February 25, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
6 Comments

Nigeria’s COVID-19 Goal

Two Friends

Greg and Reggie

Greg and Reggie were two new friends I met on Sunday night. They were Greg Greenway and Reggie Harris. They presented their message and songs to us. “Deeper Than the Skin” was the program’s name. It was an amazing program!

I wish I had taken notes when they were speaking about their schools!

Reggie spoke first about his school. It was all Black in the early days. I recall his saying that he asked the teacher about the new school. “Is it better than tleyhis one?”

“Yes,” the teacher told him, “It is better than this one!” So he attended the new school that was mixed. And it was better but not for the reasons we would think. It was better because the white teachers had more resources at their hands and knew how to use them to motivate young people.

Greg told us about his school, which was all white. He hardly saw a Black child or young person in his earlier years. But it did leave an impression on him. It made him feel like he was somehow entitled to the resources that were made available to him. It was later that he began to evaluate those resources.

I’ll tell you more if I hear back from these new friends. (I emailed each of them to ask for their comments on their own first and later schools.)

Nigeria and COVID-19

Nigeria’s COVID Vaccine Drive Gets a Boost as African Leaders Push 70% Vaccination Target is the header for a recent article in Nigeria’s Health Watch, a regular newsletter I get from Africa.

Will they get there?

Dr. Alakija was the lead Convenor for “Ports to Arms”

Nigeria is in the early days of getting enough vaccines to push the level to 70% for the number of people vaccinated. It has set this goal as possible, even probable, by end of June 2022.

Just a year ago the first flight carrying the COVID-19 vaccines arrived at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana. Today the Assistant Administrator of USAID, Atul Gawande, has said their agency is part of the drive for getting enough vaccines to Nigeria in particular. They are allocating another $33.3 million to help ensure COVID-19 vaccines are able to reach people who need them.

Seth Berkley, head of the global vaccine alliance, Gavi, said that Wednesday (24 February) marked the first anniversary of the first COVAX delivery on African soil. But since then, COVAX has delivered about 440 million doses now to 51 countries on the continent. Of these, 60 million had been delivered to Nigeria, the continent’s most populous country, with 30 million more allocated to the country.

“The challenge is to make sure that the absorption capacity of countries is such that those doses can be used quickly and get to the people that them,” said Berkley.

Echoing Berkley’s call, Dr. Ayoade Alakija, the convenor of the “Ports to Arms” conference, stressed that Africa would not accept anything less than the 70% vaccination rate.

Atul Gawande, Assistant Administrator for USAID

Gawande said that people are willing to accept the vaccines. There is little vaccine resistance among Nigerians. The vaccines just need to reach the people who want and need them.

Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), described Nigeria’s rush to get to this reasonable target. He said this is a game-changing technology that will allow these countries to “leapfrog” over the barriers that do exist.

Like him and others, I too share the goal of Nigeria’s getting enough vaccine to reach 70% by the end of June.

February 19, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments

Racism by Another Name

No to racism

Racism by Another Name

We have come to recognize racism. We see it in the references people may make to those both from outside the U.S. and within. We see it in slights coming from would-be anti-racists. We may even see it in ourselves.

So what do we do with these occasions? How do we deal with the missteps on our own or others’ parts?

Number One: deal with it as it happens, not after. When it happens, it calls on you – yes, you! – to say you recognize it.

Number Two: bring it forward so all can see it. Especially if it is yourself!

Number Three: Apologize for yourself and others. This does not remove the misstep of it, but it brings the statement out for everyone else to see it too.

Perhaps we can all learn from these steps.

Gold from Within

Mansa Musa was the king in 1324 in Mali. His reign lasted from 1312 until 1337. His empire included Mali but extended well beyond.

Akan people

In that year he began his Hajj trip. His “year-long Hajj journey is legendary for its sheer decadence and unapologetic display of wealth: accompanying his parade of 8,000 courtiers and 12,000 slaves were 100 camels, each laden with as much as 300 pounds of pure gold.”

