African Professionals Hit by U.S. Recession Are Going Home

Last Updated Sep 2009

Special to the NNPA from GIN

Some African immigrants in professional positions in the United States are returning to Africa for better quality of life. (Courtesy Photo/adcminnesota.org)

(June 2, 2009) - (GIN) – A downturn in the U.S. economy is giving African professionals a second thought about life in America, according to a report in the Washington Post. A better life beckons in Africa, the report says.

“The biggest thing for me was quality of life,” said James Odhiambo, who said he traded a deluxe apartment in Dallas, a pickup truck, dishwasher and Big Macs for a healthier lifestyle near Kenya’s Lake Victoria.

“I personally know many people who are going back,” said Erastus Mong’are, who works for an insurance company in Delaware and heads an association of Kenyans living there. “The people I know here work two or three jobs just to make ends meet, while in Kenya — despite its problems — people seem more happy. They seem to be getting more time with family. More relaxed. Here, if my neighbor sees I’ve parked in his spot, he becomes so upset.... Here, if you have a car, you’ll share it with four or five people,” he said. “In the States, if there are five people in the house, they have five cars. There’s a lot of ‘this is mine.’”

With the money he saved in the States, Odhiambo plans to start his own business — a kind of private coast guard for Lake Victoria, modeled on the community fire stations in the U.S.

“Right now, I’m just waiting for my business registration,” Odhiambo told the Post, while savoring a warm sunset breeze. “Here, the pace is a whole lot slower.”

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I Stand Corrected…Possibly! After reading this article, I asked someone the question if the return of African professionals was a new form of “romanticism” among those contemplating going home. In the past, African Americans have been accused by Africans of having rather “naïve” or “romantic” views of the Continent. Having discussed this recently published article in the Afro-American newspaper with someone who is “in the know”, I am rethinking my use of the term “romantic” or “romanticism”, altogether. It appears that such descriptions may no longer apply to the current return of many Africans to their homelands. Rather, I have been informed that the situation is neither romantic nor even desirable for many who find themselves faced with “forced repatriation”, or going back home involuntarily due to a lack of economical prospects in America. It may have become more of an act of desperation because the “good life” in America, for many, has come to an end. For example, according to numbers submitted by the World Bank in 2007, Ghana’s GDP is 31.13 billion international dollars . Of that amount, 15% is attributed to the funds that migrate from western countries to support families back home and is a significant financial thrust behind entrepreneurship. Even the 6.7% contributed to the GDP from tourism of African Americans to Ghana in 2007 is less than the amount that finds its way into the homes and hands of family members via wired money transfers, daily. In 2004, Ishmael Mensah wrote an extensive article about how to “market” to African American tourists . The responses to his article are also very telling of how one-sided “objectivity” can influence some of those who viewed the pilgrimages of African Americans to places like Ghana as an opportunity to “exploit”. These are the very same words used recently in an article that describes how President Obama’s upcoming visit to Ghana should be viewed by its enterprising citizens . However, a more empathetic commenter responded to Mensah’s earlier article by saying, …you (Ansah) only touched on the "returnee"…you fail to inspire us to look long term at our kin folk in the Diaspora. If we have goals of full citizenship to them maybe we could start to work on building a more solid bridge for them to come home and stay a while. Your main point is saying our family is cash,cash,cash for us at home not that we are requesting them to come and build home together and they too can share. I have already given my views on African tourism directed towards African Americans in a separate document so I will not digress, here . But, such short-sightedness was inevitably going to lead to some form of failure to survive in a foreign land. Now that the economy has failed, where has our love gone between us on both sides of the Atlantic? Granted, many have contributed to, and benefited from, the income that “migrated” to African shores from the U.S., U.K., and other western countries. However, now that the global economy is in dire straits everywhere due to the impact of western financial failings, is migration–moving here or there-really the answer? A reality for many is that any form of migration is traumatic. Whether it is voluntary, involuntary, or this current “reluctant-voluntary”. Migration is mentally, physically, culturally, and spiritually difficult. How does one adapt to an unfamiliar culture and diverse-paced lifestyle after being away for many years? How do those who were dependent upon resources from abroad welcome the returnee? And what about the cultural/national stigma or rumor of “shame” that ranks higher than guilt as a sin in some parts of Africa? It has been said that guilt is not the greatest sin in Africa; it is shame that is completely unforgivable. How is one cloaked in the shame of returning home empty-handed going to fit into a society that tends to overlook the methods one uses to accrue wealth? Africa has been described as a continent that does not suffer from the sin of guilt; instead the cardinal sin for many is shame. As attorney-statesman Vernon Jordan once commented, “When White America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia.” What does the shame of lack suggest to nations within Africa when one returns empty-handed? Will African returnees simply keel over and die? I think not. Whether forced voluntarily or involuntarily, migration in defeat is not the answer. Bailing out is not the answer. If ever there is a time for bridge building, it is now! Perhaps, this is the time for those who recently came over to reflect upon whether they are leaving behind a one-way toll bridge or an intercontinental exchange route to greater unifying connections between all of us. Perhaps we will begin to realize that after the tourists have gone, and the money is gone, we are all still family. We can’t ever forget where we have come from, or where we have been!

