This is to say that these women are building infrastructure, both literally and metaphorically, for future generations in Africa and in the Diaspora. And they are doing so intentionally, reaching back, laterally, and forward to bridge gaps and make sure the steps they build—and not without hard work, mines of microaggressions, and challenges—are sturdy enough for the next ascent.
Our honorees use various mediums to get the job done—DJ’s, fashion designers, historians, anthropologists, and even venture capitalists—but each with the mission to clear the road ahead for generations to come.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: Genevieve Nnaji attends the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on February 06, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
OkayAfrica has released its annual “100 Women” list which celebrates incredible African women, from novelists, media mavens, historians and much more, the women on this year’s list are laying the groundwork for other women to follow.
This is to say that these women are building infrastructure, both literally and metaphorically, for future generations in Africa and in the Diaspora. And they are doing so intentionally, reaching back, laterally, and forward to bridge gaps and make sure the steps they build—and not without hard work, mines of microaggressions, and challenges—are sturdy enough for the next ascent.
Our honorees use various mediums to get the job done—DJ’s, fashion designers, historians, anthropologists, and even venture capitalists—but each with the mission to clear the road ahead for generations to come.
This year’s list includes amazing women like Nigerian actress Genevieve Nnaji, Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi, PiggyVest co-founder Odunayo Eweniyi, international DJ Florence Otedola (DJ Cuppy), Hollywood’s Danai Gurira, BBC journalist Kiki Mordi, and so many more.
These women are shaping and changing narratives for young black women.
Tv host Tobi tested postive after been in contact with a confirmed case. She further revealed her condition and experience, with having a swollen gland, persistent cough, fever and always felt tired thereafter.
Read her tweets below;
I survived coronavirus. Spent nearly 2 weeks indoors + in quarantine as my body fought it off. Yesterday, I took my first steps downstairs, headed straight to my garden + took a deep breath Wasn’t gonna share this online but I’ve been encouraged to share hope & good news 1/18
Because a lot of us may not get access to Covid-19 testing kits and calls with NHS 111 feel scripted, I’ll share my experience. It may help someone. These were my symptoms… 2/18
Day 1: I’d been informed that I was in contact with someone who had been in contact with someone with covid-19. Nothing serious I told myself, but I decided to social distance anyway. Later I found out I’d been in direct contact with a confirmed case 5 days before. 3/18
Day 2: I develop a very dry cough. And a swollen gland I developed 2 days before Day 1 became very prominent. The cough was persistent making speaking for longer than 40 secs hard. I was extremely fatigued. I’m anaemic and well acquainted with tiredness but this was chronic 4/18
Day 3: A good night sleep did not help. My chest was painfully tight, at first I blamed work anxiety. I developed a fever (was hot + cold at the same time). I struggled to walk and my breathing became shallow + difficult. The muscles in my neck began to ache. 5/18
Day 4: The scariest day. Woke up feeling like I’d been run over by a truck in my sleep and then thrown of a cliff. The muscles in my face ached. The muscles in eyes hurt. Every muscle hurt. My persistent cough became extremely painful. Developed a painful migraine. 6/18
Day 4: Still with a fever and cough. On this day I became frightful of how my body would force itself to sleep. My breathing was worrying and I feared the worst. I called NHS 111 who confirmed my suspicions and instructed me to self-isolate in my room as I don’t live alone. 7/18
Day 5: I slept a lot. Keeping my eyes open was painful and a core. Wore sunglasses to use my phone. The sunlight made my migraine worst. My body ached and my breathing became worst. Coughing didn’t help. I could feel my lungs getting heavier, every breath got shorter. 8/18
Day 6: Painkillers did not stop the pain. Also stockpiling trends meant even my pharmacist could not help. Was scared to sleep as my breathing was not improving. Could not hold my breath for more than 2 secs. 9/18
Day 7: I became alarmed when I noticed I lost the ability to taste food. Nearly passed out brushing my teeth as it was obstructing my breathing. NHS were too overstretched to help. At this point I was begging God, I didn’t want to die this way 10/18
Day 8: Twitter said that running a humid shower would help breathing. It did for me. I drew my curtains for the 1st time, still needed sunglasses. Body aches stopped. Migraine not so persistent. Coughed less but it was a nauseous and brought up yellowy phlemg from my lungs 11/18