Can you imagine? They crossed the forbidding desert. In Cairo, Egypt, Mansa Musa apparently gave away so much gold that “local royal officials . . . depreciated its value” by 20%.

Kathleen Bickford Berzock, Associate Director of Curatorial Affairs at the Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois, is one who was highly influenced by the many images. She said that after seven years of working in this sphere, she came to recognize the unsung heroes of medieval Saharan work.

Largely forgotten is the “vital pre-colonial narrative” of this exhibit. Yet with her research, she showed how vital these skills were. She put enough objects into the exhibit so that people could see how they were used. She said, “Many objects illustrated the high technical skills of African artisans, such as a cast bronze elephant from Nigeria (as it was called later) and rare pieces of gold jewelry excavated from across the Sahara.”

Tuareg people worn today

One particular image that stayed with me are the blankets woven in traditional patterns from West Africa. They are typical of today’s blankets which come to us from the north of Nigeria.

She has recognized the role of the 8th through 16th centuries that medieval West Africa has had. She credits its “global reputation as a region of considerable wealth.” Over the intervening centuries it has played a major role in the economies and systems of the rest of the known world.

The Block Museum partnered with institutions in Mali, Morocco, and Nigeria to arrange rare loans of African material. “It would be unusual to do that with a single African country, much less three,” Berzock said. “But it was important to work with the source countries and join with them in spreading knowledge about their collections and support their efforts to protect and preserve their cultural patrimony.”

Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture and Exchange Across the Medieval Saharan Africa, is giving its final exhibits soon. It traveled to Toronto, and is going to the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C. but just until the end of February!

Maybe it will be held over given the pandemic; I hope so! (Note: it has not been extended. I believe it was already extended beyond the original deadline!) Can you go before the exhibit is over?

February 8, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments

Outreach in “Small Group”

Small Group

Peace Corps Director in Tanzania, 1st country for Peace Corps

I belong to a group called simply “Small Group.” It’s part of our programming at the Unitarian Church in Westport Connecticut.

We have monthly assignments sent out by Martha. Past topics have included Cultivating Relationship and Holding History. For today, the topic is Widening the Circle. As you can probably guess, each is open to broad interpretation.

We have two assignments in each topic. The first focuses on one of the five questions with hints to help us. I made a choice for question 3. Each one explores the theme in different ways with different hints. Then there is another section which addresses the 16 questions for us to center on. I chose question 7, which says, How has your answer to “Are you racist?” changed over the years.

Choosing my two themes to focus on is difficult. For example, in choosing question 3 I had to consider that the section “How can we win?” was missing the main item in its directions. Still, I chose it because it seemed less daunting than the others! I realized that simply answering the basic question was enough for me.

Then my answer to question 7, “Are you racist?” has certainly changed in a major way. I don’t think I even considered racism a question in my high school years. Yes, I knew that putting on Black Face was obviously racist, but I didn’t identify it as an item for me to address.

How strange! I believe we all thought it was a criticism of racist behavior but not a mark on us! I got to college before I recognized that this was an important item and important in identifying myself as racist. So I changed. I no longer wanted to think of myself as racist.

Today we have a new member for our group. Her name is Caitlin.

Monthly Service at the Unitarian Church

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

The themes chosen for the Small Groups are also part of our monthly services. Rev. John Morehouse used Widening the Circle for his sermon on Sunday. He talked about a drop of water! In his story he described the drop of water which gradually sees the flowers wilting and the trees losing their leaves. He says, What can I do to change this?

The drop of water says he can change it by adding himself to a bucket of water. But will others follow? He waits for a long time, but finally another drop enters the bucket, then another, and then many. In the end, there are so many buckets that the plants rise up and are healthy again. He concludes the story by noting that the single drop of water led to a change everyone could applaud.

He talked about fear and courage. Fear is what one feels when threatened by something unknown or unseen. Courage gives us the opportunity to challenge fear, to override the threat.

