Arao Ameny | Nya Lango - Daughter of Lango
@araoameny
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Reader | Writer | In my language Leb Lango, Arao means “to gather, to collect”, and Ameny is “to bring light” | Proudly Lango | 🇺🇬 | I read 📚 @africanwriter
Maryland, United States
Joined May 2011
Excited to receive my contributor copy of Relations: An Anthology of African and Diaspora Voices!. "Atat" is my first published short story. Thank you Nana Brew-Hammond (@nanaekua) for including me alongside 31 outstanding writers & poets. Order here ⇢
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First-born African daughters. All the responsibilities and obligations of a son but none of the privileges. I said what I said. Go argue with your ancestors.
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”I’m only here because I disagree with the political leadership of this country. I'm here for protesting against unfair taxation and against injustice. If I'm to go through this oppression and pain for the betterment of my country so be it.”— @HEBobiwine #Uganda #FreeBobiWine 🇺🇬
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I delivered my firstborn on July 2. Amara, my daughter’s name, means "one who is loved" or "beloved" in my language Leb Lango, from the Lango word ‘Mara’ for ‘love’. My husband Jason (🇯🇲) & I (🇺🇬) are thrilled. The beginning of the most important story I’ll ever write.
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During my first year of undergrad (Louisiana, USA), I remember the university hired a professor from Tanzania to teach Swahili. I immediately bought the textbook and registered for his course. (1/7).
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A blood relative threatened me after I stopped sending money back home to Uganda to support her. She even called me a witch. I asked her not to insult me because I’m too ambitious to be just a witch. I asked her to call me ‘Head Witch’ or the ‘Advisor to Witches’. #blacktax.
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When I went back to the Tanzanian professor to apologize for withdrawing from his course, he was expecting me. With a gentle smile and without allowing me to finish, he said "I already know and I was waiting for you to also know.".
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*Reads a message in my inbox from a white American woman who says she is from Mississippi and I should be grateful that she used her summer to go my country (Uganda) to teach children English and bring them to Jesus*. *checks the WiFi signal on my spear*.
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Doing final edits on my poem that was rejected 27 times and will be published by a top lit mag here in the US. When I was 8-yrs-old in Bat Valley Primary School in Kampala, Uganda, I told my English teacher that I would be a published poet one day. I’ll be one in January 2020.
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My mother told me that one day I would understand her hard decisions. To be Ugandan in the diaspora sometimes means not buying a plane ticket to go home but instead contributing to relatives’ medical, educational, or funeral costs, a type of absence more impactful than presence.
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I called one of my aunts in Uganda. That day, I learned that language, like water, can take the shape of the containers they hold. These human containers--soldiers--carried a language when they beat people with sticks and pistols and rifles. (6/7).
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Sometimes, an introduction to a language, an encounter with a language, and the memory of a language are violent. A week later, my mother invited me back to the house. A cup of ginger tea and two books with the words "Learn leb Lango" and "Learn Lango" sat on the table. (7/7).
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Paid opportunity. Diaspora Africa (@diasporaafrica_ ) is seeking writers & journalists interested in documenting African immigration. • Learn about Diaspora Africa ⇢ • Details & Managing Editor contact, go to “Write For Us” ⇢
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". what we will become.waits in us like an ache.". ― Lucille Clifton.
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African-American poet Gwendolyn Brooks talks about Ugandan poet Okot p'Bitek. “Do you know the poetry of Okot p'Bitek? He was an African poet. If I were forced to, I believe I would say he is my favorite poet. ”. Lincoln Academy 1997 interview
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A thread: #NeverGiveUp . My first published poem “Home is a Woman” was rejected 27 times—two full years of rejections—before it was published in 2020 in a top U.S. literary journal, The Southern Review. (1/8).
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“He who is destined for power does not have to fight for it.” — Ugandan proverb #PeoplePower #BobiWineReturns #BobiWine #Uganda #Africa #PeoplesPresident
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Fly higher. 📸: Kidjo Photography
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I was so excited that I shared the news at her doorstep before walking in. With her hand out, she said, "I know we left Uganda when you were in primary school but you must remember that is the language soldiers spoke and I will not have soldiers in my house." (4/7).
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I received a twelfth rejection from a literary journal and the editor sent me a personal one-sentence email that says "I admire your stubbornness". He has no idea who he's dealing with. I rise like well-beatened dough that has been kneaded with both hands.
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The way this book has travelled…. I bought Okot p’Bitek’s 1985 book Acholi Proverbs 4 yrs ago from a small UK-based secondhand bookshop that was willing to ship to the US since the book had been sitting in the shop for years but it is only today that I noticed… (1/3)
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Celebrations in Harlem, New York, after Senegal’s win. #AFCON2021 . Congratulations 🇸🇳🇸🇳🇸🇳🇸🇳🇸🇳🇸🇳!
