BUSY PATTERNS. Bold hues. Strong images and words. All define Amazing Africa: A to Z, a children’s picture book co-authored by Minnesotan Dr. Artika Tyner and Ghanaian Monica Habia and illustrated by Reyhana Ismail of the UK.
For a community like mine, with a sizable Somali population, this book proves a natural draw. I always appreciate learning more about my new Faribault neighbors from the east African country of Somalia. The more we know about each other, the more comfortable and connected we feel. Disconnect and conflict often arise from lack of knowledge, fear of the unknown and differences. Differences in dress, food, language, culture, faith.
This book bridges differences via facts and art that carries a signature African style of intense patterns and colors. With every new bit of information, with every turn of the page, I feel more and more connected to this continent of 54 countries. For example, the word hospitality, chosen to represent the letter “H” in this alphabet book, strikes me as exactly what I hope for in Faribault. Africans believe no one is an island; rather everyone is part of the community, the text reads in part. Two clasped hands visually reinforce that belief.
Events like the Faribault Diversity Coalition’s summer International Festival Faribault and now occasional public talks by immigrants and others are ways we join hands and grow community. I’ve seen the art of my neighbors from Africa. I’ve heard the music, tasted the sambusa, admired colorful clothing… Faribault’s newest residents add a depth and richness to my southern Minnesota city.
Consider African proverbs, chosen in Amazing Africa: A to Z to represent the letter “P.” These wise sayings span cultures. The authors include this powerful Swahili proverb, among several, at the end of the book: “Unity is strength, division is weakness.” If only we all read and take those words to heart. I firmly believe that we, as individuals and as community, need to be here for one another. We truly are stronger when not divided.
As I read of 1,000 languages spoken throughout Africa, I think of the Somalians now living in my community. Many have overcome war, poverty and other unimaginable challenges to settle in Minnesota. And now they must also overcome language barriers and resentment. If only we would all pause for a moment and remember that, for most of us Minnesotans, English was not the native tongue of our immigrant forefathers. Mine spoke German. Others spoke Norwegian, French, Dutch…
I certainly can’t pronounce all of the words published in this book about Africa. Words like Uhuru, Yamoussoukro, Ugali and more. But I can appreciate the beauty of language, the way these words speak the rhythm of the continent of Africa.
Africa is the story of slavery, of dancing, of the world’s largest waterfall, of greatness, of so much richness and depth. You’ll find that, see that, read that in Amazing Africa: A to Z.
FYI: Dr. Artika Tyner, co-author of this book (and many others) and also a motivational speaker, educator and attorney, will speak on her journey towards justice from 6-7 pm Tuesday, May 16, at Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault. She is part of the Southeastern Libraries Cooperating 2023 Minnesota Author Tour. In her work, she focuses on racial and economic justice and social change. Tyner founded the nonprofit, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute.
I previously reviewed Tyner’s children’s book, Justice Makes a Difference—The Story of Miss Freedom Fighter, Esquire. To read that book review, click here.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
How very lucky that you all have come to share a home. A win for everyone. Storytelling is integral to connection.
I am thankful to live in a diverse community. And, yes, storytelling is important in connecting.
I like to hear about all the ways you are connecting to, and learning about, your Somali neighbors.
Thank you. I appreciate discovering books like this that teach me about other cultures/people/my new neighbors.
What a lovely book. I love this that you wrote: “The more we know about each other, the more comfortable and connected we feel. Disconnect and conflict often arise from lack of knowledge, fear of the unknown and differences. Differences in dress, food, language, culture, faith.” There’s so much beauty in the diversity of our world.
Thank you for appreciating my words. I am thankful to live in a diverse community. And, yes, diversity equals beauty.
I strongly believe if we take the time we can find a connection with every person we meet. Be it through food or art. Be it through community outreach and being curious to learn and explore. Be it through the connection of understanding everyone has family and friends and at times they are not biological and you make and gather friends that become like family. I certainly do not understand everything, especially from a community and cultural perspective. However I open myself up to learning more to connect and better understand. Diversity is beautiful and we all are storytellers of our lives if we have the patience to listen and open ourselves up to learning. Great Post Today! Happy Day – ENJOY 🙂
I appreciate your appreciation of my post. And I appreciate the insights you offer in your detailed comment. I ALWAYS enjoy reading what you are thinking/doing.
Wonderful blog post! Layered and diverse is our American culture and your new residents will add to that wonderful mix of Minnesotan. Thanks for sharing this book and for what your community does to Welcome all people in your community. Knowledge is the true equalizer.
Paula, I appreciate your appreciation of diversity in American culture. Not everyone does, including in my community. Interestingly enough, your statement that “knowledge is the true equalizer” comes out in the book. The writers chose EDUCATION as representing the letter “E” and include a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Believe in the changes that make the World better.🧘
Yes. Yes. YES!