Book Title: Black West: And African Immigrants to the West, a Narrative
Author: Prof. Charles Mwewa
Reviewer: Stephen Misori
In his latest book, Black West: And African Immigrants to the West, a Narrative, Prof. Charles Mwewa offers a deep exploration of the natural cycle of human endeavours—birth, growth, and eventual decline. He skilfully links this philosophical framework to the experiences and aspirations of African immigrants who move to the West in pursuit of better opportunities.
Prof. Mwewa posits that just as life follows a natural order, so do human pursuits. He contends that every action, from small personal choices to major migrations, is driven by cause-and-effect relationships aimed at achieving balance and fulfilment.
He argues that this cyclical process is not merely a pattern but a fundamental principle governing all human actions.
This book closely examines the reasons behind African migration to the West, presenting it as part of a broader narrative where individuals seek both personal and collective growth and progress.
Mwewa submits, in this book, that the migration is not just a search for economic or social benefits but a deeper, almost unavoidable response to life’s push-and-pull forces. The drive to leave one’s homeland and adapt to a new environment is viewed as a natural part of the quest for balance and self-fulfillment.
His narrative offers rich insights by combining historical context with contemporary experiences, making it a compelling read for those interested in the broader implications of migration.
He challenges the reader to view the movement of African immigrants not just as a response to external conditions but as a natural progression within the life cycle of their personal and communal endeavors.
Prof. Mwewa addresses a longstanding issue: the imbalance in knowledge between Africa and the West. He writes that the West has historically understood Africa better than Africa has understood the West, creating a disconnect that often leads to unrealistic expectations among African immigrants.
The prolific writer examines how this knowledge gap influences the experiences of African migrants, noting that many arrive with idealized views and are unprepared for the real challenges they encounter. This lack of understanding often results in disappointment and frustration as they face a reality that differs significantly from their expectations.
Mwewa also critiques the “get rich quick” mentality prevalent among Africans who see the West as the ultimate path to success.
He asserts that this belief is not unique to African immigrants but has become a common mindset among those who view leaving Africa as the key to a better life.
The author explores the widespread perception that simply being in the West will improve their situation, regardless of the difficulties they may face, and that distancing themselves from Africa—both physically and emotionally—will lead to better opportunities and outcomes.
The 22-chapter narrative begins with a striking observation about the expectations many Africans have when it comes to the West.
He writes, “It is practically impossible to find an African who has never set foot on Western soil who thinks they can fail economically abroad.”
He highlights how even highly skilled professionals – doctors, lawyers, engineers, or CEOs of major companies in Africa – are often content to take on jobs in the West as taxi drivers, kindergarten teachers, customer service representatives, or security guards.
Mwewa reveals that most African immigrants face a harsh reality because they are unprepared for what they will encounter.
In Chapter 2, the author addresses the moment of arrival in the West. He writes, “Many African boys and girls dream of setting foot on Western soil,” and notes the widespread but unfounded belief that simply arriving in the West will lead to wealth.
Prof. Mwewa highlights the harsh economic realities of life in the West. He notes that without meaningful work, survival is nearly impossible, as every need and want comes with a price.
He shares his personal experience, revealing that after leaving an office job in Africa, he found himself working in an industry where he was tasked with cutting and shredding cardboard boxes.
This stark transition underscores the challenges many African immigrants face when they arrive in the West, where the cost of living demands hard work and adaptation.
Prof. Mwewa recounts the grueling challenges African immigrants face in securing employment in the West. He describes his own experience of working a demanding eight-hour shift, where he stood for seven hours, feeding relentless industrial machines that never stopped.
In Chapter 4, he tackles the issue of neo-colonialism that African immigrants encounter in the West. He adds that many African immigrant men become dejected and demoralized as they witness unqualified White men and women securing lucrative jobs and positions, while they are often relegated to mid-management roles or even menial jobs.
He pens, “They know they can do better than those who currently occupy those positions but they are impotent to do anything; because their prior efforts had been greeted with rejection or resistance.”
The writer submits that many of these men may die young and unhappy.
While in Africa, any association with a Westerner was an experience shrouded in mystery, the same was not true when an African immigrant was in the West.
He writes, “A White person was a god who could work economic magic.”
Prof. Mwewa critically examines Western attitudes towards diversity, multiculturalism, and equality. He argues that these ideals are often insincere, pointing out that the West has historically enslaved, colonized, and abused the Black and African communities.
In Chapter 7, however, Mwewa reflects on the significance of this painful past. He begins the chapter with a powerful declaration: while scars can be ugly, they can also serve as beautiful reminders of history.
This chapter underscores the importance of acknowledging the past, even as it shapes the present and future.
He writes that for many Africans who encountered a White person, the simple dream was to connect, find opportunities, or one day reach their country.
The author explores how modern nations are driven by four key interests: sports, politics, technology, and religion. Mwewa argues in this book that, although religion is meant to unite, it has also played a role in both creating and destroying the world.
He pens, “In the eschatological future, religion will surpass politics and drive catastrophic changes, leading to a One World Order and Armageddon, the end of the world.”
In Chapter 14, the author critiques the Western justification for colonialism and slavery, suggesting that Africa would have fared better without Western intervention.
According to Prof. Mwewa, it is providence, nature, and God—not human agency—that have ensured Africa’s survival. He openly states that humans have caused destruction even for the minimal “civilization” they have developed.
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He emphasizes that language and numeracy are natural phenomena, not exclusive to any culture; humans discover and refine them over time.
Prof. Mwewa also addresses a key misunderstanding about money. In Africa, money may not always be visibly present or accessible, while in the West, money is often inferred or expected to be readily available. He argues that this misunderstanding is not related to wealth but rather to differing perceptions of money.
In Chapter 22, the author offers solutions to past wrongs, evaluates current intentions, and envisions a future free from racial prejudice. He advises African immigrants to the West to align their expectations with reality, noting that realistic expectations can protect them from significant disappointments and health issues.
