What will you find when you read through the pages of Keleti Sanon's Another Chance, Maybe the Last? In the foreword, author Marilynn Griffith talks about her own experience as a child of an African father and an African-American mother and her desire to know more about Africa. Sanon book, in her opinion, is the beginning stepping stone to receive that knowledge.
African-American: Understanding the Divide
Sanon sets out to explore the African American's painful legacy of slavery and the repercussions that are still felt as a result of it. In addition, Sanon illustrates, African immigrants' journey to America, and how Africans' and African Americans' culture separates them.
Africa's Lost Children: Slavery's Legacy
Sanon delves further into the history of slavery, detailing the economic causes of it and the cultural and psychological ramifications of it.
The Mother Land and Uncle Sam: Discovering African Identity in America
Sanon debunks the myths of Africa and offers and examination of Africa's geography. He concludes this section by discussing the prowess it took to strip a people of their African identity upon their arrival to America and offers suggestions on how African Americans can begin to embrace this identity once again.
It Takes a Village: Traditions of Respect and Rearing
In this chapter, Sanon looks at differences between Africans and African-Americans in regards to crime, education, and respect for elders and for self. By closely looking at life in America and the village life of Africa, Sanon notes the distinctions but calls for the reconciliation of heritage and identity to bring the two cultures together.
Food and Family: The Ivorian Home
Sanon takes the reader inside the Ivorian home to illustrate the simple practicality of food and the connection of family through food.
A Family Affair: African Celebrations and Culture
Sanon examines the importance of family in nearly every facet of life, from healthcare and technology to education and welfare. Sanon, a big proponent of strong family ties, shows how families are intricately connected in the lives of their children from the dating stage through to marriage and to childbirth.
Coming to America
Sanon emphasizes the significance of coming to America, not for self but for the betterment of those left behind. In such a life-changing event and moving to a place with an entirely different culture, Sanon asserts the need for newcomers to remember their people and to stay focused despite the distractions that will surely come his or her way.
One Man's Journey
Sanon steps fully into his book and presents his own journey to America and the lessons learned.
Meeting on the Middle of the Bridge
Sanon calls for the bridging of the cultural gap and the dark, often painful history that divides Africans from their African-American cousins.
Another Chance Maybe the Last unravels one of the most controversial words in the U.S.--African American. This book gives both the African born in America and the African living in America an opportunity to come together and explore common heritage and culture.
A native of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, Keleti Sanon has lived in the United States for over 20 years. After being welcomed by African Americans, he would like to give a gift in return--a better understanding of African culture. This book will be a great tool for teachers, families, college students and anyone interested in cultural learning. As America melts together into one pot, may this book help retain the distinct and wonderful flavor that is both African and American.
