EP 33 - BEING PROUD OF YOUR WORK

In This Episode:

Having lived in Nigeria for over 30 years, I visited the USA quite a lot and I had this impression about what kinds of jobs are considered prestigious or not.

However, after living in the USA for some years, my mindset has totally changed.  I have come to the realization that as long as the work you are doing is legal, there is no such thing as prestigious work when it comes to making money, paying your bills and taking care of your family.

The American system makes sure that as long as you have a certain amount of money, you are able to have the necessities and live a certain kind of lifestyle.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Laundromat: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-service_laundry
2. Walmart: https://www.walmart.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 32 - The 4c Natural Hair

In This Episode:
There has been a lot of controversy around 'Natural Hair' and how you choose to wear it or protect it.

Some black women seem to think that other black women who choose to wear wigs and do several different protective styles do not 'embrace their kink and curls'.

So I decided to share my thoughts on this issue. I hope to hear from you after you listen

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. 4c Natural Hair: www.naturallycurly.com/hair-types/coily
2. Protective Styling: madamenoire.com/199722/breaking-d…ou-be-protecting/
3. YouTube: www.youtube.com/

Connect:
Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com
Website: www.excusemyafrican.com/
Stella Damasus Blog: www.stelladamasusblog.com
Stella Damasus Website : www.stelladamasus.com
Twitter: twitter.com/excusemyafrican
Instagram: www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-Africa…360118967397852/

EP 31 - American Schools

In This Episode:

A lot of American School Students are very privileged and sometimes, I think some take it for granted. We have some very great schools in Africa, but a majority of the schools, especially those funded by the government; aren’t the best.

So you can imagine my shock when I hear that some students in this First World Country complained about ‘their rights being violated, and the school authorities not caring about them’ because their SODAS had been reduced, and they were given more vegetables at their FREE lunch.

Sometimes people need to see what others are going through in other parts of the world so that they can value where they are and the privileges they have.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.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 30 - The African Narrative

In This Episode:

Since the release of Black Panther, there has been a massive increase in the love and appreciation of African Culture, African Fashion, African Music, and African Dance. As a matter of fact, more people have gotten their DNA tested to determine their Ancestry, and people now celebrate whatever percent of African they have in them!

We are very happy to see all the love people have for Africa, but we can’t help but wonder when the AFRICAN PEOPLE would receive as much love and acceptance as AFRICA.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Black Panther: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/
2. Dashiki: https://www.dashikipride.com
3. Wakanda: http://marvel.com/universe/Wakanda#axzz5DBadyKla
4. Amazon Queens of Dahomey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahomey_Amazons
5. Mansa Kankan Musa: https://www.history.com/news/who-was-the-richest-man-in-history-mansa-musa
6. An African Girl Abroad: https://www.facebook.com/AnAfricanGirlAbroad/
7. Mon Afrik TV: https://www.monafriktv.com
8. 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 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 28 - Winnie Mandela

In This Episode:

She was a woman of strength, she was a woman of courage, she was a woman who fought for her people. She was an anti-apartheid activist, a politician and she was the mother of South Africa.

Winnie Mandela, a true African woman.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Winnie Mandela: http://www.sahistory.org.za/people/winnie-madikizela-mandela
2. African National Congress (ANC Party) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_National_Congress 
3. Nelson Mandela - https://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography
4. South Africa - http://country.southafrica.net/country/us/en

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 27 - Gun Control & The African

In This Episode:

According to CNN.com, “We're only 11 weeks into 2018, and there have already been 17 school shootings (in the USA) where someone was hurt or killed. That averages out to 1.5 shootings a week”. Also according to CNN.com “American’s own nearly half (48%) of the estimated 650* million civilian-owned guns worldwide.

Africa has constantly been referred to as a third-world continent, some people even say we are “backward in our thinking and actions”; but I think that when it comes to Gun control, America has a thing or two to learn from our continent. Allowing any and every one to have such a powerful weapon in their possession, is something I feel is worth rethinking.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Gun Control: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_control 

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 26 - The Dahomey Amazons

In This Episode:

The Dahomey Amazons were some of the fiercest women to walk this earth!

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we will be sharing the story of these fearless women who went above and beyond to defend their people, leaving their mark in history as the greatest all-female military regiment.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. International Womens Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com 
2. Black Panther: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/
3. Dahomey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dahomey
4. Viola Davis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viola_Davis
5. Lupita Nyong’o: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupita_Nyong%27o
6. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
7. FBI: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Bureau_of_Investigation
8. KGB: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/KGB

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 25 - Breaking The Glass Ceiling & Women

In This Episode:

It’s Women’s month and we are dedicating this month to celebrating amazing African Women who are doing extraordinary things.

In this episode, I would introduce you to Angel Vendeline Namshali, a Tanzanian woman who withstood the barriers of being deprived of an education because she is a ‘girl child’; to become the first woman (worldwide)to run a resort that is managed and run by an all-female staff.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. International Women's Day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com 
2. Press For Progress: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme
3. Angel Vendeline Namshali: https://www.asiliaafrica.com/meet-the-angel-of-the-serengeti/
4. Usambara Mountains: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usambara_Mountains
5. Asilia Africa: https://www.asiliaafrica.com
6. Tanzania Dunia Camp: https://www.asiliaafrica.com/east-africa-safari/tanzania/serengeti/dunia-camp/
7. Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.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 24 - Black Panther, Hollywood & The African

In This Episode:
“The African and Hollywood”; this was the idea that birthed Excuse My African. When I started this podcast in 2017 Hollywood was at a point where they weren’t ready for MY kind of ‘African’. In the exact words of a Casting Director, I am not “African Enough”.

Fast forward to February 2018 and Black Panther, a movie that praises and glorifies the beauty of Africa; is currently the number 1 movie in the whole world. However, this hasn’t changed the tune of Hollywood.

In this episode, I will tell you about a very recent experience I had with an agency. This time it wasn’t about my looks, it was about my accent.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Black History Month: http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-month  
2. UN: http://www.un.org/en
3. Women’s Month: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women%27s_History_Month
4. Black Panther: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1825683/
5. Dialect Coach: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dialect_coach
6. Gringo: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3721964/
7. David Oyelowo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Oyelowo
8. A United Kingdom: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3387266/fullcredits

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 23 - AFRICA BEFORE THE SLAVERY PT. 3 "THE BENIN EMPIRE"

In This Episode:

As the Black History Month Celebration comes to an end, we have decided to share with you, the oldest surviving kingdom in the world, The Great Benin Empire which is located in Nigeria, Africa.

This year, our aim during Black History Month was to educate and remind people about African history before the slavery. Even though this month is coming to an end, we must not forget to continue celebrating Black History and the beauty of Africa and Africans.

Mentioned In This Episode:
1. Edo State: http://www.edostate.gov.ng  
2. Benin Empire: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benin_Empire
3. Oba Ewuare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ewuare
4. Harlem: https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/harlem
5. The Great Wall of China: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Wall_of_China
6. James Robert Phillips: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Robert_Phillips
7. Queen Idia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idia
8. Queen Iden: http://www.edoworld.net/Queen_Iden_of_Benin_Kingdom.html

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/