Find Me Unafraid: Love, Loss, And Hope In An African Slum

This chapter explains how Kennedy initially founded SHOFCO. Tired of back breaking labor, little pay and, “tired of being angry” (158), Kennedy buys a soccer ball for 20 cents. He goes to his friend George’s house and tells him that they need to start organizing as a community. With the hope that he could curb the violence, rape, and senseless abuse of women, he started the St. Dominic’s youth group. While Kennedy didn’t believe in the church, the group met at a local church. After teaching about safe sex and condoms, they were kicked out of their meeting space for going against the doctrine of the church.

Kennedy then founded Shining Hope for Communities, SHOFCO, in order to bring grassroots change to the community. Kennedy had seen too many foreign groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused only on profits come to places like Kibera and create failed programs, so he decided that change must come from within the community. They start meeting at his house, then, as they grew in numbers, at a soccer field. SHOFCO organized a community cleanup, performed theater, formed a soccer team, and were invited to the World Social Forum (WSF) in 2007. WSF opened more connections and opportunities for them, and this is also how Jessica found out about the organization and expressed interest in helping with the theater program.

Kennedy reveals a vision he had before meeting Jessica, foretelling of his marriage to a white woman: “One night I had a dream about a white lady standing on a corner in Kibera wearing a dress with red roses on it. In the dream, I heard a voice telling me, ‘Kennedy, this is your partner’” (168). Kennedy was hesitant because he wanted a ‘black queen’ and denies that he will ever end up with a white woman. Clearly, he was mistaken, as he later falls in love with Jessica.  

Jessica and Kennedy enjoy their time together as a couple, keeping their relationship private. They are both concerned about how the relationship might end and the improbability of them being able to stay connected once she returns to the United States. More people in Kibera ask Kennedy for money because he is with a white woman. They think about their difference often and how this will affect the future of their relationship: “No matter what I feel for Kennedy and he for me, we are from two different worlds: mine of plenty and his of want” (171).

Kennedy worries about his sister Liz. She wasted opportunities that he created for her, like the chance to attend boarding school, and he knows that these opportunities only come around once in Kibera. Jessica forms a close relationship with Liz, and they often spend time together. When Jessica meets Babi at Liz’s house, Kennedy and Liz lie about his identity and say Babi is their uncle, attempting to distance themselves from Babi and his abuse. While Babi and Kennedy have avoided each other for four years, Babi wanted to come meet Jessica, saying that “as a parent it’s customary he come to eat a meal to see if the woman is suitable” (178). Jessica makes the chapatis (a type of bread), and Kennedy makes the meat stew. Jessica tries to accommodate the cultural customs, by pretending she made all the food and washing Babi’s hands. Babi confronts her about her intentions, and she stands up to his accusations. Kennedy’s ability to forgive Babi for his abuse bewilders Jessica.

Kennedy and Jessica relish the last few days they have together before she returns to the United States. They know their lives will likely take different paths, but they vow never to forget the other and are grateful for their good memories and what they have learned from each other..