Reasporans: the new African returnees
The number of people with Ghanaian heritage returning to the Motherland is reportedly increasing. Continue reading “Reasporans: the new African returnees”
Author: misbeeewrites
I am a London-born journalist and bookworm originating from Ghana. My name is Abena Sɛwaa but I’m also known by the nickname MisBeee.
I launched MisBeee Writes in 2013 as a way to record thoughts that (at the time) had no public outlet. The blogspot took on a life of its own and became my way of recording the inspiring stories of everyday people; keeping a timeless record of cultural events and opinions from Africans in the Diaspora. The site focusses on health, culture, the arts, business and society, and explores how Africans are shaping and disrupting conventional thinking and discourse in these areas.
Tracing identity and ownership through batik
In 2013, fabrics heavily influenced by West African batik-style finally took the world by storm. With the likes of Michelle Obama and Beyonce’s sister Solange Knowles readily sporting such outfits, its popularity has been growing. This celebrity endorsement has helped to propel emerging and established designers even higher into the echelons of the fashion industry and the public’s consciousness. See here.
Continue reading “Tracing identity and ownership through batik”
Express Yourself – bus dramas
Most days I get on the X68 bus and most days I see the odd person who ignores the bus number, the bus tannoy, the digital information screen, and even the bus driver’s announcements. Continue reading “Express Yourself – bus dramas”
Chocolate under attack
When I discovered that it was Chocolate Week (14 October – 20 October 2013), I thought this was the perfect excuse to gorge without guilt on my first love. I’m not fussy when it comes to the sweet stuff – I’ll take it with biscuit, raisins, plain, dark and bitter (yum), hot and peppery, even with a pinch of salt. So you can imagine my shock, horror and despair to learn that cocoa production is on the decline. Continue reading “Chocolate under attack”
Cancer awareness: The Untold Story
Modern cancer research owes a great deal to one African-American woman and her immortal cancer cells. Her name was Henrietta Lacks. After her untimely death from cervical cancer at just 31 years old in 1951, doctors discovered that unlike other cancer cells, hers would live on when cultured and fed. Continue reading “Cancer awareness: The Untold Story”
Going back to ma roots
Today, I learnt that my hair is heliotrichous – very curly – for those of you not in the know. I also learnt that the use of the afro comb dates back 6,000 years and engenders extraordinary symbolism. Continue reading “Going back to ma roots”
Modern beauty queens: Standing up to adversity
Just a quick note to say how truly fascinating the ‘Lady boy Beauty Queens’ documentary on TV Pick was on Tuesday night (24 September 2013). The programme charted the experiences of transgender women born as men who took part in a beauty pageant in Thailand. Continue reading “Modern beauty queens: Standing up to adversity”
African Fabrics: Fashion or Fad?
The next time someone compliments you on your African attire or asks you where it comes from don’t simply says it’s from the Motherland. Actively promote the designer, the label or at least where you bought it from. Continue reading “African Fabrics: Fashion or Fad?”
Mother keeps hope alive for autistic son
*Kofi* has never been able to string more than two words together until two weeks ago when he uttered his first full sentence. No big deal for most 12-year-olds but Kofi is different – he’s autistic.
Probing language endangerment in Ghana
A British-Ghanaian documentary-maker is taking her investigation into language endangerment within the Ghanaian community back home. Continue reading “Probing language endangerment in Ghana”
MisBeeeWrites 