Are You Racist?

Antonio Gutterres, Secretary-General of UN

Certainly the question about “am I a racist” brought to mind many questions. Was I a racist then, in high school? Or was I simply ignorant of the facts? Or is that what racists are, ignorant of the facts? Not today certainly but maybe then?

In summer school of grade 1, I was commended by my teacher for taking the hand of a Black girl to lead her to the bathroom. Did I not see another Black child in grade school and high school?

I certainly did not know that my town was a Sunset town, meaning all Blacks had to be out of town by nightfall. I only learned this term a few years ago. So when my soon-to-be husband came to visit in 1964, I guess he was regarded as a Black man, meaning he should not have been there at all!

Today I am regarded as an antiracist. The journey began in college. By the time I finished college, I was accepted in the Peace Corps and on my way to Nigeria.  Once there, I certainly did not hold racist views. Indeed, such racism disappeared. It has been replaced by my acceptance of all the people I came to know.

January 29, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments

Family Stories

My First Story

my first story

My First Story

I have a story I wrote in January 1969! It’s about a Nigerian woman who is facing the unwelcome prospect of a second wife coming into the marriage. Her name is Ifeoma (my daughter’s middle name).

Ifeoma is aware that having no children is a major disadvantage for her. She decides to visit her mother who is ill. And she plans to leave her husband. She says “Surely you do not expect me to go back to Okonkwo! I can never be just one of his wives!”

But with the three co-wives who are caring deeply for her mother, she reevaluates her decision. In her own mind, she understands what it will be like when she is older and no one can care for her. She finally returns to her husband and accepts the decision.

She ends the story by saying she is ready for her husband to pay the dowry for the new wife. In fact, she says, “I hope she may come soon. I will have a lot to teach her.”

The story goes on for 9 pages, totally about 2700 words.

This was the first time I wrote about the village. I did not put pen to paper again until the 1980s. That was for my papers during the two years at the School of Management at Yale. In the 1990s I wrote about development and the necessity to help people and organizations in need. I continued in this vein until the mid 2000s.

But I also began to give speeches at the Unitarian Church. I first gave a talk about the value of the community, involving my husband, two of my three children, and a grandchild. Next I spoke about the value of belonging to a place and knowing it is yours forever. Finally I talked about the need for recognition and acknowledgement of one’s efforts.

And then I truly put pen to paper and crafted my first book, Nigeria Revisited, My Life and Loves Abroad. It was published in 2014. The second one, Breaking Kola, An Inside View of African Customs, was published in 2018.

I had accepted the role at ABC-Clio to write a book describing the foods of Nigeria. I was about 50% finished. But it’s not happening now. I guess they gave up on it with the pandemic. Maybe it will resurface later.

The Need for Assistance

Survivor Services from CIRI

My friend Kathy Roberts attended the meeting last Saturday of the Racial Justice Council at our Unitarian Church in Connecticut. I unfortunately missed David Vita’s email about finding the site so joined very late. She transcribed a couple of notes about what happened.

She said that the police accountability team had identified the Republican who wants to run for governor. Rainy Broomfield in Stamford CT is opposed to his run. She is working on this and wouldn’t mind having others to help her.

CIRICT, the refugee and assistance network in Bridgeport CT, has received a $900,000 grant to combat human trafficking. They fully deserve the praise.

Their full name is Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants. To date CIRI has nearly reached their goal of the number of Afghan refugees they have helped. In their piece about what they do to assist, they include this:

Thomas fled his home of Democratic Republic of Congo after being imprisoned, tortured, and losing his wife. 

Thomas ended up at the Tongogara refugee camp in Zimbabwe where he met his second wife and where his two daughters were born. The family spent seven years in the camp until they were approved for resettlement in Connecticut. CIRI found them a home and helped them meet their basic needs. We facilitated Thomas’ access to English classes and employment opportunities; we connected his daughters to peer mentoring, the Girls’ Club and the Refugee Summer Academy. Our Immigration Legal Services helped them get their green cards and apply for citizenship. This fall, Thomas proudly took the oath of citizenship, finally becoming an American citizen.

