my Mother. She is a born humanitarian. She helps people on such a deep personal level and in many cases has impacted their lives greatly. She has been an amazing example for me. I feel very blessed to have the chance to live my dreams while at the same time I am able to express my compassion and love for others. You have been working in reconnecting African natives to the Diaspora. Why is Africa so important to you? I am Africa! All of us are. It is the blood of me and I feel that we could do much more together; United than apart. I try my best to ‘bridge the gap’ via my involvement in fashion, activism and, journalism. Sharing in our similarities is often times the best way to bring people together. If and when the Diaspora is ever Truly united. We will be unstoppable! You have been in 6 African Countries and you were Key Speaker during the 2007 African Union meetings. Since then did you see some positive change on how Africa is doing things politically? To be honest for a while, yes I did. As recent as the 2010 World cup in South Africa, I felt that the African community was shifting in a positive direction. The commitments made by African leaders during the ALR (African leadership retreat) during the games, were so empowering and unifying. The meeting was called “establishing the roadmap for Africa 2020’’. The impression that I took away was that everyone-individually-had a job to do in order to fill a collective commitment. Present day Africa in my opinion is Sad. It worries me with the various uprising throughout the North, the
brutal assignation of Colonel Gaddafi, the civil war and political unrest in Côte d’ivoire-A Country very dear to me-etc... However, Mama AFRICA is strong! With all or many of her children doing right by her, she will one day-soon-be restored to her great glory! I must continue believing and working in this manner. Describe us the Africa of your dreams. Beautiful, Rich, Healthy, and United. The beauty can be seen all around. It is my dream that it is maintained and celebrated without continued warfare and bloodshed. The richness is in the land. It is my dream for Africa to one day benefit off of its riches the way that the rest of the World does- and more so! I would like to see the Real end of the blood diamonds, and the ability for African leaders to conduct Fair trade. I dream of the day that the west no longer has the monopoly on African resources. (*which is currently taking place from previous Colonial powers). I want Africa to become a healthier nation. No one should be dying of starvation, malaria, or even AIDS in this day and age. We must establish a more sufficient medical regime throughout the Continent. I have said it many times throughout this interview but Africa and the Diaspora must not lose sight of the importance of Unity. A United Africa would benefit the whole World. We are a loving people. Full of wisdom, talents, and perseverance. We should encourage and celebrate one another. Work together, build business together, and support one other. This is my dream, my vision for AFRICA! PARIS / FRANCE
September 2013
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