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Hollywood Power Mom and Diaspora Ambassador Koshie Mills lends her voice by protesting against systematic racial injustice in America

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Koshie Mills Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues
Koshie Mills Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

In the heat of widespread protests across the United States, and other parts of the world, following the inhumane treatment and murder of George Perry Floyd, I reached out to Hollywood power mom and Diaspora Ambassador Koshie Mills, to discuss matters arising.

On May 25, 2020,  Floyd was killed in the Powderhorn Park neighbourhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota. During an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a white American police officer, kept his knee on the side of Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes while Floyd was handcuffed and lying face down.
Here is my Q&A with Koshie Mills, founder of The Diaspora Dialogues and mother of Hollywood siblings Kwame Boateng, Kofi Siriboe & Kwesi Boakye:
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There was a lot of pressure on social media from some Ghanaians asking the president not to be silent on the issue looking at the success of the year of return. How important is a statement from him and what do you make of his statement?
The United States of America has proven itself to be devoid of leadership at this critical moment in history with Trump at the helm. President Nana Akufo-Addo had the presence of mind and extended condolences to the Floyd family and denounced the systemic racism we are facing here in the Diaspora on behalf of Ghana. I think it’s natural for those of African decent in the US to search for our world leaders to say “We see you, you are not alone.” So his statement sends a powerful message which was well received.

Koshie Mills center and Los Angeles protestors Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

Koshie Mills center and Los Angeles protestors
Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

The amount of suffering caused by violence from the police and citizens like the men who hunted and shot Ahmaud Arbery, an unarmed man who was jogging, plus a devastating shooting and Killing of 26 year old Breonna Taylor’s in her apartment plus a white woman, Amy Cooper makes a false police call using her White Privilege on an Unarmed Birdwatcher in Central Park was more than the perfect storm to set up the video of George Floyd being MURDERED BEFORE OUR EYES in the street. It’s been HEAVY to say the least. Our Black Lives Does Matter, so yes this deserves an international response, and I’m hopeful not only Ghana will continue down this path.
Los Angeles Protestors Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

Los Angeles Protestors
Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

Black People in the UK have shown solidarity in massive protests also, how important is such a gesture? And should Africa or its states do something similar? 
The gesture is so important! It cannot be said enough: The recent events of systemic racism have sparked global outrage from UK, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Brazil and all across the world, proving this is seen as a HUMAN RIGHTS issue, not solely a Black American problem. I hope Africans in the continent organize in support and solidarity with African Americans. All the United States Embassies around the continent should have their phones ringing off the hook with Africans demanding justice to be served. This would send a powerful message of solidarity and unity to the African diaspora.
You have witnessed some of the protests yourself, is there truly any hope amongst the community that these protests would have an impact on these rampant racial abuse on black Americans? What must be done differently this time to make the continuing protests more impactful and bring about change? 
The way African Americans are treated in the US is a crime against humanity. I attended the protest because I am a mother with a black husband and 3 black sons, it’s scary to think these people went out and never came back home. It’s scary to be presumed guilty before any questions asked. As a woman who believes in taking action to effect change I felt the need to share my energy of grief, hope and questions to the streets. I was struck by the diversity of the Los Angeles protests, It was the first time I’ve seen soooo many young people of all ethnicities White, Black, Asian, Latino, African people of all ages, standing together in solidarity against the common enemy of injustice. This was very encouraging and beautiful.
The next action step is to develop an agenda strategize, organize to call for policy changes, including a ban on choke holds across the police force and exercising our vote to bring in new leaders who are sympathetic to our cause. We will be Holding lawmakers accountable and will be making sure our Civil Rights legislation is air tight.
 Los Angeles Protestor Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues


Los Angeles Protestor
Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues

How do African Americans perceive Africans during this struggle and how can we bridge the communication gap. How can Africans be a resource for our brothers and sisters in the diaspora?
For over 400 years post slavery, I believe African Americans have carried and LIVE with the trauma of abandonment. The kidnapping that took place hundreds of years ago set the stage for the latent pain and turmoil surfacing today. I created a platform and movement called The Diaspora Dialogues to re-connect Africans from the continent with the descendants outside to begin the conversations that will lead us to healing the divide we have amongst us. The negative narratives and stereotypes we have heard about each other was part of the design to keep us apart and destroy us, but not on my watch, so I definitely believe that HEALING is always possible.
It’s time we create a STRONG relationship between ourselves globally. One of the initiatives that my organization is championing includes facilitating what that connection looks like for us. Providing investment information, cultural experiences and the most important thing is the hospitality of knowing that they will be welcomed. Ghana did an incredible job with The Year of Return. Now it’s time to have a decade of continued  reconciliation and relationship building. We are at the center of that charge and welcome more African countries to the table. We have to ask ourselves, how will our actions today impact future generations? The answer is The Diaspora must be an integral part of all planning for the future of Africa. That is why I’m lending my voice and influence to make the very necessary connection.
What role should Africa play in the Global call to end racial abuse and profiling of African-Americans in the USA? 
Africa must reach out in a genuine way, we have created an annual International Women Of Power Event where we honor Africans and African Americans to Forge the cross-pollination and connections. We Remind African Americans of their rich heritage and complex culture and vice-versa.
I would like to see “American” dropped from the “African American” moniker. What we call ourselves matters. IDENTITY IS AT THE CRUX OF THE MATTER.  If we ALL can refer to ourselves as simply AFRICAN, period, imagine the power in a singular narrative? Next, African leaders in the AU must be more vocal on behalf of our Diaspora and go to the UN and demand actions on our behalf when atrocities are occurring. What is the penalty of acting out of accordance with human rights laws?
We are well aware economics play a role in creating lasting change, so we need to become one unified voice so we can build that strong global black wealth which will dismantle our naysayers! Africa is the richest in natural resources than any other continent so why are we standing in line for aid and why do we struggle so much from corruption and paralytic infrastructure. We need the diasporas influence and expertise to help remedy some of these issues. As you can see the Diaspora in America are the catalyst for an enormous change! Imagine all these people mobilized on behalf of the continent, that is my DREAM! Change has to come so our future generations will have the inheritance that they deserve, we know it is possible as long as we unify and come together!
Photos courtesy of The Diaspora Dialogues
For more on the discussions, follow on Instagram @diasporadialogues
Facebook : @thediasporadialogues
YouTube : The Diaspora Dialogues
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Oprah Winfrey & Blitz Bazawule answer my questions about ‘The Color Purple’

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Oprah Winfrey & Blitz Bazawule answer my questions about ‘The Color Purple’

In April, I had the opportunity to join a Zoom Q&A session with Oprah Winfrey and Blitz Bazawule, courtesy FilmOne Distribution. The conversation was around the bold remake of ‘The Color Purple’ scheduled for release this Christmas!   (more…)

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Asari Music highlights new single ‘Like Dat’, balancing college with music and more

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Asari Music

Week-in week-out I get to interview one of the many faces in showbiz and this week on Ameyaw Meets, Asari Music is the one. She’s a young, upcoming and very talented Ghanaian-American singer – who in case you haven’t heard, is out with the hottest song you might hear all week. (more…)

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People & Lifestyle

I single-handedly popularized Shea Butter in the United States – Margaret Andega

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According to Margaret Andega, a Kenyan entrepreneur in Atlanta, she was the driving force behind the commercialization of Shea Butter in the US during the late 90s. (more…)

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People & Lifestyle

He went from cooking on Instagram to owning a food truck in Atlanta and more… the story of Quabena’s Kitchen

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story of Quabena’s Kitchen

The COVID-19 pandemic birthed many opportunities for people all over the globe. For one Ghanaian living in the US, the pandemic reconnected him with his passion which has now become a full-time job.

Quabena’s Kitchen shared with me his story about how he went from cooking for family and friends, to sharing content of his cooking on Instagram page at the height of the pandemic, which has now transformed into a thriving catering business in Atlanta, Georgia.

Quabena’s Kitchen services now include a food truck providing Ghanaian and West African delicacies to Africans and non-Africans alike, with ambitions of a restaurant on the cards!

Watch this exciting story on Ameyaw TV below:

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Read Also: The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta

 

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The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta

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US-based Liberian professional chef, Chauncy Yarngo caught the attention of the world with his amazing creations such as fufu pizza, fufu taco, plantain burgers and more. (more…)

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Fashion

Why Ghanaian-American Jeffrey Ampratwum is the menswear expert to watch in fashion!

