Rumbi Mukoyi shares her top recommendations for Africa Youth Day 2023
We are excited to feature youth activist Rumbi Mukoyi‘s top recommendations to commemorate this year’s Africa Youth Day, celebrated under the theme 1 Million Next Level is Knocking:Youth-led Movement that Transcends Borders.
Rumbi is passionate about youth causes and draws from her own life experiences to inform her advocacy work in this area. She relocated to the United Kingdom from Zimbabwe at the age of 15, and struggled to navigate the transition. During this time, she realised that the adults around her could not relate to her personal experiences of being displaced at that age. This nurtured in her a desire to contribute to the improvement of experiences like her own and in 2013, she founded African Youth Arise (AYA). Through her platform, she facilitates the development of personal, social and civic responsibilities among young people of African descent between the ages of 11 and 25, through dynamic activities. Her recommendations carry messaging that seeks to inspire greatness in young Africans.
Enjoy!
Atomic Habits
By James Clear
Implementing little changes can make a huge difference in our lives. This book really highlights that. When I read Atomic Habits, I rearranged my life and realised that the major changes in life start with one step. There is a passage in the book where James talks about how your financial status is a reflection of your habits, and the way you manage time is a reflection of your habits.
Half of a Yellow Sun
By Chimamanda Adichie
This is one of my favourite books. Chimamanda is one of the best authors of my generation. She is very intelligent and the reason I like this book is she speaks about how Africa is viewed. She tells the world about the other side of the story. Africa has always been viewed a certain way by The West and she challenges us to question everything we’re told. There is always a different side to what is being portrayed by the Western media.
Natives
By Akala
I find Akala revolutionary. He is well read in world politics and has a strong opinion on matters that affect the world. He is an amazing historian. Every time I listen to him, I want him to speak more, especially on colonisation. He is a talented musician, writer and poet. When I met him, it was very transformational. I recommend Natives because there is a lot of wisdom in this book.
Get You Money Right
By Emmanuel Asuquo
Money is a topic that is not discussed much in my community. This book is important as it teaches us to be comfortable talking about money.
Slay in Your Lane Presents Loud Black Girls
By Yomi Adegoke and Elizabeth Uviebinene
This is a bible for black women in the corporate space. It highlights just how painful being a black woman in this space can be sometimes. The stories shared in this book make you realise that you are not alone. It explores how others handle the challenges they face while being unapologetically black. I realised I didn’t need to shrink myself to fit in.