If you have never heard of Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah, well, you will after reading this interview. He was born with one leg, a disability that's regarded as a curse not only in his homeland of Ghana, but in various other countries around the globe. He was ostracized in class and was excluded from participating in the popular sports such as soccer. Despite the obstacles he faced growing up, he dreamed of the days when people with disabilities were given a chance in society. His efforts and determination to change the heart of a nation led to a film about his life called "Emmanuel's Gift" narrated by Oprah Winfrey; recognition and numerous awards such as the ESPY award; a development of a beautiful friendship between him and the late Jim Maclaren; and most importantly, the raised awareness of people with disabilities. AfroStyle Magazine met up with Mr. Yeboah in San Diego California to talk about his journey as a man who had a dream that changed the course of his life.
ASM: What was life like growing up in Ghana?
EOY: For both disabled and abled people, life is tough. However, as a disabled individual, it's very tough because we are regarded as second class. From the economy to how people treat us disabled people, we are left to grow up quickly and end up selling products or begging on the streets. Even able bodied individuals have a tough time because they go through a lot to make it. Growing up and seeing people struggling, I realized as a disabled, I had a long way to go; however I knew only I had the power to change the course of my life.
ASM: You had the inspiration to show the people of Ghana and the world that disabled people are a vital part of the global community. Who did you tell and what were the reactions to the decision to ride over 600 miles across Ghana?
EOY: When I decided to ride across Ghana, my intention was to bring the plight of the disabled to the attention of the government, companies and individuals and get their support to help create the awareness. Due to lack of education and poverty, people didn't understand the importance of caring and accepting disabled people. Even today, a college graduate with a disability still has a difficult time getting hired to work. Initially, I did not get the support I wanted. I wrote to over 50 companies in Ghana requesting money to buy a bicycle. I got a few calls back from some companies because they thought I actually wanted money for food and not a bicycle. They deemed it impossible to ride across Ghana with one leg and therefore turned down my request. Finally, a missionary in Ghana I had written to informed me about the Challenged Athletes Foundation in San Diego, California that assists people like me. I sent a request out to them and in turn I got my bicycle.
ASM: Was there anytime you doubted yourself in making a difference and changing the minds of people?
EOY: No, I didn't. I never did. I believe that there are other Emmanuels like me around the world who went through trying times and were able to get the help they needed as I have. So who am I to doubt myself? I never complained or wallowed in sorrow. Instead, I praised and thanked God. I tell my friends, if I am crossing the road and should get hit by a car and survive it; I thank Him immediately because I know He is control. So I don't worry and leave everything to Him knowing He has so many miracles in store.
ASM: Our condolences on the passing of your friend and one of your biggest supporters, the late Jim Maclaren. How much of an impact did he have in your life? What's the most memorable thing you remember said to you?
He always said, "Brother, we have the power for people to listen." When I wrote the Challenged Athletes Foundation, I received a postcard and brochure on Jim.
EOY: He was hit twice by a bus and a truck; however he never gave up and continued to make a difference in his life and the lives of others. I was inspired by his story and really wanted to meet him. I was born with one leg and grew up lacking some courage. But here is this man with two legs who got hit twice. I thought to myself, if he's still able to carry on and do something with his life, what about me? He was an inspiration to many. People would get bitter being in his situation but he never did. His body may have left this earth but his soul lives on because of his dream. When one has a dream and fights to make it a reality, others will gather to continue that dream even after he or she dies.
ASM: Who else played a major role in your life?
EOY: Another person that played a major role in my life is my mother who died in 1997 on Christmas Eve. If it wasn't for her, I would be by the roadside begging not knowing where my life's going. She always believed that I could do it and encouraged me to believe in myself. People including my friends thought I was cursed being a disabled due to what they were told by parents and refused to play with me. I would go home in tears and tell my mom about my ordeals and she never failed to comfort me. I love and miss her so much. My daughter Comfort reminds me so much of her because of the striking resemblance.
ASM: You speak so much about being a dreamer. Can you elaborate more on that? There are people in Africa and around the globe who are dreamers but get ridiculed.
EOY: A dreamer is a person who has a gift and each one of us have one. Before one's gift benefits others, he or she has to be a dreamer. This is a person who continues to work at making a difference from the first day to their last day on this earth. So I label myself a dreamer because I have so much I want to accomplish while I am still alive and I will not give up on my dream until the day I die.
ASM: You have achieved quite a lot from the film about you to being awarded at the 2005 ESPY awards by Oprah Winfrey and I am sure there are achievements lined up for you. What would you like your legacy to say about you after you are gone?
EOY: That is a difficult question because there is so much still to be done. But I would say that, I want to be remembered as someone who was a good person, a good leader for my people and a good dad. I want to be known as someone who was a citizen of the world. From Africa to Asia when people hear the name Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah, they know who I am.
ASM: What projects are you working on?
EOY: At the moment, I am working on building a school in Ghana which costs a million dollars. The land on which the school will be built was given to me by a Ghanaian King. Forty percent of the school's employees will be disabled people. The school will accept all prospective students; however, students with disabilities will be given free education. So now my goal is to raise the money to build the school. People can check out my website, facebook or youtube to know more about my project and help me make my dream come true. I am especially hoping my fellow African brothers and sisters reach out and assist me because I feel in Africa we have a lot we can achieve if we band together. I plan to ride my bicycle across African countries to raise awareness and money to build the school.
ASM: Where do think you would be if you had not taken the path that you did?
EOY: I think I would be in Ghana doing nothing. Not knowing where I am going and not realizing what kind of a gift God has given me.
ASM: Thank you for taking the time to speak to us. It's has been an honor.
EOY: Thank you so much.
Amaka M. Onyioha
Photos by Jason Maddox