#skillaz

I grew up in Senegal, a Muslim-majority country in West Africa. Even though my family is Catholic, my country has always been one of religious acceptance.

My first contact with the United States may have seemed trivial, but it had a lasting impact. I heard my first American hip-hop song at age 7, and I was hooked. By age 13, I formed a rap group with my two best friends, and by age 20, we had made quite the name for ourselves in Senegal. My mother is my biggest fan, though her support of my music career was contingent on completing my master’s degree so that my options would always be open.

I never imagined I would be able to travel to the birthplace of hip-hop, but as life would have it, I fell in love with an American working for the United Nations. Last year, we decided to start our family in Washington, D.C.

I arrived in the United States on November 9, 2016, the day after the presidential election. The visa process was lengthy and difficult, but I arrived just in time for the birth of my son. There was an uneasy feeling in the air as I arrived at the airport, and I feel as though that uncertainty has lingered since my arrival. Nevertheless, I know I have something valuable to contribute to American society, and I want my son to be proud of his background.