African “Hoop Dreams” Camp Will Hold Court in Kenya In the mid-1990s, basketball fans around the world were delighted by “Hoop Dreams,” a documentary that chronicles the lives of two young African-Americans in Chicago whose dreams of making it to the lauded National Basketball Association (NBA) were curtailed by socioeconomic factors and other life hardships. “Hoop…
Despite the many ethnic tensions and high levels of unemployment that continue to plague many African nations, the continent is now being referred to as the “world’s most exciting economic frontier.” Africa is experiencing record economic growth rates, surpassing the vast majority of developed economies. Although there are many underlying factors behind the growth, most notably…
Iomikoe Johnson was 25 when she noticed a small spot of white skin under her arm. She worried it might be skin cancer, but then she noticed patches of white popping up elsewhere on her body. Johnson has vitiligo, a condition that may eventually turn her skin completely white. Though the condition once had her…
On Michelle Obama’s recent visit to Denver, the former first lady made an inspiring speech in front of an audience of 8,500. Though the speech itself was not recorded, the Denver Post reported that Obama’s speech contained poignant comments about her experiences as the first black woman in the Oval Office. Her message was largely…
For those who think drama is a lost art, the transcendent work of Chicago playwright Ike Holter will prove them wrong. Holter’s writing, which often depicts real community issues like public education and gay rights, earned him the Windham–Campbell Literature Prize for Drama in 2017. While Holter is known as a Chicago playwright, he was…
The 2017 Caine Prize for African Writing has been presented to Sudanese author Bushra al-Fadil. As one of the most prestigious literary awards to focus on works by African writers, the Caine is expected to raise the reputation of every author who receives it. Al-Fadil won the prize for a short story called “The Story…
Imagine waking up to a bone-shattering cold at 5 o’clock am with no breakfast to warm you up. Next, you proceed to perform various chores—under the moonlight—ranging from fetching water, washing dishes, and preparing your siblings, if any, for school. You have the same routine five out of seven days every week for the 37-week…
On July 18, the world will remember the legacy of Nelson Mandela, one of the most important and charismatic leaders in history. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was more than just a statesman; he was an African man who stood up for his people in the name of freedom, fairness and peace. Although he spent a great…
When model Nyadak “Duckie” Thot posted a picture of herself on social media recently, the internet went a little crazy. Many said that she looked like a Barbie doll. Some insisted that she was a doll. Ultimately, Duckie is an exquisite beauty that outshines any doll. Duckie has South Sudanese heritage but she was born…
“I love betting on women,” says Sherifah Tumusiime. This incredible Ugandan entrepreneur has a long list of accomplishments. Among them, she earned computer science degree from Makerere University, she was inaugurated as a Mandela Washington Fellow within a leadership program initiated by former US President Barack Obama, and she founded Uganda’s first online baby store.…
