Africans & Blacks - Can We End the Beef?

We conclude our fourth and final installment in our Focus on Africa series on the blogspot this week by tackling the long and much overdue tension that continues to plague my beloved peoples, my Nigerian (African) lineage versus my African American (Black) community.

Our aim here on “My Omo Naija” is to not point the finger and stamp blame but to foster healthy discussions and embrace the importance of owning up to the blunders on both sides as a means towards progress.

Ok people; let me get focused…

By now many of you already know of “My Coming to America Story” here on the blogspot but If not definitely check it out. It is one of our most popular post visited and it has lots of good teachable moments for sure with many TRUTHS to offer. Funny thing is 20 plus years later, I see so many things the same but yet others remain a world apart.  

Ok, fact remains that it will take much more than just my blog or another post from someone else for us to eliminate the self-hatred, resentment and anger both sides display towards one another on a regular basis. Most of the animosity that exists amongst us in part is due to our own ignorance or smugness which impairs our thinking and limits the ability to have respect for one another.  

My world and life today is very much a mixture of the love and support I get from those in my Nigerian bloodline as well as my Black extended family. I definitely have more African-American friends than Nigerians and connect better at times on several hot button topics with the black community because I grew as a man “Being Black in America”. However; “don’t get it twisted” my foundation and core as a human-being has always been and will remain tied to my Nigerian ancestry and African roots.

So where am I going with all of this?

Well nearly 500 years later with an estimated number far exceeding 10 million Africans enslaved, it has become extremely difficult to measure where we have made progress at times. Here are some general observations and myths that still exist today:

·      African Americans (Blacks) in general don’t like Africa

·      Black people in America still believe “Africans walk around naked” with a large green leaf tied to their waste line

·      Many Blacks do not care to know what is going on in Africa

·      Africans that come to the United States think they are better than us and have some type of superiority complex

·      The Black people in America scare me. They are so violent and have no respect for human life. Look how they act on T.V.

·       People that go to Africa and help refugees, setting up camps, providing medicine, doctors, the majority are white people not Black Americans

·      Black Americans need to stop blaming their conditions on the impact of slavery and racism in America. Coming from Africa, I had less to work with and still turned out successful

After looking at some of these myths, let us now dive right into what I believe to be the basis for our divide and how we have jointly intensified the nature of our relationship over the years.

Slavery Still Binds Us – No matter how much we try to deny or pretend it never happened, this issue remains at the root of our problems.  Knowing that humans were sold by African leaders to turn a profit truly is a sign of betrayal that I have yet to fully see ownership or accountability from an African outlook and until this is better presented to the Black community or addressed from an African perspective the tension will never subside fully.

Black & Proud – If we are so united in our stance as being “Black & Proud” why are so many of us withdrawn from our ancestry and history?  Many Blacks have never been to Africa and are only presented the horrifying images of Africa through the white driven media that is comfortable portraying Africans in their bushes/jungles. They don’t show huge cities and don’t talk about the empires of the past often to balance out the hypocrisy in their news coverage or reporting to the masses.

Culture - I have heard both sides repeatedly attempt to make use of this lame reason as to why there is such a vast disconnect. My experiences in both worlds have only proven that there are very little to no cultural difference amongst us all. Besides language, food and clothing; Blacks and Africans are full of celebrating life, are family centered and have deep spiritual foundations. We must bring down the walls of nationalism, ethnicity, education and economics between us that create this substantial divide.

Knowledge is King – The stereotypes that we have enabled others to propagate about our respective communities is highly irreprehensible on both sides. So when we voluntarily give away the power to educate and influence but conveniently take issue with the end result that is a cop out. Look, if you only want to recognize Africa as a jungle full of bushes that is your choice. And if you only want to cast Blacks in America as a group of people who are lazy, carry guns and highly promiscuous then we all are just contributing to the facilitation of our own demise.   

Survival – For Africans or Blacks in their respective homelands or anywhere on this planet earth everything and everyday is an uphill climb. Why? Maybe in part because we devalue one another so much we don’t have the ability to see quality characteristics amongst ourselves. But wait, let someone of a European skin complexion appear be for us and it’s like we believe all of our ills will be cured. It is the Nigerian backwards way of thinking “Oyinbo na Oyinbo” mentality. Simply put “white is better”. Fact remains when you need help, you don’t look at the person’s skin color that’s providing the help.

Brothers Gonna Work it Out.

