Diallo’s work is the rare example of a book that portrays real African life in all of its human complexity, rather than just its often frustrating politics. That’s perhaps why it has sparked such deep reaction from immigrant readers who relate to the Diallo family experience. One Philadelphia man told her his son now calls him “Baba,” just as she addresses her dad. A teary-eyed woman at a California book signing was so overwhelmed she removed her bangles and slipped them on Diallo.
City Limits Magazine
In the years since Amadou’s death, the officers who took his life have been cleared of criminal wrongdoing. Diallo and her former husband, Saikou, have filed a civil suit against the city that is still pending.
In the meantime, her once-bustling business in precious gems has ground to a halt while she stays in the U.S. to pursue the case and work on her son’s legacy through the Amadou Diallo Foundation. The foundation will provide scholarships for African students who, like Amadou, want an American education. It will also have a sister organization in Guinea to aid American students who want to head to Africa for cross-cultural exchanges. “Amadou wanted to help people, even in New York,” Diallo says. “So if I achieve that, I will say, ‘Thank God, Amadou is no longer in this life, but he continues to help people.’”
Frankie Edozien is editor-in-chief of the African magazine and City Hall reporter for the New York Post. You can find more information about the Amadou Diallo Foundation at www.amadoudiallo.com.
