Expanding Our Roots: Bea Gyimah

"Expanding Our Roots: Global Conversations With 821" is an online interview series hosted by The 821 Project. The purpose of the series is to showcase the cultural diversity, global connections and social consciousness of the people of southeast Louisiana as well as those who work to expand southeast Louisiana's roots to the world through works that promote social justice and global citizenship.

The series presents community organizers, community leaders and residents living in southeast Louisiana who come from different parts of the world or who work to promote global citizenship, multiculturalism and social justice in our regional community.

This interview is with Bea Gymiah. Ms. Gyimah is an Associate Professor of English at Baton Rouge Community College. She is the founder of America, My Oyster Association, a 501c3 nonprofit organization that seeks to preserve the diverse histories, recognize the various struggles, and celebrate the victories of all individuals residing in America. Ms. Gyimah has been recognized for her diligent efforts to further multi-cultural awareness within Louisiana, receiving the Louisiana Role Model Award by the Links Incorporated (2019), the BRCC Excellence in Diversity Award (2013), the Jane French Manship Endowed Professorship (2017), the WAFB News and Capital Area United Way’s Power of Nine Award (2016), and a feature story in the “I AM 225” column of 225 magazine.