What is Kawe? Learn here

diaspora living

 

She wondered what her place in life was. What it really meant and if any of it even mattered. And this skin she was given, with its ability to tell of her ancestors and roots even without a word- the betrayal!

She looked in the mirror and wished she found something else. Something a bit narrower, something less plump, something less broad and less flat. And wished that her hair wasn’t so coarse, so coily and unruly.

She looked at eyes that reminded her of the grandmother she loved dearly, but only saw in it the belly of her troubles, their brown depths bringing no joy.

She wished everything was different. That she was different. That she did not belong to this skin, this history and these demons.

Then she laughed, ghastly at her reflection before the tears began to run and she crumbled to the floor shaking and trembling in fear. Fear of the unknown and what misfortunes just being herself would bring.

 

living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Dear child, do you not know that the gods spoke of you even before you were breathed to life? That this life was made for you in mind and your place in it a significance?

Do you not know that the fullness of your lips bellies the beauty of the full moon and this nose you decry is as strong as the baobab, standing the test of time? That your eyes behold the beauty of the earth and through them your ancestors nurture the generations to come?

Do you not know that you are an original, a default in itself, needing no other for comparison or worship? That with your very being, life is formed and begotten?

Do not let this new world make you forget. Do not let its inequities put you asunder.

Remain steadfast and believe in your strength, for your back holds the power of those before you; and remain trusting in your beauty for the key to life does not come by happenstance.

And whenever you’re tested, remember that you do not walk alone and that you and those before you and even those after, will continue to do so until the end of time.

You will not be moved.

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

Living in the diaspora

 

 

Let’s have a discussion about the issues in this post. Join me on Instagram Live this Saturday. Time would be confirmed closer to the day, follow me on Instagram to get updates.

What did these images and words make you feel? Please share below!

 

DOWNLOAD & SHARE THESE WORDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA TOO AND TAG ME!

 

 

Model- Fatou

Art director, stylist, photographer- Me

 

 Links To Equipments I Used(I might receive a small commission if you buy using my links)

    1. I used the Nikon D3100(produced in 2010), here’s a newer model- Nikon D3400(produced in 2016)

2. I used the Nikon 35 mm f/1.8G lens

3. I used the book- Nikon D3100: Snapshots To Great Shots to learn.

Share