Of Trauma and Survival

My son, 

You are no cattle hence we need new names. 

We need new names. We need new names because “Chibuzor” is the name of the enemy who must not rise. 

Yes, we need new names for I shall not call you “Adekunle,” the name of a two faced fool. 

We need new names because far be it from me that I shall name you any of these other names, in that they do not count. They are the names of mere men, servants and slaves, those whose lot are suffering and pain and poverty. They are the impoverished, those who bathe in oil spillage pools; men of the South, the center which can never hold. 

We need new names, in that “White” is the name of a lost soul.

We need new names because I believe in the efficacy of names. Therefore, when you face the world tell them you are Abdullahi the son of Mohammed for with it comes wealth, power and fear. However, do not forget who you are given, this is but a mask, what the world sees. 

Godspeed,

Father.