For #ThrowbackThursday, me, at an Internews Network journalism training workshop in Zaria, #Nigeria, back in 2006, I believe. During my several trips to Nigeria for Internews, people thought I looked like a member of the Fulani tribe. I was always surprised and delighted when this reclamation process occurred, when the journalists I mentored sought to usher me into their fold. It happened a lot during my decade on the Motherland. In #Kenya, I was given the Kikuyu name Nyaguthii, which means traveler. My Luo name is Atieno, one born at night (1:20 a.m., to be exact). My Kisii name is Nyaboke, or sweet as honey. My Luhya name is Vuyanzi, one who is joyful. My Maasai name was Naserian, one who brings peace. My Kamba name is Mwende, beloved. In Addis Ababa, #Ethiopia, I am Rahel, the ewe. In Juba, #SouthSudan, my Dinka name is Yar, or cow. In Kigali, #Rwanda I'm Mahirwe. That means I'm lucky. I've forgotten a few of the other names I was given during my travels in African nations, but I will never forget the way they all made me feel. Like I belonged. Like I had something important to contribute. Like I was home. #Africa …see more