The Realities of Bargny

“Many people have achieved far more than they ever imagined because someone believed in them and encouraged them to succeed.”

--Proverb

‍ ‍My Nurturing City

Bargny embraces the Atlantic Ocean and becomes peaceful at night, except for the gentle roar of the waves.

Our city carries the scent of fish in the air as fishermen grill affordable, bony sardines known as “yaboy.” Yellow-green fruit pods hang from vines, alongside thick-trunked baobab trees that stand as witnesses to time. A blend of brown, beige, and white cement houses — from single-story homes to two-story buildings — line the streets, with traditional millet huts scattered here and there. Lemon trees and vibrant scarlet flowers bloom inside homes and decorate the walls.

There is no rush or worry. People often gather in the afternoons to share conversations over green tea, known as “attaya,” creating moments of connection, laughter, and togetherness.

Everyone in Bargny belongs to the Lebou community, and our ancestors are believed to come from the same extended family. Perhaps this is why a simple trip to the market or running errands can take an entire day. Although one could walk from one end of Bargny to the other in thirty minutes, going to the market is never just a thirty-minute journey. Along the way, people stop to greet neighbors, friends, and even strangers — sharing stories, jokes, and laughter.

In Bargny, everyone knows everyone. It is somewhat like an American high school where you recognize every face, except that here, everyone looks after one another. There are no social divisions, no hierarchy, and no exclusion.

A stranger can enter any home and be welcomed with a plate of food, a place to rest on the porch, and even 500 CFA francs — about one US dollar — enough for a bus fare to continue their journey.

Bargny may not be a luxurious city, nor does it have all modern conveniences, but it is a place filled with life, warmth, peace, and a unique joy that is difficult to find anywhere else.

Excerpt 1994