Writer Spreads Multicultural Message through African Folktale Revivals.
Bolaji Ajayi wanted to give her child and other children of African descent the story of a hero that “resembles a champion from their own community,” so she decided to write one of her own.
The result is Akiti the Hunter — a five-part children’s book series that chronicles the adventures of an action hero based on African folklore. According to traditional tales from the Yoruba tribe of West Africa, Akiti was a hunter and wrestler who boasted magical feats of strength. Williams is introducing the legend to children through her book series, and she plans to expand the brand to a children’s animated series. The book is available for purchase worldwide on Amazon
“The goal is to bring an authentic African hero into American pop culture. Having this kind of positive African image in mainstream culture is long overdue,” Ajayi-Williams said.
The creation of the Akiti books is just one way that Ajayi-Williams is fulfilling her broader mission to “highlight unsung heroes of the world community, highlight the uniqueness of every race, and celebrate diversity,” she said.
In response to the success of her first book, Denise Ajayi-Williams has graced us with a sequel- Akiti the Hunter, Part II. Akiti the Hunter is a riveting and exciting tale that will leave you at the edge of your seat page by page. With amazing and colorful illustrations and a heartfelt message, this book is sure to warm your heart and lead the mind to a world of imagination. You can purchase this book at Amazon
Denise Ajayi-Williams channels that mission through her website, workingmomin20s.com, where she posts articles about women who have fomented positive changes in their communities, demonstrated leadership, and promoted education in engineering, entrepreneurship, and medicine.
The website’s name is inspired by the 1920s—the era of the First Wave of Feminism—and celebrates “how far we have come as women.”
Based in northern California, Ajayi is looking to spread the message of multiculturalism internationally.
She believes in the empowerment of not only her child, but of children in her community and beyond.
While cultivating so many projects, she strives to strike a solid work-life balance. She is a business owner, employee, wife, graduate student, author, and writer who values and “understands the importance of family.”
