Jose Andrade Lobo, a journey of life and love through Brava and Cape Verde

Text adapted from a post by the author on his social networks

My name is José Andrade Lobo, son of João Sebastião Lobo and Ana Andrade Lobo. In 1972, I left my homeland and embarked for the United States, arriving in America on February 3, 1973. I carried with me, in my heart, the unconditional love for Cape Verde, and especially for Brava, without knowing that, years later, Cape Verde would become an independent nation.

It was at that moment that I began to realize how special and meaningful it is to be Cape Verdean. I feel immense pride in being a son of Brava and, at the same time, part of a people that represents all the islands of Cape Verde. Brava is paradise for all of us, and each Cape Verdean carries, in some way, a piece of that paradise within them.

Since I was a child, I have learned that life is about dreaming and that, in order to live fully, you need to dream. However, dreaming big does not mean being arrogant or selfish. On the contrary, dreaming big is believing that we can make a difference, that our journey has a greater purpose, and that, in the end, all we leave behind are the good deeds and the legacy of our efforts.

My journey has not been easy, but it has been full of moments that have shaped me into the person I am today. In 1989, I began my entrepreneurial journey with Lobos Lounge and, soon after, Lobos Family Restaurant. I had the opportunity to expand even further when I purchased the WSPS Liquor Store, which I renovated to serve the New Bedford community. This business became an important meeting place, where people not only bought drinks, but also paid their bills, since it offered services such as Western Union.

If I looked back, I would see a story that would fill a book. But, since I'm not one to sell my life or my memories, I'm taking advantage of Facebook to share some moments that may inspire those who seek strength and faith to move forward. Today, I want to give a little visibility to my love for Brava, a feeling so strong that words cannot fully express it.

When I was young, I helped my brother Napoleão (Pulan di Bar) run our family bar. At just 14 years old, I was already serving the best steak from Cachaço to Furna and from Fajã d'Água to Baleia. At 16, I had my own bar and coordinated the best musical group of the time, the Brilhante group, founded by Sr. José di Ina. It was a time of parties, joy, lots of music and laughter, and the rooms were always full of beautiful girls from Campo Baixo to Mato Grande.

The memories of my time in Brava remain alive in me to this day. Friends, family, and those precious moments mark a golden era that will never fade. The sound of the guitars, of my brother Sebastião, of my great friend Mené Jaime, of Djon di Balbina, and of everyone who was part of this journey. What more can I say? If I were to list all my dear friends and relatives, I would never finish, because the list is long, as is the time of friendship and togetherness I have with each one of them.

My first trip to Cape Verde, more specifically to my beloved Brava, took place in 1979. A milestone that undoubtedly shaped my relationship with my home country and the land where I grew up. Since that first trip, until now, I have made more than 120 trips to Brava! Each one of them filled with emotion and renewal of the deep bond I have always had with Cape Verde and, in particular, with Brava, which holds a special place in my heart.

From 1979 to today, my connection with Brava has been extraordinary, something that transcends words. Throughout all these years, I have maintained a constant commitment to visit my native island, whether to reunite with my family or to strengthen the ties with the land and culture that formed me. With each trip, my heart beats faster, my longing is filled, and my sense of belonging is renewed.

And this was not just a personal commitment, but also a serious investment. For many years, I made a continuous effort to make an average of six trips per year to Brava, with the aim of contributing to the development and strengthening ties with the community. My dedication was not limited to traveling, but extended to hard work and the effort to create opportunities for my fellow countrymen.

I was privileged to have the opportunity to employ 57 people in a project that lasted for almost six consecutive years, an exemplary investment and, for me, a true mission to contribute to the well-being of Brava. Having the opportunity to help my land and at the same time create ways for others to also have a source of work and sustenance was one of the greatest achievements of my life. I have always tried to give back a little of what Brava and Cape Verde gave me, and that is why I am eternally grateful to God for having provided me with these opportunities.

Each trip, each new step taken towards Brava, each new experience I had reminded me of the importance of giving back and keeping the flame of love for our homeland alive. The gratitude for everything I have achieved, for what I have been able to provide to my island and my fellow countrymen, is something that cannot be measured, because the satisfaction of seeing things improving, of seeing progress in my land, of feeling that I have made a difference in the lives of so many people is the true reward.

In this moment of reflection and celebration, I thank God for the strength, vision and opportunity to continue to invest in Brava over the years, to continue to strengthen ties with my land and to continue to be part of its history. What is done out of love for the land is never lost, and I am certain that, no matter where I am, Brava will continue to live within me, in every action and every effort.

I would also like to thank the people who have stood by my side throughout all these years. Without the help and support of my wife, my children and everyone who participated in each project and each trip, none of this would have been possible. They are the foundation on which my story and my projects are based.

My journey continues, and although I have made over 120 trips to Cape Verde, there is still much to do. Brava, Cape Verde, is more than a place on the map. It is an essential part of my identity. And with gratitude and joy, I continue on my path, knowing that what I do today has a direct impact on the future of our land, the well-being of our people, and the perpetuation of the love for our culture and traditions.

Thank you, Brava, thank you, Cape Verde, for everything you have given me and for everything I continue to receive. May God continue to bless my land and all its children, wherever they may be, and may the history of Cape Verde continue to grow, with faith, hope and, of course, with much love.

On this anniversary, I look back with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude. The journey has not been easy, but it is mine, and as I move forward with more years, I continue with a strong spirit and ready to continue contributing to my community and to my beloved country, Cape Verde.

Finally, I thank God for my life, my family and all the opportunities I have had to build something solid. My story is a testament to faith, perseverance and, above all, love for Brava, for Cape Verde and for the people around me. Thank you, Brava, thank you, Cape Verde, for everything you have given me. And may the future always be bright, with the certainty that our history is written every day with our actions, with our love and with our commitment to others.

To everyone who is part of my life, I leave a hug full of gratitude.