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For years, Black Africans with European or American connections have decried the discrimination they face solely because of their skin color. The story of Chidimma Adetshina, a South African-born Nigerian model, reveals a troubling reality: racism’s ugly presence isn’t confined to the West. If such incidents occur within Africa itself, it prompts a deeper question—is racism truly just about skin color? It all started when Chidimman became a strong contender for Miss South Africa, contending for the crown to represent the country in the Miss Universe in Mexico. A statement from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs claimed that preliminary evidence suggested Chidimma’s mother committed identity fraud. Following this revelation, the department traced Chidimma’s roots to Nigeria and Mozambique, thrusting her into the center of South Africa’s ongoing xenophobic debates. The controversy intensified as some South Africans called for her disqualification from the Miss South Africa pageant. In August, the 23-year-old model made the difficult decision to withdraw from the competition, raising questions about the timing and motivations behind the investigations into her identity. Why did it take her rising prominence on such a platform for these claims to surface? This scenario points to a deeper issue: racism is not confined to any particular race or ethnic group. Instead, it is a pervasive human failing—a disease that transcends borders. Many Africans perceive racism primarily as a conflict between Black and White, rooted in skin color. However, Chidimma’s case reveals a bitter truth. Racism is often about power and control—one group asserting its perceived superiority over another to maintain privilege, whether for economic or political gain. Skin color may be the most visible marker, but it is merely the tool, not the essence, of racism. The fear and discontent surrounding the possibility of a Nigerian-born woman winning the Miss South Africa title unmask the discriminatory attitudes lurking beneath the surface. Despite being naturalised as a South African, Chidimma’s legitimacy as “one of their own” was vehemently questioned. This rejection of her identity reveals a troubling reality: racism, in this instance, was wielded not by outsiders but by South Africans themselves. In their inability to embrace Chidimma, they displayed the very prejudice they often decry. The Second Chance Chidimma later accepted an invitation to compete in Nigeria’s Miss Universe pageant, where she triumphed, earning the chance to represent Nigeria on the global stage at the 2024 Miss Universe competition. Subsequently in November, she made history as the first Nigerian to finish as the 1st runner-up, right behind Denmark’s Victoria Theilvig, who claimed the crown. Her achievement also secured her the title of Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, marking a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria and the continent. In a recent interview with Business Insider, Chidimma reflected on the struggles she faced leading up to this milestone. She shared how some South Africans believed she wasn’t “South African enough” because of her name “Chidimma”—a distinctly Nigerian one. For her, this was where racism in her story took root. Though Chidimma’s racism journey has pushed her to her heights, her story is a powerful reminder that racism isn’t always as overt as systemic discrimination or blatant xenophobia. Sometimes, it is subtle and cloaked in cultural exclusion, challenging individuals like Chidimma to defend their place in spaces they rightfully belong to. Racism, as Chidimma’s journey reveals, transcends the simplistic narrative of black versus white. Her story shines a spotlight on an often overlooked reality—that racism is not inherently tied to skin color but rooted in humanity’s darker impulses. It encompasses the need to dominate, exclude, and control. The aphorism, “the rejected stone became the chief cornerstone,” encapsulates Ms Adetshina’s journey. Once vilified and pushed to the sidelines, she now stands as a symbol of triumph and resilience. Ironically, even South Africans, who once sought her disqualification from Miss Universe, joined in celebrating her success, as the world glorified her name. This duality reflects how quickly public opinion can shift when success becomes undeniable. According to Daniel Abusuamepeh , a race and social problems researcher, tribalism operates as a form of racism within African societies, often mirroring the systemic discrimination seen globally. It underscores a painful truth: racism adapts to its environment. In Africa, he noted, it morphs into tribalism; in Europe and America, it often aligns with systemic racial structures. But the intent remains the same—division and control under the guise of difference. The transformational story of Chidimma, from a rejected beauty in South Africa to becoming the Queen of Africa and Oceania, teaches lessons of tolerance and the ability to push beyond limits. It challenges Africans to look inward and address the prejudices of racism and tribalism that hinder unity. Chidimma’s journey from rejection to global recognition serves as a reminder to African children—and indeed to the world—that racism isn’t about color. It’s about a group’s obsession to dominate and control those it sees as outsiders, eventually hurting itself. About the author Esther Kalu is a Journalism for Liberty Fellow, freelance journalist and screenwriter, who is passionate about art and culture, lifestyle and politics. Her works have appeared in reputable and emerging platforms like The Nation (as an intern), Premium Times, Naija News and The Radar. She finds passion in using her writing as a tool to address topical issues in Nigeria.
