Connect with us

METRO

This African American son of slaves became so rich in Nigeria that he sent his U.S. family bags of gold

Published

on

By

James Churchwill Vaughan

Like every other average African American, James Churchwill Vaughan lived a decent life trying to make ends meet in America despite several societal issues that always put the black community several steps behind the white community.

Born in South Carolina in 1828, James lived with both his nuclear and extended family where they lived knowing no other place to call home. Although he was born free, James’s dad was born an enslaved black man working all his life on a plantation until he was too old…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

It was a wish of his father that would change the Vaughan name from a regular family of black people in the U.S. with no recognition to a name of eliteness, respect, wealth and power in parts of West Africa especially Nigeria.

On his dying bed, James’ father wished that his family relocated to Africa to be in their true home and make something better of themselves. After the death of his father, James set out to honour his late dad and decided to move to Africa with no specific plan in mind.

With the support of the American Colonization Society, James Churchwill Vaughan made the trip to Africa leaving his family behind. He arrived in Liberia with high hopes that were immediately shattered. For one, James did not find it easy in Liberia, he also found the same social problems that his father had wanted his kids to be free of in the African country.

Although disappointed, James stayed on in Liberia for a little longer until he accepted a job in Yorubaland, present-day Nigeria, to work as a carpenter for the missionaries of the Southern Baptist Convention. Luckily for him, the church paid for his travel to Nigeria offering him accommodation and a stable income while he worked for them.

Nothing much is known of why he left his work with the missionaries but his later involvement in activism against racism and missionary work in Nigeria and West Africa give hints of a little bad blood before his departure.

James became a millionaire merchant in Nigeria but according to an article by Metropole, he went through very difficult and interesting moments but escaped before finding his feet. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

He persisted despite the odds being against him after arriving in Nigeria at the time of the total takeover of the country by the British after the Oyo Empire broke down. This period was known as the ‘Age of Confusion.’

In 1860, during the war, he was captured and almost shipped into slavery but managed to escape. After escaping, he made it back to Abeokuta where he settled and married a refugee from the nearby Kingdom of Benin who he had several children with. He, however, did not forget his family abroad.

After issues with the missionaries, Churchwill decided to move back to Lagos, making the trip with his family on foot. While in Lagos, he became a rich merchant trading and doing construction work until he became a millionaire. By the late 1860s, James Churchwill had risen from a poor immigrant to one of the most influential men in Nigeria joining the elite and political class.

James made efforts to connect his family in the USA and Nigeria and in 1869, he sent his struggling family in the U.S. canvas bags filled with gold.

James used his influence to speak against slavery and the fact that several wealthy Nigerians themselves owned slaves. He preached that, rather than own slaves and exploit them, they should be employed as workers and get paid for their hard work.

James Churchwill Vaughan Tombstone

In 1888, Vaughan, together with several other successful immigrants established the Native Baptist Church, the first non-missionary church in West Africa. In 1893, he died at the age of sixty-five and was given a befitting burial. His tomb can still be visited today over 100 years after his death.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

METRO

Black Waitress Serves Clint Eastwood, Then He Gives Her A Note. Reading It, She Bursts Into Tears! –

Published

on

By

 

When Clint Eastwood sat in her section, she had no idea her world was about to turn upside down.

Mia adjusted her apron, glancing at the clock above the diner’s counter. It was nearing 7 p.m., the time when the dinner rush usually tapered off, leaving a slower pace to wind down her shift. For most, the little diner tucked off the highway was just a pit stop—a place to grab a meal before continuing their journey. For Mia, it was her lifeline. At 28, she balanced long hours here with raising her six-year-old son, Jordan. Each tip and every paycheck went toward keeping their modest apartment and paying for Jordan’s growing list of school supplies. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

She moved gracefully from table to table, her warm smile a shield against the exhaustion clawing at her. The regulars knew her story, or parts of it. A few would slip an extra dollar or two when they could, but Mia never asked for sympathy. She had learned early on that the world wasn’t fair, and her only choice was to keep moving forward…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

METRO

Little Girl Was Living Alone In A House After Her Parents Died. Her New Neighbors Saw This –

Published

on

By

 

This is the story of a teenage girl who found herself alone in a rusted, weathered house after the death of her parents. But when new neighbors moved in, something extraordinary happened one night.

