Who is Pap Khouma?
Pap Khouma is an author, journalist, and teacher, who was born in Dakar, Senegal in 1957. In 1984 when he was 27 years old, he traveled from Senegal to Rome (Italy) – a top destination for Asian and African immigrants. Originally aiming to live in West Germany, early deportation orders meant that he was unable to go beyond Milan, which is where he now resides.
His Novels:
Khouma’s first book, a novel titled ‘Io venditore di elefanti’ (‘I was an elephant salesman’), was published in 1990 and delves into his life as a street hawker. The book takes its title from the elephant icons which are commonly sold by immigrant vendors and explores the relationships between fellow immigrants and Italian people.
The author’s second work, ‘Nonno Dio e gli spiriti danzanti’ (‘Grandfather God and the dancing spirits’) is a fictional work which follows a migrant who has returned to his country of birth after years of absence. Its principal theme is that of alienation: having left your original home, and struggling to be accepted in your new one, where do you truly belong?
His most recently published novel is ‘Noi italiani neri: Storia di ordinario razzismo’ (‘We black Italians: A history of everyday racism’). It approaches the problem of racism with a more ‘broad brush’ attitude, examining how Italy’s culture came to be what it is today and how anybody could be considered Italian.
His Work Outside Of Literature:
Italy’s approach to immigration is a notoriously complex one. On one hand, the percentage of Senegalese immigrants who are in the country illegally has dropped from 98% when ‘Io venditore di elefanti’ was published to just 2% as of 2022. On the other hand, after the 2022 general election, the most right-wing government since the dictator Mussolini, was ushered into power, providing a threat to immigration.
Pap Khouma, for several years, has been extremely aware of the problems which immigrants face, and as such has been pivotal in combating stereotypes. In 2002, he co-founded El Ghibli literary magazine, which acts as a platform for those who write important texts, but have no possibility of being published.
In addition, Khouma is a member of the board of directors of ItaliaHello, which brands itself as ‘an online centre for migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.’ The website aids these groups of people in starting a new life in Italy, giving tips and advice on bureaucratic measures that they need to take, and places for them to go to get extra help.
Conclusion:
Khouma is a fantastic example of how to use your voice for good. In expressing his struggles, he has raised awareness of the situation of the modern-day African immigrant residing in Europe, and his work now contributes to easing the process of integration for others who are at risk of suffering in the same way he did.
