Why?

Well, I got robbed = (

Don't worry though; everything's ok. This guy(Phonix) I met Wed. morning went into my room when Justin (my roomate) was taking a shower and took some money from me and some shades. I got security and they beat the hell out of him. He really didn't take that much but I had to have him arrested so we could sort the situation out.

So, yesterday, George's aka Phonix's father called me and asked to meet me. I spoke with him, his wife, and their daughter. After speaking with them, I decided to drop the charges. I really feel indifferent about the whole situation but I know he got what he deserved. He got pretty lucky considering what the students would have done had he stolen something electronic. Anyway, I'll meet up with the family before I leave so we can officially close this situation.

Can I get a Fight Song?

This week the Univ. of Ghana has been feeling the presence of the police left and right. Last monday, a group students from one of the halls here went on a rampage and destroyed property around campus. They did this to protest the disqualification of one of the nominees for the student elections. For more info, go to:

http://www.graphicghana.com/article.asp?artid=11776

Finals

Hey everybody,
I know I've been slackin' like socks with no elastic, but I have great news. I just got accepted into the University of Minnesota's Multicultural Undergraduate Research Program. It's amazing. I'll be able to work with faculty from their African-American Studies Program (they are the truth, I looked them all up and I'm lovin it).

In Ghana news, I'm patiently waiting for my departure. I'll leave on the 9th of May and I arrive in KC on the 10th. It's revision week right now so I'm finishing my long essay paper and trying to study for my exams. I really excited about my exams because I know they'll be very challenging. I've heard countless people talk about how easy stuff is here, but I have demanding lecturers.

Speaking of lectures, I had my final Societies and Cultures of Africa lecture yesterday. Dr. Akumatey didn't let me down. It was a mirror of my introduction to her. She came in and set the class straight on how they should act as intellectuals. She even had to put a few people out on front street. Last week she posted the results from last semester's Anthropology course, and all Hell broke loose. Some students were happy, but the majority of them were either mad or depressed. So many students went to the dept. chair to contest their grades, Dr. A got irritated. She let us know too. I can't knock her for it. She had one student come to here early this semester bragging about how easy her last exam was. I don't know what he was thinkin. He said he finished it in 45min. and he knew he had an A. When she showed him how terrible he did on the exam he couldn't believe he wrote it. A few other students sent her text messages imploring her to change her mind about the grades but the damage was done. To make a long story short, our exam is gonna be 3hrs of essay ?s. Wish me luck.

Protest Music?

iamrj's BlogSpot: Would you protest these songs?

I love Black People

Everybody, I have great news. I love black people!!!

I've been attending discussion groups with people from my Societies and Cultures of Africa course and I'm lovin it. The students here are some of the smartest people I've met in college. I know when I arrived here, I didn't understand the class structure or methods of study. Now, I have nothing but respect for my peers. We had a discussion group last night for 3hrs (yeah. I said it. All Black College students studying on Fri. It happens). It's just amazing. My coursework is going good. After my nervous group presentation last friday, I'm been able to talk with a lot more students. They encourage me every step of the way and I love it. Being here is really making me see the need for HBCUs (even if they do cost an arm and a leg).

Also, Edwin (the greatest Ghanaian on Earth), invited me to church last Sun. We attended the student run congregation on campus and I really enjoyed it. He bought me some clothes to wear since my program really didn't emphasis having semi-formal attire. We took communion, sang, and quite a few people danced. It was very much needed. Also, next week is Easter weekend and I've been invited to stay at Edwin's parent's house. I can't wait. I'm very fortunate to have met someone so nice. He told me his goal is to make sure I leave Ghana with an entirely different perspective and it's working. Having him as a mentor is really changing how I view my experience and it's paying off. I understand how international students are viewed here and it's really changed me. All I can say is it's always a learning experience here.

4:30 am

I'm scared.
I had the most frightening nightmare on earth and I know it's not because of my malaria medication. It was so intense, I couldn't even open my eyes when I woke up. I just had to lay there and pray. I'll do my best to describe it and hopefully someone can help me interpret it:

I was sitting in the street with some friends in broad daylight (all in one row). The area appeared to be back in the states. We were watching African dancers (some appeared to have mascara around their eyes). All but one were women. We say these people dancing very charismatically and I disctinctly remember wishing I could move like them. As the dancing continued, more and more women started appearing. They were pivoting and singing in a circle. It was so hypnotizing.
The next thing I know, I look to the right and my friends have begun to move away. Some praying while others are trying to get my attention, but I can't hear them. Suddenly, I see the dancers slowly move toward me. I distinctly remeber one pregnant woman who appeared to be in a trance constantly holding her hand out. Eventually, the other dancers followed suit. I closed my eyes and crossed my arms to pray but people kept moving closer and closer. I stood up and tried to walk away but I couldn't. I could feel hands and arms all around me while my friends screamed prayers. The next thing I know, I'm swinging blindly trying to free my body from these people. I can feel them grabbing me while others went for my pockets. I didn't know if the people wanted me, money or both!!! It was so strange because I couldn't see behind me but I knew I hit the pregnant woman an a few others.

Suddenly, I woke up. I tried to open my eyes but I just couldn't. I knew that I had to leave the room because I'm too afraid to go to sleep. What do I do?