African-born advocate and refugee, reflects on being a Black woman in the US

via https://news.un.org/

In February, before Women’s History Month in March and the appointment of the first Black female Justice to the US Supreme Court in April, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, sat down with refugee advocate Lourena Gboeah to talk about Black History Month. She spoke about fleeing conflict in Liberia, building a new life in the United States and her hopes for the future of Black women in the US.

Lourena Gboeah began by describing how she and her four-year-old daughter, Moriah, read stories together, particularly ones that honour the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans, and their role in shaping the country.   

Most recently, they have been focusing on picture books by African American authors, like Floyd Cooper who wrote and illustrated Moriah’s favourite, Max and the Tag-Along Moon, about a boy and his grandfather.  

“We read books based on self-love, so that as she grows, not only does the reading enhance her vocabulary, but it also helps her to just appreciate and love herself even more,” said Lourena. 

Struggle to achieve 

For many US refugees of African descent, Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on both the journey that forced them to flee their…

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