Ayo Oti grew up in Florida to a Nigerian father and American-Caribbean mother. She recalls friendships with children from different backgrounds and Nigerians she met through her father’s connections. Young, she noticed differences between her household and those of Nigerian-American children with two Nigerian parents. Her father was strict, while her mother was more lenient.

Ayo was not taught Yoruba by her father, who said he did not think “they would be interested.” She believes he is a “different person” when speaking his native language: “I think he would’ve shared more of himself if we could communicate with him.” Her parents divorced in 6th grade, reducing her exposure to Nigerian culture and people. Overall, Ayo’s household felt more American.

Although Ayo identifies with American and Black American culture, she is more likely to identify as Nigerian-American now, believing age brings greater awareness of one’s background.

Ayo attended college in NYC, pursuing international affairs and joining ASU. Her desire to connect with others, make friends, and learn about her culture contributed to these interests. She stayed in NYC after college for its variety of people: “If you are coming to this country from somewhere else, you can find your community. That’s pretty special.” After 20 years, Ayo recently visited Nigeria and is making a documentary about her relationship to her heritage. Her object is a keychain gifted from a cousin in Nigeria: “Growing up I could never find any…keychains with my name on it, so it’s nice to have this…with my name on it...”

– Simone Oduola

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant