Far From Home: An African Son in the Promised Land takes us on the journey of Brahima Diallo’s life in four countries on two continents. In vivid detail, he tells of his hopes and dreams growing up dirt-poor in Cote D’ Ivoire. At the dawn of the new millennium, he arrives in Mali to complete high school. There, a more introspective, ambitious, and reckless new young man emerges, one who loathes his living conditions and aspires for more. He daydreams of making it one day to the West—or at least to leave his ancestral home. Through hard work, he wins a state scholarship to study English in Algeria.
Brahima recounts his first experiences as a Black student living in the Arab world, where he endured pervasive stereotyping and subtle racism. But while relating the stories of his life there—from the lecture halls of the university to his amorous pursuits—he also tells of the decency, kindness, and generosity of the common folks he encountered.
With a BA in English in his pocket, Brahima makes his way to the United States in search of his dream. Once there, life turns out not to be what he had expected. He works odd jobs to survive— walking dogs, washing dishes, and stocking shelves in discount stores. But he perseveres, earns a master’s degree in political science, and builds a career in social work. He enters mainstream America.
A story of struggle, love, and uncommon resilience, Far From Home is the tale of a strong-willed, idealistic but clear-eyed young man determined to blaze his own trail out of poverty.
Edited by E. M. Levy.
Learn more about Brahima Diallo at https://brahimadiallo.com
- Amelia Beamer – Editor Spotlight - June 6, 2022
- Thomas Womack – Editor Spotlight - May 9, 2022
- Kevin Miller – Editor Spotlight - April 27, 2022