Thomas Kitoko, Refugee from Democratic Republic of Congo
Father, grandfather, and proud American citizen

Another friend of mine volunteers here and gives them great praise.

January 18, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
6 Comments

Family Matters

Engagement in the Family

Several yrs ago

Kenechi and Mary at graduation, 2017. He’s so young!

Kenechi and Mary are engaged! Kenechi is my grandson and Mary has been his girlfriend for several years.

They were so excited when I called them on Saturday evening, after Beth told me. Mary said they had pancakes for breakfast, with special attention to her. During the morning and part of the afternoon, they played board games. For dinner, Kenechi was preparing Peking Duck!

Mary was hoping it would be Saturday but convinced herself it was not! Nevertheless she was wishing! Would today be the day? She said, “No, it wouldn’t be today. Kenechi would have done something really unusual!”

But with the fireplace lit in the evening, Kenechi proposed.

When I spoke to them later, they were drinking champagne and over-the-moon happy! On Sunday morning during church I lit a candle for them to express my joy!

Sam’s Frustration, Solved!

Sam not being annoyed!

Sam has been frustrated with his inability to help me with my internet issues. He finally found the solution and we’re pleased as punch!

He downloaded Team Viewer! With this app, he can take control of my computer! As soon as I downloaded it and gave it over to his control, he can be in charge!

It’s amazing! He can take control of my keyboard as it were nothing! Mainly he can see what is going wrong.

I was in a circle of frustration with something I was trying to change. Nothing worked! It remained a problem until I gave it to Sam and he fixed it.

In my downloads there are 2 copies of Team Viewer. I’d like to get rid of one. But maybe I’ll wait for Sam to tell me whether to leave it alone.

Sunday Sermon

On Sunday morning Rev. John Morehouse gave a powerful sermon. He included reflections about his own racist behavior and how he has overcome these.

Rev. Dr. John Morehouse

After the service, we had a speaker, Peter Harrison. He was addressing us on racial history of zoning. Until well into the 20th century, zoning was restricted by mortgage requirements, restrictive covenants, and violence against Black families. The covenant included do not lease or give this property to a family of color for fear of retribution!

Other agreements were reached over the years. Single family housing was desirable, large lots were required, and no public transit was available.

He pointed out to us that the life expectancy of a white male in Westport, CT, was 81.8 years, while in Bridgeport, CT, a Black male could live to 70.4 years.

However, he also pointed out that change is happening! The problems are too big to be ignored. The solutions already exist, and are popular. And the path to change is hard but we know what it takes.

His coalition, DesegregateCT, was formed in 2020. Already they have had 100s of meetings and made 1000s of calls. He says the sensible lot size is doable, and access to transit and walkable areas is moving ahead.

He reminds us of what we can do today. Be the person who knows what is going on in land use. Be known as the person who speaks out. Be ready to be recognized. Attend the meetings of zoning issues in the town or state. After all, be a voice that speaks in favor! This has power.

January 8, 2022
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
3 Comments

Nanka and Its “Obinato”

My Daughter Beth

Beth and Nkiru with their Christmas tree

My daughter Beth (known as Elizabeth) just gave me an update on her recent report. She says that one of her drugs, Linzagolix, showed positive results in recent tests. These are the tests in Europe, similar to the US, for her drug.

It is a medicine that, if finally approved, would treat women with uterine fibrosis. She says that millions of women would get relief from this.  Black women are especially subject to these uterine fibroids.

Her firm in Geneva, Switzerland, is called Obseva.

“Obseva CMO (chief medical officer) Elizabeth Garner praised the results, saying in a statement that the biotech firm plans to complete its Phase III program for EAP (endometriosis-associated pain).” Beth said that this week was full of press releases and talks to multiple investors. She hopes they get good responses from the investors.