Day 8: Still breathless from just sitting up, sharp pains in my chest but migraine improved. Body temperature back to normal. Coughed about twice a day. Found the strength to find hope. 12/18
Day 9-12: Saw improvements slowly. Was able to hold my breath for 8 secs now. Slept less, was able to WFH at times. Called NHS again due to a scare with breathing, unable to get medical assistance but the problem solved itself. Became physically restless on Day 11 13/18
Day 13: Walked down the stairs for the first time. Thanked God and walked around my garden. Wasn’t sure I’d remember what fresh air would feel like. 14/18
I know the staff at NHS did everything they could for me with the limited resources they had. On a normal day, I would have been accepted into A&E. It was touch and go. Also, I was not tested. 15/18
I’ve lost several days of my life to this illness. Many others have lost their lives. You can do your part by staying at home, stop joking around & take it seriously. I’m a healthy 28 year old & it hit me hard. I’m grateful to have recovered but I will continue to do my part. 16
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell, the first black female fighter pilot in the U.S. Airforce was assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron in Misawa, Japan. She was deployed in support of Operation Northern and Southern Watch, becoming the first female pilot to fly combat missions.
Rising to become a Major and now a Lieutenant Colonel, Kimbrell shattered racial barriers by becoming the first black female in the career field.
Maj. Shawna R. Kimbrell, 555th Fighter Squadron, poses for an environmental photo for Women’s History Month article March 17, 2008. Maj. Kimbrell is the first African American female fighter pilot in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Ashley Wood)
Kimbrell was born in Lafayette, Ind., on April 20, 1976, to Guyanese parents who were naturalized U.S. citizens by the time she was born. Her parents had moved to the U.S and as it turned out, her father earned a degree from Howard University and a doctorate from Purdue University, which in turn earned him a job offer in Parker, Colo.
Kimbrell and her three older siblings spent their school years in Parker. “Education was the thing that opened doors. If you got your education, you could do whatever you wanted to do. That was how our house was run,” Kimbrell said.
In her early years, Kimbrell didn’t think she’ll end up as a fighter pilot. While still young, she wanted to be an astronaut and even wrote a letter to NASA asking how she could join the program.
But as she grew and learned more about joining the astronaut corps, she realized that wasn’t a career she wanted. “I decided to focus on something I could do every day versus maybe going to the moon one time which would be awesome, but it’s just one time,” the major said. “So I started to look at the jets and flying fighters.”
She was eventually accepted into the Air Force Academy after joining the Civil Air Patrol, working at air shows and earning her private pilot’s license. She knew there were no female fighter pilots, but still pursued her dream.
Whereas women gained admittance to the U.S. Air Force pilot training program in 1976, it was only in 1993 that they were permitted to train as fighter pilots, following the order of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
“I think what kept me on the straight and narrow is that I didn’t give myself any other options,” Kimbrell said. “I didn’t think about a back-up plan; I didn’t think about a ‘what if it doesn’t work out plan.’”
Kimbrell graduated from the Academy in 1998 and was accepted into pilot training. She earned her pilot wings in August 1999. She had tough times but never gave up.
“There were times when I didn’t think that I was going to make it through. It was in those times I learned to be humble and realize there is a point in everyone’s struggle, no matter how strong they are, when they need help, and the key is to seek it out before it is too late.”
Pic Credit: SRA Ashley Sorrels, USAF
Her hard work earned her an Air Medal with one device, an Aerial Achievement Medal and an Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Korean Defense Service Medal.
She was stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan; Kunsan Air Base, South Korea; Aviano Air Base, Italy; Fort Stewart, Ga.; and now Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. And she also flew combat sorties in Operation Northern Watch.
In 2008, Kimbrell received a distinction as the first female African-American fighter pilot. She is currently the course manager for the Air Liaison Officer Course at Nellis AFB and she teaches pilots how to work with the Army in air-to-ground integration.
Whenever Kimbrell isn’t on duty, she dedicates her time to speak to children about dreaming big. She’s observed that a lot of children aren’t told that they can achieve their dreams and don’t realize that a lot of barriers have been knocked down.
