The Black Atlantic

Notes on Absence

Ìdòwú Ọdẹ́yẹmíApril 21, 2024

One only realizes the notions of love in one’s life when they become absent. Read the sequel to ‘Living in America, Leaving Nigeria’.

April/May 2024The Black Atlantic

Departures Reflections on the Burden of Parting

Chukwuemeka FamousFebruary 20, 2024

For days, I struggled to grasp this somewhat unsettling realization that a member of my family would leave not just Nigeria, but Africa, miles away from home and family.

February/March 2024NigeriaThe Black Atlantic

Living in America, Leaving Nigeria Notes on the House that Needs Saving

Ìdòwú Ọdẹ́yẹmíDecember 2, 2023

Living in America as an African is quite different from living somewhere in Africa. If anything, Americans will make you forget your own insignificance on earth.

December/January 2023NigeriaThe Black Atlantic

What is Special Hair? A Black Woman’s Complicated Hair Journey

Izehi AmadasuApril 14, 2023

Irrespective of what anyone thinks, I have decided that the hair I was born with—this coarse, springy, dark hair that grows towards the sun—is special, not because of its length, thickness, texture, or any reason other than because it is my hair and I have decided to love it.

April/May 2023NigeriaThe Black Atlantic

Setting Sail for ‘Home’ Inheriting My Parents’ Longings for Freetown

Ade DaramySeptember 7, 2022

Half a century ago, I inherited my parents’ longings for Freetown, Sierra Leone. Unknown to me then, a two-week voyage home would became a lifelong journey. Read more.

Best of 2022GambiaJune/July 2022Sierra LeoneThe Black Atlanticvol6-no3