EP 89 - THE AFRICAN DREAM

 

In This Episode:

 
When you hear the phrase "The American Dream," at least 5 things come to mind, and I bet you 4 out of those 5 things would also come to the next persons' mind. But, when I say 'The African Dream' ... *silence*. We, especially Africans both at home and in the diaspora, are so overtaken by our need to survive the hardships in Africa that we sometimes forget to stop and DREAM. What is your dream for Africa and the children of Africa? 
What is THE AFRICAN DREAM?

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria

2. Montana State University (A Night in Africa 2.0): https://www.msuexponent.com/culture/a-night-in-africa-challenges-the-single-story-of-a-continent/article_53921eda-a0b5-11ec-8333-cbe1c48baf62.html

3. Wilmot Collins: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilmot_Collins

4. Umu Igbo Unite Dllas: https://www.instagram.com/p/CbD3SaKrBXE/

5. Aba Women’s Riot: https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/aba-womens-riots-november-december-1929/ 

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excusemyafrican 

EP 87 - NIGERIA AT 61

 

In This Episode: 

61 years in, and I still find it hard to celebrate Nigeria's Independence wholeheartedly. The events of October 20th, 2020, do not make it any easier, as the first anniversary of the Lekki Toll Gate Massacre is only 19 days away.  May the souls of the departed continue to rest in peace. 

HOWEVER ...

Despite the failure, greediness, and general gross negligence of our nation's leaders, I have decided that no matter where I go or who I become, I will never forget home, Nigeria. I will never stop fighting and advocating for a better nation. 

(Not So) Happy Independence, Nigeria!

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Lekki Toll Gate Massacre (Oct 20th, 2020): https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/18/africa/lagos-nigeria-lekki-toll-gate-feature-intl/index.html (WARNING: Article Contains Graphic Images)

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excusemyafrican 

EP 86 - Dehumanizing Women In Africa

 

In This Episode: 

For the longest time, women have been treated poorly around the world, but especially in Africa. A lot of us have been fighting for the rights of WOMEN in Africa for decades. However, at the time, advocacy wasn't an 'in thing.' We were insulted and referred to as what is known as 'clout chasers.' 

Now, advocacy seems to be an in, and every other day there is a new hashtag. While this is great, because the louder the voice, the better, we need to make sure that we are not just making noise and chasing our tails. We need to change tactics and look inward; change will begin with society first. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. STIWANIST: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/2020/12/ep-80-stiwanist.html 
2. Aljazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/ 
3. Stella Damasus Aljazeera Interview: https://youtu.be/nypkT5OewuA 

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/excusemyafrican 

EP 82 - Boarding Schools In Nigeria

 

In This Episode: 

I've always wondered why people send their children to Boarding School. In my opinion, Boarding School should be something kids do for their final year in high school (secondary school) to prepare them for college.

I can not understand why we're so comfortable sending our kids to boarding school during those formative years. With all the grim boarding school tales I've heard, I think it's time to reconsider the whole boarding school structure. 

NOTE: This episode contains slightly graphic narrations of Rape and Molestation. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Deborah Okezie: https://www.facebook.com/deborah.okezie.16 
2. Deeper Life High School (Uyo): https://www.deeperlifehighschool.org/
3. Facebook: www.facebook.com

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 81 - Your Traditional Language

In This Episode: 

Growing up, I realized that we were made to feel bad for speaking our own language in school in our country. Unconsciously, we created a situation where we trivialized the importance of speaking your language. 

We must change this because our beautiful and diverse African languages are at the risk of extinction. We can't afford to lose our culture and history. 

There is dignity in being able to speak and understand your language. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/  
2. Igbo Language Going Extinct: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/2019/06/ep-59-igbo-language-going-extinct.html 
3. Pidgin English: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_Pidgin
4. Read Igbo Challenge: https://fb.watch/2sfYk-nNhi/ 
5. Rattle Snake Part 3: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1813577/ 
6. Amaka Igwe: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaka_Igwe
7. Black History Month: https://www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 65 - SEX FOR GRADES

In This Episode: 

I’m going to be giving my opinion on the controversial BBC Africa Documentary Exposé “SEX FOR GRADES”. 

Who really is to blame and how can we find a solution?