Posted By: Aku A on Jun 2009

Rising unemployment also stunts domestic consumption, exacerbating the slowdown. In most of Africa, formal sector employment buttresses several other strands of the national economies. Africa’s vulnerable place at the periphery of the global village – like little huts at the frontline of potential attack from marauding raiders or wild animals – has only served to highlight the powerlessness of the continent in the face of the vagaries of the global economic order. ( Theses and Assignments and Coursework Writing )

Posted By: r m on Jul 2009

The collapse of several banks, investment funds, mortgage lenders and insurance companies put a huge number of professionals out of work literally overnight, and manufacturing has been equally hit as output slowed sharply across the globe. The slowdown has forced institutions to scale down operations drastically despite the bailout money to shore up their businesses. Dissertation & Essay Writing

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Posted By: I l on Jul 2009

Such an interesting post, if they don't take care of the resource they will realize that money has desapear ! Chan tourist gone, money follow them ! It makes them vulnerable and dependant about that ! This is a little bit dangerous isn't it ? parier sport

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Posted By: George Foreman on Jul 2009

I feel that these are the very same words used recently in an article that describes how President Obama’s upcoming visit to Ghana should be viewed by its enterprising citizens . However, a more empathetic commenter responded to Mensah’s earlier article by saying, …you (Ansah) only touched on the "returnee.Assignment regards,

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Posted By: A K on Jul 2009

Though the recent economic recession in the US has led to sudden loss in existing and future jobs, i believe, once America comes out of it completely, it will lead to more employment opportunities than before. All capitalistic nations have to go through such sharp decline as well as rise in economic activity. I would urge my immigrant friends to be more patient and wait until this slump is over. houston bankruptcy attorney

Posted By: l b on Aug 2009

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With unemployment rates skyrocketing major corporations going bankrupt. Those of us in the job market must re-think our strategy for success. Especially African Americans who are experiencing the worst of the so-called recession. It is said when America has a cold African Americans have Pneumonia . In Michigan where the unemployment rate will reach 15% by the end of the year unemployment among African Americans in Michigan is near 21%. Michigan’s Governor Jenifer Granholm has started a retraining program for laid off auto workers & President Barack Obama has set aside more funds for college education. However As African Americans we have to take a more self sufficient approach. America was built on small business & small business will play a vital role in its recovery . As African Americans we must build & support our own businesses in our community . We must take advantage of the advances in technology to innovate network & assist one another. Don’t just trade one job for another & place your well being in the hands of someone else.We must take care of & support our own. So the next time America gets a cold we won’t even get a sniffle. Re Think Re Train Re Educate! For more info go to http://www.blackunitedsuccess.com

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The biggest thing for me was quality of life,” said James Odhiambo, who said he traded a deluxe apartment in Dallas, a pickup truck, dishwasher and Big Macs for a healthier lifestyle near Kenya’s Lake Victoria.

Posted By: V J on Sep 2009

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Posted By: V J on Sep 2009

Makes sense but I wonder if this seems like an easy way out. What will happen tomorrow if something bad happens in Africa like civil war or economic crisis...will they then return to the US? sports flooring sexy lingerie online|

Posted By: E F on Sep 2009

Lorsque nous effectuons des recherches sur un projet d'affaires, il importe qu'elles soient aussi approfondies que possible. En outre, il est conseillé de faire nous-mêmes autant de travail que nous le pouvons; cela nous permettra d'approfondir nos connaissances du marché et d'économiser dès le départ. Une fois la recherche initiale terminée, nous pourrions juger opportun de faire appel à des services professionnels pour rassembler des renseignements supplémentaires ou pour nous assurer de l'exactitude des renseignements que nous avons recueillis jusqu'à maintenant. Non seulement ceux-ci peuvent-ils servir de références importantes pour des travaux futurs que pourrait effectuer un conseiller, mais ils nous aideront à préciser ce que nous aimeriez que ce dernier entreprenne pour nous, d'autant plus que nous aurons à payer ses honoraires. free movies - rapidshare download

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Recession still continues. More and more people lost their job and house. It also makes some people get depressed. Hopefully, something good will happen soon, or we're doomed. bookmarking site

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Posted By: f d on Sep 2009

Hi, The recession has made the situation worse. I personally think that this article will spread the word about the difficulties people are facing in reality

Posted By: E s on Sep 2009

Hi, I can't believe how today society worries about the minimal before they focus on the things that need tending to. In order to make big changes in todays society everyone has to stop saying its not my problem an d pitch in and get their hands dirty. Neighborhoods just seem to be doing the same things drugs, alcohol, and high rate of pregnancies. These things are leading to the crime rate because no changes are being made they just are living for the day not thinking of tomorrow. The lost children of God are giving birth to the lost children of themselves dome to repeat the forefathers mistakes. Unless they wake and become conscious a state of mind where eveything and everybody has a voice,and matter, and has a purpose on this earth. Wake up All God Children Young and Old and See the Beauty and Appreciate Its Wonder and All That God Has To Offer Us As A People. Amen.

Posted By: G D on Sep 2009

in our community . We must take advantage of the advances in technology to innovate network & assist one another. ed hardy Don’t just trade one job for another & place your well being in the hands of someone else.We must take care of & support our own. So the next time America gets a cold we won’t even get a sniffle. Tiffany Jewellery Re Think Re Train Re Educate! For more info go to http://www.blackunitedsuccess.com

Posted By: i l on Sep 2009

what that mean?

Posted By: j h on Sep 2009

I think not. Whether forced voluntarily or involuntarily, migration in defeat is not the answer. Bailing out is not the answer. If ever there is a time for bridge building, it is now! Perhaps, this is the time for those who recently came over to reflect upon whether they are leaving behind a one-way toll bridge or an ed hardy intercontinental exchange route to greater unifying connections between all of us. Perhaps we will begin to realize that after the Ed Hardy tourists have gone, and the money is gone, we are all still family.

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