“It’s really awesome to be able to go out and talk to them and have them light up and say, ‘I’ve heard people say that you can do whatever you want, but now I can put a face to the story and I can see that it can be done, which means I can go out and do whatever I want to do.’ That is what I focus on and what I think is really important,” she said.
She urged both adults and kids to set goals and put those goals into context. “Nothing’s easy,” she said, adding, “Expect road blocks, expect that there are going to be people out there who don’t want you to succeed, expect people are going to tell you no. But the desire that comes from within- if it’s something that you really want -will carry you through.”
Even though the Coronavirus isn’t a death sentence for everyone who contracts it, there are certain individuals that are considered high-risk and are more likely to succumb to their symptoms. The elderly, individuals severely obese, people living heart disease, AIDS and other immunocompromised illnesses like cancer, are all members of the COVID-19 high-risk community according to the CDC. This makes the coronavirus even scarier for women.
“As a woman currently living with blood cancer, Multiple Myeloma, I understand just how vital a strong immune system is. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, I made it a habit to consume food and supplements that boost the immune system. Prior to being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, I was experiencing many unexplained illnesses that should have been indicators that my immune system wasn’t in the best shape. However, it wasn’t until I learned that I had cancer that the small aliments made sense and I begin to educate myself on how I could give my immune system a boost.
The immune system is spread throughout the body and involves many types of cells, organs, proteins, and tissues and is essential for our survival. Without an immune system, our bodies would be open to attack from bacteria, viruses, parasites, and more. Although I am not cancer-free, my cancer is currently in a smoldering phase, this means that my numbers are extremely low and I am asymptomatic. Since the only treatment, I have received for Multiple Myeloma was iron infusions due to a deficiency caused by excessive bleeding (thanks to a huge fibroid), I am confident that my lifestyle change deserves full credit for what my oncologist consider a great report.
I know there are millions of women like me with preexisting illnesses that are ultra-sensitive about their health during this time. With the panic of COVID-19 in mind, I am here to offer a bit of information. Below you will find food and supplements great for building your immune system to assure that your body is capable of fighting off illness now and in the future“.
Red Bell Peppers: rich in beta carotene, red bell peppers contain twice as much vitamin C as citrus. While boosting your immune system, vitamin C may help maintain healthy skin and beta carotene promotes healthy eyes and skin.
Broccoli: supercharged with vitamins and minerals, broccoli is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as many other antioxidants and fiber; because of this, broccoli is one of the healthiest vegetables you can put on your plate.
Citrus Fruit: With almost all citrus fruits being high in vitamin C, it is no question why it is an automatic go-to during cold/flu season.
Yogurt: A great source of vitamin D, yogurt brands fortified with vitamin D regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defenses against diseases.
Almonds: Rich in vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is the key to a healthy immune system a half cup of almonds provides 100 percent of the daily recommended amount.
Shellfish: Many types of shellfish are packed with zinc and our bodies need it so that our immune cells can function as intended.
Papayas: Packed a digestive enzyme called papain that has anti-inflammatory effects, papaya is also loaded with vitamin C. The fruit is also has a decent amount of potassium, B vitamins, and folate, all of which are beneficial to your overall health.
Supplements
Astragalus: A prominent herb in Chinese medicine, that contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties; the root can boost resistance to infection.
Turmeric: While turmeric is known as a spice, it can be purchased in pill form and is a proven anti-inflammatory commonly used to treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Green Tea: Green tea is packed with the antioxidant flavonoids, it is also a good source of the amino acid L-theanine, which aid in the production of germ-fighting compounds in your T-cells.
Black Seed Oil: Studies show that this oil offers many health and cosmetic benefits, such as aiding weight loss, improving skin conditions, and even treating cancer, diabetes, and many other illnesses, thanks to the antioxidant thymoquinone.
Elderberry: One of the most commonly used medicinal plants in the world, elderberry is most often taken as a supplement to treat cold and flu symptoms. Elderberry syrup is also packed with antioxidants and reduce the level of fat in the blood and decrease cholesterol while reducing the risk of heart disease.
