The stories in this book are a tribute to the glorious cornucopia of cultures woven into that unique tapestry known as the African Diaspora, a historic term used to represent people of African descent all over the world (an estimated 800 million in Sub-Saharan Africa and 140 million in the western hemisphere). I have tried my best to capture some of their tales ─ as told to me and experienced by me ─ in a manner that is informative, educational, inspirational and, at times, entertaining. I couldn’t have done it without the support and understanding of the many loved ones and other caring individuals who believed in this project.
Heartfelt appreciation to my wife, Omolade, and the children (Tobi, Toni and Toyin) for their encouragement. I thank them for the interest they showed in the publication of the book, for reminding me to call my publisher from time to time, and for periodically checking on my progress.
I also would like to thank my dad, Babatunde; my mum, Funmilayo; my brothers, Seni, Yomi, Supo and Ayo and several friends who permitted me to recount details from their personal lives.
Thanks to Tony Mokwe, for the cover design, and March Oyinki for his contribution to the cover concept.
My warmest regards to my publisher, Denise Crittendon, for her painstaking editorial and literary contributions.