An unfamiliar Africa

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AN EBONY SPECIAL REPORT

Say the word "Africa" and, for most Americans, it conjures up images of war, genocide, famine, HIV/AIDS and political corruption. Sure, those problems exist, But there is another Africa not often seen on our television screens or in our newspapers. It's an Africa that looks and feels and sounds like much of America itself. It's all Africa where men and women work, dance, struggle and succeed; an Africa where children do homework and play video games, all the while dealing with the complex lift around them.

In EBONY this month, we begin a yearlong examination of the Africa you don't know and why it is important to the world. We will look at the good news from the continent and talk to Africans there and across the Diaspora. We will probe the often-testy relationship between Africans and African-Americans and learn more about our own real roots. We will look at the celebrities--from Oprah to Will to Jill--and the real people--doctors, educators, engineers--who are hoping to help Africans help themselves. And we want to hear from you. Share your stories and tell us what you think by e-mailing us at Africa@ebony.com.

COPYRIGHT 2007 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning