If I could bring something to the ladiesofhive anniversary, it would be Boli. There's something about its smell that would always stick to one's memory. Boli is mostly done on the roadside with a coal pot. You get charcoal, light it, and begin to roast your boli with it. A lot of people coming back from work or going out in the evening and afternoons would stop by to queue just to be able to get one.
The boli I am talking about is made using plantain. You would peel the plantain and place it on a net-like iron that would be placed on the coal pot that has charcoal inside of it. I would stand by this woman's side as a child, help her fan the charcoal while watching as the plantains turned from yellow to golden brown, then a little blackened at their edges. I would watch her press it gently to check if it's soft or hard. It is always hot, and it's sweet too. The best way to enjoy it is to get some groundnuts along with it; boli and groundnuts go hand in hand. It was more than food, even though simple; you feel a different kind of joy eating that.
Boli is one of those things you learn from its process; it teaches you about life and the world we live in without uttering a word. You watch as the plantain gets peeled and passes through fire, and what next? You expect it to be destroyed, but then it won't; it becomes sweeter and more nourishing. Turning plantain into boli makes it bring out a different kind of taste. When life seems to come for me, and I am facing certain things, I do think of it as a way to transform me and make me sweeter and not to destroy me.
For that reason, if I could bring anything to the table for the Ladies of Hive anniversary, it would be Boli. I have thought of a lot of things, from zobo to jollof rice to pounded yam and all. But then, all of that can still probably get compared to something else, but Boli, no. So, if I could bring one thing, it would be Boli. Because to me, Ladies of Hive is different; they are more than just an online community.
I wouldn't just be bringing boli to the table because of its sweetness, but also because it's one meant to be shared. You hardly see anybody buy boli and eat it alone. It is usually bought to be shared and passed around. That is exactly how I see this vibrant and wonderful community. And just like boli tastes best when shared, this community shines/thrives when each and every voice, post, story, encouragement, and more adds flavor, thereby making the table richer and more joyful.
I haven't been here for long, but still, I see and I know that Ladies of Hive has been that table where joy has been passed around and shared. And sincerely, I can see the connection between Ladies of Hive and Boli. Boli passes through the heat of fire and becomes sweeter and sought after, the same way this amazing community has passed through the challenges of time and has kept on growing stronger and sought out.
A journey of five years is not a small one. In all of those years, various amazing women have shared their minds, their stories, and hope; they've talked about their victories, discussed their struggles, and all. And just like plantain in the fire, they have also walked through life and the various tests it offers, and instead of getting broken or burnt, they've become stronger, richer, wiser, more beautiful, and wonderful. And that is the sweetness I taste here in this community.
Ladies of Hive is a family, and that proves that every voice, especially the women's voice, matters. Voices aren't just heard here; they are celebrated as well. I would love to appreciate the great minds and wonderful people that has kept this amazing community running, I would also love to appreciate the brains behind this wonderful space, a space where encouragement flows non-stop, a space where women's voices matter, a space where no woman is small.
And just as boli tastes the best when shared, ladies of Hive have taught us the value of sharing our journeys. Ladies of Hive has given a lot of women across the world the courage and space to write, to be seen, to be loved, to be appreciated, and to also connect, while even giving my gender space to share our views, stories, experiences, and such too. Ladies of Hive is a community with no bias. This, you will agree with me, is definitely more than just a community.
While thinking of what to write and how best to go about it, I also thought of all the years, I tried imagining how many posts would have been published. I kept thinking of the many posts that would have inspired others as well. I can't help but also appreciate the various moderators; they made sure this community is welcoming and keeps growing while also making sure to keep everything in check. Likewise, I also think of the way different people might have been supporting in their own little way. Thinking about all of these made me go with Boli, as it carries the exact meaning of who you are.... A wonderful and vibrant community that has walked through the heat of life, and despite all, it still stands and brings sweetness into the world.
And as you celebrate this milestone, here I am bringing my gratitude and appreciation to every hand that has built this space, to every brain behind this wonderful community, to every individual that has kept this space running, and to every word that has been shared. I also appreciate the Ladies of Hive for standing tall and strong. You've shown that nothing is impossible.
And here is my wish for you: may this vibrant and amazing community continue to multiply, may it never become sour, and may the coming years bring more love, togetherness, joy, stories, and all. And just as fire makes boli sweet, may every challenge add to your beauty. You have built more than a space; you have built a table so big that it accommodates the world to be fed with every good thing. May God continue to bless and increase you. My apologies if the word count as gone overboard, but then...You are worth more.
First and last image is mine, the second and third image was generated using AI.
Thanks for taking your time to read through.
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