In one of the most unexpected experiences of my journey here I received my Acholi name.
For some time, I had been hoping to receive a name. Friends who’ve traveled here before me already had their names and used them quite frequently. I was beginning to become jealous.
For one, I found that my name “Jayanni” is not only difficult to pronounce back home, but it’s very difficult for Ugandans to pronounce, spell and remember. I dread greetings because even Erin and Lindsay’s names present a challenge for people. You can guess what happens when I say “Hello, I’m Jayanni!” …
But about that unexpected experience: One word. WANG'OO. Wang’oo is the traditional practice of story-telling by fire for the Acholi. Its significance and use, however, goes beyond that. It is used for counseling, marriage and funeral arrangements, teaching (especially for the youth) and learning of gender roles (just to name a few) … But because of the war it was largely discontinued- and for some, destroyed.
We were invited to sit in on a Wang’oo as guests of The Pincer Group- An education consultation agency. They put together that night’s Wang'oo in a village a few miles from Gulu Town. It was apart of their peace and cultural reinvigoration projects for the war-torn region.
We sat around a blazing fire with elders, women and youth from the village. After receiving a warm welcome, we were prompted to sit down in some of the more comfortable chairs there. Lindsay and Erin introduced themselves using their Acholi names of Aber (ah-bear) and Adyer (i-dee-ay) … Next was my turn and they quickly asked why I did not have an Acholi name. Embarrassed, I replied that I was waiting to receive one … The elders conversed among themselves and my name was presented to me.
ANYADWE.
Pronounced: an-yad-whey … It means daughter of the moon. It is given to the most beautiful.
I was extremely flattered and honored to receive such a name in such a way. One elder promptly rose from his set and embraced me tightly, calling me his daughter. He said I had left, but now I was returned- The emotions that fell over my body were deep and brought tears to my eyes. Was I home? My dark skin, textured hair and facial features the only things physically connecting me to my African heritage. Everything else that made this person before you was shaped by America and my experiences growing up as a black girl in the U.S.
But that did not matter. I was returned and although 300-400 years removed from Africa by slavery, oppression, Jim-crow, segregation, racial discrimination, institutionalized racism and all such efforts to integrate blacks into American society … I, was still his daughter. I was STILL a daughter of Africa.
Yes, most Ugandans are confused by me. A Black-American, but even more so a dark-skinned Black American …
It’s known that the U.S. media disproportionally shows fewer images of blacks in mainstream television. And when they do they are brown-skinned to light-skinned Blacks (remnants of slavery) … and if Rap/Pop music videos (usually the unintelligent kind) are the only thing that is allowed to permeate African society, then there is neither a fair nor diverse representation of us … AND what is being taught in the schools here that would warrant such confusion? …
I do believe that West Africa may be different though. Their perception of Black Americans may be much more varied. There has been little travel to east Africa by African-Americans, which may explain largely why I confuse so many people who try to figure out my ethnicity and nationality.
I’m am proud to own my confused identity though- Whether it is here or back home.
To be simply American or African is to not acknowledge history, my heritage and the truth. I am African-American. Being black in the U.S. will always be a different experience from anything ever presented in film, television or video. And though many (of all races) try to recreate it on TV and in movies- This identity can only be lived … and loved because it’s neither or- It is many things. I am only one representation of it.
Africa is a tremendously diverse continent with a long list of ethnic groups, languages, dialects, cultural practices, religions, beliefs and yes shades of skin. So where do I fit in? …
Guess I will let you know when I find out!
This doesn’t begin to explain everything though- these words, my words- because like I said this identity can only be lived … and loved because you know of its struggles, of its triumphs of its failures, its quiet strength, its mistakes, its resilience, its ugly and of its immense beauty.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
This House is Not a Home ... Yet
So I thought it would make for an interesting read if I posted a little something about moving into our house … Here it goes.
AHHHHHHH! … would be the perfect way to describe the process of moving. I myself am a first timer. I have never rented a house before. So to do it in a foreign country is … yeah.
