A Katrina Survivor Becomes Professor and Author
“I Am African & I Can” is a women’s empowerment blog highlighting stories of Black women’s struggles and successes.
By Hadiatou Wann | 08/14/20
In the late 1970s, before Amani Nzinga-Jabbar was born, her parents converted to Islam. At 5 years old, she and her family moved from New York to Louisiana—where she was home schooled for many years.
College, as Amani recalls, was the first time she went into the world. To make it a smooth journey, she joined the Muslim Students Association and connected with other Muslim students. It was also a time when she read about different religions to ensure that she chose to practice Islam because it made sense to her, and not solely because her parents practiced it.
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina lambasted New Orleans and took thousands of lives. Though Amani had a degree, owned a home, she and many other Black residents were rescued last because of the color of their skin. Feeling neglected, that’s when she realized that, “You could do everything right and still experience prejudice.”
After completing her Bachelors and Masters in English, she became a professor of English. Currently, she teaches at 2 different colleges in Atlanta.
Although educated, as an African American and a Muslim woman, Amani still faced prejudice even when she became an English professor. Despite having to teach students that are sometimes disrespectful (i.e., using the phone in front of), she maintains professionalism.
After ending her first marriage, she continued living a life of purpose, stating that one should not remain in a toxic marriage just to please others. She later remarried. Now, as Amani juggles being a wife, mom, professor, marathon runner, and an author, she admits that some days she is productive, while other days are more like “go-with-the-flow” kind of days.
Ambata Kazi-Nance, a good friend of Amani shares how they met: “Amani and I met at our university’s MSA in 2003. I was a new convert to Islam and she and her family were very welcoming.“
“I admire Amani’s strength through all the challenges she has faced in life. Through it all she’s been a great mom to her kids and an inspiration to many with her commitment to bettering herself holistically. Her dedication to her faith is especially impressive and sets a wonderful example of a God-conscious woman,” Ambata added.
The mother-of-three always wanted to write a book that represented her as the books on the shelves were not reflective of her. This year, she brushed off the many doubts that were stacked up in her mind and completed her first novel. “I Bear Witness” chronicles the life of an African American Muslim woman living in the South, who encounters marital problems while pregnant with her first child, and learns to rely on her faith to get though the test. Part II of “I Bear Witness” is in the works.
She survived a deadly hurricane, got through a divorce, became an English professor despite living in a racist society, has now authored a book and will continue to publish works that will leave a positive representation behind. Amani’s success story shows that even when faced with obstacles, your ability to get back up after every fall will ultimately determine how far you will go in life.
Welcome to Amani’s World
“Find your joy in a way that pleases Allah.”
“Living my life on my own terms and not letting others dictate my life. ”
Amani has 3 kids. After she had her son, she was 224 pounds and didn’t feel healthy. When she started kickboxing and eating more healthy, she felt better. She was vegetarian off and on since she was a teenager, but has been fully committed to vegetarianism for 3 years now. Amani participates in marathons with her husband. So far, she ran 4 half marathons.
“Try to be patient with yourself. ”
“There’s 7 Billion people in the world. Someone wants to hear your story.”
Click the link to purchase Amani’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/B087S85JQK/ref=cm_
Connect with Amani:
Facebook: Amani Nzinga-Jabbar
Instagram: @author_amani and @fithijabi
Email: Jabbar.amani@gmail.com
Read other success stories here: www.iamafricanandican.com/blog
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