Acknowledgments

Writing this book has been a journey of dreaming, being rejected, deep insecurity, having nightmares, and back again. I stopped writing it because I didn’t think I could. I stopped because I no longer knew what I wanted say. I stopped because I became scared to say it. And then I started again. And again. And again. Affirmed by dear, dear chosen family who cheered me on, called me out, reminded me of how far I had come, and celebrated with me along the way.

Gratitude. Appreciation. Familyhood. I am loved and shaped by women and men across the global spaces I call home. Ma and Pa, your journeys are extraordinary; they created an adventurer in me. Thank you to my sisters and brother, Liza, Charlotte, Hilda, and John. My chosen family spans three continents, and they love me to life. In the UK, Francesca Adedeji, Joy Francis, Philomena Francis, and Debbie Robinson are the most precious of sisters—you are so loved. In the US, Beverley Prentice-Thomas, Randy Thomas, Joan Morgan, Mama Morgan, and Greg Morgan—you are home. My Pleasure Ninja sistren Brittney Cooper, Treva B. Lindsey, and Kaila Adia-Story are the baddest of badass Black chicks who are now dear friends. My LA Black Brit fam Christabel Nsiah-Buadi and Joanne Griffith-Poplar—we’ve all walked in and worked through the wahala of journalism, and sustained our beautiful sisterhood. In Ghana, Efam Dovi, Madonna Kendona, Taaka Awori, Ruby Ofori, and my Naija sistren Toyin Dania and Charlotte Ashamu remind me how sisterhoods move, travel, grow, and are glorious.

I am blessed to build and be supported by a wonderful team at The Armah Institute of Emotional Justice: Sena, Miriam, Adez, and Roger. You are so appreciated. We are a small and mighty team! To Diallo Shabazz, Madonna Kendona, and Georgina Lorencz—your guidance is so precious. To Rosalind McLymont—the idea of this whole institute started with you, and a lovely lunch at our Brooklyn fave, Jollof—a thiebou dieun to remember! I am forever grateful. To Gregory Reid, your legal mind helps us stay focused, and to Kate Gardiner, your expertise is so appreciated.

I am so grateful to my editor, Steve Piersanti, and the Berrett-Koehler Publishers family. Steve, you championed me and this book every step of the way. You are a blessing.