As soon as we arrived in Gulu, Erin and I met up with a Ugandan friend, Jeff, who had been looking for our house since last semester. We proceeded to drop off our things at our hotel and proceeded to go inspect the houses. We started out looking for a furnished house, but we would learn that that was just unrealistic … It took us two days to see them all, but we had six options. One beautiful yet expensive house, one very nice house that did not have running water (umm no thank you), 2 very shady and awful hole-in-the-grounds, a nice house by Gulu University (too far from town though) and then the one we finally decided on in Pece :)
It was a tough choice. The house by the university was just as nice as the one in Pece. The only thing holding us back from it was the distance. What we would pay each month to boda into town would cover how much extra rent we would pay for the house in Pece. The choice seemed obvious, but we still had to consider how our third roommate would feel about the decision when she arrived.
The “we would be closer to town” argument won of course and the “it’s getting too expensive to stay in this hotel another night” pushed us to pick the house in Pece. All in all we made a good choice. The house has two bedrooms (one very huge), an awesome living room, bathroom and a very nice kitchen. But it all had to be cleaned, the walls had to be painted and it HAD to be fumigated (which is something we are still waiting on)
My first night in the house: I felt liberated from staying in Kampala and hotels. I had privacy … I could settle down, make it a place of refuge if I wanted, and call it home … eventually.
It had been a hectic couple of days, because in a week Erin and I had looked for a house, decided on a house, worked out a plan of payment, had 3 meetings with our land lady, finalized the lease agreement, spent 3 days pricing and shopping for house items, ordered bed frames, a table and chair set and a living room set. PHEW! I’m exhausted just thinking about it. In between all of that we made countless runs to the bank and various areas of town. Sadly my research took a back seat during that week …
Our third roommate and friend, Lindsay, arrived from the U.S. a few days later. Her arrival would add relief and a little more stability in our lives. (Considering this was her 5th visit to Uganda and this time she bought a one way ticket)
Now, MOVING IN! … well that was more easy said than done. As of this moment we are still moving in. Today we moved in our living room set. Tuesday my shelf will be ready.
Most of our frustration living here has not come about from finding this place, but from everything that needs fixing! And by everything I mean EVERYTHING!
Plugs, electrical wiring, door handles, a sink pipe, window panes! BUT the two biggest things: Electricity and Water! … Blackouts are frequent here so we expected it. However we didn’t anticipate it to be everyday! With phones and computers needing to be charged, tempers began to flare. Having no water for days at a time did not help.
The Good news is that they fixed our water problem today, but for some reason it ran out again this morning. (I’ve learned not to get my hopes up). If we could have water AND electricity together, running at the same time for at least a week then my faith in our “house crew” would grow … Not to mention that every time they repair something they break two more things. It’s becoming a habit that needs to be broken.
So as of now I’m taking it one day at a time … just like everything else. We still have plenty of repairs left, but with furniture coming in and the bond growing between me and the girls, this House will become a Home.
AHHHHHHH! … would be the perfect way to describe the process of moving. I myself am a first timer. I have never rented a house before. So to do it in a foreign country is … yeah.
As soon as we arrived in Gulu, Erin and I met up with a Ugandan friend, Jeff, who had been looking for our house since last semester. We proceeded to drop off our things at our hotel and proceeded to go inspect the houses. We started out looking for a furnished house, but we would learn that that was just unrealistic … It took us two days to see them all, but we had six options. One beautiful yet expensive house, one very nice house that did not have running water (umm no thank you), 2 very shady and awful hole-in-the-grounds, a nice house by Gulu University (too far from town though) and then the one we finally decided on in Pece :)
It was a tough choice. The house by the university was just as nice as the one in Pece. The only thing holding us back from it was the distance. What we would pay each month to boda into town would cover how much extra rent we would pay for the house in Pece. The choice seemed obvious, but we still had to consider how our third roommate would feel about the decision when she arrived.
The “we would be closer to town” argument won of course and the “it’s getting too expensive to stay in this hotel another night” pushed us to pick the house in Pece. All in all we made a good choice. The house has two bedrooms (one very huge), an awesome living room, bathroom and a very nice kitchen. But it all had to be cleaned, the walls had to be painted and it HAD to be fumigated (which is something we are still waiting on)
My first night in the house: I felt liberated from staying in Kampala and hotels. I had privacy … I could settle down, make it a place of refuge if I wanted, and call it home … eventually.
