A week ago, I was able to interview a peer who is part of the African community in the

United States. Her name is Adaeze Joan Adibeli, a young woman, 18 years old, with Nigerian

heritage. She attends City College, majoring in Psychology, being her second semester. Joan

identifies with the Nigerian and African community, and for the purpose of the essay, I will be

talking more about her experiences as an individual within the African community. This

community is not found in one single location but instead united with values and challenges

faced in America. She has been part of this community ever since she moved here and her

perspective and identity would be shaped to who she is today.

 

In various ways, the African community is marginalized in America. Joan would explain

how her community faces barriers whether that is in education, employment or other

opportunities. She would mention how there was a perception that African

Americans/immigrants are taking away the jobs of Americans, yet they are not given the same

level of opportunities as the rest. Discrimination or even exclusion is being done to the African

community that would cut down their access to fair treatment or resources. Joan would also point

out that even though there are strong cultural values that exist in her community, they still feel

misunderstood or misrepresented in American mainstream society. I will be talking more about

their cultural values as we go further explaining how these struggles factor into marginalization.

 

Joan’s connection to the African community molded her perspective positively. She

shared that growing in a community where interconnectedness, hospitality and respect had

instilled a sense of strong pride and identity. However, living in America for five years now has

given her a culture shock till this day on the differences between American societal norms and

those of her African heritage. For instance, we discussed schooling and emphasized respecting

elders and the communal nature of African culture, which contrasts with the individualistic

mindset in American society. She mentioned that in her home country, there was a level of

respect towards elders, including teachers, whereas in the U.S., students would act so

disrespectfully and talk back not caring what they have to say. This contrast has shaped the way

she sees American society, being more connected with her roots while also helping her navigate

through American society.

 

During the interview, one part of the discussion would be deeply interesting that talked

about violence and the justice system, specifically Nigeria, Mexico and America.When I asked

her about how violence in America compares to that in Nigeria, she said that while both places

have violence, the way that it is handled is different. She talked about “jungle justice” in Nigeria,

where communities would sometimes take justice into their own hands due to the lack of trust in

the justice system. Quite differently from the justice system of America, where the law should be

abided by the citizens. I explained to her that in Mexico it is similar, where crimes are done but

the government does not involve themselves. If done so, any government authority wanting to

bring justice will get killed. Another topic we discussed was how she felt making connections in

America. She expressed that while she does care what goes on politically and towards social

issues, she tends to keep to herself and make connections outside of her community. She explains

that cultural differences and experiences make it harder to relate to people outside of her

community. Again, it is still a huge culture shock to Joan to know that in Nigeria there was no

racism and in America it matters what the color of your skin is, how one can be treated based on

that. This insight helps me understand how cultural identity can influence relationships or social

interactions.

 

Reflecting on our conversation, I was able to learn that my peers’ community differs from

my own in various other ways. I come from the Catholic community and although we do face

some marginalization, the African community encounters more challenges related to

race,immigration and cultural values. Before our interview, I was aware of stereotypes of the

African community such as how Joan says, “ we do not live in huts, and yes we do have food and

water.” But I did not fully know the struggles they faced. Speaking with Joan gave me a new

perspective on their experiences. Our discussion broadened my understanding of what its like to

be in a marginalized community.