Kemi Seriki, The Founder
In 2017, I initiated a conversation about the first generation of African immigrant children growing up in American society. The goal of this dialogue is to create an open platform where children from diverse backgrounds can come together to express their challenges as they navigate the balance between their American identity and African heritage.
The vision of the forum is to include African children from various backgrounds in this important conversation. The African community often connects along lines of country of origin, religion, and ethnicity. As an immigrant from Nigeria who has lived in the United States for over 40 years and as a single parent of two adult children, I deeply understand the challenges that many immigrants and their children face in adapting to daily life in America.
To generate support from the African community and introduce this idea, I wrote an article titled “How are the Children – Awọn ọmọn’ko,” a customary greeting among the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. This greeting underscores the importance placed on a child’s well-being within society, which encompasses not just physical health but also social connections and psychological welfare.
One key lesson I learned after college is that education does not end with graduation; continuous self-education is essential. As an avid reader with a wide range of interests, I have explored numerous scholarly publications on the complexities of race relations in America, as well as African and African American history. My training in adolescent behavior and mental health, drug use prevention, and promoting healthy development has equipped me to address the challenges faced by youth.
I actively participate in discussions on race relations, white privilege, social injustice, and gender inequality, as well as various African forums that focus on issues affecting the diaspora.
I hope you stay in touch by signing up for future events and get the latest publications from my blog. We can arrange a speaking engagement if you like to host a forum within your community.