코리아헤럴드

OSAN, Gyeonggi Province - Though Korea is becoming more international, the nation`s homogeneous nature still seems impenetrable to many. Being a foreign migrant in Korea - especially a black one - leaves many foreign nationals feeling like islands unto themselves.

So was the case with Sha Alemu Mekebeb.After becoming increasingly homesick, Mekebeb, founder and chief administrator of Brothas & Sistas of South Korea, looked far and wide for an Afro-centric expat group in which to explore Korea.

"I started (Brothas & Sistas of South Korea) for selfish reasons," the San Diego native admits. "I needed an avenue to connect with other brothers and sisters. I was sure I was not alone. I wanted to find other black people; however, the group is not exclusively black and is open to anyone."

There are over 520 people in the group.Mekebeb decided to teach in Korea after stints in what he described were "less desirable" office jobs. She learned about teaching English abroad from a friend who had been teaching in Japan for the last two years. During an online chat session at about 3 a.m., she decided to make the leap.

Mekebeb, a former high school tutor and part-time substitute teacher, says she has enjoyed teaching in Korea. She enjoys virtually no stress coupled with a stable income while doing a job she loves. She has no plans of leaving anytime soon.

Mekebeb is well traveled. During her seasonal breaks in college, she visited five continents. Being a foreigner was not new to her. She says that some of the cultural insensitivities do not tarry long in her mind. However, Mekebeb has friends that feel differently.

"I have many friends that sometimes have trouble and complain about mistreatment they feel is because of their color," she says. "I have those feelings as well, but it`s no different from home."

Mekebeb says groups like Brothas & Sistas of South Korea are important for numerous reasons. She remembers when she first explored the options for a teaching job on popular ESL forums almost three years ago.

"Some people told me to not go because Koreans were racist and that I should go to Japan, where people are more tolerant," she recalls. "It saddened me, but after reflecting, it really angered me. The people on these forums were young white men, who came to Korea and experienced culture shock for the first time in their lives and couldn`t handle it."

On a lighter note, Mekebeb says the group`s most popular query is about hair. She sported dreadlocks down to her elbows when she first arrived. "The black men want to find a proper barber. Those with locks can`t find places for upkeep and sisters can talk about what stylist they found that`s best to handle their texture of hair."

Members also express that Brothas & Sistas of South Korea is one of the most active groups on Facebook. The group has organized and promoted several events such as Speakeasy, an open mic event, skiing and snowboarding day trips.

The group has even thrown a Bob Marley birthday bash, and a party to witness the inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.

The group also holds monthly book club meetings. Ironically reflective of their sojourn in Korea, this month`s book is "The Outsider" by Richard Wright.

Derek Johnson, a group member from Washington D.C. has resided in Korea for just a little over a month.

Johnson says he likes the straightforwardness and curious nature of Koreans and the kimchi. However, Johnson`s discontents echo those of many foreigners, such as xenophobia and overt nationalism.

Johnson says he doesn`t believe the xenophobia is rooted in racism, rather the fear of the unknown. He points to cultural museums such as the Africa Cultural Center in northern Seoul, which the group visited last April, as evidence.

"I think Koreans have a misconceived notion about Africans as well as African Americans," said Johnson. "This is particularly obvious in the way black people are displayed in the media and school (curricula). This is giving future generations an unguided and inaccurate (stereotype) of black people. If Koreans want to successfully interact with the black world, it should be addressed on all levels."

Johnson says despite the lengthy stares, he has no negative incidents to report with Koreans.

"Because I am black, I have received numerous stares and plenty of requests for pictures. I`ve freighted old ladies and children, and some have completely adored me."

Nevertheless, Mekebeb has noticed positive reactions to black culture in Korea.

"For weeks after Obama was elected president, many Koreans greeted me with big smiles yelling, `Obama!`"

Alison Ramsay - another member of the group - said that through taking part in the group`s activates, you can get to know other people that most likely you may not have met, because everyone lives so far away from each other. "And being apart of this group, you get to met people from different countries, such as Uganda, South Africa and America ... and get a chance to make good bonds and friendships."

She admitted that as a black person in Korea, there are some different challenges to overcome, and the group is partly venue to address those needs. "We do stand out, so it`s nice being part of a community where you don`t always have to think about how you stand out; being part of a community where you don`t have to worry about that; where you`re not being stared at," she said, referring to Brothas & Sistas of South Korea.

Ramsay is a New Yorker of Jamaican descent and has been in Korea for three years.

"When people first arrive to Korea, people first like to look for their own cultures; they appreciate Korean culture, but they like to experience what they know; share the same background and they can help you get adjusted to this place," said Ramsay.

"I`m from New York and it`s nice being able to communicate with people where you come from; so its nice to be able to bring your own culture and traditions and share it with people that can relate and people that don`t necessarily have the same experience but are willing to take part in them and just share."

To join the group, go to www.facebook.com and search "Brothas & Sistas of South Korea."

By Henry Allen Hurst(henry_a_hurst@yahoo.com)