Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On the Desk..., Resources

The Day is Here…Dr. G is on Audible!!

Happy Monday!! I am SUPER excited to finally share….I’m officially on @audible !! When this opportunity came across my email inbox, I literally had to re-read the message several times to make sure I was not tripping!! Seeing it all come together is a process I will never forget! Grateful and Thankful!!

A dream come true!! Bucket list item checked off!! Let me just say this: researching, writing, and the actual recording were no joke, but I am sooooo glad I did it!! This was such an amazing opportunity to create and write a six-episode series titled, “From the Wiz to Wakanda: Afrofuturism in Pop Culture”!!

When it is all said and done, Afrofuturism is a cultural and social movement that continues to evolve and transform the landscape of pop culture!!

Such an awesome experience!! #DrGChronicles #PopCultureScholar #Afrofuturism #CreativeScholarship

I hope you enjoy!! Let me know what you think!!

Check it out here and share with your friends!!

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Black Joy, Celebration, Dr. G's Travels

Dr. G’s #WestAfricanJourneyTravels!!-Day 7: Reflections on Senegal

My My My!! What can I say! This trip has been one for the books!! As I have said many times before, I am truly thankful and blessed that I have been able to venture into another beautiful country in Africa. Senegal you made me feel at home! Nothing like discovering what the world has to offer! Senegal has just added to the wonders of amazement that I have when it comes to traveling. I have become even more informed by the history, the culture, and the people.

In deep conversation with a fellow traveler

In many ways, it was a full circle moment coming to Senegal as I remember in my MA program in Africana Studies at Georgia State University, my Proseminar professor Dr. Dunham introduced us to such greats as Cheikh Anta Diop and Léopold Sédar Senghor and then I got a chance to walk where they walked. With each African country that I visit it is as though I’m adding another piece to the puzzle. Just making one visit would dispel so many myths. Cause let me tell you, while there is a gradual rise in Black/African Americans coming to the continent, trust other folks (especially Europeans) are coming in droves. So why can’t we enjoy the splendors of the continent?! Now I do not have an exact answer as to why so many come, but part of me feels like it is to fulfill some illusion of who Africans are in society.

Senegal offers another African perspective that I feel gets overshadowed by more popular and modern countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and South African, but there is plenty to showcase…Everything from:

  • The significance of the Baobab tree
  • To the importance of Goree Island
  • To growing communities like Akon City
  • The animal reserves and the need for preservation
  • How the Senegalese navigate traffic (lol)
  • The fact that if there is money to be made it does not matter how late in the night it could, folks will put in the work
  • That yummy Senegalese coffee and Bissap juice
  • I even got to practice my French!!
  • And the food, LORD HAVE MERCY…Having fresh seafood, fruits and veggies on a daily and bread that doesn’t make you feel heavy…It make sense why their skin is flawless and they barely look their age.

While yes there is a deep-seated history rooted in slavery, we still manage to come out on top! We do not have rest in the trauma and tragedy, there is light and it is shining bright!

I also appreciate how many of the locals, guides, and friends are not only welcoming but in some cases protective. It was as if I had never met a stranger. This first week has been such an inspiring time and I know our time in Ghana will just continue to build on that foundation. Even now just being able to reflect on my thoughts with the birds chirping in the background and a nice cool breeze, I’m definitely in my happy place with my people!

Photo by Amaury Michaux on Pexels.com

Confirming Moment: While taking in the day at a game reserve about 40 mins outside of Gambia, I got a chance to talk with an ornithologist and share my love for travel, especially within Africa. During our conversation, he asked me what I did and what brought me here. To which I replied I am a university professor and I love coming home. He then answered, “yes you are African…and your willingness, love, and excitement to visit proves just that without question.” Another definining moment to add to the bank! I needed to hear that when I did!!

Halfway through the first part of the journey!!

Week 1 is done and my cup runneth over! Thank you, Senegal my mind, body, and spirit are full.

The next post you see will be the second half of my #WestAfricanJourneyTravels in Ghana!! As always I look forward to sharing with you!

See you all soon … In Ghana!! ~Dr. G