Kemi Seriki, The Founder
In 2017, I started a conversation about the first generation of African immigrant children growing up in American society. The purpose of the dialogue is creating an open platform for our children of different backgrounds to come together and express their challenges as they try to balance between the two worlds of having an American identity and maintaining their African heritage.
The vision of the forum is to include African children from various diverse backgrounds into the conversation. The African community mostly relates along the line of country of origin, religion, and ethnic background. As an immigrant from Nigeria who has been residing in the United States for over 39 years and a single parent of two adult children, I understand the challenges many immigrants and their children face as they try to survive the demands of daily life in America.
While trying to generate support from African community and introduce the idea, I wrote an article titled “How are the Children – Awọn ọmọn’ko” which is a customary greeting among Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. With such reception, it shows that a child’s wellbeing is highly acknowledged within society. Such well-being is not only limited to physical health but comprises many aspects of human health such as social connection with others and psychological welfare.
One thing I learned after graduating college years ago is that education does not end after graduation, one needs continuous engagement in self-education. As an avid reader of various interests, I have read many scholarly publications on race relation in America and its complexities, African and African American history. I also have extensive training in Adolescent behavior and mental health, drug use and promoting healthy development that reduces the impact of detrimental conduct among youth. I continue to participate in various discussions on race relation in America and white privilege, social injustice in America, gender inequality and different African forum focusing on African issues in 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.
While trying to generate support from African community and introduce the idea, I wrote an article titled “How are the Children – Awọn ọmọn’ko” which is a customary greeting among Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria. With such reception, it shows that a child’s wellbeing is highly acknowledged within society. Such well-being is not only limited to physical health but comprises many aspects of human health such as social connection with others and psychological welfare.
One thing I learned after graduating college years ago is that education does not end after graduation, one needs continuous engagement in self-education. As an avid reader of various interests, I have read many scholarly publications on race relations in America and its complexities, African and African American history. I also have extensive training in Adolescent behavior and mental health, drug use and promoting healthy development that reduces the impact of detrimental conduct among youth. I continue to participate in various discussions on race relations in America and white privilege, social injustice in America, gender inequality and different African forums focusing on African issues in 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.