Lily Miller, an 18-year-old, woke up in the middle of the night. She couldn’t sleep, her mind filled with memories of her parents, who had tragically passed away in a car accident six months ago. Ever since that day, Lily had been living by herself in the house her parents built in a quiet area on the outskirts of California. Although life was tough, she was determined not to end up in an orphanage. With that resolve, she decided to look for a job…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

However, finding work proved to be more challenging than she expected. Days turned into weeks without success. Then, one morning, while walking along a sidewalk, Lily stumbled upon a wallet lying on the ground. She picked it up and noticed it contained a large sum of money. Without hesitation, she sought out the owner and returned it to him.

“Thank you so much. It’s rare to meet someone as honest as you. How can I repay your kindness?” said the man, introducing himself as Mr. Roberts.

Lily hesitated but eventually shared her story. Deeply moved, Mr. Roberts offered her a job at his restaurant. Lily accepted his offer with heartfelt gratitude. She worked hard, and it wasn’t long before Mr. Roberts grew fond of her diligence and sincerity.

Lily continued living in her parents’ house because it was close to the restaurant. One night, she noticed that the door to the house next door was open, signaling that new tenants had moved in. The following morning, before heading to work, Lily decided to visit and introduce herself.

When she arrived, the door was slightly ajar. She was about to call out when a thin, pale little girl appeared. Lily felt slightly uneasy but managed a smile.

“Hi, I’m your neighbor. I noticed your door was open, so I came by to say hello,” Lily said kindly.

A young man standing just behind the girl stepped forward and greeted her with a warm smile.

“Hi, I’m Andrew, and this is my younger sister, Emma. It’s nice to meet you,” he said. “I’ve been making some food for my mom; she’s really sick.”

Lily’s heart softened as she realized the siblings had to stay home to care for their ill mother. After chatting for a short while, Lily excused herself and headed to work.

That same day marked an important milestone for Lily—her first paycheck. At the end of her shift, Mr. Roberts handed her a brown envelope. Excited, Lily opened it but was surprised to find more money than she expected. Confused, she went to his office to thank him.

Mr. Roberts smiled kindly and said, “It’s all right, Lily. You remind me of my daughter.”

His voice was calm but heavy with emotion, and tears began to roll down his cheeks. Lily was taken aback. She didn’t understand why he was crying, so she later shared the incident with a coworker. That’s when she learned the truth.

More than 20 years ago, Mr. Roberts had a daughter named Maria. After a heated argument, she ran away with her irresponsible fiancé. Despite searching for her, Mr. Roberts never found her again. Years turned into decades, but his grief and guilt never faded.

Hearing his story filled Lily with empathy. That evening, as she walked home, her thoughts shifted to her new neighbors. She knew life wasn’t easy for them, so she stopped by a store to buy some food.

When Lily arrived at their house, Andrew and Emma were surprised and touched by her gesture. For the first time in a while, they had a nutritious meal. Later that night, Andrew opened up to Lily. He shared how he, Emma, and their mother had moved to this town, hoping for a fresh start.

“Our father squandered the family’s savings on alcohol and abandoned us,” Andrew explained. “To support us, my mom worked tirelessly until her health deteriorated. The doctors said she needs surgery, but we don’t have the money. I would get a job, but I have to take care of her and my sister every day.”

Lily felt a deep sense of pity. She realized she wasn’t the only one going through difficult times. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. Then, looking at Andrew with determination, she promised to do something to help his mother.

Andrew, unsure of what she could do, simply nodded.

The next morning, Lily went to Mr. Roberts’s office, her eyes brimming with tears. She explained her neighbor’s situation, describing the urgency of the mother’s operation, and then asked for a loan.

“I’ll pay you back little by little with my salary,” she said earnestly.

The elderly man listened quietly. After a long pause, he spoke in a calm voice.

“I’ll help this poor woman. I know what it’s like to face such struggles. Don’t worry; I’ll have my manager transfer the money directly to the hospital’s account.” READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Lily was overwhelmed with gratitude. Unable to hold back her emotions, she hugged Mr. Roberts tightly. The old man, moved by her kindness, wiped away tears as he embraced her in return.

That night, Lily couldn’t wait to share the good news with Andrew. However, when she arrived at their house, she found Andrew and Emma looking distraught.

“My mom’s really sick, and we need to take her to the clinic,” little Emma said, her voice trembling.

In that moment, Lily knelt down to Emma’s level and smiled. “It’s going to be okay,” she reassured her. “I found the money for your mom’s surgery. She’ll be fine soon.”

Emma’s eyes lit up, and the siblings hugged Lily tightly, their faces filled with relief and hope.

True to his word, Mr. Roberts transferred the money to the hospital the very next day. A few days later, the doctors performed the operation. It was a success, and their mother’s health began to improve steadily.

