My mother was an exceptional woman and mother to all. She left an indelible mark on my life.
As a young woman from Burkina Faso, West Africa, Aminata Traoré followed her husband to Senegal. She spent her entire life far from her native home Bobo Dioulasso, becoming orphaned at a very young age, She was one of my father’s first wives and supported him by engaging in the trade of traditional fabrics that she designed. She gave birth to six girls and raised the children of other wives and neighbors as well. It was not easy, yet through her discipline, sense of justice and her spirit of sharing, she succeeded in caring for all of the children with dignity. My mother was a refuge, trusted counselor and pillar of strength to all of us. She was the matriarch of the Kaba family clan.
My mother passed while I was in the USA and was not allowed to travel. I never saw her beautiful face again.
Tiguida Kaba