Magatte’s Thoughts

5 Things I’ve Been Reading, Cooking, Listening to, and Pondering This Week

Hello friends, 

Sometimes you have to shake up the format, so, today, I’m offering something a little different. Here’s a quick glimpse into 5 things that I’ve been reading, cooking, listening to, and pondering this week. I’d love to hear what you think! 

1. A book I’m reading right now: It’s Not About Whiteness, It’s About Wealth by Remi Adekoya

As the President of Ghana, Nana-Afufo Addo, said and as I have long believed, "The destiny of all Black People people, wherever they are in the world, is linked to Africa. As long as Africa is not respected, Black people will not be respected." Africa is home to 90% of the representatives of the Black race, and as long as it remains the poorest region in the world, racism as we know it will not not go anywhere. Adekoya, a Polish-Nigerian political scientist, does an excellent job of explaining how the economics of race really works.

2. A recipe I love: Chicken Mafe via New York Times

Chicken mafe is one of Senegal’s national dishes and one of my favorite comfort foods. A rich and creamy peanut sauce cooked with chicken and cabbage manages to perfectly balance sweet, savory, earthy, and spicy flavors. 

3. An article that made an impression: "Hope for the Future through Entrepreneurial Solutions" by Michael Strong

This article was written by my husband Michael Strong, whose positive entrepreneurial vision excites me daily.  His educational work inspired the school in Senegal that we created together, and one of our Senegalese students now attends Michael's virtual school. I look forward to expanding our work in Africa so we can provide great education to thousands, and then hopefully millions, of African children.

4.  An event I’m looking forward to: “Has the Sexual Revolution Failed?” 

I’m an anti-feminist feminist, but I suspect I'll find things to agree on from both sides. I already enjoy Louise Perry’s perspective, and of course, I love my friend Grimes, who always has some of the most interesting takes. In general, I’m always curious to see how different people are thinking about cultural issues. And public debates are fun!!!

5. A song I love: Mokobé - “Profitez” featuring Youssou N'Dour

I sent this song to a friend in 2015, and I love its message just as much as when I first heard it.

Mokobé declares, "Un jour, l'Afrique fera danser le monde entier" meaning "One day, Africa will make the entire world dance." I wholeheartedly agree, and I believe that day is coming soon!

The song also reminds us that "La souffrance n'a pas de couleur" ("Suffering has no color"), and encourages, "Oublions tout ce qui nous divise. La fraternité, voilà ce que l'on vise" ("Let's forget everything that divides us. Fraternity, that’s what we aim for”).

Words of wisdom to kick off your Thursday!