Feeling immense gratitude, Andrew accompanied Lily to Mr. Roberts’s office to thank him. As soon as Andrew stepped into the room, his expression changed.

“What’s wrong, young man? Is everything okay with your mother?” Mr. Roberts asked, his face showing concern.

Andrew hesitated. “I don’t know how to say this, but I think I’ve seen you somewhere before. My mom gave me a photo before her surgery. Let me go get it.”

Andrew rushed home, retrieved the photo, and brought it back to show Mr. Roberts. When the elderly man looked at the picture, his face turned pale, and he clutched his chest.

It was a photo of himself as a younger man, standing beside his wife on their wedding day—a photo that had disappeared the day his daughter left home.

Overwhelmed, Mr. Roberts turned to Andrew and asked, “What’s your mother’s name?”

“My mother’s name is Maria Smith,” Andrew replied.

Lily gasped in shock, covering her mouth as Mr. Roberts moved closer to Andrew and embraced him tightly.

As you might imagine, Andrew was confused. But after hearing the owner’s heartbreaking story, everything became clear. His mother, Maria, was the long-lost daughter Mr. Roberts had been searching for all these years.

When the truth was revealed, Mr. Roberts wasted no time visiting his daughter at the hospital. The moment he saw her, he was speechless.

“My God, sweetheart, is it really you? It’s been so long. I’ve missed you so much,” he said, tears streaming down his face as he hugged her tightly.

Maria, recognizing her father, began to cry as well. Holding his hands, she apologized, and he did the same. In that moment, they reconciled, their years of pain melting away.

Mr. Roberts realized then that hiring Lily was a blessing. After so many years, she had reunited him with his daughter and introduced him to his two grandchildren.

For Lily, her bond with Andrew grew even stronger. Over time, they continued to see each other, and a few years later, they got married—a union that brought immense joy to Mr. Roberts and Maria.

At their wedding, Mr. Roberts stood up to speak.

“Who would have thought that a chance meeting could change my life forever? I don’t believe it was a coincidence that we met; I think it was meant to be. You might think I’ve done a lot for you, Lily, but the truth is, you’ve done far more for me than you could ever imagine. Thank you, and welcome to the family. I’m so proud to call you both my family.”

And so, Lily’s life, once marked by loss and loneliness, transformed into one filled with love, family, and new beginnings.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

METRO

The waitress was fired for saving the old man. But his son showed up and did IT! –

Published

on

By

 

The usual bustle reigned in the cozy restaurant on the corner of a quiet street. Customers enjoyed their food, and waiters scurried between tables, serving food and drinks. Among them was a young girl named Anya, a kind-hearted and sympathetic waitress who always tried to help every visitor.

That evening, her attention was attracted by an elderly man sitting by the window. He looked tired, and at one point, his face contorted in pain. Anya noticed how he grabbed his chest and immediately left the tray with the order, rushing to him.

“Are you okay?” she asked, kneeling down next to his chair…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

The man could barely answer. His breathing became ragged, and his skin turned pale. Without wasting a second, Anya called an ambulance and tried to calm the man down, holding his hand.

But her noble deed did not go unnoticed by the restaurant administrator, Ivan. He flew up to the girl, seething with anger.

“What are you doing?!” he shouted. “You have work to do! Visitors are waiting for their orders, and you are doing nonsense! It’s not your concern!”

Anya, stunned by this reaction, tried to explain: “But he feels bad! He needs help, and this is more important…”

“Shut up!” Ivan interrupted her. “You’re fired! Pack your things and leave!”

The girl, having difficulty holding back her tears, returned to the utility room to change clothes. At this time, a man entered the restaurant, whose appearance changed the entire course of events. It was Alexey Vladimirovich, the owner of the establishment. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Seeing him, the administrator immediately rushed to him with a greeting, but Alexey’s attention was attracted by the picture: the doctors who had already arrived were helping his father—the same elderly man whom Anya was helping.

“What’s going on here?” Alexey asked sternly.

The doctors explained that if it had not been for the prompt reaction of the young waitress, the situation could have ended much worse. Alexey turned to Ivan.

“And why do I hear that you fired her because she saved my father?”

Ivan began to make excuses, but the owner was adamant. “You’re fired. Take your things and leave.

Anya,” he turned to the girl, “come back, please. And… if you don’t mind, I would like to offer you the position of administrator. A person like you deserves better.”

Anya, stunned but happy, agreed. Since that day, the restaurant has changed. With the new administrator in the person of Anya, it has become an even cozier and more sincere place where people came not only for delicious food but also for warmth and care.

 

READ FULL STORY HERE>>...CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Continue Reading

Trending