The One with William - From Manning to Edoziem
An African-American Man’s Journey to Redeeming Identity and Homecoming to the Igbo Nation: Episode 9 (2023)
As a Nigerian who used to live in Nigeria, I took a lot of things for granted but moving to the US has enlightened me more, and now I’m more conscious of my roots. — Mo! (2023)
In this week’s episode, we were honored to feature William and his wife, Hailey, as they embark on a remarkable journey of rediscovering William’s cultural identity. The moment William discovered his Igbo heritage from Nigeria was life-changing for him, and I deeply admire how he embraced this revelation. His enthusiasm for the journey is palpable, defying expectations and inspiring those around him, including myself. I expressed my excitement to William and Hailey, offering my support in any way possible.
As a Nigerian, I must confess that I had taken many aspects of Africa and being African for granted until I moved to the US. There, my eyes were opened to a deeper understanding of Black culture and history. I proudly acknowledge my roots, and this newfound awareness humbles me. It’s the reason I’m consistently thrilled to meet individuals like William, who share a connection to Africa and its diaspora. This journey has taught me the value of cultural humility, openness, and an earnest exploration of the history of injustices like slavery. It may be overwhelming at times, but it is undeniably a fascinating journey of growth and learning, and that’s what truly matters in the end.
During the interview with William and Hailey, I discovered that William had desired to change his last name since high school. Learning about his Igbo heritage provided the perfect impetus for this transformation. This revelation piqued my curiosity, and I eagerly inquired about the journey, family acceptance, and William’s personal process of coming to terms with this decision. I was pleased to hear that the couple embraced the change with remarkable grace, encountering only minor resistance from William’s paternal side of the family. Their journey has been remarkably smooth, paving the way for a positive transformation.
William’s unwavering faith and ability to express it confidently have always captivated me. I first encountered him at an event where he spoke passionately about his faith and the importance of race, leaving a lasting impression on me. His profound and simple articulation of biblical principles and deep connection to God compelled me to follow him on Facebook. Discovering that he also shared an African heritage was an added joy. William’s passionate dedication to Christianity and his unshakeable belief in his identity in God are truly inspiring. I greatly appreciate his unwavering confidence in his faith.
Considering what I know about William, it is no surprise that he has changed his surname. I am genuinely inspired and immensely proud of him. Some may view it as an audacious endeavor, but he is breaking a generational chain (harrowing one, too!), paving the way for a new history that starts with him and extends to his son, future children, and grandchildren. It’s a breathtaking testament to one man’s ability to rewrite history.
Overall, our conversation with William and Hailey was enlightening and empowering. It highlighted the significance of cultural identity, faith, and the power of personal transformation. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of their journey and eagerly anticipate witnessing their story's continued growth and unfolding.
You can connect with William: IG: @iamwilledoziem; Facebook: William Edoziem.
Listen to the episode (see links below)!
🅻🅸🅽🅺🆂:
Listen: https://bit.ly/Edoziem2023
Download: https://bit.ly/Edoziem2023DL
Or on the website: www.mosibyl.com