The Journey – Africans in Verona
Have you ever wondered about the extraordinary journey of African immigrants in a foreign land? Imagine leaving behind everything familiar, driven by hope for a better future.
“The Journey – Africans in Verona” is a captivating book that delves into the lives and experiences of the first Africans to settle in Verona, Italy, over the past 35-40 years.
This remarkable book takes you on an intimate exploration of African immigration to northern Italy, unveiling the untold stories that seldom make the headlines.
Authentically narrated through the voices of the immigrants themselves, this compelling account offers a unique perspective on their struggles, triumphs, and the challenges they face.
“The Journey – Africans in Verona” is the result of extensive research and in-depth interviews conducted over five years (2013-2018) within the vibrant African diaspora community in Verona. Through its pages, you will encounter individuals who have embarked on a remarkable adventure, leaving an indelible mark behind
Chapter 1: Finding My Place In Verona
I came to Verona in August 2004 and one of the few things inside my small travel bag was a manuscript of a book I was writing at the time and a copy of an advanced learner’s dictionary.
Before then, I had already published my first novel (around my mind) which I wrote in my junior secondary school.
I have always loved the idea of storytelling or book writing to be precise and that is probably because I stayed with my grandmother as a child in Uromi, Nigeria.
My intention for coming to Italy was not different from other Nigerians or Africans who I met in my destination.
But as the reality of living as an African immigrant in Italy quickly dawned on me, I needed to reaffirm my mission and lean towards self-motivation and conviction that I was going to survive this highly unpredictable and all-consuming immigration journey.
Since then, my primary drive has remained to learn more about other people like me in the city of Verona, because somehow, I was conscious of the fact that the experience of the first people I met in the city, transformed them into what they became could turn real too in my case. It was only a question of time.
So, it was better to start learning about the first Africans in the city and their passes. That is how I started “The Journey”, a research project into the presence of Africans in northern Italy.