fresh pressed posts
meet the blogger
Hi! I’m Joy, a Louisiana-born, Nigerian-American writer who’s obsessed with literature, research, and the untold histories of Africa and the Black diaspora. The Braid Blog is where I weave it all together: memory, literature, culture, and the quiet power in our everyday lives. Think of this space as part archive, part altar–always an offering.
I’d love to connect! Feel free to visit my socials below or send me an email xo.
Tag: nigeria
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What if stories could change the way an entire people see themselves? From Octavia Butler to Black Panther, Afrofuturism is reshaping Black literature, reconnecting the African diaspora, and proving that speculative fiction isn’t just escapism. Let’s explore why these stories are changing far more than our bookshelves.
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In Sweet Heat (2025), Bolu Babalola delivers romance with depth–intimate, messy, and impossible to ignore. Kiki Banjo thought she outran her past, but one reunion cracks everything open: love, pride, ambition, and the life she’s been carefully constructing. Consider this your invitation to read this spicy title responsibly.
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🇳🇬 As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, I’m compelled to appreciate the culture that has shaped my life in countless ways. I decided to reflect on the traditions that make our culture so unique. For this milestone, I’ve chosen my top three favorite parts of being Nigerian. Dive in and celebrate with me!
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This article explores the intertwined histories of Nigeria and Ghana, focusing on immigration dynamics during economic shifts. Following Nigeria’s oil boom, Ghanaians moved to Nigeria for opportunities, but subsequent economic decline led to xenophobic deportations, notably the “Ghana Must Go” expulsion. The Ghana Must Go bags now symbolize past turmoil and cultural unity.