Know Ur History - Africa's Freedom Fighters

Mama Africa

This week on the blogspot your man “P” is gonna take you all back to school.

I have to restate that the best part about this blogging experience by far is just how much I continue to learn everyday and how important it is to share with others a little knowledge. Be it something big or small, you never can take for granted what you think people know already.

Ok people; let me get focused…

As our Focus on Africa series continues here on the blogspot, I came to a realization that very few if any of our viewers can truly account for many of the influential and dominating personalities that helped to shape and construct some of the advances made on my beloved continent post European colonialism. As bad as we may perceive the situation for our loved ones back home in their respective pockets of Africa, the fact and truth remains that we have always had leaders and representatives from all over Africa who did care and wanted more for the welfare of the people. This week we shine a light and present to you a short and quick summary on the accomplishments of some of the men that will forever be linked and recognized as trailblazers in the fight for African independence.    

Class is now in session…

Al- Hajji Sir Ahmadu Bello (Nigeria) – the “Sarduana of Sokoto” considered one of Nigeria’s main architects behind its push for Independence against the British. Primarily interested in Nigerian Northern politics and advancement, Bello became the first Premier of Northern Nigeria in the early 50s. He is credited with the modernization and unification of people of Northern Nigeria. He combined traditional leadership qualities with knowledge of western governance. In 1966 he was assassinated as part of a military coup that brought down Nigeria’s post-independence rule. Today, he is honored and remembered through the creation of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) considered to be the largest university in Nigeria and the second largest in Africa.

Chief Obafemi Awolowo (Nigeria) – a Nigerian statesman recognized for his contributions for helping to make the country a progressive nation. Educated in Europe where he earned an undergraduate and post-graduate degree in law, Awolowo was the first individual to be regarded as the “Asiwaju” of Yorubaland (a title that comes over time to be routinely endorsed to his direct successors as “Grand Master” of Afenifere). He is remembered today for accomplishments such as creating the first television station in Africa WNTV, the first skyscraper in West Africa “The Cocoa House” and he is also recognized for creating the name Naira used to describe today’s Nigerian currency (previously referred to as the Nigerian Pound). Despite serving as a de facto vice president under the leadership of General Yakubu Gowan, he is mostly thought of in many circles inside and outside of Nigeria as the “best president Nigeria never had”.

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (Nigeria) – commonly referred to as “Zik”, he would forever be remembered as the first to take the post as Nigeria’s president and commander in chief after it gained its independence from Great Britain. Azikiwe’s western influence in education allowed for him to contribute towards the development of modern Nigerian nationalism. He attended Howard University in Washington, DC (DMV Stand Up!) and proceeded to complete his post graduate education at the University of Pennsylvania. He began his climb upwards through his work as an editor-in-chief of the African Morning Post would later create the West African Pilot. In 1960, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the title of Privy Councilor to the Queen of England. 

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana) – remembered as Ghana’s first prime minister and President after it secured its independence from British rule. He was highly influential in the construction and development of Pan-Africanism and the founding member of the Organization of African Unity. A believer in African liberation he would later be deemed a dictator after insisting he become president for life. In 1966, his regime was overthrown by the military with the support of western backing and spent his last years in exile.  

Emperor Haile Selassie (Ethiopia) – recognized as Ethiopia’s last emperor he ruled for nearly 60 years as an autocrat. He is credited with his vision for establishing schools, universities, armed forces and law enforcement during his reign. His tenure as emperor was both considered positive and negative by many. Selassie is famously remembered for defending the sovereign rights of Ethiopia on an international landscape against Italy and his efforts of uniting Eritrea with his homeland. His self ambition to modernize Ethiopia failed primarily due to his need to maintain complete monarchy. The majority of the people under his rule were forced into lives of poverty while he lived in nobility with other dignitaries.

Thomas Sankara (Burkina Faso) – fondly considered an iconic figure of revolution, he is popularly referred to as “Africa’s Che Guevara”. Sankara was a military captain, Marxist revolutionary, Pan-Africanist and President of Burkina Faso from 1983-1987. Sankara took office in 1983 at the age of 33 with a goal of eliminating corruption and dominance of the former French colonial power. He immediately launched the most ambitious program for social and economic change ever attempted on the African continent. To symbolize this new autonomy and rebirth, he even renamed the country from the French colonial Upper Volta to Burkina Faso (“Land of Upright Men”). His foreign policies were centered around anti-imperialism, with his government eschewing all foreign aid, pushing for odious debt reduction, nationalizing all land and mineral wealth, and averting the power and influence of the IMF and World Bank. His domestic policies were focused on preventing famine with agrarian self-sufficiency and land reform, prioritizing education with a nationwide literacy campaign and promoting public health by vaccinating 2.5 million children against meningitis, yellow fever and measles. Moreover, his commitment to women’s rights led him to outlaw female genital mutilation, forced marriages and polygamy; while appointing females to high governmental positions and encouraging them to work outside the home and stay in school even if pregnant.

