Today we celebrate a remarkable story, the election of Ilhan Omar as the first Somali-American legislator in the U.S. The former refugee who fled the Somali Civil War and spent four years in a Kenyan refugee camp will serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives. We celebrate Omar’s inspirational achievement, a story of determination, hard-work and hope.
Africans rising
Africans rising Zimbabwe: 77 year-old retiree Hatifari Munongi earns university degree
Today we share the remarkable and inspirational achievement of a 77 year-old Zimbabwean retiree Hatifari Munongi, who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Sociology and Gender Development from the Women’s University in Africa (WUA) in Zimbabwe. Munongi has impressed many people with her accomplishment which proves that it’s never too late to go back to school.
Africans rising Uganda: 19-year-old girl wins scholarship with U.S. based Women Pilots’ Association
Mercy Mulayi a 19-year-old Ugandan trainee pilot considered a talented and “natural pilot” has won a prestigious scholarship offered by a U.S. based Women Pilots Association, Ninety-Nines. The opportunity puts the young protégé closer to her dream, to become a pilot with Uganda’s Defence Air Force. #WomenInAviation
Africans rising Seven African athletes nominated for the 2016 World Athlete of the year award
The IAAF has announced the shortlist for this year’s World Athlete of the year award. The list of 20 superstars has seven African athletes including South African duo of Caster Semenya and Wayde van Niekerk, Kenya’s David Rudisha and Vivian Cheruiyot as well as Ethiopia’s Almaz Ayana. Fans will also get to vote on the IAAF’s social media platforms. Who are you voting for?
Africans rising The abilities of women with disabilities
Women with disabilities face double discrimination, stigma and marginalisation but they are also at the forefront of change, writes Chitra Nagarajan.
Africans rising South Africa: 7 year-old author Michelle Nkamankeng named in global top 10 list of youngest writers
A seven year-old South African grade two learner, Michelle Nkamankeng has made history making it onto the global top 10 list of youngest writers. The budding writer is making waves with her first published book, which was recently launched entitled “Waiting for the Waves”. We applaud the budding writer for the remarkable achievement.
Africans rising ‘There is no such thing as a revolution starting and ending in a couple of months’: an interview with Egyptian activist, Yara Sallam
Egyptian human rights advocate, Yara Sallam, stood up to be counted when Egypt’s revolution was in full tilt and paid the price for it: fifteen months in prison. The prison spell did nothing to diminish her resolve and since her release last year, the outspoken activist has shown no signs of backing down from the fight to ensure that the powers that be uphold the human rights of every Egyptian. This Is Africa’s Nancy Onyango caught up with Sallam on the sidelines of the recently concluded Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) forum in Brazil. She opened up about why some North Africans don’t feel “African,” her experience behind bars and why she thinks Egypt’s revolution is far from over.
Africans rising Unfinished Struggles: An interview with Amina Doherty
Amina Doherty is an African-Caribbean feminist and women’s rights advocate. Her work is centered on raising awareness for social justice through movement-building and innovative approaches to philanthropy. Her work takes many forms: art exhibitions, community programmes, cultural events and grant-making initiatives. She is committed to promoting justice and working towards social change through the intersection of art, culture and activism. Nancy Onyango caught up with her on the sidelines of the Black Feminisms Forum (BFF), held in Bahia, Brazil in September 2016 ahead of the 13th Association for Women’s Rights in Development forum. They talked about what it means to be a feminist, collective self-care and the importance of listening to each other’s struggles.
Africans rising The Funky Professor
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah caught up with Kobby Graham, a DJ, academic and writer popularly known as the Funky Professor.