ADEJOKE EJIOFOR shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi ADEJOKE, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, I recently published my new children’s book on disability bullying, Don’t Call Me Slowpoke, and it’s been such a proud and meaningful milestone. Seeing the story resonate with readers and spark conversations about empathy, inclusion, and invisible disabilities has been incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder of why I write, to give voice to stories that often go unheard.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Adejoke Ejiofor, and I’m an accomplished author, inspirational writer, and passionate advocate for the sickle cell community. I am the founder of My African American World, a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about sickle cell disease and supporting families affected by it.
My journey as a writer began with my debut memoir, Travel Bravely, which tells the inspiring story of a sickle cell warrior. Released in the second quarter of 2021, the book resonated deeply with readers and went on to win the prestigious Nautilus Book Award. My second book, Don’t Call Me Slowpoke, was recently released in September 2025 and continues my mission of educating, empowering, and inspiring others through powerful storytelling.
I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University in Alabama and am currently pursuing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, Nigeria. With over a decade of experience in the airline industry, I now proudly serve with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, bringing my leadership skills and dedication to public service to the federal government.
My advocacy work is deeply personal, fueled by my son’s journey with sickle cell disease. Through social media, educational resources, and community support, I strive to increase awareness and spark meaningful conversations about this often-overlooked condition. Whether through my writing or nonprofit work, my goal is to inspire resilience, share knowledge, and uplift others one story at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most defining moments that shaped how I see the world was when my son was diagnosed with sickle cell disease. As a mother, hearing that news was both heartbreaking and life-changing. It opened my eyes to the harsh realities faced by so many individuals and families living with this condition, especially the lack of awareness, support, and resources available to them.
That experience shifted my perspective completely. It taught me resilience, deepened my compassion, and sparked a calling in me to become a voice and advocate for others walking the same path. It’s what led me to found My African American World and to use my writing as a tool for healing, education, and empowerment.
Through that moment of pain, I found purpose. It helped me understand how important it is to turn personal challenges into collective strength and how powerful it can be when we share our stories to build awareness and create change.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me a depth of strength and grace that success never could. Watching my son endure the pain and challenges of sickle cell disease was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Coupled with that, I had to juggle the demands of pursuing higher education, working full-time, and raising a family. There were moments of exhaustion, fear, and uncertainty that no amount of ambition or planning could prepare me for.
But through that suffering, I learned resilience, not the kind that’s polished or pretty, but the quiet, unshakable kind that shows up when everything feels like it’s falling apart. I learned how to advocate fiercely, love deeply, and fight for joy even in the darkest moments.
Success often brings comfort and validation, but suffering taught me purpose. It showed me what truly matters: faith, family, compassion, and the courage to keep going even when the path ahead isn’t clear. It’s in those hard-earned lessons that I found my voice as a mother, an advocate, and a storyteller.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am deeply committed to raising awareness about sickle cell disease, no matter how long it takes. This is more than a project for me; it’s a lifelong mission rooted in love, shaped by personal experience, and driven by a deep desire to make lasting change. Having witnessed my son’s journey with sickle cell disease, I’ve seen firsthand how misunderstood and overlooked this condition can be, especially within communities of color. Through my nonprofit, My African American World, I am dedicated to educating the public, supporting families, and advocating for better healthcare access, research, and representation for sickle cell warriors.
I believe that every voice raised, every story shared, and every life touched through awareness brings us one step closer to a future where sickle cell is not only better understood but one day cured. No matter how long it takes, I’ll continue using my platform, my writing, and my voice to keep this conversation alive.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, I could, and I have. Some of the most meaningful work I’ve done has happened behind the scenes, without applause or recognition. Whether it was caring for my son through painful sickle cell crises, pursuing my education while working full-time, or quietly building a nonprofit from the ground up, I gave it my all, not for praise, but because it mattered.
Praise is encouraging, but purpose is sustaining. When your motivation is rooted in love, conviction, or the desire to make a difference, you learn to keep going even when no one is watching. For me, the impact on even one life is worth more than public recognition. I believe true integrity is doing your best not because of the spotlight, but despite its absence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.myafriamericanworld.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myafricanamericanworld/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ade-ejiofor-7a086984/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MYAFRIAMERICAN
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeBraveSayitBelieveit
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sicklecellodyssey