Nanka

One of the features I love about Nanka is the method of accommodating quarrels. These are handled by Obinato, a group from our clan that settles things between people who are fighting.

Our own Obinato is a meeting of the clan members to discuss how to deal with a quarrel. Any person has the right to call for the meeting. He or she will bring the people involved in the quarrel to share their viewpoints and argue for its resolution. Each side will present their views.

The king in Enugwu Nanka

I remember one of the quarrels I heard about. It was between Godwin and Emmanuel. (The names have been changed.) Godwin had built a walkway and path to his house in the village. He said it enhanced the entryway to his home. He valued these as an addition to his place.

But Emmanuel said the walkway and path blocked his entry to his own house next door. He resisted its being built, and fought to have it removed. He could not enter it without stepping on the path or driving his car up to his house.

The two men took the leaders of the Obinato to their homes in the village. They could then assess the damage themselves.

I believe the solution was for Godwin to reposition the path and the walkway and for Emmanuel to let go of his complaints about the settlement. As far as I know, this was handled peaceably by the Obinato.

I think that one or two of the members agreed to help Godwin reposition the path and walkway.

Nigeria Health Watch

Celebrating Achebe's death

Celebrating Achebe’s death

The African Medical Centre (sp) for Excellence, or AMCE, is involved in several initiatives going forward. It will build the 170-bed hospital by 2024. Its focus will be a place for oncology, hematology, cardiology, and general healthcare.

The AMCE hopes it will be a place for the diaspora medical staff to return to Nigeria.

I just met two people who could return. They are Nigerian, both Igbo. One is the Neuroscience Specialty Representative at his pharmaceutical company. The other is his wife, a podiatrist with training at Yale Medical Center, now practicing in her own specialty. But I have no idea how happy they would be in Nigeria today.

But maybe with the new hospital, things will change. Nigeria could actually become a center for excellence in Africa!

December 31, 2021
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
14 Comments

Begin Again

New Beginning

Toward the end of 2021 I met an Igbo man. I was in the jewelry store named Pellegrini after the two owners. It was on my way back from Tamala’s Hair Salon on Washington Street in Norwalk CT. I walk there, since it’s not far from my apartment.

I was spelling and saying my name, Onyemelukwe, to the lady who was writing up my order. She  asked where it was from. The man standing near me, said, “I’m Igbo! You’ve said the name correctly! I can’t believe it!”

I was even more surprised! He was waiting for Mr. Pellegrini to do some repairs to his daughter’s watch. Over the next 15 minutes, I got a quick update. His name is Emeka, his surname is Enu. He is from Anambra State. He didn’t remember Nanka but noticed its location near Agulu.

He lives in Wilton, not far from here. His father is still working at 81! Emeka takes regular trips to host medical missions for his dad. His wife goes with him on these trips. She is also Igbo and grew up in Kaduna.

I just learned yesterday that her parents were married, with Bishop Jonathan presiding!

As we walked back to his car, I got further updates from him. And by the time we reached his car, I decided to visit them in their house on Saturday afternoon!

I will certainly go back to their home again. They have 2 children, age 7 and 5. They are a lovely couple. She is a podiatrist, having completed her residency for foot surgery at Yale New Haven. He is a medical specialist for a pharmaceutical company.

I couldn’t upload the two images. They are too large! (I’m sorry, Chioma!)

And I will try to write my blog every 8 days! That’s the new beginning I talked about!

News from Nigeria

I asked my children for suggestions on updating my blog! Sam said, “Why not highlight a Nigerian place?” So I decided to talk about Nanka because it’s first among places I value.

It is a town in Igbo land. It is difficult to describe the population; I would guess maybe 60,000? The villages are divided into 7. Ours is Enugwu, also sometimes called Enugwu Nanka.

Just listen to the sound of most of the other villages in Nanka; they are like music! Agbiligba, Ifite, Amako, and Umudala. There are two I don’t recognize; they are less well-known. The men are from one of the villages in Nanka.

