I was stunned, and not at all shocked, when I started reading stories and watching video/hearing audio of Africans who were being denied access to neighboring countries and being blocked from fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was and is unconscionable. I had to be still and lament, pray, and meditate on what I should do to come alongside these people, many of whom are international students. I thought about my Dad who was an international student in the US decades ago. I also think about why many Africans opted to pursue their degrees in Ukraine compared to the US or the UK. It was usually related to financial considerations. This broke my heart even more. The racism, mistreatment, and discrimination many are facing. This is also a class issue. To that end, I knew I had to do something and yet was unsure with whom I could partner.

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