They Used to Call Me a M&nk£y- Nigerian Doctor Recounts Experience Living in Russia in 1977

A Nigerian doctor, Obianma Onya, has shared her emotional experience of facing racism while living in Russia.

In a post on Facebook, she revealed how she was repeatedly called a derogatory term, “abizian,” by some children who mocked her because of her skin color.

According to her, the experience was deeply hurtful, and she often returned home in tears.

However, things began to change after her mother found out what she was going through. She said her mother encouraged her by reminding her that being Black is a symbol of strength. Those words, she explained, had a lasting impact on her and helped reshape her confidence.

She also noted that this period coincided with the era of Muhammad Ali, whose influence of strength, confidence, and unapologetic identity inspired many people around the world.

From that point on, she said she decided to stand her ground and refuse to be intimidated, even if it meant defending herself physically.

See her post below:

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