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Jeffrey featured image

At the start of the Victoria era, early 19th century – the English began to tone down the royal style dressing of the French army, namely those adorned in prestigious regalia and heavy embroidery. It was a sign of English nationalism and sparked a new wave of appearance in men. A few decades later, the suit was born and heavily influenced those in Italy and America. The British and the Americans have a rich revolutionary history, of course, and coincidentally the British colonized the African country – Gold Coast – until 1957 when they declared their independence and changed their name to Ghana. 

 

As part of an independent Ghana, a host of individuals began to exercise new freedoms and venture out of the country into new territories. Many Ghanaians set their eyes on American travel and a wave of trail blazers left the country and settled in the infamous New York City. For most, it was an opportunity to plant new seeds in the hopes that their children would be afforded even more opportunities for a prosperous life.

 

One of these children of the diaspora is Bronx-born Jeffrey Ampratwum. The only child to Kate Bampoe and Eugene Asante-Ampratwum Mpere, who met in the Bronx after immigrating from Ghana. The dynamics of having African parents and being raised in a heavily eclectic environment gave rise to Jeffreys style and prose. More importantly, we can honestly say that there are only a handful of Ghanaian-Americans living in the states that can exhibit a special presentation that reflects both their African heritage married with the esthetic of their nationality. We recently caught up with Jeffrey to discuss how his early influences provided him with a framework to now become such a strong force in the menswear industry in fashion.

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Jeffrey. 

AD: Jeffrey, Ɛte sɛn?

 

Jeff: Haha, Eye.

 

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AD: I had to test your Twi really quick! You know most Ghanaians who are born in the states dont have a clue about the language unless its spoken fiercely in the home.

 

Jeff: You are 100% correct with that. Ha. But for me, I was lucky in that my mother took me to Ghana before I even knew how to use words. So, in actuality, Twi was the first language and vocabulary I learned, and in essence, English is my second language. So, Im really decent when it comes to using Twi. Im a cheat code! But keep that quiet. Ha.

  

AD: How much of the remnants of the Ghanaian culture factored into your approach to your style and presentation?

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Jeff: When I was younger and in school, particularly in the Bronx – it wasnt always your proudest moment to be from Africa or to say your family was African. Part of the silly embarrassment was perhaps from the narratives that were spinning on television. Americans were being indoctrinated with visuals of feed the children” which only highlighted the extreme poverty in a few Africans countries. The images and broadcasts were all the same, for decades. So called philanthropist and humanitarians took camera crews into ravaged areas and televised starving children for us to see here in the states. I believe that had a profound effect on young boys and girls born from African parents.

Jeffrey

However, as for me – I always looked at being dark skinned and being deeply rooted into my African culture as a super power. I liked the idea of being different, even though all the kids in all my classes were also children of immigrants. They just couldnt grasp the concept of it at that time. So, from there, it was showtime. My Uncle, Joseph Ken Mintah – was the pioneer as the first in the family to travel to the states – he had extreme style. My mother also is very detailed with her sense of jewelry and fragrances. I adsorbed it all. 

 

AD: Did you start dressing in traditional African attire? What do you mean exactly?

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Jeff: Not exactly! But, being an only child really allowed for me to sit deep in thought for long periods of time. Being left-handed allowed for me to be extremely dexterous and detailed. And being raised solely by my mother further allowed me to pay attention to the importance of clothing and accessories – as she dressed herself each morning. It was the ultimate cocktail and I was already drunk with creativity. I started customizing all the clothes I had. By no means were we wealthy, so I had to manage just a few outfits for school.

 

My styling began when I would turn 5 outfits into 15 – so essentially, a 5-day school week became New York Fashion Week for me. I would airbrush my sneakers, turn Old Navy sweaters inside out for a fleece appeal, and cuff my jeans in 4 different ways depending on my footwear. This soon became a bad habit and made me late for school many mornings.

 

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AD: You see, if you are late to school in Ghana back then – you might as well have sat by the road to hide from both your mother and headmaster! What was college like for you then?

