20 stories in and I’ve yet to hear anything like this. Missed an eclipse
because I was with my new subject now brother, El Hacen Elkhair- but
what he told me was equally significant.
Although its legacy survives, to Americans slavery is a thing in the past.
But it still exists in Mauritania in Northern Africa and Hacen can tell you all about it. Both his grandfather and father were enslaved. Why not he? “I’m a militant and never accepted it” but it’s all his family knew. His
grandmother bought them back from their “master” and Hacen was
forced to leave the country.
His journey took him through 11 countries, the final 7 by walking the length of Mexico from Guatemala to Tijuana before crossing the Rio Grande and turning himself in to boarder agents seeking asylum. He started in Senegal and ended here in Chicago because of a chance meeting with someone from the Abolition Institute which is based here. Through snake infested jungles, robbed and preyed upon by cartels, watching as others fell to the wayside and died, he kept going.
He Had No Choice. If He Went Back He’d Be A Dead Man.
He had no choice. If he went back he’d be a dead man- like the friend he was planning a demonstration with and 3 hours after he left was murdered by the police, now looking for him. By not accepting it and speaking out on social media he brought the government unwanted attention. That put a target on him and his friends backs. As the last country to criminalize slavery (2007) the laws in Mauritania are seldom enforced, long documented by the UN, human rights advocates and journalists alike.
What would you do to avoid a death sentence or enslavement? I’m nearly in tears listening to him and will make it my mission to help in any way. I can’t help but think this is what made America great and how lucky we are to have him here.
As A Beacon To The Oppressed, What We Represent Brings The Best Not The Worst Of People.
As a beacon to the oppressed, what we represent brings the best not the worst of people. It takes a special type of person to leave everything you know. Your parents and wife and 5 children and walk half a continent… I assure you like so many others, my family included, he only wants to work hard, learn English better and have his family join him.
Read the news and see how in certain segments of our society immigrants are vilified or called vermin or rapists. That they’re criminals carrying disease and polluting the precious blood line of more than likely other descendants of immigrants. One’s whose families benefited by the very things they now seek to deny others.
When we spoke of food his face changes. His eyes dart upwards, his lips moisten, and a serene almost beatific look appears while his right hand pats his heart. That love is the main ingredient when he cooks is obvious. I know that feeling well.
This is who Home Cookin’ is about and these are the stories behind the food.
Chef/percussionist/writer/reprobate and lover of all things beautiful & delicious, Chef Alan Lake’s culinary career includes East Bank Club in Chicago; Sunset Marquis in W. Hollywood; Izakaya Hiwatta in Ichinomia Japan and legendary nightclub Purpur in Zurich, Switzerland. Working all around the world for over four decades, he's won numerous awards, professional competitions and distinctions. He’s the author of Home Cookin'- The Stories Behind The Food and The Garlic Manifesto- the history of garlic going back to 10,000-year-old Neolithic caves and contains facts, fiction, folklore, myths and legends (besides 100 recipes).
A lifelong musician that plays 70+ percussion instruments, he coined the term “Jazzfood” to describe his cooking style i.e. “solid technique coupled with tasteful improvisation.” He views his food as he does his music and writing and has been known to bust a pout if subpar in any way.
Alan,
Incredible, insane story.! It’s so difficult to comprehend. This young man is so brave. I pray we can get his family united with him.
Thanks for sharing this incredible story.
this is just a teaser for the the blog. when i write the full profile i can only hope to do him justice and that he and his family are reunited.
I have the pleasure of knowing Hacen, who is one of the warmest, most gentle people I know. I, too, will help Hacen in any way I can!
I cannot wait to meet the man, A. What a sad history, a terrible living environment and yet a story of hope, strength and commitment, things every human needs. Thank you for posting this. O
Hi Curtis, If you want to meet him and see how we have been helping him at Literacy Chicago, please let me know!
write to me at [email protected]
Joanne
What a wonderful story. I now see why were teared up sharing an overview in our authors’ support group. Thanks so much!