It had been a hectic couple of days, because in a week Erin and I had looked for a house, decided on a house, worked out a plan of payment, had 3 meetings with our land lady, finalized the lease agreement, spent 3 days pricing and shopping for house items, ordered bed frames, a table and chair set and a living room set. PHEW! I’m exhausted just thinking about it. In between all of that we made countless runs to the bank and various areas of town. Sadly my research took a back seat during that week …
Our third roommate and friend, Lindsay, arrived from the U.S. a few days later. Her arrival would add relief and a little more stability in our lives. (Considering this was her 5th visit to Uganda and this time she bought a one way ticket)
Now, MOVING IN! … well that was more easy said than done. As of this moment we are still moving in. Today we moved in our living room set. Tuesday my shelf will be ready.
Most of our frustration living here has not come about from finding this place, but from everything that needs fixing! And by everything I mean EVERYTHING!
Plugs, electrical wiring, door handles, a sink pipe, window panes! BUT the two biggest things: Electricity and Water! … Blackouts are frequent here so we expected it. However we didn’t anticipate it to be everyday! With phones and computers needing to be charged, tempers began to flare. Having no water for days at a time did not help.
The Good news is that they fixed our water problem today, but for some reason it ran out again this morning. (I’ve learned not to get my hopes up). If we could have water AND electricity together, running at the same time for at least a week then my faith in our “house crew” would grow … Not to mention that every time they repair something they break two more things. It’s becoming a habit that needs to be broken.
So as of now I’m taking it one day at a time … just like everything else. We still have plenty of repairs left, but with furniture coming in and the bond growing between me and the girls, this House will become a Home.
Success Stories for Humanity
The day of my birthday brought with it many things. For one, it gave me a chance to take a break and relax from the chaos that surrounded moving into our house. In a week and a half Erin and I went house hunting, found a house, signed a lease for 6 months, ordered furniture, shopped intensely for about 3 days, started repairs and unpacked the loads of clothes we had in our suitcases … We were exhausted.
When my birthday arrived we decided to unofficially designate it “Rest Day.” In the past my birthday always involved a lot of "hoop-la" and excitement, but being in Uganda is enough excitement to last me a lifetime.
Spending the later part of the morning and afternoon by the only pool in town (Acholi Inn) we made plans to have dinner at the fabulous Indian restaurant in town later that day.
So the day brought with it rest and relaxation, but it also brought something unexpected: A meeting with Bishop Ochola and Archbishop Odama! … We took the 15-20 minute boda ride out to Gulu Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Residence.
Words cannot describe what all took place as we sat and listened to them talk. They were humble and talked openly about the war and their hope for sustainable peace. Each gave so much of their time that Archbishop delayed one of his meetings that night to continue talking with us! …
I felt as if I were somewhere else. Tears began to swell in my eyes as they talked about the troubles facing the north. A military solution to stop the LRA was not an option to them. Both were looking to rekindle the peace talks as Archbishop Odama said “War [fighting] does not give birth to peace … Don’t get tired of talking … and listening.” A military solution to bring an end to the LRA would mean that the people would lose. “Their children are not coming back,” Bishop Ochola remarked. He was concerned that they would not be able to tell their stories … to tell the truth about what happened to them in the bush … Who else would tell their stories if they are all killed?
It all began to weigh heavily on my mind. My mind flashed back to a few days before when I’d read an article criticizing the religious leaders for their recent visit to Kinshasa (DRC). They met to talk about ways to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict. But, some organizations and officials are now supporting military action simply because the “peace talks” have failed time and time again. Archbishop knowing this said, “Military action is easy … and then you regret it [because you forget] this is a human being”
So forward and honest in their thinking that I was little astonished. They saw humanity as one collective body and that the struggles of one should be of concern to all. They told stories of triumph and forgiveness in which they properly named, “success stories for humanity.” They said if more people were exposed to these stories they would not push for military intervention … some of the most influential leaders like Mandela, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Jesus “For those of you who are Christians,” are well known examples of success in the mist of oppression, Archbishop stated …
I can’t recall how long we stayed, but it was dark when we departed. With my heart full, I replayed their message in my head … letting it marinate … letting it stick
I can still hear Archbishop say, “If humanity wants to spare themselves,” and Bishop Ochola finishing his sentence saying “Forgive”
What a lasting image of strength and hope
When my birthday arrived we decided to unofficially designate it “Rest Day.” In the past my birthday always involved a lot of "hoop-la" and excitement, but being in Uganda is enough excitement to last me a lifetime.
