Has everyone noticed how every time Africa is brought up in the media? it's a always a sad picture: hungry children with swollen bellies, surrounded by flies and walking bare feet....And if it's not that, then it's images of civil wars, rebellion, aids or some other sordid story.

Why is the media focusing on the worst side of Africa? It's funny how it is not like that in other continents, that always baffles me. In Africa or Europe, media never show tarnished images of America while they do exist. Not everyone is living in the suburbs and not everyone is having their three healthy meals in the US.

Having lived in France, Senegal and the US I know first hand the realities of each continents and although poverty is dominant in Africa. It is not to the extent portrayed in the media, believe it or not most middle-class families in Africa have domestic help! They don't cook or clean, don't sweep or mop...they have domestic help!

Growing up I didn't even know how to make my own bed, I didn't start washing clothers or cooking until I came to the US. Even though, there were much more opportunities for me in the States professionally.

I am trying to send the message out there that there are paved streets, fantastic resorts and hotels, great restaurants and movie theaters in Africa...regardless of what is shown on tv. You might already know this if you've travelled there, otherwise if the TV set is all you have to go by then you're probably not considering going.

I am just trying to reduce the discomfort of many black folks when africa is brought up on tv or during conversations. It doesn't have to be this way, Africans or African-Americans not wanting to be associated with Africa in any way shape or form...that's pretty bad. Yet it is a widespread condition.

Let's change this through dialog and spreading the truth.

Thanks