I am an AA female. I have Nigerian friends that I truly love. I hear people talk about Africa tradition and culture and how they must stick to it to keep from being "Americanized". Let me tell you this. There are Africans, AA, and every culture and race in the world that have solid family values. They have females that are kept by men for money, they have thieves, murderers, drug addicts, liars, fornicators, and adulterers. The good and the wicked are worldwide and has always been since the beginning of time.

Someone once told me that I let what I look like on the outside, affect how I feel on the inside. This was an over weight issue. I realized that I have a self worth and I refuse to let others validate me. I am a child of a great Creator who created himself in triple darkness. Black cannot come from white. White comes from black. Check the color scheme. The problem with people today is that they are too busy being visual rather than learning about who a person really is from the inside. Being black skinned does not make anyone evil. Embrace yourself with your black skin and know that you are beautiful. Skin creams do not hide your true character. If a person judge you by your color rather than the contents of your character, that person is the evil one.

I want to learn how to speak and write Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa. I am looking at all of the posts. But, I am not sure if I am pronouncing the words right because I cannot hear them.

Inked_Nerd:


If you don't mind me asking, where are you from? And how did you head about Nairaland?

I am from the state of Mississippi, USA. I was searching the website for the culture and kinds of foods of Nigeria. I am interested in that part of Africa the most because I knew someone from there years ago. Some of the suggested sites had Nairaland web address on it. At first, I thought I could not join because I was AA. When I did, I was shocked at all of the topics on it. Nigeria is a place I want to visit some day. Also, I had a minister that is from Liberia.

EzeUche:

No problem, just simply pointing it out. I know you didn't mean any harm. Many people do understand that the word "tribe" can be quite offensive to some Africans. I am simply here to enlighten those who do not know that the word can be seen as derogatory.

That is why I am eager to learn African culture. I never want to say or do anything offensive. I have already contacted The Center for African American Genealogical Research Incorporation. I asked them where can I get DNA testing to see what African ethnicities I descend from. I am now waiting for a response.

Inked_Nerd:


Have you thought of having your roots traced?

Oh, by the way I just realized that you're new to Nairaland.

Welcome to Nairaland scorpio58

Thank you for the welcome. I am excited I was led to this website.

EzeUche:

I know you didn't many any harm, but it is not good to refer to African ethnicities as "tribes." Some of our ethnicities are 30+ million people. Europeans like to refer to different African groups as "tribes," even though our ethnicities are sometimes more than their own people. I never hear the Welsh people of Britain being referred to as a tribe even though there are only 700,000 Welsh, compared to 30 million Igbos.

However, many people in this section of Nairaland will be happy to teach you about our various cultures and traditions. I hear that there are AA genealogical companies that can do a DNA test for you to see what African ethnicities you descend from.

Please forgive me for my ignorance. I said the word tribe only in a loving way. I know better now. I will find out how to contact one of the genealogical companies and hopefully, I can have peace in my heart of who I am. Thank you for your information and the corrective measure.

Inked_Nerd:


What's your point? Did I ever mention that we shouldn't talk or make references to others? All I said it we should put an end to the name calling. Please learn comprehend things before making comments. Besides, although I may have quoted you, my suggestion was for everyone who is a part of this discussion so stop having a hissy fit and move on.

lol yeah, it may have been sad but I'm glad I went through what I went though. Because of such experiences, I've met some very wonderful people. I still embrace people with open arms. I'm sure if you and I would have met when we were little kids or in high school, we would have hit it off .

EzeUche_:

I agree with you. Not all AA are bad. Actually, a good amount of your people are quite a pleasure to be around. At my university, many of my closest friends are AAs. I have been embraced in their families, and I have dated AA women.

When I think about it, I think it is more of a class issue than a ethnic issue. AA that are educated or they come from a high social class tend to be more respect of Africans than those who are not educated.

But AAs will always be near to my heart, because the majority are descendants of Igbos. If only the went back to their Igbo roots and learned our language and bear our names.

I am happy to learn of a name of a tribe I could possibly belong. I have always disliked my American assigned name. I would like to know more about my true roots. I am in the process of learning about self because I know that I am not truly myself because of what happened many years ago through the slave trade.

Inked Nerd it is sad that you went through what you did here in America. If I were one of the people you had met, I would have been proud to embrace you. As a little girl, I was always amazed when another student came into my class from another country/culture. I was the one who always made friends with the new students. I knew I was going to learn something new from them. I am an African American and I was picked on by classmates all the time because I always made good grades, mostly A's. Some of my classmates wanted to fight me because I made good grades. Some of those sames children grew up to dislike others because of differences they have. We are not all negative towards Africans. For an AA to be negative towards Africans because they are Africans, is for them to be negative towards themselves.

I appreciate everyone responses. Thanks

I am not expecting any positive responses because I was told not to. I just want to know if this kind of relationship can be positive and accepted by nigerian culture?