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A day after @HEBobiwine announces town hall meeting for Diaspora here in Washington D.C. on Sat. Sept. 15th @ 12:30 pm, @KagutaMuseveni says he’ll address the nation (again). Same day, same time, 7:30 pm, #Uganda|n time. ‘Grandfather’, are you competing with your ‘grandchildren’?.
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I was excited about the introduction of the first African language at my school at a time when only European languages like French and Spanish were offered. (2/7).
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Thirteen years ago. 2009. My paternal grandmother didn't know I took this photo of her as she walked the trail back to her house. I didn't know it would be the last time I saw her alive. I went back to Uganda to bury her in 2018. To be ‘away’ is to lose people and gaps of time.
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Happy Birthday, Dr. @kizzabesigye1. Back then, I was a journalist. I’ll never forget the day Milton Allimadi introduced us. Thank you for talking to me about how Diaspora can give back to Uganda. You are the catalyst that began my journey. June 3, 2013. Manhattan, New York City
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I introduced myself to the professor and he joked with me that he would teach me better KiSwahili than the one my Kenyan friends were teaching me. I drove two hours to my mother's house to tell her the good news. (3/7).
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April 29 is my late mother's birthday. She would have been 61 today. Seven years ago, ancestors welcomed her home on April 1 after her eight-month long fight with Leukemia. I am everything I am because of this Lango woman from Anai, Lira. My first home. I miss her every day.
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One of my most prized possessions: . artwork signed to me by Honourable Kyagulanyi (@HEBobiwine), the leader—my leader—of #Uganda’s grassroots People Power Movement. The drawing was done by Ugandan artist Ben Ziraba Nyende who lives here in the US. #Mission2021 #PeoplePower 🇺🇬
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She closed the door and locked it behind her. I drove back to the university. (5/7).
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“The conquerer writes history. They came, they conquered & they wrote. Now you don’t expect people who came to invade us to write the truth about us. They will always write negative things about us & they have to do that to justify their invasion.” — Miriam Makeba, 1969 interview
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Excited that my application was selected to be Writer/Poet Auditor at The 2023 Poets and Scholars Summer Writing Retreat at Rutgers University. Looking forward to learning from (and growing with) poets and writers Airea D. Matthews, Gregory Pardlo, Vievee Francis, and many more.
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So Janet Museveni, a WHOLE Minister of Education, wife of Uganda’s president who has ruled for 34 yrs, quotes the Oxford dictionary & Bible in her speech—not the Constitution—when defending the army and police beating Makerere University students peacefully protesting a fee hike?.
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Today I’m a published poet. I’m deeply honored and privileged to have “Home is a Woman” in the @southern_review literary journal. This came at the right time: April. This is dedicated to my mother who died from cancer five years ago on April 1st. Her 59th birthday is April 29.
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2:01 PM. Phone call from one of my aunts in Uganda. Posted with permission. “#ToniMorrison is not dead—she’s an ancestor. Listen well. Remember the 3 Ws: Wield Words Wisely. Words have eyes—big fat beautiful eyes. Words color how you see the world. No one dies—we transform.”.
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As part of my Writer-in-Residence program at Yellow Arrow Publishing (@yellowarrowpub), I'm teaching a workshop "An Introduction to the Poetry of Okot p’Bitek" on Thursday, June 16 from 7:00-8:30 pm EST. Sign up here ⇢ #OkotpBitek #writingworkshops #poets
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“Time by itself means nothing, no matter how fast it moves, unless we give it something to carry for us; something we value.”. – Ama Ata Aidoo (23 March 1942 – 31 May 2023) . Poet. Writer. Author. Playwright. Academic.
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Six months ago, I swallowed my fear and submitted poems (I write prose by the way) to 12 literary magazines. Eleven rejections later, I open my email today to learn a top lit mag accepted a poem I wrote for my mother and the women in my family. I'll share more in coming weeks. .
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Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Publishing Arts from University of Baltimore—and of course my Uganda stole with cap and gown because my (late) mother who is here in spirit would have made sure I had one to represent where I come from. #graduation #MFA #writers
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I’m happy Poetry Foundation (@PoetryFound) extended my contract as a biography writer and editor through 2023. I’m looking forward to another year of learning, growth, and inspiration from poets and writers from around the world. #arts #literature #writing
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@tasty I want to hear Youssouf Katari speak. He’s the croissant master, isn't he? I’m bothered by this.
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2:38 AM. I swallowed my fear and submitted poems to 12 literary magazines. The worst that could happen is I get a ‘no’ and then I’ll try again and again until I reach my goal.