Sea Moss: Like chia seeds, aloe, and okra, sea moss is a mucilaginous food. It is great for healing/soothing mucus membranes in the body, including in the respiratory and digestive systems. Sea moss also increases fatty acids in the colon, gets rid of bad bacteria in the gut, and improves overall gut health and immunity.
Dandelion Root: Full of potent antioxidants, Dandelion root is also packed with vitamins A, C, and K. It fights inflammation, helps control blood sugar and reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure.
Understand that eating just one of these foods won’t be enough to help fight off the Coronavirus or any other illness, even if you eat it constantly but, variety and proper nutrition play a major role. Pay attention to serving sizes and recommended daily intake so that you don’t get too much of a single vitamin and too little of others.
Lastly, be sure to do your research and consult with your medical team before beginning a regimen especially if they have you on prescription medicine. Not all medicines and supplements work well together.
Social distancing has become a norm for the lives of many around the globe. A phenomena caused by the spread of Covid-19,also known as coronavirus. Our lives, friendships and things around us are changing. Here are some ways to make this period very useful for us;
1. Plan out your routine and Prepare
Get a routine, a structure of your daily activities, from your domestic chores, to been in the shower, your meal preparation and all house activities. While you make good use of each time, don’t for forget to plan your entire life now. Get your self together for every new changes the world is about to experience. We believe things will get better but don’t be disorganized.
By creating routines, you can reduce the feeling of boredom.
2. Try something new
Get outside the box, do something you have not necessarily done before or been good at. Try a new recipe, experiment with home repairs, learn a new dance on TikTok, paint, knit some cotton, and so on. There are dozens of new things you can do, maybe some childhood games as well. You can also do something you haven’t done in a long while.
Doing new things not only relieves boredom, but they help you acquire new skills and knowledge.
3. Keep in touch with others
Happy college girl laughs as she reads a funny text or video chats with a friend.
Make (video) calls, chat up friends and family, send mails or just anyhow you want to keep in touch. This would help you feel better, bring back memories of how you have spent time previously. You will have a sense of been together with far away loved ones and not feel so lonely.
4. Self Care
This is beyond beauty treatments. Do a soul check, – your emotional, physical and spiritual health. Periods like this are the perfect time to look into yourself. Meditate, pray and care for your body. Truth is, beauty radiates from the inwards. So while you’re getting some good food, exercise, and skincare treatments do not forget to check your soul which you don’t see.
A good self care brings feelings of contentment that will snap boredom away.
5. Read
This is not everyone’s hobby, but it is so necessary at this time. Reading helps your mind, it gets your mentality right. Get a good book, that you know has something you need. If you don’t love reading you can try creative stories that aren’t boring. You can get a handful of reasonably books online, don’t worry about a library if you don’t have one. Try reading 2 pages a day, and soon you will be through it all.
6. Bond with family
This is the perfect time to bond with your kids and spouse, and other members of your family. While so many homes are probably finding this difficult to do, engaging in heartfelt conversions will help. Initiate doing things together, bring up discussions with any difficult person in your life. Friendship is what holds any relationship strong and that comes through having sincere conversions with one another. Try to make it fun as much as you can. What if you never get the chance again.
This is a season where so many things can be repaired and put together. All the best.
Goodnews as Ayodeji Osowobi the ‘Common Wealth Young Person of the Year 2019’ recovers from covid-19. After returning from London some weeks back from the Commonwealth Service, she tested positive, read her experience she shared on twitter below:
“Life finds ways of throwing LEMON at me. I’ve struggled w/ coming forward, but I want to inspire hope.
I returned to Nigeria from the UK post-Commonwealth event (I totally enjoyed) & fell ill. As a responsible person, I self-isolated.
Days after, I TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19. Before returning, I had planned several interviews, I was scheduled to start a fantastic consultancy job & was also expecting to sign a contract worth millions.
I lost them all!!!
I had to self-isolate and also inform people I came in close contact with to get tested.
My friend & I kept calling @NCDCgov
to get tested? What if we didn’t persist?
No info on my test result. At 12am, an ambulance was at my house. I woke from sleep & was crying. I got to isolation center, but no one was there to receive me. I waited in the ambulance for TWO HOURS.
The nurses eventually came out & treated me like a plague. I sat in the ambulance feeling rejected.
