kaili:
Good morning all, I'm Mikaili. Born and raised in the U.S.

These days, many of us African Americans are waking up to the idea of rebuilding the connection with our long-lost homeland. I happen to be one of those individuals. I was born with 4 African names, raised with a deep cultural understanding, and intentionally surrounded myself with African friends.

I've always felt welcomed by Nigerians (and Africans in general), however, I've heard that other African-Americans have had negative experiences.

NIGERIANS: This is my question for you all. If those of us African-Americans who appreciate your culture begin to visit/relocate in large numbers... would you be bothered by that idea? If so, why?

Greystone:


To be honest with you, I personally feel a bond with African-Americans. You are our brothers and sisters whose ancestors wer forcefully taken away from Africa's shores many years ago.

However, there are stereotypes related to African-Americans that are more often than not, true.

- the average African-American man is lazy and prone to drugs, gang activities and crime. There's this "victim" mentality like.... he is disadvantaged and under privileged so why even try to be someone of value to the society?

- African-American girls are often stubborn and tend to be hood-rats. Teenage pregnancies and single motherhood as well as having children from different men is commoner among African-American women than any other race in the US.
If you ask most Nigerian men, myself included, we wud never consider marrying an African-American babe because most of "y'all" are irresponsible.

That being said, these are only stereotypes as i have relatives who wer born and raised in America and have turned out incredibly well and are doing well as professionals in different fields.

With regards to ur idea of a large-scale "meet-and-greet", Nigerians are generally friendly hardworking people and such a gathering wud be highly welcomed. However, u have to be weary of fraudsters and swindlers. Also make adequate security arrangements.

With regards to relocating to Nigeria, hmmm...i don't want to discourage you but whatever challenges you are facing in the US are nothing compared to what you wud experience here.

Nigeria is an extremely difficult country to live in. I repeat, extremely difficult. Almost nothing works here.
It's difficult enough for us who wer born and raised here.
Don't do it. Please.
Many Nigerians are, save for this terrible corona virus pandemic, trying to find ways of migrating to other countries.
Visit Nigeria briefly in the future if u must, but don't relocate here.

Best of luck.

kaili:
I must say, I had some mixed emotions while reading this response.

I'm saddened that the stereotypes in regard to African-American behavioral characteristics have influenced the minds of our brothers and sisters abroad.

Though some of what you said was true, particularly the victim mentality comment, I believe everything is a result of cause-and-effect. The media has a huge influence on how we are portrayed. I am majoring in Journalism, so I can attest to that first-hand.

This isn't an excuse for the behavior you mentioned, however, it's become easier for me to view things from a different lens since I know that the "ghetto/ratchet" individuals do not make up the majority of African-Americans. If you turn on the TV or visit certain areas, however, it will certainly look that way.

I wouldn't encourage that particular demographic to return to OR visit the African continent by any means. Unfortunately, they need a level of healing that no one else can facilitate but themselves.

Finally, for myself, I'm simply interested in visiting Nigeria. I've heard about how difficult it is to live there from Nigerians I know personally. The stories have been alarming. If/when I relocate, I may just pack my bags and set up shop in Accra.

Greystone:


I was sure u wud have mixed emotions to my response and I’m sorry if i touched a nerve, but honestly, this is how many Nigerians regard African-Americans.
You are absolutely right- the media often magnifies this by portraying African-Americans in a bad light. As you rightly said, the victim-mentality is a direct result of cause and effect and their healing can only come from within.
Nigerians have been praying and hoping for improvement in all spheres of life but unfortunately, we perpetually suffer from bad leadership and things keep going from bad to worse.
I’ve leraned that Accra is a beautiful place. I’m the only member of my family yet to visit Ghana. I intend to do so in the future.
I do wish you well in your endeavors because in my opinion, you are level-headed, intelligent, and a brilliant journalist.

PS: Why did u change ur profile pic?

kaili:

NIGERIANS: This is my question for you all. If those of us African-Americans who appreciate your culture begin to visit/relocate in large numbers... would you be bothered by that idea? If so, why?

kaili:
I hope the political climate of Nigeria soon improves. Will be praying for you all from afar!

Thank you for the compliments

kaili:
After reading your first response, I didn't want my pic to paint that ghetto, overly-sexual picture of me LOL!!!!

Me77:

To your question, I have no problem with African American people relocating to Nigeria or Africa. I love African American culture and hip-hop and I do watch a lot of movies concerning AA, I don't care about the stereotype and how the media portray AA people. I have learned to read beyond what the media do show on the daily.

The only problem I see with AA relocating to Africa is cultural change and how are you people going to adopt to them. Africa is not like the west, things are totally different here.
If you're planning to relocate, I'll advise you come spent a month or two to experience the african life by yourself before making a decision to relocate permanently or not.

kaili:
Interesting point of view. What do you think are some of the things (culturally) that would shock us, or feel uncomfortable at first for visitors? I am certainly open to the idea of spending a month or two abroad.

kaili:
Interesting point of view. What do you think are some of the things (culturally) that would shock us, or feel uncomfortable at first for visitors? I am certainly open to the idea of spending a month or two abroad.

kaili:
Interesting point of view.

Greystone:


How’s the Covid19 pandemic where u live?
Is a lockdown in place?
Have u been tested?

Greystone:


You asked a question that I'd like to ask you.

What do African-Americans think of Nigerians?
Any stereotypes?

PS: You've got mail...

kaili:
Good morning all, I'm Mikaili. Born and raised in the U.S.

These days, many of us African Americans are waking up to the idea of rebuilding the connection with our long-lost homeland. I happen to be one of those individuals. I was born with 4 African names, raised with a deep cultural understanding, and intentionally surrounded myself with African friends.

I've always felt welcomed by Nigerians (and Africans in general), however, I've heard that other African-Americans have had negative experiences.

NIGERIANS: This is my question for you all. If those of us African-Americans who appreciate your culture begin to visit/relocate in large numbers... would you be bothered by that idea? If so, why?

baiaon:



Just look at the way this loser is chasing.
You are pathetic

Ekwutox:
Why do you feel the need to call yourself such a degrading name (akata)?

Greystone:


You asked a question that I'd like to ask you.

What do African-Americans think of Nigerians?
Any stereotypes?

kaili:
Much like anywhere else, there are the intelligent and the ignorant.

kaili:


For the most part, Nigerians are revered as being highly educated, hard-working individuals-- especially when they make their way to the U.S. and U.K. However, a small percentage of African Americans watch far too much television and believe that the African continent (as a whole) is impoverished, famished, and primitive.

kaili:
Much like anywhere else, there are the intelligent and the ignorant.


P.S: My apologies for the late response. The time difference between us is pretty significant!

kaili:
I made sure to put quotations around it. I used the terminology because its' commonplace in Nigeria; not because I identify with it.

baiaon:



Just look at the way this loser is chasing.
You are pathetic