In the late 1960s I was a member of a organization that focused on African culture. Like other members of that group, I wanted an African personal name. My man friend at that time, Zayd, said he would give me an African name. And because I just love loved loved him, I said I would accept the name that he selected. So out of the kindness of his soon to be cheatin heart, Zayd gave me a choice of two names-either "Aziza": Arabic for "{one who}is rare & precious" or "Azizi": Kiswahili with the same meaning.

Back in those days {and now} a lot of female names given to African Americans from the Arabic language and other language sources {as well as names which are creatively 'made up'} end with the 'ah" sound like "Keisha", "Maisha", "Malika","Fatimah", "Kadisha", "Alia"... I liked the idea of "Azizi" because it sounded more unique.

But in those days {and still today} there was also a brand of makeup called "Aziza". The REAL reason why I choose 'Azizi' instead of 'Aziza' is that I didn't want to give somebody the opportunity to look at me and say "Aziza, you forgot your make-up, girl.."

So I've been 'Azizi' now for 37 years-and I try to live up to that name with or without wearing makeup.