Not that you have ever lived there being an "African-American" and all; but if there were a place prepared for you and your family, would you go? For instance, if you knew you had a decent job lined up, a decent place to live, and an opportunity to be put in a position to help many people over there, would you? Even if those things were not provided for you but some American agency provided you an all expense paid return to the Home Land, would it even be a consideration.

Africa is made up of many countries and not all of those countries are poverty stricken, as the American media would have you to believe. Many nations and cities in Africa are well developed and have all the amenities of life just like here in America. Look at Africa as an over-sized United States. There are some places you would never live here in the U.S. let alone in Africa.

There are areas of certain cities in America that are poverty-stricken, have no running water and are miles away from so-called civilization. There are places in America where poverty reigns supreme and AIDS and crime and drugs are rampant. And there are parts of America where the rich dwell along side the lowly working person. Africa is made up of twice as many of these type places; it all depends on where you live, who you know, and if you are willing.

The customs and tradition may be different but is that a challenge you would rather not take, or is it one that you would gladly see as a breath of fresh air. We have been Americanized all our lives and of course it would be difficult assuming another cultural identity but we have overcome greater obstacles. The challenges would be much different than they are here and there is a whole different group of people with different view points and values who would help and assist you in accepting the challenge.

There are cars there and food and homes and shopping malls and educational institutions just like there are here. There are political parties (with different agendas than here), there is a different judicial system with different laws (without the American Constitution), and there are different causes to fight for with different outcomes. There are different religions with different practices and different gods who do things differently than Jesus does and the great American Christian. And the religious leaders see the world differently than they do here.

If you get homesick just remember there is crime there and drugs, and prostitution and gambling there just like here in America. There are rapist and abusers and terrorist and racist (but not as many). There are child abusers and pedophiles, corrupt politicians and lawyers, abusive cops and unjust judges, just like here in America (but not as many and as rampant). There may be some hypocrisy there like it is here and there are some liars in the media and over-paid actors (I might doubt that one) and sports figures like there are here. If you get homesick you can probably find some of these people and things somewhere in Africa.

If you are the kind of person who would never leave America that is understandable. You have accepted American life and are happy with your job. You are content with your home and your family life. You may have a good church home and a good pastor and you like sitting down to watch television after work. You anticipate the forth of July and Thanksgiving and Christmas and New years, and you enjoy the elections (where your vote can be heard and counted) and you get paid for Presidents day and Memorial Day, and Labor Day.

You look forward to the Superbowl and the World Series and the NBA Playoffs and you love talking about it the next day at work to your coworkers. All that is understandable and you should not leave your comfortable home.

However, if you ever decide to really do something with your life think about Africa and the people who could use your knowledge and wisdom. As stated earlier, if some American government agency or interest group were to raise enough money for you and your family to leave and "go back to Africa" would you consider it? Ponder that thought and contact us at Afromerica so we can help to arrange your departure.

© 2003 by AfroStaff