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. BBC Africa: https://www.bbc.com/news/world/africa

2. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/

3. Kiki Mordi: https://twitter.com/kikimordi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

4. University of Lagos: https://unilag.edu.ng/

5. University of Ghana: https://www.ug.edu.gh/

6. Busola Dakolo: https://www.instagram.com/busoladakolo/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 63 - My Country Nigeria

In This Episode: 

For the past few weeks, my country Nigeria has been in the spotlight of  World News, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been for great things. 

I do not condone or support any acts of fraud, kidnapping, or violence. However, I have noticed that even though 80% of Nigerian’s are good people who are doing great things around the world. The media has decided to concentrate on the 20% who have done shameful things. 

While we stand up against the evil acts of the 20%, we must not forget to also celebrate the good things that the other 80% are doing. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-on-africa-2019

2. Jim Ovia: https://jimovia.com/

3. Zenith Bank: https://www.zenithbank.com/

4. Africa Rise and Shine: https://jimovia.com/the-book/

5. UNESCO: https://en.unesco.org/

6. Nollywood: http://www.nollywoodweek.com/en/whats-nollywood/

7. Price Water House Coopers: https://www.pwc.com/

8. United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/

9. Chimamanda Adichie: https://www.chimamanda.com/

10. Half of a Yellow Sun: https://www.amazon.com/Half-Yellow-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/1400095204

11. Purple Hibiscus: https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Hibiscus-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/1616202416

12. That Thing Around Your Neck: https://www.amazon.com/Thing-Around-Your-Neck/dp/0307455912

13. Wole Soyinka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wole_Soyinka

14. Ben Okri: https://benokri.co.uk/

15. Chinua Achebe:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinua_Achebe

16. Davido: https://www.instagram.com/davidoofficial/ 

17. Wizkid: https://www.instagram.com/wizkidayo/ 

18. Buna Boy: https://www.instagram.com/burnaboygram/

19. 2Face (2Baba): https://www.instagram.com/official2baba/

20. D’Banj: https://www.instagram.com/iambangalee/

21. Tiwa Savage: https://www.instagram.com/tiwasavage/ 

22. Universal: https://www.universalmusic.com/

23. Beyoncé: https://www.beyonce.com/ 

24. Lion King: The Gift: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King:_The_Gift

25. Fela Kuti: http://fela.net/

26. Broadway: https://www.broadway.com/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 62 - Meet Nollywood

In This Episode: 

I will introduce you to the world's third-largest film industry, Nollywood.   

I’ll take you a journey, from the beginning of Nollywood to where we are today, and how quickly we have grown and achieved world recognition. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Stella Damasus: https://www.stelladamasus.com/
2. Nollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nollywood
3. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
4. Hollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_States
5. Bollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollywood
6. Bruce Lee: https://brucelee.com/
7. Hurbet Ogunde: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubert_Ogunde
8. 35mm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/35_mm_format
9. TIFF: https://www.tiff.net/
10. Cannes: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/
11. Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/
12. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
    

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 61 - Beyond Religion

In This Episode: 

I would tell you a story of an amazing man, who put his love for humanity before faith and religion. 

It is sad, however, that this story came to light over a year later because Imam Abubakar Abdullahi was one 2019 recipients of the International Religious Freedom Award, in the USA. 

We as Nigerians and Africans need to learn to honor the good things our people do. We should not wait for foreign countries and their media to do it first 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Goodness Network: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
2. International Religious Freedom Award: https://www.state.gov/international-religious-freedom-award-winners/
3. Imam Abubakar Abdullahi: https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/18/africa/nigeria-cleric-honored-intl/index.html
4. Bakin Lade, Plateau: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkin_Ladi
5. US Department of State: https://www.state.gov/
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 58 - Africans and Retirement

In This Episode: 

When I moved to the USA, I had a shocking realization. This was something I didn't see a lot in my country (Nigeria). People above the age of 60 or 70, still in the workforce. In Nigeria, almost everyone within that age bracket is retired.

However, in the USA, I have seen several elderly people working and even doing odd jobs. 

Listen to the episode to find out how I feel about this.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 53: THE MODERN DAY SHERO - JOSEPHINE EFFAH-CHUKWUMA

In This Episode:

“According to the 2018 report on the killing of women and girls released by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, about 87,000 were killed worldwide in 2017, 58 percent of them victims of domestic or family violence” - The Washington Post.

