ASM:
In your book, you mentioned you went through major culture shocks. Tell us a few and how you as a Sudanese were able to overcome and fuse your cultural beliefs with that of America.
LL:
American culture was a big shock. At sixteen I was so used to the culture in the refugee camp and my daily routine of survival. I wanted very badly to be seen as an American rather than an immigrant but everything seemed very foreign. It was my first time ever going to school, so that was a huge adjustment. I struggled to learn English and finish high school at the same time. I learned to adapt to American expectations and find a place where I felt balanced between my traditional life and western life. Another big adjustment was thinking of myself as a child again - although it was the most amazing thing to have a family, I had to get used to the reality that they cared for me and were here to love me and guide me.
"…Beads are essential accessories. We wear beaded necklaces, belts, and even clothing. Traditionally we use cotton and silk sheets that are decorated and made into skirts for women…"
ASM:
Tell us more about your organization(s) and the strategies you are using to help your people in Sudan?
LL:
I have been giving back to South Sudan since 2008 when I returned home for the first time and saw the tremendous need in my village and the surrounding communities. I recently started the Lopez Lomong Foundation and am focusing this year on the Four South Sudan Campaign to target clean water, health care, education, and nutrition for the people of South Sudan. I partnered with World Vision that supports my cause logistically and provides a huge amount of human resources and experience working in South Sudan. They are a key part of implementing the projects that I design and fundraise for.
ASM:
When you look back and reflect on all that you have gone through, what would the Lopez Lomong today say to the Lopez Lomong of yesterday?
LL:
I would tell my sixteen year old self to stay focused and keep your eye on your potential to achieve great things and give back. Keep an open mind and learn everything you can. As Steve jobs said, "Stay hungry. Stay foolish" - don't be afraid of making mistakes; learn quickly; and use your knowledge and gifts to their fullest.
ASM:
As a fashion magazine, we would like to know what the people of Sudan are known to wear? What are the Traditional clothes and accessories that are the essence of the Sudanese?
LL:
Beads are essential accessories. We wear beaded necklaces, belts, and even clothing. Traditionally we use cotton and silk sheets that are decorated and made into skirts for women. For men, they wear shorts with a decorated wrap around their waist. During special dances and celebrations women wear goatskins decorated with beads and dyes. They decorate their bodies with beads and paint. Men wear animal hides - they especially favor leopard hides - and carry a decorated spear and shield - the symbols of warriors. Men also wear feathers on their heads while dancing in traditional ceremonies. They represent wealth, status in the community, rank (only elders wear red feathers), and age groups
For more information about Lopez Lomong and his organization, go to
www.lopezlomong.com