February 28, 2016
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
1 Comment
Special Ops to Help Confront Boko Haram? Two NY Times articles claimed my attention on Friday morning. The first said that American special operations team members are going to help Nigeria in its fight against Boko Haram. I was very … Continue reading
February 24, 2016
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments
The White Heron My friend and choir colleague Charlie sent a video he made this morning of a white heron in flight. I’m trying to include it for you, but don’t know how! Suggestions welcome! Lacking his, I’m giving you a picture I … Continue reading
January 7, 2016
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments
Are Young Black Men Superhuman? Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s interview with BBC on January 4 is worth hearing. It’s just under 10 minutes. First, she says something about perceptions that is no surprise to those of us with close ties … Continue reading
October 31, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments
Greenwich Arts Council I had a lively audience on Thursday evening at the Greenwich Arts Council. Everyone had read Americanah, the ‘Town Read,’ and were happy to hear Chimamanda’s greetings. The audience members had lots of questions. That’s always fun for … Continue reading
September 17, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
Comments Off on The Hummingbird
Outside of the Window I’m with my sister Beth at her friend Stephanie’s home in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. I lived in Fort Thomas from 7th grade through the time I was in the Peace Corps. Stephanie just served us a … Continue reading
September 1, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
Comments Off on Could They Do It?
Five Hundred Days The Executive Director of UN Women, South African Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, reminds us that 500 days have passed since the Chibok girls were kidnapped. She urges us to welcome what the Nigerian government is attempting to do, even though Boko Haram is … Continue reading
August 20, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
Comments Off on Dear Hillary, Why #Black Lives Matter
My Letter to Hillary Did you see the video of Hillary speaking with the activist Julius Jones from Black Lives Matter? This was backstage in Keene, New Hampshire. I read about the exchange in The New York Times, and watched … Continue reading
July 27, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
4 Comments
Girls as Bombers Reading about girls being used as suicide bombers by Boko Haram is so sad. I can’t imagine they are undertaking the task willingly. Are they tricked into wearing the bombs? Or forced? Do they realize what it … Continue reading
July 15, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
6 Comments
Go Slow? After President Buhari’s resounding victory and impressive inaugural ceremony in Nigeria on May 29 many people, myself included, expected quick action, at least visible action, against Boko Haram. We also thought he would announce his ministerial appointments within … Continue reading
May 20, 2015
by Catherine Onyemelukwe
2 Comments
Rescued from Boko Haram I am always both pleased and apprehensive to see “Nigeria” on the front page of The New York Times. Two days ago I found a sad, indeed horrific, story by Adam Nossiter which describes the girls and women rescued … Continue reading