Indianapolis native Carl Henn discovered red red and sadza when he moved to the continent of Africa more than 40 years ago.
Ghanaian red red is red beans cooked in fresh palm oil served with plantains and fried chicken. Zimbabwean sadza is the Southern African version of fufu served with sweet potato greens.
“It feels like you’re eating velvet,” he said.
Food is a central part of most cultures and is a central part of Henn’s newly published book, “Two Centuries in Africa: How a Funny-Looking Kid from Indiana Wound Up on an Endless Adventure.”
Up until he left Indianapolis by way of the Peace Corps, the Bishop Chatard graduate thought Chef Boyardee was authentic Italian food.
The book also includes anecdotes about his career in public health, which led him to Morocco, Zambia, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, Burundi and Kenya, where he helped develop HIV/AIDS and malaria prevention and treatments with the U.S. government and various nonprofits. Henn also witnessed the death of his colleagues, who died of the virus as well.
“The world was too slow in responding to the epidemic, and many people who could survive with treatment, died for lack of it,” he said.
After Henn returned to the states in 2019, he realized how little Americans know about Africa. Henn questions why western media portrays outdated and inaccurate stereotypes of Africa compared to other continents such as Europe or Asia. He encourages people to visit the globe’s largest continent — not just for the wildlife, which he knows is a big draw — but for the people and culture.
“I don’t know if I wanted to write the book or the book wanted to be written,” Henn said.
The book’s core mission is to revamp the overall image of life in Africa. After visiting 29 out of 54 countries, he is not set on returning to the continent he loves so dearly. The 63-year-old wants everyone, but especially the younger generation, to explore Africa because they have more influence on changing the perception.
In his book, Henn offers an interesting challenge for readers: Visit any African country for one week on a safari and stay for another week to try foods and attend musical performances. Henn believes this is a more ethical way to travel and learn about different African cultures.
“Come for the food and stay for the music,” Henn said.
Contact intern Mesgana Waiss at 317-762-7848 or email at adjwouw@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @theavgjourn.