 

Jeff: Right! Ha. It grew legs during my undergrad. Now all the pretty girls were around, I had more freedom to come and go, and more importantly – I had a stage to showcase my style. I joined a student club in the SEEK Program, and soon became the President and started hosting a string of events based around fashion. 4 years and a bachelors degree later, there were 6 fashion shows and 3 beauty pageants under my belt. Huge successes. I started to doubt my real educational reason for attending college, which was to become a dentist. Fashion was dancing on one shoulder and dentistry on the other. But somehow, I figured out how to still involve the two. My best buddy, Kenny – whom I met at the college on the road to become dentists – made it through. So, I live vicariously through him. And now, coincidentally – together we’ve developed a brand – a service of bespoke mens luxury shoes and women’s handbags, and ready to wear womenswear shoes as well. Named, Kenjeffreys. It is serendipitous because all of the products are sourced and handcrafted in Haiti and infused with Ghanaian culture. As Kenny is from Haiti, we properly employ artisans within the community and focus heavily on our social impact.

Following undergrad, I then began at FIT as student, really just trying to test my styling hand – and to learn more about the industry. While there, I came across extremely talented and knowledgeable fashion professionals that have really guided me. Namely, Sadia Seymour and Joseph DeAcetis. Both wildly experienced, patient and embedded with a wealth of information. Respectfully in womenswear and menswear. You cannot beat that, and I am grateful for it.

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AD: That is strangely unique and admirable. Talk to us about how all those experiences and inspirations give rise to the Jeffrey or Che we see today and ultimately, where that places you in your field of fashion and menswear.

 

Jeff: Sure. Great point. I have been indoctrinated by the basic principles of creativity as an adolescent – with respect to clothing. That is extremely hard to shake. Innately, styling was my ultimate form of communication, seeing that I was a shy introvert. So now, I still revert back to those same feelings…. the feeling of home, warmth, memories, great food and innocent fun. My approach now is exactly the same in the sense that when I am dressing, styling or designing for someone – I am taking into account their entire repertoire and holding a mirror in front of them which reflects the items that they love most. It is a skill that perhaps only empaths are only able to exhibit.

 

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Having the ability to read into thoughts and connecting with the motivating spirits that drives people – is a gift. I ran the New York City marathon three times, and the 2nd time I ran it in a tuxedo! It was my ultimate homage and pledging of allegiance to fashion. Ha.

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I also believe my extensive traveling experience has aided to the arsenal. Recent trips to Ghana always resets a creative instinct with me, as I look around and arrive back to a place of self-awareness. It feels right. My cousin Harry knows where to be to capture the real essence of the land. And, coincidentally enough, I am often back and forth to the UK as well. Savile row in London, England -as you know – is a menswear connoisseurs Disney Land. It is the traditional hub for the world’s best tailored-bespoke suits. Naples and Florence are a close second. However, sartorially, the British have etched their names in the fine-art making of the suit. I do though spend most of my time in Brighton, UK. Its where my love is and also like a second home for me. The culture there is infused with various styles and the community is inviting. The Duchess of Brighton-Hove, Lady Donna and her amazing friends will assure that you have a great time! 

 

AB: Finally, talk to us about your styling approach with respect to specific talent that you work with.

 

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Jeff: Definitely. This is perhaps an area you cannot teach. It is learned with years of experience and even reading the room wrong most times. I tell my fashion students often that they have to continue shooting airballs at the basket. Get out the miss shots, now – and properly learn your subjects. For example, if I am styling a celebrity for the red carpet – several nuances are to be considered before arriving at a dress or a tuxedo. Such as, what stages in life is your talent currently in, how body conscious are they and what are they most nostalgic about. These (and some of my other secrets that I cannot give away) are the pillars to nailing great style, image and presentation.

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If I am shooting for a magazine in a studio – its party time. If you are not dancing as a model or grooving as a photographer, you are are in the wrong business, per say! Haha. With me, you are very liable to hear everyone from Bob Marley, James Brown, MJ, and Jay-Z to Queen, Lady Gaga, Biggie, Nas and Beyonce all on the same playlist. I say that to say: I enjoy what I do in fashion, and I will always represent the joys of that. I believe that is what makes me an enigma in this industry. Always professional however, but make it subjective and inject areas of your creativity wherever you can. Particularly in menswear – I keep a very intimate and close pulse on traditional, casual and street styles of these sub genres – and study them gravely like the science they are. That all still comes from sitting deep in thought as I did
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