By Kemi Osukoya
The concept of investing in what matters is not new to me. In fact, it’s where my life as a publisher began. Two years ago, I had dinner with a close friend where we discussed an idea that had been playing in my mind for quite a while during my professional career as a journalist – to start a U.S. based African-business magazine for Africans and non Africans. We discussed various content angles, the business logistics and then we both went home to do some research about the continent. A few months later, I went to visit some countries in Africa to see what news we would be covering and as those who are familiar with the The Africa Bazaar know, the rest is history.
Sounds very easy, right? No it isn’t. It has been an interesting journey and experience for me, and for everyone that is a part of the publication. We ‘ve had challenges, frustrations, elations and times when we all thought the idea would never become a reality and times when we are not so sure if we could continue to make the reality a success. Such is life’s challenges and I have enjoyed every minute of it. This brings me to the reason why I’m writing this blog for our partner, All For Africa …
I’m running for All For Africa in the upcoming NYRR/ING 2010 marathon this November. During my visit to All For Africa ’s office last May, Diane, the Director of Operations, asked if I would be interested in participating in the ING Marathon. I said I would think about it. A few days later, I decided to sign up to race because I believe in All For Africa ’s mission and the various projects that they are involved in Africa.
I am an avid runner and have participated in many races, but this will be my first marathon.
When I told those close to me that I‘d be running in the NYRR marathon, I was expecting surprise reactions but instead got many “good lucks, you better start training,” “are you racing competitively or just racing?” “Keep me posted as to how your training is going,” and some just recommended coaches that can help me train for the race. I was taken aback by their reactions, nevertheless, I was glad that they have confidence that I would perform well in the race (I started training right after I signed up, and so far, my running time has improved). Most runners set a specific time to finish a race. (Right now, my goal is to finish the race under 3 and half hours.) Ultimately, what matters and counts the most for any runner, in a race, is crossing the finish line.
Anyone who runs and competes in a competitive race or any race would tell you that racing is, for many, about setting a goal. I always thought people who have run marathons are superhuman, that is until I signed up for the race. I know I am not a superhuman. I’m just a regular person. However, participating in this year’s ING NYC marathon means a lot to me, not only because of my ties to Africa but because I believe in the positive changes that are taking place on the continent , and I want to support All For Africa ’s Palm Out poverty project.
All For Africa has raised the bar by setting a goal to raise $1 million this year (2010) for its Palm Out poverty project in Africa. The money raised will benefit farmers and their communities in Africa and provide sustainable livelihoods for many families. This is an unprecedented goal for a small nonprofit organization that just started a few years ago and has quite an impressive list of positive social impacts in the African communities through its various NGOs programs.
All For Africa is the story of Africa. Africa has recently become the major focus of the global market, thanks to the economic growths and new developments taking place on the continent, some of which All For Africa is involved in, and those that once thought of the continent as a dark, forgotten place of poverty are now looking at the continent differently. South Africa’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup has put the continent in the limelight (too bad most of the African football teams are out of the World Cup, but that’s another story for another time). All these changes are moving Africa in a new direction.
Africa is that one of a kind place that everyone loves, wishes he/she could visit and/or be a part off. However, Africa is full of many challenges and only those who are brave and resourceful have the ability to venture into the continent.
The journey of my publication, The Africa Bazaar magazine (http://www.imekmedia.com/), All For Africa , from the beginning to where we are today, epitomizes the journey of Africa , most African countries, NGOs and private companies that are venturing into Africa. There’s something to be said for being the first; talk about pressure.
I knew what I was up against, as a runner. However, training for and running in the upcoming marathon is venturing into the unknown. When I run through the boroughs of NYC, starting at the Verrazano Bridge in Staten Island, on November 7, 2010, I know the world would be watching. Not necessarily watching me, but all the runners who‘re participating in the ING New York City marathon race. Other NGOs are watching to see if All For Africa can achieve its goal to raise $1 million. What do you think? I think All For Africa can. Join me in supporting All For Africa ’s mission and help to raise $1 million for the Palm Out poverty project.
