Being the real me without apology by Maame Yaa Boafo
Although Nollywood has established itself as an industry to be reckoned with in Africa, many African parents are still unlikely to be thrilled with a child actively choosing acting as a desired profession. MaameYaa Baofo, a New-York based Ghanaian actress, is also gifted orator. MaameYaa Boafo was born in Pakistan and hails from Ghana, West Africa and currently lives in New York. Coming to the United States to obtain a double Bachelor degree in Journalism and French at Hood College, Ms. Boafo was then awarded the Levin Scholarship from Rutgers University where she received her MFA in Acting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. She has since gone on to play roles such as Ophelia in Hamlet, the Courtesan in Comedy of Errors and made her off-Broadway debut as Walter Mosley’s leading lady in his play LIFT.
In this talk, she uses her experience of pursuing acting despite discouragement from others to discuss the importance of being your authentic self without apology.
Knowing the Truth by Pa Yamba
Though ominous, the signs are far from conclusive and we can only hope that the damage caused by the deeply caustic rhetoric of Donald Trump will eventually make way for the better parts of the human spirit which have always valued and included the actual truth rather than preferred versions of it. Yes, if knowing the truth sets us free then it follows that we can significantly contribute to the freedom we get to enjoy.
