Kinship: A Family's Journey in Africa and America

by Philippe Wamba

Book Overview

With his bicultural heritage, journalist Philippe Wamba--born of an African American mother and Congolese father and reared in California, Boston, Tanzania, and the Congo--offers an evenhanded and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452278929
• ISBN13: 9780452278929
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Plume Books
• Length: 383 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A Truly Controversial Issue!!!

I am currently a high school student attending a public school in California. I was born in Senegal west Africa came here when I was nine years old, and believe me I was surprised. In Senegal, the average citizens image of North America is paradise. In reality is it? NO. In America the average Americans image of Africa is a jungle. In reality is it really? NO. So you see, -Kinship- is a book that I would recommend to anyone who refuses to continue growing up being ignorant of an important part of history. Some of the misconceptions Americans have on Africa are really heart-breaking, and those of Africans about Black Americans are also very misunderstood and to help prevent further ignorance I encourage all parents of African/ African-American Children to make it their job to educate their children about the opposite culture, because I believe it is the only tool we have to help us unite as one culture which is "Black or African" just like all white people call themselves "European". Let us not rely on the Discovery Channel and National Geographics because like Malcolm X said: The media has the power to make the guilty innocent and the innocent guilty.

How Refreshing! How Thought provoking

This book has enlightened me on so many issues affecting the Africans and the African-American communities. As an african living on the american soil, it has opened my eyes to some peplexing complicated behaviours which I observed among our extended family folk for which I lack the history to verbalise it and understand it. Phillipe was placed in unique position to dig deeper into both worlds and find the answers he needed in order to maintain a healthy balance of his dual heritage.What amazes me is the fact that he became properly assimilated into the Tanzanian community its cultures and values, while on the other hand reverse assimilation on his african-american side proved to be a challange "He was still the African cousin"? Its a wonderful book and a job well done.. We will be looking for more literary works from you Phillipe... and be assured in knowing that I am going to recommended this book to every Mwalimu I know.. we will pad your pockets alright!!

Fascinating and insightful

Philippe Wamba does a masterful job of using his own family's experiences to introduce and highlight broader trends and issues in the history of relations between Africans and African Americans. He manages to combine historical analysis and synthesis with very personal episodes, showing how long-standing issues continue to bear relevancy and immediacy. I found this book to be a thoughtful examination of how Africans and African Americans have made attempts to work together across the Atlantic, even as each group has labored under mistaken impressions of the other.I would not limit the readership of this book to African Americans, or students at historically black colleges. I think it's possible for students (formal and informal) of all ethnicities to learn from this book, both about African/African American relations in specific and cultural issues in general. _Kinship_ provides a new angle on U.S. and world history. Its thoroughness and accessibility should make it a useful and welcome addition to any number of course reading lists.

Excellent work!

I would recommend Kinship to every African and Black American. This book is both candid and humorous. As a University student, I have seen the financial and social challenges that African students go through. What I admire most about African immigrants, is their determination to succeed despite the double dose of hardships. I firmly believe that we as Africans should take an active role in educating the Americans about our continent. If we rely on the media, we will always be considered as the "dark continent."

I too know a peaceful Africa

Thank you for especailly highlighting the fact that not all of Africa is a dumpster. We are like everybody else, we have challenges. I am originally from Botswana and I was extremely disappointed by the reception I recieved from African- Americans. Your book really brought it all home for me.