Spending the later part of the morning and afternoon by the only pool in town (Acholi Inn) we made plans to have dinner at the fabulous Indian restaurant in town later that day.
So the day brought with it rest and relaxation, but it also brought something unexpected: A meeting with Bishop Ochola and Archbishop Odama! … We took the 15-20 minute boda ride out to Gulu Cathedral and the Archbishop’s Residence.
Words cannot describe what all took place as we sat and listened to them talk. They were humble and talked openly about the war and their hope for sustainable peace. Each gave so much of their time that Archbishop delayed one of his meetings that night to continue talking with us! …
I felt as if I were somewhere else. Tears began to swell in my eyes as they talked about the troubles facing the north. A military solution to stop the LRA was not an option to them. Both were looking to rekindle the peace talks as Archbishop Odama said “War [fighting] does not give birth to peace … Don’t get tired of talking … and listening.” A military solution to bring an end to the LRA would mean that the people would lose. “Their children are not coming back,” Bishop Ochola remarked. He was concerned that they would not be able to tell their stories … to tell the truth about what happened to them in the bush … Who else would tell their stories if they are all killed?
It all began to weigh heavily on my mind. My mind flashed back to a few days before when I’d read an article criticizing the religious leaders for their recent visit to Kinshasa (DRC). They met to talk about ways to bring about a peaceful end to the conflict. But, some organizations and officials are now supporting military action simply because the “peace talks” have failed time and time again. Archbishop knowing this said, “Military action is easy … and then you regret it [because you forget] this is a human being”
So forward and honest in their thinking that I was little astonished. They saw humanity as one collective body and that the struggles of one should be of concern to all. They told stories of triumph and forgiveness in which they properly named, “success stories for humanity.” They said if more people were exposed to these stories they would not push for military intervention … some of the most influential leaders like Mandela, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, and Jesus “For those of you who are Christians,” are well known examples of success in the mist of oppression, Archbishop stated …
I can’t recall how long we stayed, but it was dark when we departed. With my heart full, I replayed their message in my head … letting it marinate … letting it stick
I can still hear Archbishop say, “If humanity wants to spare themselves,” and Bishop Ochola finishing his sentence saying “Forgive”
What a lasting image of strength and hope
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Celebrating 20 Years of Me!
So I wanted to give a brief "shout out" to myself ---> Today is my 20th Birthday!!! Whoo!!!
The funny thing is that because we (Erin, Lindsay and I) have been so busy moving into our house, furnishing it, shopping, having repairs done and trying to pursue our research, I almost forgot about my birthday. (very unlike me since I usually start celebrating about a week or two in advance!)
Through all the stress and excitement I had to remind myself daily that this special day was coming up.
I am very grateful and thankful to have made it to 20 and I'm even more thankful to celebrate 20 years of me in the "pearl of Africa"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me and everyone else who shares this day of birth!
The funny thing is that because we (Erin, Lindsay and I) have been so busy moving into our house, furnishing it, shopping, having repairs done and trying to pursue our research, I almost forgot about my birthday. (very unlike me since I usually start celebrating about a week or two in advance!)
Through all the stress and excitement I had to remind myself daily that this special day was coming up.
I am very grateful and thankful to have made it to 20 and I'm even more thankful to celebrate 20 years of me in the "pearl of Africa"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to me and everyone else who shares this day of birth!
Meeting The Bishop
“I can’t wait for you to meet Bishop Ochola,” Erin exclaimed after she received a surprised phone call. I was not expecting to meet him so soon, but he was in town and wanted to have Erin and I over for dinner. I was really anxious, but I tried not to let on. Besides all the personal stories that Erin had to share from her time spent with Bishop, I had read about him in numerous books and articles.
Bishop Ochola is the retired bishop for the Kitgum diocese in northern Uganda. He serves as the leading peace builder for the northern region which has suffered through more than two decades of war. His efforts have brought national and international attention to the war and those who have suffered from it.