Patrice Lumumba (Republic of Congo) – known for his radical views, a charismatic, exciting personality and public speaker who believed in the power of African nations to shape their own destinies and free themselves from colonial influence. He created National Congolese Movement (MNC) that led a series of strikes against the Belgian government. He was the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Congo but was overthrown and murdered less than a year into office. He was a key contributor in the country’s efforts to gain independence from Belgium in 1960.

Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) - elected as Prime Minister in 1961 in what was referred to formerly as Tanganyika, Nyerere became Tanzania’s first president in 1962. His use of socialist idealism would later dominate his policies while in office before retiring in 1985. His ability as an organizer and understanding of others enabled Tanzania to achieve independence without carnage from the British. “The objective of socialism in the United Republic of Tanzania is to build a society in which all members have equal rights and equal opportunities; in which all can live in peace with their neighbors without suffering or imposing injustice, or exploiting; and in which all have gradually increasing basic level of material welfare before any individual lives in luxury” (Nyerere 1968).

Archbishop Desmond Tutu (South Africa) – a highly respected activist and a Christian cleric who rose to worldwide fame during the 1980s as an opponent of apartheid. Tutu has been active in the defense of human rights, fight against AIDS, tuberculosis, gay rights, poverty and racism. In 1984, the Archbishop was awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace, “not only as a gesture of support to him and the South African Council of Churches of which he is leader, nut also to all individuals and groups in South Africa who, with their concern from human dignity, fraternity and democracy, incite the admiration of the world”. Two years later, Tutu was elected Archbishop of Cape Town. He was the first black African to serve in this position.  

Still Standing...

All information presented has been made available courtesy of:

http://en.wikipedia.org

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/COLDlumumba.htm

http://www.notablebiographies.com/Lo-Ma/Lumumba-Patrice.html

http://www.marxists.org/subject/africa/nyerere/biography.htm

http://www.achievement.org/autodoc/page/tut0bio-1

Start Today! Start Now! - Simple Tips to Keep Africa Green

Did you know that recycling one ton of paper saves 20 trees, 7,000 gallons of water, three cubic yards of landfill space, 60 pounds of air pollutants and saves enough energy to power the average home for six months (Marc Swanson).

Ok people; let me get focused…

Consider this week’ s post more of a preface into the optimism that additional dialogue, continued education and new found self-awareness can spur on an attitude or approach that cultivates the continent of Africa better.

Living overseas all of my adult life, I have yet to still fully catch on with the importance and benefits of a Green way of life. I mean I get daily reminders both in my personal and professional world of my poor etiquette and lack of conviction for this lifestyle. However, I can say “I am a work in progress” and getting better with my understanding of the need to embrace this much needed intervention or life as I know it will be coming to a halt due to my own carelessness and ignorance.

Be it here in America, Europe, Asia, Africa or any part of the world you belong to, not making these necessary changes in our lifestyle will only contribute to an increase in ozone depletion and the deterioration of the ecosystem. I am no scientist with a background in Marine Biology but for the most part I get the basics and I do know things just “Ain’t” right with the world these days.

In particular; look at all of the natural disasters reported on around us. This only confirms my suspicion that we are as much responsible for the damages that are impacting our families, homes and communities.

So here it is, I did a little research and was able to identify some basic and simple strategies that we can use to ensure that future generations of children will be able to live and thrive without the treat of global warming impairing their lives.

TIPS FOR KEEPING AFRICA GREEN

• RECYCLE – foster a home, community and environment that promote the proper discarding of paper, plastic, glass, batteries, etc… Just think about this at the next Nigerian or African party or wedding you host or attend and look around you and see all the disposable utensils not properly put away.

• WATER– since indoor plumbing remains meager in many homes in Africa; VALUE, CHERISH and TREASURE it. Make the most of it by not running unused water down the drain. Simply put, “only use what you need”. Less than 1% of the world’s freshwater is readily available for human use.

