Akosua Busia: From Acting to Activism
Akosua Busia is a Ghanaian actress, writer, and activist best known for her role as Nettie Harris in the movie “The Color Purple.” However, her career goes beyond the world of acting as she has also made significant contributions to activism.
Early Life and Career in Acting
Akosua Busia was born on December 30, 1966, in Accra, Ghana. Her father, Sir Kofi Abrefa Busia, was a Ghanaian political leader, and her mother, Naa Morkor Tarkwa, was a royal princess from the Dzodze Royal family in Ghana. Busia spent most of her childhood between Ghana and England, where her father was a professor of economics at the University of Sussex.
After moving to the United States, Busia began her acting career in 1985 with a small role in the movie “Ashanti.” However, it was her portrayal of Nettie in the critically acclaimed movie “The Color Purple” that brought her international acclaim. Since then, she has acted in numerous movies and TV shows, including “Rosewood,” “ER,” and “The Seventh Sign.”
Transition to Activism
In the early 1990s, Busia became more involved in social and political activism. She worked as a journalist for various publications, highlighting issues affecting communities of color. She also worked with various organizations, including the National Council for Research on Women, the National Black Women’s Health Project, and UNICEF.
One of Busia’s most significant contributions to activism was her work as a consultant on the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. She helped draft the conference’s final document, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which addressed women’s human rights and empowerment. Busia has been an advocate for women’s rights and gender equality ever since.
Other Achievements
Besides her acting and activist roles, Busia has also written several books and plays. Her writing often addresses political and social issues and advocates for women’s rights. She has also been a lecturer in creative writing and African studies at several universities, including Antioch College in Ohio and Loyola Marymount University in California.
Conclusion
Akosua Busia’s career path is a unique combination of acting and activism. Her early success in acting provided her with a platform to speak out on important social and political issues affecting communities of color and women worldwide. Her work with various organizations on the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing served as a beacon for women’s rights and gender equality. Despite facing challenges as a person of color and a woman, Busia has continued to speak out and make significant contributions to society through her work in the entertainment industry, activism, and writing.
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