Happy Birthday Vera!!!

Wishing one of my favorite people a very happy and blissful birthday today! My sister Vera Ofori, where do I even begin?!

I came to know Vera through feminist advocacy online (Facebook) and got to know her better through our mutual friend Efe Plange. She’s truly one of the people I’m blessed to know.

As a feminist, Vera is one of those who actually practices what she preaches. I’ve met feminists over the years who talk a good game about women’s liberation but ultimately revert to patriarchy for various reasons. I know I’ll never have to worry about such duplicity with Vera. She’s a feminist through and through. She’s also one of the biggest girl’s girls you’ll ever meet.

She’s one of the people who reminds me to have more grace for women navigating the patriarchy the best ways they know how and to keep focused on the real enemy, which is the patriarchal system itself. We are far more privileged than most in understanding its ways and doing our part to confront it. Vera was a deep feminist thinker and philosopher long before she encountered the ideology.

I often tell her how much she reminds me of my mom Auntie Bea. The ways in which they are similar often gives me goosebumps. Vera is one of the kindest and sweetest people you’ll ever meet who gives you that listening and nonjudgmental ear when you need it most. As a mom, she goes all out for her baby girl and makes the necessary sacrifices to safeguard her future while being very present in her life despite travel.

I can’t tell you enough how much she inspires. She’s the true definition and epitome of real G’s move in silence. She doesn’t say it as a mantra or anything like that but she embodies it in how she simply lives her life. Vera doesn’t toot her own horn at all but if there was anyone who deserves to do so, it would be her. I’m always inspired by her accomplishments and successes. Vera is a true BAWSE who encourages you to boss up too. She has that quiet assuring power and energy to make things happen; a true mover and shaker. You walk away from talking to Vera feeling like you can dream bigger, aim higher, and truly push yourself to become a better version of yourself than your best.

Another thing to note about Vera is her diplomacy and her ability to nurture and sustain relationships. She’s not a yes woman who won’t call you out when you’re wrong but she does it with grace and tact.

Vera is truly wise and carries herself so well. I love that maturity doesn’t make her a killjoy at all. Quite the opposite. She’s usually the life of the party and knows how to have a good time. She and Efe tend to jointly inspire me to loosen up a bit. I’m yet to party with them at night but the fun we’ve had together during the day pushes me to want to cut loose with them one of these days when they’re back in Ghana.

This world is a whole lot brighter with people like Vera in it. One of the most pleasant people to be around who always wears a smile. Everyone needs a sister like her in their corner.

Vera, on this added year, I wish you nothing but the most incredible year of your life. May you go even higher and reach milestones you haven’t yet conceived to achieve. May this year and beyond be blissful. May you always see the bountiful fruits of your labor and be blessed in every way. May your deepest desires come to pass and may you continue to inspire with your life! I love you!

AG