African Food and Art

This blog explores the wisdom of African proverbs, the depth of folklore, the beauty of art, the stories of history, and the flavors of timeless African food recipes.

African fathers deserve to be praised

Every day, our culture transmits the message that African dads are not involved in their child's life. Black fathers tend to get the short end of the stick when it comes to being appreciated.

A little girl and her father walk on Lido beach in Mogadishu, Somalia, during Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

African fathers deserve to be praised 365 days of the year.

Father's Day is a special day of celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood and the influence of fathers in the world. The idea for Father's Day originated in the United States and has been officially celebrated on the third Sunday in June since 1966.

African fathers, like fathers all around the world, play a crucial role in the lives of their children and families. They deserve recognition, appreciation, and praise not just on specific occasions but throughout the year.

Fathers provide their children guidance, support, love, and care, helping shape their character, values, and aspirations. They play an essential role in promoting the well-being and development of their families. African fathers, in particular, often face unique challenges and responsibilities within their cultural and societal contexts, and their contributions should be acknowledged and celebrated.

Piggy Back Ride

It's vital to consistently express gratitude and praise to fathers, recognizing their dedication, sacrifice, and positive impact on their children's lives. Celebrating African fathers throughout the year helps foster strong family bonds, promotes positive fatherhood roles, and encourages a supportive and nurturing environment for children to thrive.

The general perception in the world is that African fathers do not exist; however, many black African fathers play an active role in their children’s lives, spending more time in their children's day-to-day lives than any other race. So, let's celebrate and honor African fathers not just on a single day but every day, appreciating their love, guidance, and positive influence on their families.

There can be harmful stereotypes and misconceptions perpetuated by certain narratives that diminish the presence and involvement of African fathers. However, it's important to challenge and change those perceptions because many black African fathers do indeed play active and engaged roles in their children's lives.

Fathers in African communities often take on significant responsibilities within their families, including being providers, protectors, and positive role models. They actively participate in their children's day-to-day lives, offering emotional support, guidance, and encouragement. They contribute to their children's upbringing, education, and overall well-being.

It is crucial to recognize and celebrate the involvement of African fathers to counter stereotypes and promote positive narratives. Highlighting their dedication and love helps challenge misconceptions and reinforces the importance of involved fatherhood.

It's essential to move beyond generalizations and acknowledge the diverse experiences of African fathers, just as with fathers from any other cultural background. By promoting a more accurate and inclusive understanding of fatherhood, we can foster a greater appreciation for African fathers' active role in their children's lives and in society as a whole.

Fatherhood Quotes from Around the World.


He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. -Clarence Budington Kelland

A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance. - Ruth Renkel

The greatest gift I ever had came from God; I call him Dad! -Author Unknown

I am not ashamed to say that no man I ever met was my father’s equal, and I never loved any other man as much. -Hedy Lamarr

I love how we do not have to say out loud that I am your favorite child. -Author Unknown

There are three stages of a man’s life: He believes in Santa Claus, he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, he is Santa Claus. -Author Unknown

Week’s Best African Culture Posts

Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition

Image
Dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia: the newly chosen Fine Boy is temporarily celebrated with fanfare and pleasure. Kru Tribe Fine Boy Tradition Fascinating stories emerged during the Pepper Coast's glory days. Beginning in the 15th century, European traders established outposts along the Liberian coastline, drawn by its wealth of humans, spices, and other commodities.  Centuries later, in the 19th century, the American Colonization Society (ACS) founded settlements in Liberia and began journalling native stories.  Among these tales is a dream-nightmare story from the Kru people of Liberia, a story so intriguing it almost seems too good to be true because, in some ways, it is.   The Kru women periodically held elections to select a young, handsome man as their “Fine Boy.” The announcement of his selection was celebrated with a vibrant procession featuring music, singing, and dancing.  The newly chosen Fine Boy was placed at the front of the para...
Read the full post here

What is the difference between ugali and fufu

Image
How to make the popular African recipes Ugali and Fufu and what is the difference.  Ugali is a starch dish in Kenya and Tanzania made of fine cornmeal cooked in boiling water into a soft dough. Fufu is a thick, dough-like West African food made by boiling then pounding a starchy vegetable such as yam, plantain, or cassava or a mixture of starchy vegetables. The main difference between fufu and ugali is fufu is boiled first then pounded while ugali is simply boiled. Ugali recipe. Easy Ugali Recipe Prep time 5 minutes Cook time 30 minutes Total time 30 minutes Ingredients 4 cups finely ground cornmeal 8 cups water Directions Heat water to boiling in a saucepan. Slowly pour cornmeal into boiling water stirring continuously. Add more cornmeal if necessary until it is thick as soft bread dough. Serve immediately with vegetables, stew, or any dish you would use a spoon with to soak up the sauce, ugali is purposely bland tasting on its own. What is the difference between ugali ...
Read the full post here

African Spirit Tree Test

Image
Africa boasts a remarkable array of unique trees, each showcasing distinct qualities that set it apart, much like the diverse personalities of people. The majestic Baobab, with its thick trunk and expansive canopy, symbolizes wisdom and resilience, while the vibrant Protea embodies courage and boldness with its striking flowers. Which tree do you resonate with? Are you as wise as the ancient Baobab or as daring as the brilliant Protea? Discover your true spirit by taking this engaging quiz designed to match you with an African tree that reflects your personality. Each tree symbolizes unique characteristics and qualities, so dive in to explore the connection between your spirit and these magnificent natural wonders. Get ready for a fun journey of self-discovery. Question 1: How Do You Handle Challenges? A.  You stand firm and face them head-on, using your wisdom. B.  You quietly help others and offer comfort. C.  You adapt quickly and find creative solutions. D.  You ...
Read the full post here

Keto Moroccan Dinner Cooked Slowly

Image
Slow Cooked Moroccan Kefta Lamb Meatballs   Keto Tagine Morocco is at the geographic and cultural crossroads between Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.   In Morocco, the term tagine refers to a slow cooked stew as well as the pot the stew is made in. Kefta Tagine Kefta Tagine is a keto-friendly Moroccan lamb meatball food dish fitted for your low-carb lifestyle. The slow cooking of the meatballs allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a fragrant, hearty keto meal. The star of the Kefta Tagine dish is lamb, symbolizing the richness of Moroccan hospitality. Lamb meat has been a staple in North African cuisine for centuries, with lamb being central to celebrations and religious festivals.  Ground lamb meat is spiced and shaped into small balls, known as kefta, a preparation that dates back to ancient Berber traditions.  The kefta are seasoned with cumin, paprika, and coriander, spices that have shaped Morocco’s history in the global trading of spices whi...
Read the full post here