This is why we have chosen to dedicate this episode to Josephine Effah-Chukwuma. She is the first person ever to set up an organization and shelter in Nigeria, to help women and young girls who are victims of Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence is a battle that we all must continue to fight.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh: https://www.drasatrust.org/dr-adadevoh/
2. Josephine Effah-Chuwkuma: https://www.ashoka.org/en-US/fellow/josephine-effah-chukwuma
3. Rosa Parks: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks
4. Female Genital Mutilation: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
5. VVF: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicovaginal_fistula
6. Project Alert Nigeria: https://projectalertnig.org/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 48 - Margaret Ekpo : An African Amazon

In This Episode: 

I am going to introduce to you, a woman who made a remarkable impact in Nigeria. Many of you may have heard of her in passing, but unfortunately, you may not be aware of all the amazing things she did and how she shaped Nigeria as we know it today. She stood for what she believed in and became a hero of our time. 

Her name is Margaret Ekpo, and I am honoring her as our African Amazon of the month.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Margaret Ekpo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Ekpo 
2. Dublin Institute of Technology: http://www.dit.ie/ 
3. Me Too Movement: https://metoomvmt.org/ 
4. Time’s Up Movement: https://www.timesupnow.com/ 
5. Child Not Bride: https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/ 
6. Let Girls Learn: https://www.usaid.gov/letgirlslearn 
7. African Feminist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_feminism 
8. Fela Kuti: http://fela.net/  
9. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funmilayo_Ransome-Kuti 

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ 

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website: https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 35 - Teaching Your Kids Your Language

In This Episode:

I am talking about the importance of teaching your children how to speak your local African language, especially if you live outside of the continent of Africa.

It is important that our children stay connected to their roots because there would come a time where the world would turn back to Africa, and you do not want them to be considered the lost ones when that happens.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Pidgin English: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_English-based_pidgins
2. Igbo Language: http://aboutworldlanguages.com/igbo
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
4. Obyno Daddy Muna: https://www.instagram.com/obynodaddymuna/
5. ESL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_as_a_second_or_foreign_language

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 29 - Tourism & Africa

In This Episode:

When you speak of Tourism and vacations, very few people look to Africa and when they do, they only go to the same places.

Which is why in this episode, we are going to introduce you to The Obudu Ranch and Resort located in Nigeria. It is a wonderful vacation destination with amazing sights and lots of family-friendly activities.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Obudu Ranch and Resort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obudu_Mountain_Resort

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 19 - "S***hole" Africa

In This Episode:

I woke up a few days ago to hear that some certain individual, had referred to my beautiful continent Africa and Haiti as a s***hole continent and country.

Instead of getting angry, I decided to respond with positivity. Which is what I have decided to do all of 2018. I will not give power to people who try to bring me down, and that’s exactly what we African’s need to do too.

I’m proudly African, and I love my s***hole continent!

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Africa : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africa 
2. Haiti : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti
3. Michelle Obama : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelle_Obama
4. Excuse My African : http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
5. David Oyelowo : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Oyelowo
6. Lupita Nyong’o : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupita_Nyong%27o
7. Uzo Aduba : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uzo_Aduba
8. Chiwetel Ejiofor : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiwetel_Ejiofor
9. O.T. Fagbenle : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._T._Fagbenle
10. Nigeria : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
11. Texas : https://texas.gov/
12. Obafemi Awolowo University : http://www.oauife.edu.ng/
13. Ile-Ife : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ife
14. The Virginia Commonwealth University : https://www.vcu.edu/
15. Richmond, Virginia : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Virginia
16. Medical College of Virginia Hospitals : https://www.vcuhealth.org/
17. Pediatric Surgery : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pediatric_surgery
18. General Surgery : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_surgery
19. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia : http://www.chop.edu/
20. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine : https://www.med.upenn.edu/
21. Texas Children Fetal Centre : http://women.texaschildrens.org/program/texas-childrens-fetal-center

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 12 - INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE

In This Episode:

‘I always wondered why people looked at my fiancé and I funny when we walked down the street until I realized, they weren’t actually looking at us funny, they were looking at ME funny. It happens in my country of origin in Africa, and in the country, I now call home in Europe. Is it still that shocking to see a white man and a black woman together?’

That was the exact same question that was going through my mind when my Nigerian friend who had just gotten married to her German boyfriend, was telling me this story.

You would think that with all the technological advancements in the world, nothing would seem new or shocking to people, but that is wrong.

People still have this absolutely wrong and absurd notion not just about Interracial Couples, but about the African/Black person in the relationship.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1.  Green Card - https://www.uscis.gov/greencard
2.  Lagos - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lagos

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/