No questions about how I felt. So many questions about my travel history. Same information I had provided to NCDC & Lagos State Government during profiling.
Lack of data sharing!After two hours, I was taken to my space. I felt lonely, bored & disconnected from the outside world.
Few days after, another patient came in. We bonded. Days later, patients trooped in.
“Are people observing self-isolation & social distancing?” I was so scared for Nigeria.🙏🏽The next days were tough. No appetite. The nausea, vomit & stooling was unbearable. I’m a blood type A & #COVID19 dealt w/ me.
I’ll share daily symptoms & recovery process in a video tomorrow.✌🏽
I thought I was going to die & contemplated a succession plan for
@StandtoEndRape I was on drugs daily. Sometimes, I‘d take 8 tablets in the morning, 13 tablets in the afternoon, 10 at night. My system threw everything out!
Water, food, soap & all disgusted me. But I’d look at the wall & force myself to stay hydrated — drank ORS. I FOUGHT TO LIVE! I FOUGHT!!
.Days after, the Doctors shared a goodnews that I tested negative. I shared this news w/ family & friends! My blood sample was taken & I also tried to donate my plasmapheresis to help others. I hoped to be discharged.
I waited to be discharged, but for two days, nothing happened.
I was unsure of what was going on. Why haven’t I been discharged? Should I be in the same ward? Could I get reinfected? I was worried but remained calm.
On the 3rd day, Doctors said, “well, we worked w/ the info we had of you testing negative, but one result came back positive.”
“…You’ll stay a few more days. You know we take nose, mouth & sputum samples.”
“Am I still positive Flushed face?” I asked.
“No, you’re negative,” the Doctor replied.
The Doctor apologised for the delay. I was anxious to go home but remained calm.
I wanted to be free from this pain.
I continued the medication and asked to be in a separate ward. Sadly, I remained in the same ward as all others rooms were full.
My ward had people who were positive. What if I get re-infected?
For them, I was a beacon of hope & they needed me gone to register the progress.
My family & friends were becoming anxious.
People in my ward who earlier celebrated the news of my result suddenly lost hope.
“Why are you still here?”
“You shouldn’t be here with us. You should be separated from us now…”
People in my ward muttered.
I tried to calm them.
Today, I am PROUD to inform you that I MURDERED COVID-19 & have tested NEGATIVE TWICE! I HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED!🤸🏾♂️
I bless God for His mercies.🙏🏽
The nurses at IDH Yaba were fab. They deserve accolades for their hardwork.
Thank you Governor
@jidesanwoolu for coming to see me.🙏🏽
Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi,” she wrote.
As Covid-19 spreads, billionaire and business woman, Folorunsho Alakija has pledged her support to fight covid-19 by donating 1 billiona naira to the Federal Government.
This she did with the support of her husband;
Alakija who is involved in the fashion, oil, real estate and printing industries is a dynamic Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist.
She oversees several business endeavours.
Women shattering ceilings and we are so proud of this.
“Television, radio and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.
Today is all we have. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come. All you really have is today, so relax. Do not be controlled by the news you hear.
Although, it may look like you haven’t got what you want yet. But know this, whatever what you want in life would come to you. All you have to do is believe. Refuse fear. We know fear doesn’t add any good to us only harm. The world may be taking a new turn in this new phase but do not let that trouble you.
In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to give us our daily bread, not tomorrow or next month’s bread. God is a daily provider who provides for our needs today. You should come before God every day of your life and thank Him for the provisions. Your response and attitude should be a daily life of praise and thanksgiving to Him for His grace and loving kindness.
In the Bible, God provided the Israelites with manna and it was only for a day. When they tried to keep it for tomorrow, it got rotten. God provides according to our needs and He knows that you have needs on a daily basis.
You need to trust God one day at a time and not become anxious over what you may require tomorrow. He will be there tomorrow with more than enough grace to help you in your time of need. But He does not provide tomorrow’s grace today. He only gives grace for today’s issues.
Make good use of this time you have today to be right with God. Live your today to the fullest and do not give room to the devil. Remember God has identified you as His own so get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words as well as all types of evil. Instead, be kind to each other and trust God to be your daily provider.