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My husband and I took our three-month-old Amara to get her first library card and books. #ItWasAGoodDay
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”You are hardworking, intelligent and organized, I thought you were a man. I like your professionalism.” . — an actual email from a Ugandan man in his 30s I was working with on a project via telecommute. The year is 2019. Emphasis on ’was’.
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Ugandans in the Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia area, we have a ZOOM meeting for People Power Movement supporters *every* Thursday at 7 PM (Eastern Standard Time). Kindly inbox me for details. Talk soon. #Mission2021 #PeoplePower #Diaspora #UgandanDiaspora #Uganda 🇺🇬
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I'm extremely honored that my first published poem "Home is a Woman"—which appeared in @southern_review and won the James Olney Award—is being taught today at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. I'm thankful to Dr. Ndanyi (@kaunga23) for including my work in his course. (1/3)
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To Ugandan women sharing their stories about rape and sexual assault on social media, whether it was years ago, days ago or last night, I believe you. I believe you. I believe you. I believe you. I believe you. I believe you. Thank you for being incredibly brave and vulnerable.
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One of my poems was accepted by two top literary magazines. On the same day. Emails are eleven minutes apart. My ancestors are working in overdrive.
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@Odomfoneba @asemota As a Ugandan, I want to laugh but I will just whisper before Ghanaians and Nigerians come for me--at least your presidents finish their terms and do other things with their lives.
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My website is now live. I'm happy to reach one of my goals for 2022.
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“Whatever you decide—that is not my business. My business is standing for the truth. My business is standing for what is morally right. standing for what is morally beneficial to you, to me….and to the people of #Uganda.” @HEBobiwine at Luzira prison #Bobiwine #FreeBobiWine ✊🏾
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Today I'm excited to be accepted into Tin House Writers Workshop for Fiction Writing for Winter 2021. In February, I was accepted into Kenyon Review Writers Workshop for Poetry for Summer 2021. Two prestigious acceptances in one very difficult year. I'm eternally grateful.
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Walking into the last month of 2021 like. (The Zaouli dance from the Gouro people of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa 🇨🇮)
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Eight years later, I learn that my mother’s American husband of six years, who sold her house and land in Ohio after she died before signing her will, now has terminal cancer, and wants to reconcile with her children. She used to say “Our Lango ancestors do not sleep or forget.”.
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Excited to announce that Poetry Foundation (@PoetryFound) offered me a one-year contract role as a Biography Writer and Editor to write, edit, and expand poets’ biographies. Looking forward to a year of learning, growth, and inspiration.
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7:30 PM. Text message from an aunt in Uganda. “You are where? Gym? So you pay white people to sweat? Come home. Work on my farm and I pay you to sweat. Don’t worry, you can write on your break. That stomach will slim down quick-quick. I’ll teach you how to grow your own food.”.
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A manuscript I’m currently working on. For my mother and my grandmothers and the women before them.
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Ugandans in Washington DC came today to see @HEBobiwine Honorable Robert Kyagulanyi AKA #Bobiwine. Proud of us! No matter what language we speak, no matter which town or city we come from, we came together for one reason—people power. I deeply love my people. #ProudlyUgandan 🇺🇬
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“Books and all forms of writing are terror to those who wish to suppress the truth.”. – Wọlé Ṣóyínká.
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July 11. It’s my birthday. I collect pieces of history, especially Africa’s history, specifically Uganda’s history. I found a 50 shillings banknote (1985) & a 500 shillings banknote (1983) with Milton Obote who led Uganda to independence in 1962 from British colonialism. (1/2)
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African-American poet Gwendolyn Brooks talks about Ugandan poet Okot p'Bitek. “Do you know the poetry of Okot p'Bitek? He was an African poet. If I were forced to, I believe I would say he is my favorite poet. ”. Lincoln Academy 1997 interview
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Just completed my MFA thesis defense in Creative Fiction. My book of short stories ’Malakwang’ is about a Ugandan family’s immigrant experiences in the U.S. Next step: more revising, more editing and sending out to publishers for the next six to 12 months. I’m determined.
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Overjoyed to be nominated for the 2021 Best New Poets anthology (@BestNewPoets) for "Home is a Woman"—my first published poem. I thank @southern_review's Poetry Editor Jessica Faust for her nomination, her guidance, and most of all, for believing in my work. #Grateful #Thankful
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Work mode. Our #PeoplePower team is at Center for Strategic & International Studies with Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi (@HEBobiwine) taping a podcast with Africa Director Judd Devermont to talk about upcoming elections in #Uganda, the vibrant People Power Movement, and the way forward.
