JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND: FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO BENIN CITY by
Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd
Amen-Ra Theological Seminary Pr, November 2002
160 Pages, Paperback, $14.95
ISBN: 0967422639
Genre: Autobiography
RAW Rating: 3
Repatriation
In this thought-provoking, autobiographical narrative, American born Larry
Ukali Johnson-Redd reminisces on his life's experiences in 1960s and
1970s Americaand his subsequent migration to Nigeria.
Interspersed with poetry written by the author, JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND
tells of Ukali's high school and college years, when he was an active
member of the Black Student Union and recounts some of the trials he had
to contend with as a student activist in an inherently racist American
society. It touches on his involvement in riots and protests that were
commonplace during that period of America's racist history and describes
how he falls in love with his wife at first sight. It is his wife, a
Nigerian, who informs him of a job opportunity in Nigeria, just when the
biased American system threatens to stifle his ability to become gainfully
employed, despite his qualifications.
Disillusioned by the blatant racism perpetrated against "Afroans" in
America, he seizes the opportunity and migrates to Nigeria where he is
offered the chance to work with the school system. It is there in
Nigeria that the author feels he is accorded the human respect and dignity
he rightly deserves. His obvious devotion and love for his very
supportive wife is clearly evident throughout the book.
JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND is a sentimental story of one man's
determination to maintain his self-respect and esteem. Ukali's story is
an interesting one and though it lacks detail and depth, it is presented
in a clear and easy to read format. JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND is an
enlightening read which covers a gamut of complex issues surrounding race
relations and voluntary repatriation. It offers readers a taste of
African culture and its apparent respect for diversity.
Reviewed by Autumn of
The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers
