Africa I Recollect

Africa I recollect
Swirling, dry winds in harmattan
Playing ten-ten in dusty playgrounds
Throwing stones to pull down mangos behind fences
Escaping with the trail of neighbors' curses.

Dancing atilogu at recess
Pulling grass stems, making fans
on hot days filled with charcoal smoke
filling our nostrils
making us hungry for corn and ube

Telling tales by moonlight
Chanting: "rain, rain go away"
on days of persistent drops on zinc roofs-tap tap tap
until in glee we rush outside
and get soaked continuing:
"rain, rain go away. Come again another day, little children want to play"
Gathering locusts sent from the rainy sky
Roasting them in hot oil
Relish much deeper than any icecream or cake

Peering down dirt roads on village trips
to watch engugu parade with his raffia skin
A fall to the left, then to the right, body collapses-flat as the ground
"There's a spirit in there, not a man in the costume!"
...as mother warns us

We run with explosive heartbeats, breathing heavily
until out of sight
only to find the nearest window to peer again at engugu
who is now dancing, shuffling his feet, producing dust
Shirtless men singing its praise, taming its emotions
Women not allowed
Neither are children
This is a man thing

The Africa I recall was protective as a mother's embrace
Stern as a father's discipline
But as I watch the screen
I am fed an Africa who constantly needs to be saved
-a poor, defenseless, child...

"They are wrong!" I insist
until after years of programming I arrive
obstinately at the conclusion
that maybe we are both wrong to think it's either one or the other.

The Village Bird

A long time ago
in a land far, far away
I arose to distant hills
in trasculent shades of blue
In the backdrop
Black birds soared
flapping thier wings to the rythm of thier coos
They spread gossip about other towns
Grandma heard, nodded and suddenly went:
"okay!"

I only got the part about Emekuku
What happened at Emekuku?
Grandma's lips were sealed
It was older people's business

I long for the days when birds could talk
and we took the time to decipher
When chickens and goats co-existed with humans
on the front porch
Swearing away the heat
each in its own tongue
Longing for harmattan...

Sitting under moonlit skies
Listening to tales of duality
as corn roasts with crackling sounds under the fire

The chanting part begins:
"udara mu cha nda cha cha cha nda..."
Some of us sniffle at the girl whose stepmother starved her
and who prays for the udara to ripe so she can eat

In a famine Udara dwarfs itself to feed girl
and grows infinitum when step mother sings to it
We cheer!

It's bedtime
And with a belly filled with corn and ube
I move lathargically towards my mat
determined to rise early
to decode what the bird from Emekuku had said.

Images of Oil Spill in Niger Delta

For the past 50+ years, oil spills occuring in the Niger delta region of Nigeria have led to pollution, unemployment, health hazard situations and other calamities. This has resulted in a wave of oil company employee kidnappings by local youth demanding a peice of the pie after decades of exploitation that has left many citizens destitute. The western media reports these kidnappings with little understanding of the frustrations and sufferings of the people in these regions.

The images below were taken in 1999 by Michael Fleshman, journalist and researcher who decided to pay a visit to the region and witnessed first hand the the lack of regard for the environment that oil companies have practiced in the region in the name of profit. I have to warn that for the environmentally sensitive these images are disturbing. Also when you consider how it affects people, it makes the situation even grimmer. Sometimes images do speak louder than words.
http://allafrica.com/photoessay/nigeria_oil/

Note: Even though these photos were taken almost a decade ago, the issue of environmental pollution in the Niger delta is still predominant today. The Movement of The Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) was created as a means to fight for local control of oil revenue. The group showcases thier demands by occasionally holding hostages and blowing up oil installations. Obviously this is not the best way to solve the situation but as they say "a hungry man is an angry man."

Copper Mining Activities In Zambia

Read an article recently that mentioned briefly, the environmentally insensitive copper mining activities occuring in Zambia by Chinese multi-nationals. The Chinese are not the only guilty party. Countries in the west are also guilty. Further curiosity on the issue led me to three organizations(Action For Southern Africa, Christian Aid and Scotland's Aid Agency) who decided to do some research on the issue using KCM(Konkola Copper Mines) as a case study. The conclusion was that Zambia was not sufficiently rewarded for its extraction of copper in the area of government revenue, employment benefits and community rights. Environmental pollution was a big factor. The report contains images and details on how the research was conducted. For further details:
http://www.christianaid.org.uk/Images/Mining%20Report_final_tcm15-27834.pdf

Flora Nwapa/Womanist(1931-1993)

I remember reading Flora Nwapa's novel, Efuru, at age 11 and being enthralled by the beautiful, financially independent female protagonist who suffers many tragic events. Efuru had it all except it seems, the inability to keep a man and to raise a child. The only child she had died at infancy.