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📢Calling African storytellers & artists:. Sign up for @africanofilter's FREE masterclass. Get tips & resources to make your grant application stand out from @hivosrosa grants lead Samantha Nengomasha & ANF's Victor Mark-Onyegbu on Wed., June 21. RSVP ⇢
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I've been listening & following #360Mentor on Twitter Spaces hosted by @rkabushenga & @Comrade_Otoa. Glad to tune in from Maryland, USA, to learn & be inspired by Ugandans based in Uganda. Loved the healthy eating tips from one of the guests @drkasenene so much I bought his book!
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Watched a webinar hosted by Dr. Jimmy Spire Ssentongo (@SpireJim): book launch of Christianity, Politics & the Afterlives of War in Uganda by Henni Alava. I'm interested in the relationship between churches & politics in Uganda so I was glad to listen in & learn. Time well spent.
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One day I’ll write a story about tribalism in diaspora Ugandan communities. The way people effortlessly practice it, the way it’s spoken fluently like a language—the way people witness it, deny it, try to explain it away, and even pretend it's not happening. It’s fascinating.
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I admire @winniekiiza1’s integrity—what a woman!. “. we have talked against overstay in power. I think it's the right time to take the lead. I can only feel successful if I participate in the election of my successor so that together we can shape the destiny of our community.”
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Whichever ancestor has taken hold of Don Lemon tonight. stay.
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Hello Toronto, Canada! We are here!. Honorable Robert Kyagulanyi @HEBobiwine and Honorable MP Zaake Francis Butebi @ZaakeFrancis have arrived safely in Canada and ready to engage with Diaspora Ugandans! 🇨🇦 🇺🇬
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Ugandans in the diaspora & members of Uganda’s People Power Movement stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. People Power. Our Power. Enough is enough. ✊🏾🇺🇬 . #BlackLivesMatter #PeoplePower
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Current situation: Honorable Robert Kyagulanyi @HEBobiwine speaking to Diaspora Ugandans and friends of Uganda at a fundraiser and town hall meeting in Seattle, Washington.
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And I will try. And try. And try. And try. And try. And try. And try. And try again. Not giving up. Never giving up.
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Please help preserve the work of one of Africa’s most important twentieth-century writers. Donate to the fundraiser to digitize the Bessie Head Papers at the Khama III Memorial Museum in Serowe, Botswana here ⇢
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#BlackWomenAtWork.“Can I touch your hair? I've never touched African hair before.". “No.”. “Just the tips—". “No.". “Why are you so angry?”.
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I stand in solidarity with writer and friend, @KakwenzaRukira. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are fundamental rights. Anyone should be able to ridicule the leaders of the country and discuss serious matters of governance. #Uganda #FreeKakwenza #WritingIsNotACrime
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More video of the protest that happened earlier today outside the United Nations in New York City. I am so very proud of fellow Ugandans + friends of Uganda who came out to support us. #PeoplePower #MuseveniMustGo #BobiWine #Uganda cc: @HEBobiwine
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In many languages & multiple countries around the world, the Ugandan Diaspora stand in solidarity with Member of Parliament Francis Zaake to condemn his brutal arrest, detention & torture by #Uganda’s government. Indeed, we are not free unless all of us are free! #PeoplePower
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I think I’m having heart palpitations. Two of my faves in the same room—Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and @HEBobiwine. #FELAbration 🇳🇬🇺🇬 #chimamandangoziadichie #chimamanda #bobiwine #nigeria #uganda
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Me: “Don't forget I'm giving you—". 17-year-old brother: “Cooking lessons every weekend until I go to college in August. I know what you're gonna say—I shouldn't expect or depend on any woman to cook for me and the same hands I use to play videos games can also cook. Got it.".
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@EyeRainVerses I had to sharpen my digital panga for this woman. She was upset I spoke up about Sarah Gloyd. She told me sees nothing wrong with calling black people monkeys—that I should learn to take a joke and relax. And such people work with Ugandan children? Our country needs to ban them.
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Another short clip from our Voice of America interview with fellow Diaspora Coordinator @Kharym1. We’re discussing Uganda govt ban on the red beret—a symbol of #PeoplePower, a grassroots movement challenging Museveni’s 34-yr-old dictatorship. Full interview soon. #Diaspora ✊🏾🇺🇬
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Ugandans and friends of Uganda, I can't wait to see you in Boston, Massachusetts and Toronto, Canada this weekend! Let’s go! #PeoplePower 💪🏾🇺🇸 🇨🇦🇺🇬
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July 11. Grateful for another year of life. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
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Volunteer as a writing consultant and/or a juror for the Baldwin Prize, an essay competition for high school students named after American writer James Baldwin. Writers or editors may volunteer online or in person. Join me here ⇢
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“I am a writer. I am going to write.” - Lorraine Hansberry.
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@seejenwrite Raising my teenage brother after my mother died from cancer. (Noticed the date of your post falls on the 29th of April, my mom’s birthday).
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