I'm not a threat

Family life

July 2019

It's been just over 7 years since my family and I immigrated to England from the Republic of Congo. Safe to say it's been a struggle, I've only just adjusted. We fled in June 2012 because of the M23 rebellion. At first we went to Nigeria but my parents decided it wasn't safe to stay in Africa so we went to England instead. I was only 7 but it was one of the hardest things I've had to do.

Family is what I live for. I don't have a massive
one, but one big enough that I'm constantly entertained.

My older brother, Chidi, died of Malaria when he was 10. He would be 19 now. I don't remember much of him, but the stuff I do remember fills me with so much joy. He was over protective and fiercely loyal, like I ever needed that at 5 years old. He had a heart of gold, wouldn't hurt a fly. As much as I miss him, I know that he's in a better place.

My older sister, Dalia, is the person I most love and most hate. After Chidi died, she became the oldest sibling. This was hard on her I think because all of a sudden, she had all these responsibilities that she hadn't prepared for. No one makes me laugh like she does. No one is as beautiful as she is. No one is as smart as she is. When we first came to London, we didn't know that much English. We were taught a bit in school, but not as much as we needed. Dalia took it upon herself, with the help of our parents, to teach herself the language so she could teach us. That's the type of person she is. She also has just completed her GCSEs. She gets her results next months. Regardless of what she gets, I'm proud of her. No matter what.

Then there's me, Amari. As a 14 year old girl from Congo, it's been a challenge trying to get settled for the past 7 years but I've managed it. My name means 'possesses great strength'. My dad tells me he named me that because he knows that one day I will use my strength to make a difference in the world. I hope so to.

Cameron, my younger brother, is the bane of my existence. It's no coincidence that brother and bother are one letter apart. Who knew a 10 year old could wind you up as much as he does to me. He does this thing where he sits on the sofa, with one of my hoodies, and waits for me to come downstairs so I can watch him pull the thread out of it. As much as he gets on my nerves, I wouldn't change him for the world.

Finally, my younger sister. Phoebe is only 2 years old. She is the only sibling that was born in England. She's very playful and empathetic, despite being a toddler. She can sense when I'm upset or not myself and she'll give me a hug to try and cheer me up. She's extremely easygoing, cheerful and is always ready for a new day. She's active, tolerates change, and likes new people and situations. I can tell she's going to grow up to be the kindest and sweetest girl.

As for my parents, they are the best people I could have asked for. Out of all the family's God could have put me in, I'm glad he put me in this one.

My father (Dakarai) is frequently away from home, travelling the world between choreographing fight scenes and being stunt doubles. I'm not complaining mind you, we live well and he brings back such rich stories and new martial art techniques. My friends and I are his only students. Of course we all dream of being in the movies just like him. I am very surprised with this job he managed to get. Back in Congo, he was a stunt double for small movies. Now, he choreographs big fight scenes and even has been a stunt double for big names, all around the world. He's managing to hold out well, despite being 47.

My mum, Hasina, is my absolute rock. She's truly one of a kind. She was one for surprises, each day a multitude of tiny things-how they made me smile from ear to ear. Which hand was my cookie in? Which way would we walk to school? Would we dance our special dance if we saw a cat? It was so fun, all those everyday adventures. Just because I've grown up, doesn't mean we don't still have fun together. Giving each other make overs is our favorite past time. The best thing about her is that she has enough love to go around to everyone. She makes sure that the whole family is being included and she's so welcoming towards my friends. She sees them as family, because they are family to me.

My family and I are Christians. We make sure to pray 2 times a day and go to church on Sundays. However, we have always said that we are liberal Christians and don't take the Bible literally. For example, we are not against the LGBTQ+ community. In fact, we support them. I've always said that 'kindness is the key to Christianity'. I know that not many people would agree with me, but it's what I believe.

Authors note:
This book is to spread awareness about the black lives matter movement and to let people know that what police are doing IS NOT RIGHT and that the UK is not as innocent as it seems.

The story will get better, this chapter is just an introduction to Amari's life and family.

It is also set in July 2019 because I wanted it to be before a time where COVID-19 was a global pandemic and this year hadn't happened yet :)

Not that anyone will read it but if you find anything offensive or something doesn't make sense, please tell me. I know that Christians are meant to pray 5 times a day but my grandparents are Christian and I know that they only pray in the morning and at night. So I'm just basing my knowledge off what they do.

I hope you're all staying safe with the coronavirus and the protests. Please do what you can to spread awareness. Donate, sign petitions, go to protests, better educate yourself. Just please do something.