blacks beyond borders...

Over a year ago, my father sent me this link to a website that I'd never heard of, Blacks Without Borders.

I am very much familiar with the likes of Doctors Beyond Borders. Today I was introduced, through an invitation to a Cambodian fundraiser, to Friends Without a Border. Yet, it wasn't until I viewed this link that I was blown away by the idea of business in Africa.

The promo video speaks for itself, but there are many untapped resources in South Africa. This documentary is the story of a number of African-Americans, who could not get their businesses off the ground in the United States. Therefore, they moved themselves and their businesses to South Africa and have since become millionares.

It's a story of freedom of choice in one's own endeavors, and the possibilities out there when you refuse to be put into a box.

All of this just follows along the energy I have right now navigating me towards a Spain, Morocco, to Egypt trip for sometime in 2011.

Check out the Blacks Beyond Borders website and video, here.

mark my words...2011

Asia, I love you.

You have done me well over the last year and a half. After this trip, I must leave you indefinitely.

Africa is calling.

Morocco, I'm coming...2011

It is time...

Brainstorming on a 3-week trip between Morocco, Egypt, and Spain. When will it be done?

sarafina goes to Africa...

       

"Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.” ~John Lennan~

People, who know me well, know I am not big on making plans. I much rather go with the flow and allow the rest to fall into place. After all, the thrill of a journey is wrapped in its uncertainties.

I recognized my natural tendency to “act first, think later” when I accepted an invitation to study abroad this past February as a senior in college. I envisioned my final semester in undergrad as that time to cherish Furman University for all its quirks and perks, enjoy quality time with the roomies, and plan (yes, plan) for “adulthood.” While I was busy envisioning the perfect plan for my senior year and post-graduate lifestyle, another dream was making a very bold appearance. Sooner than later, I dropped all those thoughts about the “prim and proper” senior year to embrace something way cooler and way more meaningful: a trip to the motherland.

That’s right…Mom and Dad, I’m going to AFRICA!

As a child, I dreamed about being an African queen. How couldn’t I? My mom filled my reading collection with books about black culture and African history. My dad spoke about ancient African principles in casual conversation, and he exposed me to African culture and heritage in and around South Carolina. I ate from an African placemat during dinner time, I wore kente cloth during Kwanzaa, and I (more often than not) imagined myself dancing to authentic African beats and creating art on African soil. [What a childhood!]

Travelling (particularly in Africa) means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For me, it meant exploring my heritage, discovering feelings of connectedness, being “home”, and learning about a culture that was once tangible only through pictures and story books during my childhood.

I considered the travel experience in southern Africa a perfect opportunity to embark on a personal journey. I went with an open-mind—hoping to return more enlightened and fulfilled not only about myself, but also about the people and history I’d encounter along the way.

I began to realize that life (after this journey) would never be the same…

And yes...

People always ask, "So...how was Africa?" The best answer I can give: I'm still processing the entire experience. It was breathtaking, awe-inspiring, inspirational, beautiful, worth-it, and a whole lot more.  It may take a lifetime to process, but I wanted to share my reflections in the meantime. Here's to sharing the [south] African experience (from this perspective) one post at a time!

This time for Africa...NOT the country...the continent :)

phenom African fashion designer...she's only in high school

Sometimes you give your stamp of approval on projects. Sometimes you recommend someone. Other times, when you fully believe in the talent and drive of someone, you co-sign!

I, Evierobbie, cosign the &*^% (insert whatever expletive you wish) out of Ms. Nyorh Agwe.

Where do I begin? First off, she's only in high school! I met her this past month, through FashionCamp NYC as I was their personal paparrazi and blogger for three weeks. The last session took place the first week of August, and from the beginning, Nyorh had a prescence that simply radiated above many of her peers.

At the conclusion of each week, all groups (a total of 50 inspiring fashion designers, merchandisers, etc...) have to present their own ideas for a unique fashion line. Nyorh spear headed her group's "Petals and Poison" line which fused rock with femininity. Just as Francine, the SVP of Coach and Creator of the camp questioned the group, she stopped Nyorh and asked, "Where did you get your shirt? It's great."

Nyorh's response, "I made it."

Everyone in the room was sold! Hailing out of Cameroon, West Africa she moved to the United States in 2000. Currently, located in Maryland, Nyorh started working on her collection ASPIR3 after watching her very first episode of Project Runway.

In her words:

I entered the 2010 Downtown Silver Spring StreetGlam fashion show. This show was the show that made it for me. A lot of women really responded well to the collection and I started having serious orders, and my brand name was getting bigger.

I soon landed an Agency contract with PDB Group Ventures and have been getting more involved with other fashion shows such as 'Passion for Fashion' and just recently the Taste of Words "A Rose is a Rose" Tim O. Productions Show.

While all of these opportunities are great, especially at my age, my main focus right now aside from pleasing my customers is to add all I have learned and all my experience into a wonderful portfolio for college. In the near future I hope to start a mens collection, to be accepted into Parsons School of design and graduate as a Fashion Designer, and to even incorporate my work into more humanitarian subjects. For example, right now I have created a graphic tee shirt that my company sells for $10 and 95% of the proceeds go to America's Heart Association.

Please view and support this young sister doing her thing for real.

Nyorh contact:

nyorhawumagwe@yahoo.com/240-671-7776