• FOOD – the Wall Street bailout has cost taxpayers around $700 billion and growing. Yet, just 4% of the Wall Street bailout could end world hunger. Though the problem is often touted as insurmountable, in truth, global food insecurity could be completely solved by creating agricultural programs that would cost about $30 billion a year. 854 million people in the world – one in seven- do not get enough food to be healthy, making hunger the number one risk to health worldwide.

• GENERATORS – it’s simple people, use only when NECESSARY and keep away from children or hazardous objects at all times. I know you all like “P Trippin”! How you dey forget say NEPA dey take light now??? I beeeeeg… Look, I understand that using a generator is the only source of power for some people so turn off during the day when you are out & about.   

• A/C – once again this represents opulence for some but you can be tactful and limit its use by shutting your blinds or closing the curtains in your home to keep out the blazing heat or sun that penetrates the windows. This also reduces the use of operating a GENERATOR throughout the day.

• AUTOMOBILE – for those afforded the luxury of having a personal means of transportation, drive less or drive smart by walking more or car pooling. More than half of the pollution in the air comes from cars/trucks. Last time I checked, Africa has yet to institute an “Emission” testing program on all vehicles on its roads.

• INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY – it seems that many Africans are the holders of at least (3) mobile phones. SMH! So if you have in your possession, a laptop, ipod or any gadget that uses energy in order to operate then only keep them charged for short periods. Do not leave them plugged in OVERNIGHT!

• OFFICE SETTING – at your place of work or business, maximize paper usage by using both sides of the paper when printing. Especially, large size documents in draft form.

• GOOD WILL - one person’s junk is another’s gold mine. When it comes to clothes, furniture or personal items of no use to you consider donating.

          We can do this...

Information brought to you on the blogspot for this week’s story was gathered from the following sources;

http://www.futurefriendly.com/

http://www.togethergreen.org/

http://www.goinggreentoday.com/

http://www.webecoist.com/

Fixing Africa - once and for all

As it stands, 2011 will hopefully be remembered in Africa’s history as a year of optimism within reach after inspired and judicious uprisings staged by sensible and steadfast communities with a common interest of Fixing Africa. This task will only yield the desired outcomes if/when aligned with process driven change.

Our way of contributing and celebrating this recent surge of renewed spirit and re-commitment to Africa on the blogspot is to share and highlight the ideas and work of others who are leading the charge.

Last week we profiled the work of Hamid Bundu and his Freeeafrica (http://www.freeeafrica.com/) program in an effort to raise the bar and provide insight on African Entrepreneurship - Enterprise – Empowerment.

This week, we shift our focus and attention to Tidiani (Jeff) Tall and his Fixing Africa idealism. Fixing Africa is an e-book which has spread virally and provoked healthy debates about the possibilities within Africa.  In addition, Mr. Tall is the mastermind behind a non-profit called Africa 2030 that is in the planning phase that aims to serve as a vehicle to push for peace and prosperity in Africa through a radically different approach to development.

By now our viewers and supporters should know what is about to go down next. We reached out recently to Jeff across the atlantic got busy.

Let's go there... 

Panko:            How did the idea of Fixing Africa a come together and what does your work consist of?

Jeff:                I wrote the first edition of Fixing Africa in 2009, in anticipation of the 50 years of independence celebrations in a large number of African countries. I felt that there was not much to celebrate and that we deserved better from our leaders.

Panko:            What is your mission and vision for Africa?

Jeff:                My vision is an Africa where the youth can have peace and prosperity without leaving their country of origin. My mission is to contribute to the emergence of federal entities that can compete politically and economically in our globalized world.

Panko:            Who does Fixing Africa partner with and how do

                        people get involved?

Jeff:                Despite the presence of a few sympathizers, Fixing Africa and Africa 2030 are still primarily one-man-show initiative. This is a major weakness and I am counting on readers to introduce me to influential people and institutions that can help us go further.

Panko:            Explain your philosophy and concept of “54 Struggling Countries to 3 Super Federations (SAHARA, SAHAEL, KONGO) by 2030”

Jeff:                My model is countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China.

These countries have been able to change their image and level of development in a massive way in the past 20 years. They have the size and scale to compete economically and have true political sovereignty in the world. My goal is to contribute to the emergence of such entities and success stories on our continent within 20 years.

Panko:            What are your thoughts and viewpoint on

                        today’s youth in Africa? In particular,

                        the 25 years of age and younger demographic.

