KELPIUS ZANNOU | THE AFRICAN IMMIGRANT HOUSEHOLD
on his book
The AFRICAN IMMIGRANT HOUSEHOLD
As a first generation immigrant,
Kelpius Zannou experienced an African upbringing in an American neighborhood. His book, “The African Immigrant Household”, is a first hand account of the cultural disparity he felt among his American peers growing up. While the rigidity he was raised with felt overbearing at times, he has grown to appreciate the morality, discipline, and work ethic it cultivated. Kel’s story serves as a guide to those in a similar situation, and an opportunity for insight to those who were raised differently.
All of the tough love, chastisement, guidance and strictness has paid off and shaped me into the man that I am today.
HIS INSPIRATION
Compelled to share his story with the world, Kel sought guidance from his Pastor and Co-Author, Dr. Samuel A. Liadi for the creation of his book. In his introduction, Kel cites that research shows a majority of books regarding parenting are from a western perspective, without much consideration for immigrant parenting styles. To preserve his story and highlight valuable cultural practices, he has shared his unique experiences.
FROM NIGER TO NYC
Kel’s journey to America began in 2004, when at the age of 8 his family immigrated from Niger to New York City. His entrepreneurial parents saw the opportunity that The United States had to offer, and decided to overcome all obstacles to relocate.
Learning a new language was an enormous change in itself, however Kel found the cultural differences to be even more of a shock. Among his peers Kel noticed a that the rigid nature of his upbringing was not a universal experience. Seeing other children throw tantrums, socialize without permission, and live undisciplined lives seemed foreign and desirable. While his strict life seemed oppressive as a child, as he matured Kel understood the value to be had in learning morality and discipline from such a young age.
A DYNAMIC AND HOLISTIC READ
“The African Immigrant Household” not only tells Kel’s story, but it also includes a wealth of psychological insight, faith based guidance, and clever observations. With chapters based on cultural values, the psychological impact of parenting styles, proverbs & metaphors, and a lighthearted list of “do’s and don’ts” when navigating African parents, this book offers something for everyone.
CONNECT WITH KEL
KELPIUS ZANNOU
on his book
The AFRICAN IMMIGRANT HOUSEHOLD
As a first generation immigrant,
Kelpius Zannou experienced an African upbringing in an American neighborhood. His book, “The African Immigrant Household”, is a first hand account of the cultural disparity he felt among his American peers growing up. While the rigidity he was raised with felt overbearing at times, he has grown to appreciate the morality, discipline, and work ethic it cultivated. Kel’s story serves as a guide to those in a similar situation, and an opportunity for insight to those who were raised differently.
"
All of the tough love, chastisement, guidance, and strictness has paid off and shaped me into the man that I am today.
"
HIS INSPIRATION
Compelled to share his story with the world, Kel sought guidance from his Pastor and Co-Author, Dr. Samuel A. Liadi for the creation of his book. In his introduction, Kel cites that research shows a majority of books regarding parenting are from a western perspective, without much consideration for immigrant parenting styles. To preserve his story and highlight valuable cultural practices, he has shared his unique experiences.
FROM NIGER TO NYC
Kel’s journey to America began in 2004, when at the age of 8 his family immigrated from Niger to New York City. His entrepreneurial parents saw the opportunity that The United States had to offer, and decided to overcome all obstacles to relocate.
Learning a new language was an enormous change in itself, however Kel found the cultural differences to be even more of a shock. Among his peers Kel noticed a that the rigid nature of his upbringing was not a universal experience. Seeing other children throw tantrums, socialize without permission, and live undisciplined lives seemed foreign and desirable. While his strict life seemed oppressive as a child, as he matured Kel understood the value to be had in learning morality and discipline from such a young age.
A DYNAMIC AND HOLISTIC READ
“The African Immigrant Household” not only tells Kel’s story, but it also includes a wealth of psychological insight, faith based guidance, and clever observations. With chapters based on cultural values, the psychological impact of parenting styles, proverbs & metaphors, and a lighthearted list of “do’s and don’ts” when navigating African parents, this book offers something for everyone.
CONNECT WITH KEL
"
All of the tough love, chastisement, guidance, and strictness has paid off and shaped me into the man that I am today.
"
HIS INSPIRATION
Compelled to share his story with the world, Kel sought guidance from his Pastor and Co-Author, Dr. Samuel A. Liadi for the creation of his book. In his introduction, Kel cites that research shows a majority of books regarding parenting are from a western perspective, without much consideration for immigrant parenting styles. To preserve his story and highlight valuable cultural practices, he has shared his unique experiences.
FROM NIGER TO NYC
Kel’s journey to America began in 2004, when at the age of 8 his family immigrated from Niger to New York City. His entrepreneurial parents saw the opportunity that The United States had to offer, and decided to overcome all obstacles to relocate.
Learning a new language was an enormous change in itself, however Kel found the cultural differences to be even more of a shock. Among his peers Kel noticed a that the rigid nature of his upbringing was not a universal experience. Seeing other children throw tantrums, socialize without permission, and live undisciplined lives seemed foreign and desirable. While his strict life seemed oppressive as a child, as he matured Kel understood the value to be had in learning morality and discipline from such a young age.
A DYNAMIC AND HOLISTIC READ
“The African Immigrant Household” not only tells Kel’s story, but it also includes a wealth of psychological insight, faith based guidance, and clever observations. With chapters based on cultural values, the psychological impact of parenting styles, proverbs & metaphors, and a lighthearted list of “do’s and don’ts” when navigating African parents, this book offers something for everyone.