When we arrived to the part of town that Bishop was staying, he sent for one of his family members to retrieve us. He gave us a warm welcome and apologized for us getting lost. We walked up a small hill to the cozy house behind a steel gate. Upon entering the house I was met with laughter as small children were herded to the back so that the guest could have a place to sit. They would come say hello later and peep through the door to catch a glimpse of us . . .
By the time I had met Bishop Ochola I saw him as a larger than life figure. But as we started to chat, I felt more like I was talking to my grandfather.
With his calmed aged voice he casually mentioned that he would soon be traveling with Archbishop Odama to Kinshasa (DRC) to engage in peace talks. His larger than life figure came back to my mind as I sat with interested eyes and ears.
Then the time came for me to tell him a little bit about myself. So, besides all the general things, I was able to inform him of my research study in Gulu. He instantly started to talk of his work with the Acholi Education Initiative. After which he explained his sentiments about education the Acholi culture and his upcoming visit o the U.S. . . .
BEST part is that he even agreed to meet with me for an interview once I arrived in Gulu . . . It was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
I shall let you know how it goes!
Oh by the way, I might get a chance to sit down with BOTH Bishop and Arch Bishop tomorrow !!! We will see how it goes.
Bishop Ochola is the retired bishop for the Kitgum diocese in northern Uganda. He serves as the leading peace builder for the northern region which has suffered through more than two decades of war. His efforts have brought national and international attention to the war and those who have suffered from it.
When we arrived to the part of town that Bishop was staying, he sent for one of his family members to retrieve us. He gave us a warm welcome and apologized for us getting lost. We walked up a small hill to the cozy house behind a steel gate. Upon entering the house I was met with laughter as small children were herded to the back so that the guest could have a place to sit. They would come say hello later and peep through the door to catch a glimpse of us . . .
By the time I had met Bishop Ochola I saw him as a larger than life figure. But as we started to chat, I felt more like I was talking to my grandfather.
With his calmed aged voice he casually mentioned that he would soon be traveling with Archbishop Odama to Kinshasa (DRC) to engage in peace talks. His larger than life figure came back to my mind as I sat with interested eyes and ears.
Then the time came for me to tell him a little bit about myself. So, besides all the general things, I was able to inform him of my research study in Gulu. He instantly started to talk of his work with the Acholi Education Initiative. After which he explained his sentiments about education the Acholi culture and his upcoming visit o the U.S. . . .
BEST part is that he even agreed to meet with me for an interview once I arrived in Gulu . . . It was a once in a lifetime opportunity!
I shall let you know how it goes!
Oh by the way, I might get a chance to sit down with BOTH Bishop and Arch Bishop tomorrow !!! We will see how it goes.
My Research? . . . Eh, Let Me Explain
I've been so busy here that I've failed to explain exactly why I am here! My apologies.
So in a few short words ---> Here it goes . . .
I am a student at the University of Tennessee and through the College Scholars Program I have been given the opportunity to design my own interdisciplinary program.
Program Title: Post-Conflict Education in Africa.
This semester in Uganda is dedicated to my research study in Gulu. I am conducting a comparative study of governmental and non governmental, foreign and community-based educational programs in the post-conflict setting of northern Uganda.
I will be working with NGOs and CBOs in the region. I HOPE to get a volunteer position at Pincer Group (I will tell you a little bit more about them in my next blog).
So, for the next 3 1/2 months I will be interviewing, carrying out participant observations and gathering data as I lay the ground work for my senior thesis.
A lot of my blogs will be about my research study ...
So I hope it keeps you interested just as much as my social posts!
Ok, explaining myself ---> CHECK!
So in a few short words ---> Here it goes . . .
I am a student at the University of Tennessee and through the College Scholars Program I have been given the opportunity to design my own interdisciplinary program.
Program Title: Post-Conflict Education in Africa.
This semester in Uganda is dedicated to my research study in Gulu. I am conducting a comparative study of governmental and non governmental, foreign and community-based educational programs in the post-conflict setting of northern Uganda.
I will be working with NGOs and CBOs in the region. I HOPE to get a volunteer position at Pincer Group (I will tell you a little bit more about them in my next blog).
So, for the next 3 1/2 months I will be interviewing, carrying out participant observations and gathering data as I lay the ground work for my senior thesis.
A lot of my blogs will be about my research study ...
So I hope it keeps you interested just as much as my social posts!
Ok, explaining myself ---> CHECK!
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