THE AFRICAN YOUTH IN THE SOCIETY
Foday's design of Arsenal’s second kit. Image source: Dumbuya Foday
“At every African’s heart is an entrepreneurial spirit:
we are survivors of struggle, malleable
enough to embrace change and
celebrate doing things differently” -Tammy Frazer
Africans are vibrant, robust, creative, resilient, and talented, contrary to popular belief and stereotypes. As an African youth, society always has a way of making us feel insufficient and inadequate. There is always something that frustrates or undermines our efforts. To fit in, we often change our accent, culture, skin tone, hair texture, clothes, food, and etiquette.
The fact is that no individual, nation, or continent could endure what we do in our countries and still possess the tenacity and will to achieve success that we possess. Sometimes the odds are always stacked against us: corrupt governance, poor educational systems, and a lack of some of life’s essentials. But look at us: we’re still among the greatest in the world.
As a young African, you should avoid presenting yourself as a helpless victim or a charity case. You should take advantage of the chance to make your existing situation better, despite the numerous barriers and discouragements. In a world full of imitations, your distinct circumstances, upbringing, culture, fashion, accent, physique, education, experience, and nation provide you the ability to leave your mark on anything you accomplish.
kit. Image source: Dumbuya Foday
Consider this: Africa is the world’s second-largest continent. In a globe of 54 countries, have you ever considered the prospect of being born or nurtured in another continent, country, or community? But it had to be Africa, your country and community; we’re Africans for a reason. And there is beauty and strength in our African roots, so instead of being depressed about your circumstances, relish every moment of your development and never abandon your African identity in your life.
Do you know that lots of Africans perform similar tasks as others, but when they incorporate their Africanness, the results are astounding. We have the likes of Charlize Theron, Trevor Noah, Lupita Nyong’o, Elon Musk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mohamed Salah, Thuso Mbedu, Foday Dumbuya and some lot others.
LABRUM’s creator and creative director, Foday Dumbuya. Foday Labrum uses fashion to tell the forgotten stories of West Africa.
Excerpt from The African Lane Magazine’s 4th Edition.
Download magazine👇👇 for the complete article
The African Lane Magazine 4th Edition