The village of Enugwu has 23 clans. Each is related to an ancestor called Ezekisiri; ours is number 7. And our clan has many sub-groups. I am familiar with the name Obinato. This is the name given when the clan meets!

The header over the list of villages is “Accepted Order of Taking Shares in Agbiligba.” The same header could be given for any of the other six villages.

Try to imagine any of the villages, towns, or cities within southern Nigeria. Each has its own list of places within it. And each has its own hierarchy, though people within each one may vary the emphasis over which is most important. I will certainly talk to Sam Ogbuju about the list and how he created it.

I haven’t talked about Nanka and its place in the world! I imagine it’s a very tiny spot! But people who come from Nanka are well known in the country, including my cousin Jonathan who was Archbishop of Anambra in the 1990s and early 2000s. The picture is from a priest after Jonathan’s days.

These days the people who are well known come from the government, with Dora, whose last name I have forgotten, the best known recently.

December 3, 2021
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
Comments Off on Sons are Home

Sons are Home

Sam is Back Home

Sam, my younger son, in back in Nigeria from South Africa. He departed early because I told him about the recent crisis for the Omicron virus. Another friend had too. So it was on Saturday evening that he began to explore flights.

He took the first one that was available on late Sunday. With 100’s of others, all eager to get out, he lined up for the Sunday night departure. He said he felt bad for the South African government, getting their testing in order, to be given this response. Nevertheless he was eager to get going.

They didn’t leave until 2 Monday morning. He arrived back in Lagos and in his apartment by late morning. Monday’s and Tuesday’s meetings in South Africa were delayed until a future date.

Chinaku, my first son, went back two weeks ago. He lit a candle at church, as I reported. Here’s the picture, opening with a scene of the church.

Beth is Traveling

Beth, my middle child, is also traveling. She is going to Stockholm on Tuesday. Her company has three people presenting papers.

The company, Obseva, decided they wanted doctors around to lend an appropriate atmosphere! So she is representing them.

The East in Disarray

According to both sons in Nigeria, the East, that is the region that was Biafra, is in disarray. Buhari, our President, has done nothing to mitigate the effects. In fact I would say he has exacerbated the confusion.

He has sent troops without sufficient manpower to overcome the disturbances. Then when they are not strong enough, they are pulled back.

From Boko Haram’s jihadist insurgency in the north, to the escalating conflict between farmers and pastoralists, a growing piracy crisis in the Gulf of Guinea and the newly emboldened Igbo secessionists, Nigeria – under the presidency of the retired army general Muhammadu Buhari since 2015 – is facing a mounting sense of crisis as elections approach in 2023.

These already existing problems stem from others. The rising rate of poverty, violent crime, and corruption leave one wondering if the current government is struggling and can indeed manage to keep Nigeria together.

Kidnappings in East

The rate of kidnappings in the East is rising. No one is safe from these raids. I’m happy that we are not going now and relieved to be spending the time here!

Cheluchi's book

The Son of the House, Cheluchi’s book

It’s too soon after the disturbances in the East. And I would be an obvious target for kidnappers!

Book Review

Cheluchi’s book, The Son of the House, has a story of two women who are kidnapped and tell stories to each other.

There are fascinating details in their stories. I won’t give it away!

I do recommend it for you.

 

November 24, 2021
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
4 Comments

Sons on the Road

One Son Coming

You probably remember my children. Chinaku is the oldest. He was here from Nigeria. He came last Saturday night.

In a fitting tribute, he lit a candle at church last Sunday to remember Clem. He wasn’t here for Clem’s Memorial Service a year and nearly 10 months ago. But he stayed just a week. He had spent the last night in New York to visit Nkiru (his granddaughter). Then he used the few hours remaining with his friend.

You may also remember Beth, my middle child and only daughter. She lives in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. My youngest, Sam, also based in Nigeria, is on a whirlwind tour of East Africa and then South Africa.

