As an inclusive, diverse publication, we are glad to be featured in NewsMax, a conservative American news and opinion website,
which is often considered right of center. We work to create a big tent of Port Of Harlem readers and proud to be included in the big tent of others.
Wayne Young is the publisher and editor of Port of Harlem, a publication celebrating the diversity found in the African and Indigenous diaspora. He strives to feature articles from the point of the local diaspora view, not necessarily the African-American point of view. Young has immersed himself in the beauty, challenges, and culture found in the small African nation of The Gambia. A man of action, he has several philanthropic projects there.
Hailing from Gary, Indiana and now living in metro D.C., we interviewed him by telephone.
TF: What are some of the biggest differences between the United States African American community and the community in The Gambia?
WY:
Family structure. That’s what I’ve been focusing on lately. When continental Africans come [to the U.S], I let them know to say, “How’s it going?”, not “How is the family?”. I tell them to let it go -- being judgmental -- assuming the cultural relationship. Here, when I knock on the door, I wouldn’t ask, “How is your husband?” There, in the house, there will be the mother, the father, grandmother and cousin. People do get divorced (there), but it’s not that common. A single woman raising a child there is very uncommon.
You wouldn’t ask about nursing homes. The elderly move in with you or you move in with them. They wouldn’t have (rescue) beepers there, your beeper would be your voice! People live in a compound, 5 houses that may or may not be related. Anybody can help anybody else. I came to visit a village circle and a little girl came up to me and said, “You did not bring me a present last year!” Now I know not to (just) bring 12 gifts for the people of a house, I bring 48! I bring extra things to the lady or the man of the house to distribute, could be to a 2nd or 3rd cousin. Last time, I brought Lion King masks.
African Americans will criticize the wearing of court wigs: “colonialism”. I say, “What gives you the right, the audacity to criticize them? Do you speak Mandinka?” No, they speak English. There is a saying, “Speak your native language to your children or watch it die within the next 20 years. Looking down on your relatives who speak your native tongue because you speak perfect English is stupid. It is like being proud of borrowed clothes.”
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