro, NC

 

You guys know I love my Black History tours. When I can share that time with friends, it is that much more special. These photos are from day one of a celebration of friendship and Sistahood in Greensboro, NC. 

We began our day at the Civil Rights Museum where the historic 1960 lunch counter sit-ins occurred. The original site of those sit-ins, Woolworths, has now been turned into a museum. The sit-ins are historic and had a lasting and profound impact on American history.

Can you imagine the honor of actually knowing someone who sat at that lunch counter in the 60s and was arrested many times for doing so, That would be my good friend Van Gilmer, who, of course, I called as we were driving to Greensboro to get his insight and input on anything special we should make note of while we were in Greensboro. You will notice his name on the side of the monument of the four NC A&T students who started the sit-ins at Woolworth that took on like wildfire, not only in Greensboro but, across the country. Thank you Van! We are forever indebted and grateful for your courage and bravery!

After the museum, we met more friends for lunch at Luxe, a Black owned soul food restaurant, which was an excellent soul food experience that I highly recommend! Everything served was delicious!

After a joyful Sistah Girl lunch, we left to do a drive-by on the campuses of two HBCUs, North Carolina A&T and Bennett College, a private college for women. The schools were closed because the students are still on holiday break, therefore, only a drive by. I will visit again to take in the experienceof the campus in full swing. NCA&T has a monument honoring their four brave sit-in students. Of course we stopped to get photos. A nice Hampton Pirate, Amanda, did us the honor of a group photo. It's an HBCU thing, not a Seton Hall thing Bibi (inside joke)! LOL!

From there we went to an African-American art gallery which, unfortunately, wasn't open but other parts of the arts and culture plaza were.

Before getting back on the road, we stopped to partake in savory treats at Savor The Moment, a Black owned pastry and coffee shop.

It was just a Blackety-Black history filled day of Sisterly love in Greensboro, North Carolina. Put it on your bucket list of must-do Black History tours.

This is how I spent Day 5 of Kwanzaa, Nia, honoring the principle of Purpose!

Happy Kwamzaa!

Happy  New Year!

Happy Black History 365!!!

On This 4th Day of Kwanzaa

 

On this fourth day of Kwanzaa, we are reminded to support Black businesses. The principle of the day is Ujamaa, cooperative economics. 

Given these harsh economic times where pretenses of commitment to inclusion of Blacks in the workplace and other spaces, has been abandoned for what now is undeniable exclusion, removal, and ultimate erasure of Black folks in vital places, it is imperative that we build and support our own. 

All of a sudden education means nothing, because so many Black folks have it, especially Black Women. There is nothing new about the goal post being moved as soon we reach or surpass it... 

The gas lighters have been given license to say the quiet part out loud. They must feel relieved to have been given permission to stop the performance, to remove the mask. Mediocrity has been given an unmasked face and a bold, new, very loud, and highly supported voice. 

All that is required is to be white, preferably white and male. Voila!, the job, or otherwise highly sought opportunity, is yours! Qualifications be damn! This is not news to Black folks. We have always known this. 

So what do we do? Not only is it a prime time to support Black businesses, it is also an opportune time to create Black businesses and employ each other. How bout' that?  👀 

Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics, is the Kwanzaa principle of the day...

Happy Kwanzaa!

The Second Day of Kwanzaa

On the 2nd Day of Kwanzaa, the principle of the day is Kujichagulia, Swahili for Self Determination. 

We are reminded to define ourselves, name ourselves, and to create and speak for ourselves. 

Given our history in this country, where mostly the right to self-determination has been denied us, from our name, to our religion, to where we live, access to education, wealth, and other basic human rights, it is imperative that we take unapologetic control of our lives deciding for ourselves who we are, what are our capabilities, and what is our destiny. No one's permission or affirmation is required. 

Happy Kwanzaa!!!