My personal journey to be designated as an Ambassador for Peace on March 9, 2006, actually began in June 1965 when I was selected by Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA) to go to Guinea, West Africa. My destination changed, however, because of the political relations between Guinea and the United States, and I was assigned to a project in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Our task for the two months of that summer was to work side by side with other North American, and African students, building a training center for women in the town of Bo. Some of the friendships made at that time have endured through the years, as well as my commitment to the mission of improving relations between African and North Americans.

Established in 1957 by Dr. James H. Robinson, OCA programs are designed to promote understanding of Africa based on the belief that one can truly enter another culture only by living and working in it. OCA is a cross-cultural exchange program where North Americans work at the grassroots level with young Africans.

The organization’s motto is "make a difference for others, see the difference in yourself". Called the "progenitor of the Peace Corps" OCA has sent over 11,000 persons in the last 45 summers to 35 African countries, and Brazil in pursuit of its goals.

I applied to OCA as a young student because for as long as I can remember there was a deep burning desire and need in me, to travel to Africa and be a part of the life and people there. Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts as the oldest of 4 children, raised by a mother who instilled in us a sense of pride, courage and compassion, I was able to succeed in the community and the school system. I realized, however, very early in my life that something was missing.

As an African American female, I needed to know more about Africa, the people, and as a descendant of slaves, whether I would feel a connection upon "returning" to the continent. Having never traveled outside the USA before 1965, why would I say "returning" when in fact I had never set foot on African soil? I soon concluded or convinced myself that the spirit of some ancestor deeply imprinted in my genes was indeed returning on that journey, moving forward into my future with me.

I was not taught about Africa in public schools (even though Boston at that time was one of the best systems in the country). I read on my own, whatever I could get my hands on, about Africa. Once in Africa I felt like a cloud of ignorance had been lifted and the negative myths of time were dismissed in an instant. For me, it was as if there was magic in the air, from that first day in 1965 -- until now, whenever I return to Africa. The sense of belonging and acceptance is so strong and the generosity and kindness of the people is so powerful that I feel that I truly have returned home.

During the 60’s I participated in peaceful demonstrations during the civil rights movement in the US, and was directly involved in the student movements on the campus to bring about peaceful change at Hampton Institute (one of our nation’s oldest and most historical black colleges.) In spite of my concern and involvement to bring about justice in America for my people, I sensed that my call to Africa was greater and would keep me returning to the continent as a humanitarian.

The bridge of friendship that I crossed going into Africa over forty years ago, in an effort "to make a difference for others" also resulted in me seeing a difference in myself. That very difference continues to lead me back to Africa on different missions to different countries.

This sense of mission continued even during the twenty years that I spent in Germany. My husband and I moved to Germany where my husband was finishing his medical studies, and I was concluding my specialization in anesthesiology and intensive care nursing. I connected with the African community in Germany, privately and on a diplomatic level. I was frequently called upon to develop programs of cultural and educational exchange between Africans and Germans.

When I returned to America, I wanted to share my love for Africa by offering others the opportunity to travel to Africa as volunteers for humanitarian programs and fact-finding missions, primarily in Niger. One of the most memorable trips recently was as a member of the delegation "Give Peace a Chance" (GPAC) to Sudan.

During this trip I realized the essential role that the women of Sudan play in sustaining their families in the midst of crisis. I was very impressed by the high level positions held by women, their deep sense of responsibility to their community and country, which was exemplified by the numerous nonprofit organizations that they personally started and were operating. These organizations improved the lives of men and women, children and families as a whole.

In America there is a great need to promote better relations between people of Africa and America. In addressing that need I have worked for the past 10 years as a member and now second term President of the African and American Women’s Association Inc., organizing cultural, educational, and charitable activities which support that mission. For several years I have worked closely with the African Ambassadors’ Spouses Association, (AASA) on their annual fundraiser, which provides funding to charitable organizations for the betterment of Africa’s children.

In the year 2001, together with a friend, we finally embarked on forming our own non-profit organization; Spirit of Life Foundation (SOL). This organization helps improve people’s lives through education, giving them the ability to succeed in life. SOL has also provided funding and support to contribute to the construction of an essential road, which connects two villages, thus helping the lives of women going to market.

As founding member and treasurer, for SOL, I have helped our organization to succeed in procuring grants for small businesses, forming women’s cooperatives, providing school supplies and giving scholarships for further education (particularly for teenage girls.) Now our efforts are focused on raising funds for a specific school in the Tuareg community of Karafo.

Since 1998, I have returned to Niger regularly at least once a year. My reasons for focusing on Niger are intangible-it is a matter of the heart. For me, all roads lead to Niger where the resilience, the spirituality, the humility, and the ability to be grateful in the most difficult conditions, moves me beyond words.

Fortunately in Niger, the family unit still provides a source of strength to its members. After my long journey of forty years and after many trips to Africa, I am humbled to say that I feel a part of that family. Receiving the Ambassadors for Peace appointment was a profoundly moving experience for me because I realized that my entire life has been dedicated to the principles of peace. I feel empowered by my appointment and am excited by the potential of being a part of such a global network, the larger family of man under God.

I am embarking this summer on a community health project for two months with Operation Crossroads Africa (OCA), taking young French speaking North American pre-med students to Agadez, Niger. My hope for the future is to continue these projects and to involve others who hold similar desires and interests. Part of my quest is to facilitate the opportunity for others to experience what I have been blessed to experience. Will you "return" with me to Niger?

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