Representing more than one country - I Fly Two Flags

Liliana - @lilskatesalot

Liliana flies two flags to represent her Mexican heritage and the United States where she was born and raised. From Arizona to Los Angeles, Liliana carries parts of Mexico with her wherever she goes and combines influences from both countries into her daily life. Homemade mac and cheese is a culinary staple, as are tacos al pastor - tacos made with thinly cut pork which originate from Mexico.

Even her music tastes span two countries; influences range from American rap queens like Trina and Rhapsody to bachata artist Luis Vargas.

Ab-Ra -@osimaat_

Born to Congolese parents and raised in France, Ab-Ra is proud to fly the flags of both countries.

“I did not choose the place I was born, I just know that this place made me who I am right now. It made me become an independent, smart and ambitious black man and when I say ‘this place’ it’s not even the fact that I was born here; it’s more my environment, my friends and family, my school neighbours. It’s taught me a lot about life and how to behave, and the plus I have is that I was raised in a Congolese and Christian family, which gave me a strong base for my life."

"All of that is in my identity and maybe if I was born somewhere else I wouldn't be me. I define myself as a Congolese, I speak and go there. I literally live for my country and my culture even though I wasn't born there. So to finish, what really defines our identities is the education, the environment where you grow as a kid, your culture, your beliefs, and where your parents come from that really matter. Because we don’t choose that place.”

Abdullaye -@aesthetik.ab

Born and raised in NYC, Abdullaye is endlessly proud and connected to his Malian heritage. The flags he flies don’t stop at just two; his extended family is spread all over the world, from South Carolina, USA, to the UK and France. He says of his global family and their bond:

“Even if you live in different countries, it’s beautiful to know we’ll always be connected through our Malian blood.”

And as much as he loves classic New York dishes like pizza as well as chicken and fries, there’s just something about the Malian dish mafé that ‘hits different’ for Abdullaye after a day on a photo shoot or creating content.

Cle -@cledoingthings

While he lives in France, Cle’s connection to his Ghanaian heritage is still incredibly strong and inspirational to him daily.

"My trip to the motherland has shown me how powerful we are as Africans and how much strength there is in unity. The beautiful people I have met and the inspiring conversations I had, confirmed one thing for me: We have to channel our time and energy more into the continent where we truly belong."

Miracle -@hereismyra

A proud Nigerian living in Ontario, Canada, Miracle is equally at home in the serenity of being away from home as she is immersed in the nightlife in Lagos. Her bond to her community remains strong even across the distance, even when sports events might divide her loyalties! The Toronto Maple Leafs get Miracle’s support for hockey, but when it comes to football she goes mad for her home team the Nigerian Super Eagles.

Like many who fly two flags, the cuisine in each of her countries has Miracle’s taste buds tingling. She goes just as crazy for Candian poutine as she does for Nigerian  [suya?].

Ariane

Ariane has heritage and love for three countries and their flags. Sometimes there’s a lot to juggle, but also so much to love.

“I actually fly three flags - my father is from Belgium and my mother is from Liberia and I grew up in Kenya. I hold all three of these countries dear for different reasons - so it’s never an easy question when someone asks me where “home” is. I fly two flags when I cheer on the Belgian national team at the World Cup, but I also feel incredibly conflicted if they are playing pretty much any African team.

"I fly two flags when I beg my mother for Liberian palm butter, while having a fridge stocked full of Belgian cheese and chocolate. I fly two flags because one of my favourite places in the world is the Giraffe centre in Nairobi and 80% of my happiest memories  took place in Kenya. I fly two flags because if you go through my Spotify library you will see quite a bit of range, from Sauti Sol, to Burna Boy, to Koffee. My hands are pretty full with all these flags - but I wouldn’t change it for the world!”

Ray -@raytarca

Ray calls Toronto, Canada home but also flies the Filipino flag. He often starts his day with a Canadian classic, a Tim Horton’s coffee, but also can’t resist a trip to Jollibee for a taste of the Philippines that makes him feel close to family back home. He loves the vibrance and fun of the nightlife in Toronto, and there’s nothing like singing some Filipino karaoke songs to really keep Ray in touch with his roots.

While he has lived in Toronto for most of his life, he proudly flies both flags and showcases his Filipino heritage on his social media channels for the world to see.

What flags do you fly? Let us know and join in using the hashtag #IFlyTwoFlags on your social channels.

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