Harrison Morgan. That name probably only sounds familiar unless you’ve been keeping up with the whole Dexter drama. For me, and hopefully soon for you, Harrison represents something far bigger: the untapped, often squandered potential of Africa’s youth. Here, in the far too infrequent flashes of brilliance, we see so much potential and promise. Fate, misfortune, bad decisions, and a tragic history sometimes conspire to thwart that promise. Just like Harrison.

Will Africa Break The Cycle?

Think about it. Harrison remains loaded down with his father’s dark passenger, the killer’s curse, the terrible need to kill. He’s always been on that same quest to escape his inner demons, trying to find his own way from the darkness of Dexter’s evil deeds. Isn’t this a reflection of what we all would love to see happening all over Africa?

Our continent is not only rich in resources but with immense talent. Ironically, it is hamstrung by the inheritance of colonialism, corruption, and conflict. Young Africans unwittingly take ownership of a legacy they did not craft, one that too often feels like a self-sabotaging structure created explicitly to frustrate their futures. They are told to emulate Western ideals, pushed towards traditional career paths that may not align with their passions or potential.

Dexter attempted to shape Harrison to be a mini-Dexter, leading him down a road where he wouldn’t be able to escape his fate. The global community We answered these questions affirmatively, yet are we doing the same to African youth? Are we putting our big city sensibilities, our bureaucratic systems, and processes down on them, rather than giving them the power to shape their own destiny.

Behind the news are the stories of Harrison’s sexually predatory behavior, a man with many lies and a double life. He’s a defendant in a criminal case, ensnared perhaps by a conspiracy clouding the truth. This isn’t simply a science-fiction plot device. It’s a poignant call to action that reminds us of the very pressing realities that our youth navigate in communities characterized by great scarcity and temptation. Sure, they screw up — even in monumental ways — but should that mar their entire remaining career?

Untapped Potential In A Digital World

Like Harrison, African youth possess incredible potential. The continent is currently undergoing a great tech renaissance, with creative young entrepreneurs and innovators developing solutions to local problems with technology. Blockchain, NFTs, digital art – these aren’t just buzzwords, they are the new and exciting potential pathways for economic empowerment.

Potential needs nurturing. It requires access to education, mentorship and business development resources. How many such brilliant young minds do we lose every day to poverty, lack of opportunity, or the pull of easy money? Today, too many would-be technical entrepreneurs are stuck in no-mobility jobs. They can’t find their way in because they lack the right skills, or they lack the right networks.

Instead, what we see in Dexter is Detective Wallace, fictionalized as this extremely capable detective, putting together a big series of convoluted events. Think about the outcomes of funding education systems where African youth learn these critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Just imagine the breakthrough technologies that would be created. By giving them the resources to observe, interrogate, and innovate, we can empower young people to meaningfully address the issues that plague their streets.

It's time to shift the narrative. Rather than dwell on the challenges, it’s time to shine a spotlight on what’s working. It’s time to double down on programs that allow young Africans to get mentorship, training and access to funding that will encourage their talent. Together, let’s stand behind efforts that develop and deliver culturally relevant, African-centered education that inspires youths’ innovative spirit.

Take Blessing and Joy’s unusual family dynamic, a captivating subplot bringing a true emphasis on family right at home. This resonates deeply. We know that strong families and communities are indeed the foundation of a healthy, prosperous society. Let’s deepen and expand these connections! When we equip families with the advocacy and tools necessary to thrive, we enable them to cultivate tomorrow’s thinkers and doers.

A Call To Channel Our "Dexter"

Just as Dexter reflects on his failures as a father, we need to reflect on our role in shaping the future of Africa. Are we enabling or hindering its progress? Are we still taking advantage of them and sucking them dry and making them dependent? Or are we sowing the seeds of a future in which African youth can prosper?

This isn’t about charity. It’s about justice. Let us understand the opportunities that are currently untapped in Africa’s youthful population. Fill the place with challenges, people and opportunities to make sure that potential can really prosper. It's about understanding that their success is not just their success. It's our collective success.

We can, and should, channel Dexter’s analytical skills, but where Dexter channeled his skills to darkness, we must channel it to light. Let's help to rewrite the story of Harrison, and in doing so, rewrite the story of Africa's youth. Let’s make sure we don’t squander such promise but fully achieve it, to the benefit of the whole planet. The time to act is now. The future depends on it.

  • Support organizations that provide education and mentorship to young Africans in tech and entrepreneurship.
  • Invest in African startups that are solving local problems with innovative solutions.
  • Advocate for policies that promote inclusive growth and empower marginalized communities.
  • Challenge the narrative that portrays Africa as a continent of poverty and despair.
  • Share stories of African success and innovation.

We can, and should, channel Dexter's analytical skills, but instead of darkness, we must channel it to light. Let's help to rewrite the story of Harrison, and in doing so, rewrite the story of Africa's youth. Let’s ensure their potential isn't lost, but realized, for the benefit of the entire world. The time to act is now. The future depends on it.