Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Africa still underdeveloped and What can africans do to change that?
A:

Q: Is Africa a Country.. ?
A: Unlike the United States, Africa is not a Federation nor is it a single independent Republic. It is a continent, just like Europe comprised of about 53 independent countries or nations.

Q: Swahili the language of Africa ?
A: Swahili is a language that is a mixture of Portuguese and indigenous West African languages. Though widely spoken, throughout Southern Africa it is not a national language (see above). Other major languages which are common to different African countries are West African Pidgin English [which varies significantly from country to country], English, and French. Most African countries have more then 5 languages spoken by the various ethnic groups and most Africans can speak two or more languages. Even though we may speak more then two languages , it doesn't mean though that those two languages are the same ones or that we understand each others languages. A country like Nigeria for example, has over 200 ethnic groups. and close to 250 indigenous languages.

Q: You don't look African why...?
A: What does an African look like? Does he look like the stereotype in your head? Where does this stereotype come from? The media portrays various images of Africa which implies that all Africans are similar in appearance, shape etc...how can any two groups of people from different countries and different cultures be similar? It sometimes happens, of course , but that is by sheer coincidence.

Q:You can't be African you are not dark-skinned or black/brown... ?
A: Not all Africans have dark or tanned complexions. Not all Africans are black either. Africa is a melting pot of different peoples and ethnic groups much like the US and many other countries. It holds the largest number of ethnic groups on any continent in the World. Most countries in Africa are inhabited by "black" people but it also includes people of European and Asian decent who are citizens of those countries and others who emigrate there as well.

Q: How did you get here, How did you here about colleges in the US... ?
A: Few Africans come to the US by elephants, for two simple reasons...they don't swim, they are slow, and why come by elephant when there are cars, buses, planes, trains etc...in your country. Contrary to what some believe, we have transportation and communication systems. We do not communicate by hearing the Lions roar or passing a message with a monkey named "Rafiki". We have phones, wireless communication, regular mail, e-mail and internet.

Q: What Religion do you practice ... ?
A: Largely due to colonization and the slave trade, Africans are predominantly Christian and followers of Islam. We have our own non-western traditional religions as well. Most of our religions are animistic in nature but a lot of them are African denominations of the two major religions mentioned. Other religions we have are Judaism, Bahaiism, and Vuduism.