Jeff:                The youth have an open mind; they are not enslaved by old ways of thinking and submissive attitudes towards other regions and races of the globe. They are also in tune with our globalized world and want the same peace and prosperity that they see on satellite TV from other continents. They expect more from their leaders and rightfully so.

Panko:            What was your reasoning for creating the Super Federation MVP’s? What are the criteria’s that one must meet to achieve such an honor?

Jeff:                The main criterion is someone who is willing and able to compete on global level in their chosen category. There has long been a belief, in some quarters, that Africa is doomed or condemned to being second rate. The people I chose to highlight have proven through their achievements that individually, Africans can compete with anyone, anywhere and anytime. 

Panko:            How is Information Technology best utilized in Africa? What direction do you see for (IT) in Africa?

Jeff:                The main benefit of IT is to empower the average guy. It makes censorship and top-down control very difficult. It is catalyst for grass roots movements and people power. It is also very cost effective. Just imagine how many more billions of dollars would have been necessary to reach the current level of connectivity through fixed lines and physical networks. IT is a blessing for Africa because it levels the playing field.

Panko:            Please expand on your belief that Africa is structured for dependency rather than self-reliance.

Jeff:                Most experts agree that most African economies are structured around export of commodities and import of manufactured goods (and often foodstuff as well). We need more intra-Africa trade; we need more value creating activities instead of exporting raw materials, etc. Many scholars and experts have written eloquently on this issue.

Panko:            10 years from now Africa will be?

Jeff:                10 years from now Africa will be in a much better place. If we look at events over a 1-3 year period we can become discouraged. However over 10 years or 20 years, progress is undeniable. I have a lot of faith in the possibilities of the human spirit. I also know that capitalism needs consumers who can afford its good. Africa is the continent that offers the most upside in that regard. We only ask politicians to avoid setting us back through selfish conflicts. They should lead, follow or stop blocking the way.


You can make a Difference...

OBAMA KILLS OSAMA; Give Me Back My Ten Years!!!



Things Will Never Be The Same Again


I woke up today (All Praises) to text messages from family stating that Osama Bin Laden (OBL) was killed by the United States Government. Thinking this was a joke, I proceeded to check news outlets for confirmation.

Now that I have become a slave to social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook at the urging of family and friends, I checked my inbox to catch up on the chatter. The commentary was Euphoric, Jubilation and Relief…

Got a message from my peoples “P” please speak on the matter; people are missing the point or are in denial with the reality of the situation.

So here it is; in the words of one of our contributing correspondent on the blogspot, we bring you a special report.

OK people; let me get focused….

• The Twin Towers Collapse

• Racial & Ethnic profiling is now a way of life at airports

• All Muslims are Terrorists

• Billions Wasted on Wars

• Promoting Torture to Collect Intelligence

• Unemployment at an All-time High

• Gas Prices…..

 

First and foremost; my respects to everybody impacted and to those innocent lives lost due to all terror related activities.

While the death of (OBL) is indeed a huge blow to Al-Qaeda, the United States straight “kill mission” commando operation might end up being a double edged sword in relation to the terror war along with the rather spontaneous and un-thought of celebrations in Washington, New York and other parts of the United States which might serve as a source of “CLOSURE” for the victims. These same celebrations might serve as the additional fuel and cannon fodder for additional call to arms for the enemies of the United States!

Don’t be deceived and let’s celebrate CAUTIOUSLY. While (OBL) became what was known as “THE FACE AND SOUL OF TERROR- AL QAEDA” he had long since from September 11, 2001 franchised terror out to many global outlets from America to Yemen especially when America and its allies made it very difficult for him to organize and conduct his business of terror. And by so doing had prepared for his inevitable death either by natural or outside causes. The organization today acts solo and independently mostly to do things to catch Bin Laden’s attention to keep his terror mystique going while attaching OBL’s name to such actions to have some sort of Street Credibility.

There is no CEO or official hierarchy nor Headquarters for Al-Qaeda. So there should be an intensified search to find and decimate these franchises if there is a true quest to end global terrorism!

Does this killing turn him (OBL) into a MARTYR? More powerful in death than in life as a galvanizing force for all crazy terrorists groups worldwide and inadvertently giving the presently dormant crazies a renewed spur, zest and thirst for innocent blood globally. God Forbid!

It’s difficult to fight an ideology and that is what Al-Qaeda is.

As some celebrate his death, some also will be celebrating his martyrdom and that is the unfortunate reality... The saga continues.

A Special thanks to "Da BIG HOMIE - Awori Youth.