Elexus’ Return to The Motherland

Dear Family,

I hope all is well! First, thank you for indulging me as I call on you for your support in funding my first travel experience out of the country. Having the opportunity to travel to the Motherland is something I have been anticipating for the last 4 years. Please do not let the amount of text intimidate you, I know it’s wordy, but the details matter & I want to share why this opportunity means so much to me.

Let us go back to the beginning, shall we? (ok, maybe not that far back) just back to 2019.

Nearly a year after graduating college, I found myself uncertain of the trajectory of my life. Not knowing what I wanted to pursue career-wise, I accepted a position at City Year Chicago supporting under-resourced schools and students from disenfranchised communities. While the work I was doing at the time was impactful, I felt unfulfilled, limited, and uncertain about what was possible for my life, and my heart was craving more.

One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I came across a travel company called Magic and Melanin (MM) that illustrated beautiful photos of individuals drenched in joy, skin soaked by the sun, decorated in colorful garments, and surrounded by an abundance of greenery while immersed in community and culture. I was immediately intrigued and found myself IG stalking their page.

When I finally navigated to the “MM Experience” tab on their website, I was prompted to: visualize that I had just stepped out of the airport in Ghana, and it is 77 degrees out and I am welcomed by a greenery of palm trees and the warm embrace of the sun upon my skin.

My imagination was met with thrill and wonder, I knew I had to apply. I submitted my application but was waitlisted for the 2020 trip to West Africa — though disappointed, I was still eager as I awaited my time.

In hindsight, patience was a value I would soon come to know intimately. Due to the impact of COVID-19, Magic and Melanin had no choice but to cancel their 2020 trip to Ghana. I was saddened by the news and felt uncertain if I had missed an opportunity to learn more about myself, experience a new culture, and explore the world around me.

In July 2021, I received an update email from Magic and Melanin, providing me with three alternatives:

1. Join MM April 2022 trip.

2.Join MM May 2022 trip.

3.Be placed on the waitlist again for MM 2023 trip.

I was thrilled knowing I still had the opportunity to travel to West Africa, but in June 2021, my time with City Year had ended and I was unemployed. In addition, due to an increased rate of layoffs during the pandemic, I found myself unable to find a job that would support the necessary payments to confidently and comfortably participate in the 2022 trip. So with that, I deferred my trip and joined the 2023 waitlist.

The time has come —

January 3, 2023, I received an update from Magic and Melanin confirming the trip date and travel location for this year's MM experience. I have been offered a partial scholarship to join the Magic and Melanin trip to Lagos, Nigeria. Where I will be immersed in a life-changing experience for 12 days.

This is where you come in :) —

Although I have been offered a partial scholarship, I am asking for your help to make this trip possible and help me manifest this dream into reality.

As mentioned, this trip has been highly anticipated for the last 4 years and with many detours and feelings of uncertainty, I would love nothing more than to see it through while feeling financially confident as I participate in this long-awaited travel opportunity.

I am grateful for your contribution (big or small) — if you are unable to contribute, sharing this with someone who is able and willing will certainly suffice. Thank you family for your time, I appreciate you dearly!

With Gratitude,

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*The deadline to submit my payment & secure my spot is May 2023.*

Trip Details —

What Your Contribution Will Go Towards —

*for additional information please feel free to reach out by text or email — I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have!

A leap forward for one is a leap forward for the tribe.