I went in to the Consulate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to get some kind of information/propaganda package from Emanual Agbegir. I entered the office building and asked to see Mr. Emanual Agbegir, who had wanted to provide us with information on the human rights situation in Nigeria. Several individuals in the lobby, around the reception desk, greeted me. When I say greeted, I am being diplomatic; they treated me as if I was a criminal. None of them would even do me the courtesy of looking at me, or even face me when talking to me. I was provided the information, but did not get a chance to meet Mr. Agbegir.

The most dramatic and unfortunate moment came while I was leaving the consulate. As I started towards the door, a gentleman entered. This man spoke to me, without a proper introduction I might add, and said, "Why are there no black people in your group." I looked at him in a state of confusion and said, "What? What are you talking about?" His reply shocked my imagination: "Well … except for you… you are like half-black and half-white!"

I just stood there with my mouth hanging open. I looked at Carla, as if to say, "Oh... No he did not!" My only reply was, "That is just RUDE." Carla backed me up by saying, "It is pretty rude."

Then we flipped through the chrome and glass revolving door to freedom.

-Carl Williams

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