IN SEARCH OF LIBERIA’S NEW IDENTITY INFORMED BY ITS PAST

Written by Nykita for Sleepless in Monrovia on July 26, 2020

2020 is the start of a decade that feels like a breakthrough to another side of humanity. We are rethinking everything, reinventing ourselves in a way, and evolving under the pressure of a global pandemic. A pandemic that has exposed inequalities across cultures. Globally, oppressed people are rising up, and how they do so has been a topic of much conversation and frustration. However, the simple bottom line is this, you cannot expect oppressed people to politely ask to be freed of their oppression. This was the case in 1980 when a group of indigenous Liberians overthrew a majority Congau government & system. A system deeply entrenched in classism with a minority ruling class that neglected to develop Liberia & its people beyond their own interests. Liberation for indigenous Liberians was prioritized with blood shed and destruction. Read more here

BANJUL IN 24 HOURS

Written by Nykita for Tastemakers Africa, 2015

While in Senegal it’s worth a stop to visit The Gambia, the smallest country on mainland Africa. Surrounded by Senegal lies Africa’s smallest mainland nation, The Gambia. This former colony of the Portuguese and the British is not likely a place you’ve heard a ton about and that’s why it’s a great place to visit if you have a few extra days in Senegal. I had the chance to visit the country and hang out with Chiquita Afuluenu Johnson, a fellow Liberian transplant who recently returned to West Africa after 20 years of living in the United States. Together we discovered the perfect day in Gambia – trust me it’s worth the 30 minute flight from Dakar. 24 hours might not seem like enough time to really experience everywhere but with the right guidance, a la this handy guide, you can get just enough of a taste of the capital city to have you scrambling to return for more. Here are our favorite places to explore. Read more here. 

Ebola from the eyes of a Diasporan Liberian

Wriiten by Nykita for Ms. Afropolitan, 2014

Two years ago, when I returned to my home country, Liberia, I anticipated many challenges. I understood that my transition from the sleek streets of midtown Atlanta to the dusty roads of Monrovia would be quite significant. Like many repatriates before me, I arrived full of hope, regardless of the instability of electricity, or the lack of what I considered to be basic amenities, or the delicate politics of being an African woman raised in the West and rooted in Africa. Read more here. 

THE LIBERIA PHILANTHROPY SECRETARIAT

Written by Nykita for the Liberia Philanthropy Secretariat, 2013

On the coast of West Africa a great experiment is taking place. Liberia, a relatively small country with a population of 3.7 million people is housing a first of its kind program in the world, The Liberia Philanthropy Secretariat (LPS). Read more here.