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Summoned From The Margin: Homecoming Of An African

Ruben Cox

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Published in Sharyl Attkisson

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In the tapestry of life, we are all woven together by threads of shared experiences and common humanity. Yet, for those who have journeyed far from their ancestral lands, the path of return can be both exhilarating and daunting.

Summoned from the Margin: Homecoming of an African

by Sharyl Attkisson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3925 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages

As an African who has spent many years abroad, I have often felt the pull of my homeland tugging at my heartstrings. The longing for connection with my roots, the desire to immerse myself in the vibrant tapestry of my culture—these yearnings have been a constant companion.

And so, I embarked on a pilgrimage back to the land of my birth. A journey not merely of physical return, but of spiritual and emotional homecoming.

A Diaspora's Embrace

Upon my arrival, I was met with a warmth and hospitality that enveloped me like a comforting blanket. The smiles of strangers, the laughter of children, the rhythmic pulse of drums—all these sights and sounds whispered a welcome that I had not felt in years.

In the bustling markets, I marveled at the vibrant colors of traditional fabrics, the intricate carvings of wooden sculptures, and the tantalizing aromas of street food wafting through the air. Each encounter was a tapestry of shared experiences and cultural nuances that reminded me of where I truly belonged.

Challenges of Reintegration

Yet, alongside the joy of homecoming, there were also challenges to be faced. The rhythms of my homeland were different from the ones I had become accustomed to. The pace of life was slower, the priorities were distinct. I found myself having to readjust, to relearn the subtle cues and social norms of my culture.

There were moments of frustration and alienation, as I grappled with the inevitable gaps that had formed during my time away. But with each passing day, I slowly began to bridge these divides, one conversation at a time, one shared experience after another.

Finding Belonging in the Margins

As I ventured beyond the cities and into the heartland of my country, I discovered a wealth of hidden treasures. In rural villages, I witnessed ancient traditions still being practiced, where elders shared their wisdom and stories with rapt attention.

In the vibrant communities of the diaspora, I found a sense of solidarity and shared purpose. We were Africans who had traveled far and wide, but who had never forgotten our roots. Together, we celebrated our heritage, supported each other's endeavors, and worked towards the betterment of our homeland.

It was in these margins, among the people who had been left behind or overlooked, that I found the true essence of my identity. For it is in the spaces between the dominant narratives, in the voices that have been silenced or marginalized, that we often find the most profound truths.

My homecoming has been a journey of self-discovery, of finding my place in a world that is both familiar and foreign. It has been a journey of challenges and rewards, of laughter and tears, of love and belonging.

As I stand here today, in the heart of my homeland, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude. For the opportunity to reconnect with my roots, to rediscover my identity, and to find my place in the vibrant tapestry of my culture.

My story is but one of many. There are countless Africans who have been summoned from the margins, who have returned to their homeland with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging. And as we continue to share our stories, we weave a richer and more inclusive narrative of the African experience.

Summoned from the Margin: Homecoming of an African

by Sharyl Attkisson

4.2 out of 5