I am so happy we have this amazing opportunity to honor a true spirit of beckley – Tony Kelly! While Tony was born and raised in Canada and has such an interesting story of how he and his beautiful wife Joanne really took a leap of faith and came to Southern West Virginia and Beckley, the community has certainly benefited from that leap of faith. Tony is an icon in the medical field. I can’t even imagine the number of lives he has touched throughout his career here in Southern West Virginia. Not only has he worked tirelessly to serve the residents of Southern West Virginia through his career, he has also been a mentor to so many doctors in our communities as well as serving in leadership roles in the hospitals where he has worked. Last year he received the honor of being named the inaugural director for Region 6 of the West Virginia First Foundation Board which was organized by Governor Justice to help distribute the settlement money won by the state in the lawsuits against opioid manufacturers. With his many years of emergency room medicine, he is the perfect person to represent the 11 counties in Region 6. While he certainly has made a lasting professional impact in the medical community, that is nothing compared to the commitment and love he has for his family. I know how proud Tony is of his daughter Aryn and son Ryan. I am so happy that his two children have decided to come back to our community to raise their families. He and Joanne are not only great parents, but I know they are really thrilled to be called Pop and Nan by their beautiful grandchildren. He and Joanne are the proud grandparents of Ryan’s two children, Emmy and Leo, and Aryn’s three children, Willa, Ada, and Margaret. He and Joanne are both very involved with their grandchildren and can be seen at soccer games, basketball games, swimming pools, dance studios, etc., watching and cheering on the grandkids! The Kelly Family Foundation has done so much for our community in supporting a number of organizations that provide social services to those in need, with an emphasis on children. Tony is a very humble person and it really took some arm twisting and fast talking to convince him he is the epitome of what the Spirit of Beckley stands for and is truly worthy of this honor! Nancy Kissinger Co-Chair
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The Israeli military said Monday that Omer Neutra, a dual American Israeli citizen who was serving in the Israeli Defense Forces during Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, died that day. The 21-year-old was previously thought to have been taken hostage, sparking hope he might one day come home alive along with the roughly 100 other people believed to still be in Hamas’ captivity. It’s unclear why the Israeli military refrained from clarifying that Neutra was deceased until today, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz writing on social media that Neutra “fell in a heroic battle” on Oct. 7. Neutra’s parents, Ronen and Orna Neutra, told CNN last week they’d hoped the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon might lead to progress on a similar agreement with Hamas and the release of their son. “We have seen that attention both in Israel and around the world was taken from the war in Gaza to the war in Lebanon in the last four or five months, and that was a concern to us,” Ronen Neutra said . “But at the same time, we are disappointed that it was not combined with a hostage deal, which is really the most urgent element right now. We consider it a missed opportunity.” The two also visited President Joe Biden at the White House less than a month ago, where presumably they made a similar plea. Biden paid tribute to Omer Neutra, a Long Island native, in a statement Monday, saying he and first lady Jill Biden were “devastated and outraged” to learn of Neutra’s death. “Less than a month ago, Omer’s mother and father joined me at the White House to share the pain they’ve endured as they prayed for the safe return of their son — pain no parent should ever know,” Biden said. “They told me how Omer’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors and how their family’s strength and resilience has been carried through the generations.” Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone. Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you. Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all. You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest — we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you. Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all. Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages. “During this dark hour — as our nation joins Omer’s parents, brother, and family in grieving this tragic loss — we pray to find strength and resilience,” he continued. “And to all the families of those still held hostage: We see you. We are with you. And I will not stop working to bring your loved ones back home where they belong.” Related From Our Partner
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