Mbele Reading “The Second Coming,” Again

Listen to the recording here
http://dlvr.it/SR08Mz

My Cross-Cultural Conversations

http://dlvr.it/SQzhWc

I MIGHT WRITE ANOTHER CULTURE BOOK

On August 25, 2021, I published a book, Chickens in the Bus: More Thoughts on Cultural Differences, a sequel to my Africans and Americans: Embracing Cultural Differences. After publishing these two books, I felt that I didn't need to write another culture book.

Then, several weeks ago, I launched an online program I call "Cross Cultural Conversations," which I have been conducting every Saturday. I give talks by Zoom and engage participants in reflecting on various topics relating to differences between African and American culture.

In the process, I find myself going deeper into issues I addressed in my books, and even introducing new insights and perspectives on those issues. I now feel that if I continue this way, I will eventually publish another book, probably titled "Cross Cultural Conversations." This will take time, certainly some years.

My Books: An Extension of My Self

My culture books are not entities existing apart from me. I write them so that people can know me, not some fancy arguments and abstract theories. These books are an extension of my self. My spirit exists in them and my blood flows in them. I breath and speak through them. 

Long after I have departed from this world, my books will continue to be my voice. Through their works, writers seek or attain immortality. It has been this way since ancient times, and Gilgamesh, the Sumerian hero, is a perfect example. Thus, Shakespeare and Shaaban Robert live on, as do Tolstoy, Muyaka, Achebe and thousands of others. 
 

Feedback From my Cross-Cultural Conversations

On April 16, 2022, I launched an online program I call Cross Cultural Conversions, an extension of my work as a cultural consultant. I conduct these talks every Saturday, from 10:00 to 11:30am US Central Time, on various issues raised my books and beyond.

The network of participants is growing, the feedback from them is positive and enthusiastic. Apart from writing comments, participants keep coming again and again to these conversations, and they spread the word.

For example, on May 7, Kelly, one of the participants, posted on her Facebook page a nice photo of my books, together with the following message:

Beautiful afternoon to sit in Miss Samantha's yard! I'm reading work from Joseph Mbele, suggested by my friend Anita. Joseph is leading a recurring Zoom call on Saturday mornings (10 to 11:30) with intriguing conversations, focusing on different topics. My inbox is always open, I'd be happy to share the next Eventbrite link. 

Invitations to these conversations are posted on my facebook page in advance of each session.