The Surprising Truth About ‘Giving Back’
I never say “giving back.”
Why
Because it suggests taking too much to start.
Instead, I embrace “paying it forward.”
Paying it forward is about uplifting as we climb
It’s about empowering each other—especially within the African immigrant community in the U.S. and in Africa.
We’ve all faced the challenges:
Uprooting lives.
Bridging cultures.
Seeking success in a new world.
I know these struggles
I’ve lived with them
And I’ve seen the resilience and potential of our community.
Paying it forward is more than money
It’s about:
-passing on knowledge and action necessary for rapid change
-supporting one another especially through the complexity of navigating dual cultures, from surviving to thriving
-and opening doors for the next generation
It’s mentoring and coaching future community leaders, entrepreneurs, innovators and creators, artists etc to create a sense of community, and celebrating our achievements together.
It’s about understanding that our successes are deeply connected to our community’s well-being.
Imagine a world where every African immigrant can chase their dreams fearlessly—a world thriving on collaboration, innovation, and mutual support.
That’s the world I’m working towards.
So, next time you think about “giving back,” think bigger—think about how you can pay it forward.
By paying it forward, we’re not just giving
We’re transforming lives and shaping a future that honors everyone’s unique gifts and potential.