|
Books by
Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd
My Deepest Affections Are Yours /
Journey to the Motherland
/
History
To Destiny Through Afrocentric Poetry /
Loving
Black Women
History
to Destiny Through Afrocentric Poetry
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Journey
to the Motherland
From San Francisco to Benin City
A novel by Larry Uklai Johnson-Redd Reviews
If you are looking for some enlightenment
read this book Journey to the Motherland: From San Francisco
to Benin City by Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd. It is a
revelation of one man's insight and involvement into the
political arena of racism towards black students in this country
and especially in the 60s and sadly to say still continues even
in today's society not only in the South but also in the West.
The struggles, hardships, and suspicions they had to endure in
order to obtain a decent education to better their lives in
comparison to their white's compatriots.
The first chapter opens with him and his wife
returning to America from the Motherland and in one solitude
moment on the plane his thoughts flash back to his youth in the
city of San Francisco where he was born.
The next three chapters tell you of his days
in junior and high school. His problems at securing a job after
graduation from university was not with its complications, even
though his credentials were impressive and impressive they were,
however, he persevered and conquered.
When both he and his wife accepted new posts
in Africa, he as a teacher and she to work with the government,
it was the most important decision any two people deeply in love
with each other could have made. For his wife, it was the best
thing that could have happened because she was returning to her
country of birth and he was going there for the first time to
his "homeland."
The description of the places and the cities
he visited and most of all the people of Africa were
awe-inspiring, one only have to close one's eyes and one can
feel, hear, and smell all the beauty and the sufferings that
make Africa the great continent she is. And suddenly one is
transplanted there.
His description of
family greetings, the meeting of old friends and the making of
new ones was something to treasure for a lifetime. While living
in Africa he gives one the feeling that one never wants to leave
once one gets there. It was as if coming home to heaven on
earth. His time spent there was the most remarkable of his life
with his wife along his side could not have completed a better
picture. Much as he loved Africa he still longed to be back home
in America where his family still lived.
--Veronica Brown, African Connection
Newspaper (March 2003)
This autobiographical Journey to the
Motherland is a 160-page novel. But I read it in less than
two days. Reading this book was an invocation of the nostalgia
to be "at home right now."
This book is written in a style that helps
the reader to be transported to Africa and be actively engaged
in the dynamic and evolving events of the moment as they unfold.
One could not help but follow the "journey" and soak
in the moments. Perhaps being a Yoruba (born in Nigeria),
familiar with the local terrain and socio-cultural
manifestations and political landscape of Nigeria; and living in
the Bay Area for over twenty-five years -- well I traveled home
periodically, I am able to understand the book better. however,
this is a book about a wonderful experience in Africa.
One thing that is clear throughout the book
is a commitment by the author Ukali Johnson-Redd, to increasing
empowerment for African people all over the world.
It behooves any one contemplating a visit to
any part of Africa to read Journey to the Motherland. A
great many brothers and sisters go to Africa without preparation
or some for of orientation. they then experience cultural shock
on arrival -- shock at the mass of black people taking care of
business; shock at the unparalleled and unqualified show of
hospitality displayed by the hosts; shock at the high level of
intellectual capacity and scholarship; shock at the fact that
people are unfazed at whether or not utilities work; and shock
at the fact that the urban and rural areas are just as any you
will find in the so=called civilized western cities.
I could not help but be thankfully amazed at
how Brother Ukali has assimilated the local lingo and nuances to
a "T." Talk about "invigilation . . ." for
proctoring a student test (p. 124); and dispensing "dongoyaro"
-- a traditional herbal extract -- as the preferred medication
for malaria (p. 144) -- that follows age-long African
understanding of traditional therapy -- and which Western
medicine refuses to celebrate. Perhaps Ukali needs to consider
sharing his experience at medical colleges here in the United
States.
Journey to the
Motherland is recommended and a definite must read by every
one who wishes to get a better understanding of Africa and
African ways, its indubitable and welcoming hospitality, and its
great culture, educational environment.
--Kola Akintola-Thomas is CEO of African
Global Institute africanglobal@yahoo.com
See also: http://www.sfbayview.com/123103/wandaspicks123103.shtml Journey to the Motherland: From San Francisco to Benin City by
Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd published by Amen-Ra Theological Seminary Press
/ 10920 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 150-9132 / Los Angeles, California
90024-6502 / Imz@lycos.com / send
$14.95 plus $3.00 for handling
For more information, contact Larry
Ukali Johnson-Redd ljredd52@aol.com
/ journeytothemotherland/index.html
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Larry
Ukali Johnson-Redd—Report
on Third Annual
African-American Spoken Word
Festival--
Listen
to Conversations of Africa
by
following this link:
http://www.conversationsofafrica.asmnetwork.net/
You are invited to
listen to this and join in
the conversation and make it
a discussion by calling in
and participating at
347-215-7831! Remember
this segment will begin at 8
PM Pacific Standard Time! Conversations
of Africa
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updated 22
February 2008 |
