Tina: Ghanaian American

The Republic of Ghana is small country in West Africa. Consisting of just under 25 million people, Ghana shares a border with the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea.

A map of Ghana

Ghana means “Warrior King.” It is home of the once great Ashanti Empire, which remains one of the countries biggest tourist attractions. Ghana became independent from Great Britain in 1957. Ghana is a parliamentary democracy, and is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa, ranking as the 2nd least failed state in Africa. Ghana is the world’s largest producer of Cocoa, and has a stable economy.

The flag of the Republic of Ghana

Augustina Serebor was born and raised in Ghana. Brought up speaking the native language, Augustina or “Tina” was taught of her origins. The result was a proud African women, well versed in the history of her people. Tina came to the United States as a teenager, with the hopes and dreams that every immigrant has when coming to this country. She was able to achieve all of her dreams and so much more.

Today, Tina is the proud wife of Andrew “Fifi” Autobi, and has three beautiful sons, Jeremy, Jared, and Jordan. Tina has made sure to carry over her proud heritage, and teach her children where they come from.

There are less than 90,000 immigrants in the United States from Ghana. Tina was part of a large group of immigrants from Ghana that came over in the 80’s and 90’s looking for a better economy and relief from  struggling finances.

Tina to me personally is a loved family member. The day I was born on December 6th, 1989 was the same day my parents hired her to be my sister and I’s babysitter. Now that we are grown up, Tina is a respected and valued member of our family, and we have grown to know and love her entire family. Tina helped raise me, and taught me so much as a second mother. Her experience is one of hope and should be one that is cherished by all. This is why I wanted to share her story with the world.

Here is Tina: U.S. Citizen, proud mother, wife, and African.