Mind of Malaka

It Looks Like Ghana Is Finally Ready to Have That Conversation About Online Trolling, Consequences and Accountability

Posted on November 15, 2021
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

I was a Mass Media major at Hampton University. When I graduated in 2000 you had to wait for your roommate to get off the phone so that you could use the internet; Facebook and Twitter did not exist; we were all getting our music…

Musings

Sometimes Telling Yourself You Are Beautiful Is Not Conceit. It’s Survival.

Posted on November 11, 2021
by Malaka
with 3 Comments

TW: This post discusses suicide and suicidal ideations. "Mom? What are your flaws?""I don't have any flaws," I tease. "I'm so amazing even my mistakes are perfect." My teen snorts dismissively at my brash declaration - something I borrowed from my Harlem Renaissance reader and…

The South African Series

It’s Summer in SA! So Our Family Did Getaway At Teniqua Treetops

Posted on November 2, 2021
by Malaka
with 3 Comments

It's finally November! While our cousins in the Northern Hemisphere are busting out their boots and preparing to flavor everything with pumpkin spice, we down here in Mzansi are getting ready for summer. It took a while to get used to spending Thanksgiving and Christmas…

Motherhood

Conversations With My Kids: Fear

Posted on October 22, 2021
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

It hits me, on occasion. What, you ask? That I am nearing the end of my motherhood journey... Or at least in the conventional understanding and/or definition of the term. Who is a mother? What does she do? She's someone: Who wipes your noseWho cooks/provides…

Motherhood

I Asked My Daughter If There Was Anything I Had Done As a Parent To Cause Her to Resent Me. Her Response Confounded Me.

Posted on October 8, 2021
by Malaka
with 2 Comments

I have a friend named D*. She is a soulmate and a light in my life; and if our friendship could be described as a masala, she brings the sweetness while I contribute the spice. My life is far more interesting with her in it,…

Motherhood

Lead By Example: Practical Tips For Parents

Posted on September 22, 2021
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

Guest post written by Elena Stewart Most parents want the absolute best for their children. You want your children to live a vibrant childhood, and when you imagine your kids growing up, you probably like to think of them achieving their goals and living happy,…

Motherhood

Disappearance and Displacement: What I Learned When I Went Back to Davistown

Posted on August 24, 2021
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

Displacement With a week left before I had to fly back to South Africa, I decided that another trip to Davistown, KY would be in order. When would I have this opportunity again? God and the ancestors had extended what was supposed to be a…

Motherhood

What I Told My 11-year-old About Her Body, Her Swimsuit, Judgement and Shame

Posted on July 29, 2021
by Malaka
with 2 Comments

Summer is in full swing and with it has come all the joys of the season:Lightning bugs on full bioluminescent display.Lips stained purple, red and blue from frozen popsicles sucked lazily through a plastic case.Bike rides, jump rope and asphalt turned a temporary chalky rainbow…

GH2013

Once Upon a Time, Men Held Hands in Ghana

Posted on July 23, 2021
by Malaka
with 0 Comments

My earliest memories of Ghana are centered the market. "They" must've taken me there often in order for these memories to be so indelibly printed in my mind. Or perhaps a singular visit left such an impression that my imagination has created multiple visits. I…

Musings

I May Not Be My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams, But I Hope That My Life Is Something They Are Proud Of.

Posted on July 19, 2021
by Malaka
with 2 Comments

“Are we the Gatekeepers of the Great Negro Library?” “What?!?” “The Negro Library. Are we the Gatekeepers?” “Malaka, what are you talking about???” “Oh, God. No! I’m gone again...” Whoosh! Off I went to the next corner of space. I may - or if I…