“Journey To The Motherland - From San Francisco to Benin City”
Novel by Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd
Review By Kola Thomas
San Francisco, CA
This autobiographical “Journey To The Motherland” is a 160-page
novel, but I read it in less than two days. Reading this book was an invocation
of the nostalgia to be “at home right now.”This book is written in a style that
helps the reader to be transported to Africa and be actively engaged in the
dynamic and evolving events of the moment as they unfold. One could not help
but follow the “Journey...” and soak in the moments. Perhaps being a Yoruba
(born in Nigeria), familiar with the local terrain and socio-cultural
manifestations and political landscape of Nigeria; and living in the Bay Area
for over twenty-five years - well I travel home periodically - I am able to
understand the book better. However, this is a book about a wonderful
experience in Africa.
One
thing that is clear throughout the book is a commitment by the author Ukali
Johnson-Redd, to increasing empowerment for African people all over the world.
It
behooves any one contemplating a visit to any part of Africa, to read
“Journey...”_ A great many brothers and sisters go to Africa, without
preparation or some form of orientation. They then experience cultural shock on
arrival - shock at the mass of black people taking care of business; shock at
the unparalleled and unqualified show of hospitality displayed by the hosts;
shock at the high level of intellectual capacity and scholarship; shock at the
fact that people are unfazed at whether or not utilities work; and shock at the
fact that the urban and rural areas are just as any you will find in the
so-called civilized western cities.
I
could not help but be thankfully amazed at how Brother Ukali has assimilated
the local lingo and nuances to a “T.” Talk about “invigilation…” for
proctoring a student test - page 124; and dispensing “dongoyaro” - a
traditional herbal extract - as the preferred medication for malaria - page 144
- that follows age-long African understanding of traditional therapy - and
which Western medicine refuses to celebrate. Perhaps Ukali needs to consider
sharing his experience at medical colleges here in the United States.
“Journey
to Motherland…” is recommended and a definite must read by every one who wishes
to get a better understanding of Africa and African ways, its indubitable and
welcoming hospitality, and its great culture, educational environment.
Kola
Akintola-Thomas is CEO of African Global Institute-USA based in San Francisco,
California. He can be reached at
africanglobal@yahoo.com.
+ LARRY UKALI JOHNSON-REDD can be reached
at ljredd52@aol.com If you want an autographed copy, send $14.95 plus $3.00 for
shipping/handling and taxes to Journey To The Motherland, P.O. Box 181,
Antioch, California 94509 or go to Marcus Books in San Francisco and Oakland,
Alkebulan Books and Cody Books in Berkeley to buy this meaningful book. Lastly there will be an autographing session
and presentation on
Saturday February 7, ( 2:00pm), 2004 at the
SF Public Library basement level Latino Room as part
of a celebration of African-American History Month 2004 Through Poetry and
Literary Readings . Meet the author and buy an autographed copy. This will event will also be a book
launching party for Ukali’s new 301 page poetry book titled “History to Destiny
Through Afrocentric Poetry. Larry will read from both books including sistah
praise poetry at this event.
Larry will also appear at the Tenderlion Book Fair January30 and 31 2004 at 133 Golden Gate Avenue. Visit Larry’s website at
http://www.journeytothemotherland.net
or
http://www.geocities.com/journeytothemotherland/index.htm
To return to the next page of the Website, see link:at
journeytothemotherland/Orderforml