Book – I Am Because We Are by Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr

Book – I Am Because We Are by Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr. (2022; House of Amansi Press, Inc. acknowledging financial support from Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and Government of Canada.)
This is the story of family bonds, Christian values, and educational pursuits resulting in a woman’s tireless efforts to fight systemic corruption in Nigeria. The author, a Nigerian-Canadian, tells the story of her mother, Dora Akunyili, (1954-1972), a pharmacist, professor, and politically effective mover in Nigeria’s power structures. The daughter, after extensive and careful research, writes as if the mother were speaking her own story. The African practice of Ubuntu that emphasizes community over personal good was a huge motivating factor for Dora in her struggles to tackle injustice, crooked maneuvers, and face personal threats.
Chidiogo now lives in Toronto. Her very personal story reveals a woman admirable in her fearlessness and also a truly human person with human failings. Dora suffered for some of her decisions and her family (husband and six children) were all affected by her choice to speak for the voiceless and live the message of Ubuntu.