Tourism and Green Investment: Embracing Sustainable Travel

Photo by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

By Cynthia Umeh

It is critical to consider the importance of sustainable tourism and how it intersects with green investment. Travel has the ability to inspire, educate, and unite individuals from all over the world. However, with increased worries about climate change and environmental protection, it is critical that we modify our approach to tourism. In this blog article, we'll look at the theme of "Tourism and Green Investment" and why Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us) is so passionate about it.

For We Will Never Walk Alone

Photo by Oluwaseyi Johnson on Unsplash

By Adetayo Adetokun

In the stories of human existence, where the threads of life intertwine with delicate grace, we discover a myriad of colors, textures, and the enduring spirit of resilience. The black community emerges as a striking and unwavering thread, steadfast through centuries of trials and tribulations. It is within this delicate mosaic that we embark on an voyage, an anthology that seeks to unravel the profound significance of these strong black communities, to unveil the intricate dance of justice, to traverse the path of equality, and to illuminate the blazing strength that courses through their collective spirit.

Breaking the Silence: Empowering Black Women in Reproductive Health

Photo by Mariana Montrazi on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Reproductive health, a deeply intimate facet of existence, resides at the core of our identities. Yet, it remains swathed in veils of discretion. 

Beneath the Veil

Photo by Kreative Kwame on Pexels

By Atinuke Adeosun

Cradled by rolling hills and cloaked in lush greenery, Umu Oma rests in tranquil beauty. Umu Oma, where the sun's warmth permeates deep into the soul and those with dark complexions thrive, Adaeze emerges with a complexion as pale as the moonlight and hair as white as calabash chalk. Her birth fills her family with immense joy, but it also sparks curiosity—a child born to parents with brown hair and skin as dark as the loamy soil where the bananas are planted. In a society where likeness binds, Adaeze is born with albinism, a condition that renders her skin pallid and her hair like creamy milk.

Advancing Towards Universal Health Care (UHC) by 2030

Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels

A Comprehensive Exploration of Progress Evaluation, Barriers, and Innovative Solutions

By Adetayo Adetokun

In the pursuit of equitable healthcare access, the global community has set forth an ambitious goal: achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) across the African continent by the year 2030. This commitment carries profound significance for Africa, where long standing health disparities and insufficient medical services have posed formidable challenges to both social progress and economic development. In this extensive blog post, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of the progress made toward realizing UHC in Africa. This journey will shine a light on the barriers that have slowed its advancement, while also spotlighting the innovative solutions that hold the promise of revolutionizing healthcare systems throughout the region. By delving into the intricacies of measuring progress, identifying obstacles, and showcasing groundbreaking innovations, we will gain a deep understanding of the multifaceted path Africa is traversing towards achieving the noble objective of UHC by 2030.

Power to the People

Photo by Eiseke Bolaji on Unsplash

By Adetayo Adetokun

Africa's political landscape is a canvas painted with a troubling array of hues – stolen mandates, rigged elections, embezzlement of public funds, waves of protests, and a disregard for human rights. Within this complex portrait, power often eclipses the needs of the very people it should serve. This blog embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Africa's intricate political challenges, peeling back the layers of deceit and injustice that have seeped into the continent's governance. The reverberations of these fraudulent practices are profound, eroding trust in institutions and perpetuating cycles of instability.

Partnering Beyond Limits

Photo by Edmond Dantès on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

The importance of collaboration in today’s world cannot be overstated. From tackling global issues to achieving personal milestones, partnerships play a pivotal role in our journey. One arena where partnerships are particularly vital is working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals, ranging from eradicating poverty to promoting climate action, are a universal call to action to make the world a better place by 2030. And the secret ingredient to accomplishing them? Partnerships!

The Business of Filmmaking

By Jeremiah Samuel Sunday and Ruth Ajawu

Africa No Filter organized a masterclass on The Business of Film. It was a deep dive into the world of movies presented by director, producer and founder of the Republic of Story, Victoria Thomas.

It covered various aspects like what it takes to create a compelling film that resonates with audiences, peers, mentors and funders, and what it takes to make it in the global film industry.

Shroud

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

Tima lived in a charming small town. Her blindness may have impaired her eyesight, but she knew in her spirit that her town was charming. 

Sanitation Superheroes

Photo by zibik on Unsplash

By Ruth Ajawu

There exists a unique league of heroes we are going to call the 'Sanitation Superheroes'. These extraordinary individuals don't wear capes or possess superhuman strength, but they play a vital role in safeguarding our health, our communities, and our environment through their unwavering commitment to sanitation and cleanliness. 

Power Series: Exploring the Impact of Power Outages on Innovation and Education in Africa

Photo by LED Supermarket on Pexels

by Adetayo Adetokun

In a world increasingly defined by technological advancements and rapid information dissemination, access to a reliable power supply is often taken for granted. However, in many parts of Africa, power outages remain a pervasive challenge, casting a shadow over both innovation and education.  Let us look into an intricate relationship between power outages, innovation, and education, highlighting the multifaceted implications that arise when darkness descends upon progress.

A Love Letter to the Struggling Black child

Photo by Thomas Chauke on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Dearest Black Child,

I write to you today with a heart overflowing with love, admiration, and a deep-rooted belief in your inherent strength and resilience. In a world that often tries to dim your light, I want you to know that your blackness is a radiant beacon of beauty, power, and immeasurable worth. This letter is a tribute to your struggles, a testament to your triumphs, and a reminder that you are never alone in your journey.

Finding Joy Amidst the Shadows of Grief

Photo by Alex Green on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

In the labyrinth of life, grief is an inevitable companion. Its weight is like an anchor, tugging at the heart with a force that threatens to drown us in a sea of darkness. Yet, even within this abyss, there exists a sliver of light—the light of joy. This dichotomy might seem paradoxical, but it is in embracing this delicate balance that we learn to cope with grief and find the elusive joy that persists.

This is Goodbye

Photo by Aviz on Pexels

By Ruth Ajawu

My life is sectioned into four: the good days, the bad days, the in between, and the mixture.

Embracing Diversity in African Storytelling: Insights from the 2023 ALitFest Panel Session

By Atinuke Adeosun

Introduction:

The 2023 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALitFest) is happening from September 3 - 10, 2023. The theme for the festival this year is 'Becoming One With the Other' and it is a celebration of literature and art through workshops and booth camps, a stage play, panel session, book and art fairs, film screening, fashion and art exhibitions, music and poetry concert, the poetry grand slam, and a gala night with sponsors.