Bookmarked! February Edition

Courtesy of Marvel

Can you believe February is almost over? Wow! Wonders will never cease! But the end of the month signals it’s time for another edition of Stories we Loved, where I reflect on my personal favourite communications and bookish articles, and the news stories that got chins wagging. 
With Valentine’s Day, the 100th anniversary since women won the right to vote, American Black History Month and the release of Marvel’s groundbreaking film, Black Panther all taking place in the same month, February has been quite eventful.
So without further ado, here are the Stories We Loved: February Edition
Why I wish my parents taught me to speak their language
So this story was published in January, but it came too late to be included in the last installment. However, it resonated with me for various reasons. To get a better idea, read my blog post entitled The Code Switch. The British born Nigerian writer explores the tragic side of being denied access to a whole community by virtue of a lack of language. As first generation immigrants, we are a poignant part of Black British history, but that part of history, unfortunately, consists of some significant linguistic changes which are eroding the rich culture of many of our mother countries. Read the article to find out exactly what I mean.
Learning to be not so f**king expressive around the kids
Another one which lagged on the tail end of January but made me chuckle a little despite not yet having kids of my own. I have one question to the parents who read this blog. How careful are you about the language you use around the children? Read this light-hearted article to find out about another parent’s embarrassing moment when their child decided to mimic what mummy and daddy said.
The language of Wakanda
OK, so now onto THE highlight of the month! Who has been fortunate enough to visit the country of Wakanda? Did you enjoy watching the movie? I think what can be celebrated about Black Panther, apart from it being a marvelous film, is how much it celebrates different aspects of African culture without cheapening, reverting to negative stereotypes or culturally appropriating it. (Take a moment to read my post on how Black Panther broke stereotypes here!) The writers even picked an authentic African language to be the language of Wakanda. Find out which one it was in these articles here and here.
Kudos from FLOTUS
Well, the former one. You know you’ve done a great job when a person of prominence takes time to publically congratulate you before the entire Twittersphere. I saw this making the rounds and thought wow! Black Panther really has made history. As I said in my previous post, well done to Ryan Coogler and Marvel, and all the actors and behind the scenes people who brought Black Panther and the country of Wakanda to life! 
Book a blind date!
Amidst all the bad and bland news we hear and read of these days, there are very few good ones which stand out (except for everything Black Panther related of course!). But this story really did grab my attention for all the right reasons. Penguin Random House in Australia did a great job by leaving packages on the transport network for commuters traveling around Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Find out what these gift-wrapped surprises were. 

Becoming Michelle Obama
If there ever was an autobiography to look forward to, it would be from one of this century’s most iconic women. After graduating from two Ivy League colleges, raising two lovely daughters, being married to the president of the United States whilst carving out her own identity as FLOTUS (and being cool whilst doing it!), Michelle Obama is finally releasing her memoir, Becoming. It won’t be until 13th November though. But you heard it here first! Full scoop here
BBC’s newest languages 
I know I have many readers from Nigeria frequent this blog, so I am really happy to add this entry to this month’s Stories We Loved. I can only really understand Yoruba greetings but I was thrilled to see that two of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages have been added to BBC’s inventory of languages. Get the scoop here.  BBC, we are all saying ‘O Ṣé’!*
Celebrating British history
In an article which combines two of February’s historical themes: black history month (US), and one hundred years since the suffragette movement, the writer gives us an insight into some very important and sadly overlooked people who changed British history. Have a small read and let me know which one of these great women you feel made the most significant change.
Read like a woman!
What a nice way to celebrate being a woman and a lover of books! If you are a Londoner, or will be in London between the 5th and 9th March, you may want to visit this pop-up bookshop devoted to women writers, located in no other than our beloved Shoreditch! Thank me later 🙂
So, which is your favourite and why? Please tell me below. I am interested to know your thoughts!
*’Thank you’ in Yoruba – language spoken in South Western Nigeria