Belonging

<p><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>BELONGING </strong><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>is not merely a modern-day Book of Genesis listing so-and-so begat so-and-so. Instead it delves deeply into what it means from a profoundly human perspective to belong. The author reflects on the famous words: No man is an island entire unto himself. He likens his emotions to those of visitors to the great monuments of Washington D.C. who caress the names of individuals who gave their lives as the ultimate price for freedom.  </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Through genealogical tracing the author finds the greatest testimony to his humble background. He deeply appreciates the invaluable contributions of living family members back home in Africa including his niece Mrs. Gloria Olajumoke Oyesiku as well as numerous nephews cousins and nieces whose efforts enriched the authenticity of this book.  </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Drawing inspiration from his alma mater Methodist Boys High School and its Latin motto Non-Sibi Sed Aliis-meaning Not for Us But for Others-the author asserts that BELONGING is not just for the living descendants but for future generations. It empowers readers to know their origins and emboldens them with the knowledge of their heritage.  </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>The family tree rooted in a small </span><strong style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Agboile</strong><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)> (family compound) in Totoro Abeokuta has grown and flourished spreading its branches across South Africa Europe and the United States. Like a tree planted near water it continues to thrive connecting its past to its present and beyond.  </span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Dr. John Ayoola Akinyemi hails from Nigeria West Africa-a country that at the time of his departure six decades ago to the USA offered limited opportunities for better education and a brighter future. Like millions of immigrants before him and many more to come he found a haven in the United States. He served as a civilian in the U.S. Military for over 25 years before retiring in 2006.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>He was married to his beloved wife Agnes Ndungwa Akinyemi (née Muthiani) for nearly 50 years. He memorialized her in his book </span><em style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Coming 2 America</em><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)> which tells the story of a 15-year-old Kenyan girl who came to America in search of a better life.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Dr. Akinyemi and Agnes have two adult children: Adedoyin Akinyemi married to Randy Skipper and a son Olutobi Akinyemi who is single. They are proud grandparents to four grandchildren: Randy Skipper Maleek Skipper Isaiah Olutobi Akinyemi and Demetrius Joshua Skipper.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(0 0 0 0); color: rgba(14 16 26 1)>Dr. Akinyemi is an avid gardener a prolific writer and enjoys life's simple pleasures such as bird-watching brisk walks and singing to himself. He and his family reside in the Baltimore area within less than an hour's commute-a true blessing.</span></p>