Chinaku came with thoughts on my moving! The background is that I had written what I want, namely that I want to move in with Beth. Chinaku said if that is what I want, I should make it happen sooner rather than later. He advised looking in Norwalk because that is where I am now. But Beth doesn’t like that idea.

She doesn’t know where she wants to end up. One possibility is Nashville. Another possibility is Miami, but that is not realistic for her, given Ikem’s need for service. He is autistic.

She has talked about Montclair, New Jersey. That is a possibility for her and for me.

I would like that. We have friends who live in Montclair. I know there is a Unitarian church nearby.

Chinaku believes that Kelvin will be able to sell their house quickly but I’m not so sure. Also I am not sure about how soon Kelvin wants to move! Lots of missing pieces for us to figure out!

Another Son Around Africa

Sam is also in Nigeria but is on a trip to East Africa and to South Africa this week and next. It sounds exciting, visiting this places.

He’ll even have a few days in Johannesburg, South Africa. I hope he will have a good time there.

Happy Thanksgiving

From all of us to all of you – we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving.

October 22, 2021
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
Comments Off on Poet Laureate in Alabama

Poet Laureate in Alabama

New Poet Laureate in Alabama

I read about the new poet laureate in Alabama. She is Ashley M. Jones, a Black woman who is just 31. She will hold this post from 2022 to 2026.

Alabama Poet Laureate Ashley M. Jones

She says, “true reparations require an enormous cultural evolution.” Her comments about race and its injustices certainly exceed my expectations.

She is the only Black person and the youngest to take this title. After all, the state is still struggling with a history of white supremacy. Their actions in the past speak louder than words.

Among her writing is this line, “Give me the songs you said were yours but you know came out of our lips first.”

Her appeal comes from her inclusive use of slam poetry, oral traditions, and outsider art, among many other attributes. In “Reparations Now!” there is a consistent desire for repair. This is clear in her longing for the “country, the state and individuals.”

She is a native of Birmingham, a place she left but has now come back to. Ms Jones’ poetry reflects her continued desire for praise but also a need for criticism.

Right now, in the state capitol, a committee is working to “extract racist language from the Alabama Constitution.” I wish them well!

A New Malaria Vaccine

The Director-General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, says of the new vaccine, “This is a historic moment. The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control.”

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, head of WHO

Dr. Ghebreyesus is the head of the World Health Organization. He is highlighting the new vaccine and its long-awaited introduction to the malaria field.

It has actually been used in trial pilots in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa for 3 years.

“For centuries, malaria has stalked sub-Saharan Africa, causing immense personal suffering,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We have long hoped for an effective malaria vaccine and now for the first time ever, we have such a vaccine recommended for widespread use. Today’s recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease and we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults.”

There are these facts about the vaccine: the vaccine is “feasible to deliver.” It is based on the results in the other countries up until now. Second, it is “reaching the unreached.” It has been used in countries where there are no bed-nets.

Third, it is a “strong safety-net for distribution” of the vaccine. It is highly regarded in the places where it has been used and looks for other areas where it will be distributed.

Who Will Pay?

Now which countries will allow the vaccine in, and help pay for it? And which countries will allow others to help pay for it?

Nigeria has said it will help pay for the cost. It is also allowing financing through an unprecedented collaboration among three key global health funding bodies: “Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; and Unitaid.”

Gavi is an international organization that stands behind most vaccines and has been around for a while. The Global Fund to Fight Aids is focused on Aids-prevention and protection. Unitaid, founded in 2006, secures funding from several donor countries.

Reality Confronts Perception

Excel template

Do you get a bit fed up with all the changes to our formats? My friend Jean was here the other day. She shared her opinion of the “new formats” in Excel.

She used to use Excel easily, as I did! But with the “new format” offered in Excel, she cannot use it so easily.

I admit that I haven’t tried to open a file with Excel now. With the changes underway, I probably won’t for the time being!