It wasn't so much the tragedy that seemed to surround her that fascinated me, it was her strong spirit and her ability to take responsibility for herself. She was the epitome of the modern woman. Efuru's cultural background, the world surrounded by spirits and other mystical elements was African. Her independence was a reflection of who she was as an African woman. Many people assume that all African societies were patriarchal or male dominated before the Europeans came, but this is not true. When one does a thorough study of the history of different African socieites, they will discover that many of them had a high regard for women. They believed in the Masculine/Feminine polarity, what the East calls Ying/Yang . The genders had their different roles but they viewed each other as equal.

As a child my mother told me stories of our cultural heritage. How a woman for example could get a divorce whenever she wanted to just by saying the word and that she had the choice to keep the children or let her husband have them with little complications. She also said women held jobs, mainly trading jobs (just like Efuru). They had thier own societies where they could voice thier concerns freely. Women were not only protected, they were also highly respected. Domestic abuse was not tolerated and if reported had severe consequences for the man.

This sort of cultural fact (which has remained unchanged in many areas) is not often talked about. Many are focused on areas in Africa were women are victimized and treated like second class citizens. This is not authentic African culture. Flora Nwapa's book which was published in 1966 and was the first novel to come out of Africa by a woman allowed people to take a peak into the authentic african woman, what she was, what she has the potential to be and what she is once again becoming. She is definitely my hero =)

The Case Of Zimbabwe

For those who follow African politics the issue of Zimbabwe's elections and the no results aftermath has raised criticism from people all over the world who feel that other African nations especially the African Union (AU) ought to be doing something to pressure Mugabe to step down from office. It is obvious he lost that election but he still refuses to let go of power after 28 years in a leadership position that went from glorious to heartbreaking. President Bush also had his peice to say http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-33102720080417?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0
All I can say is when pan africa is realized, stories like this will only be a tale of a long distant past. A united Africa that practices the code of "I am my brothers' keeper" will not keep silent over such a despicable act as currently practiced by Mugabe.

So Called Food Shortage

There have been countless articles these days on the supposed food shortage going on around the world. A sample article can be found here: http://www.baltimorechronicle.com/2008/041608Brown.shtml
And with the grim news comes grimmer statistics and predictions of more doom. According to the article the food crises has sparked riots in Haiti, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mexico, Phillipines and Senegal. I do not doubt that there is a current problem with food in relation to the world, however over-population which has been cited by many as the main cause of food shortage is false. The purpose of life is expansion and growth. Population increase is just another way of life manifesting itself. Food shortages are a result of environmental abuse, exploitation of human beings by corrupt, oppressive governments in third world countries and self serving western nations, and in some case non-western nations (lets keep in mind China and Darfur as a prime example).

In the case of Africa where food shortage is said to hit hard, it is almost paradoxical in context. Africa is extremely rich in natural resources from petroluem and cocoa to real expensive rocks (diamonds and gold for example) distributed expansively throughout the continent. Food shortage and poverty in Africa is a result of the lack of redistribution of wealth. And we know very well who to blame for this. Another painful fact is that conflict does not allow for food production. How does one grow food in regions where conflict has been occuring for several years?

Moral responsibility for one another is the first step in ensuring food supply for every single person on this planet. No one deserves to be hungry. No one should be hungry. I believe this planet has an unlimited supply of everything we need...and I mean everything. But when we exploit the earth and exploit each other, how can the earth serve us? Earth is our home. I know no other place. And until governments in several nations begin to do the right thing, people will continue to die and suffer unnecessarily over something that when you really think about it ought to be free just like air and sunlight.

Africa The Beautiful

Africa is the most beautiful continent in the world! At least that's what I've heard from so many people who've been there and enjoyed the landscapes, wildlife, blend of western imports and traditions and of course, the friendly, spirited, strong-willed people. And I am very inclined to agree. Africa has everything to offer and that is no understatement. The fact that it is the second largest continent in the world explains it in part. The images below attempts to pay tribute to the areas and people of Afra-Motherland.

World Malaria Day

Yes, there is a World Malaria Day and it is hosted on April 25th. Even though malaria is easily preventable and treatable still, a million people die annually from the disease. Children are the most affected casualties. Growing up in Nigeria, I experienced a few bounts of malaria. Being accustomed to the illness and knowing many people who suffered from it and recovered created the impression in me that it was "normal." It was after I moved to the West that I learned the deadly effect it had on people. In Nigeria, I was fortunate enough to have adequate treatment during those times. Sadly, that is not the case for millions of people in a continent that struggles with even the most basic healthcare needs.

Below is a sample article that provides more information about the disease and the attempts being made to eradicate it in Africa.
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5615a7.htm

In most cases, the solution is simply education. I've always wanted to create an organization that raises awareness about HIV and malaria prevention. One of my goals would be to visit poverty stricken communities and educate them on prevention methods. Affordable medicine is another issue that needs to be tackled as well. However, I am still putting peices together on how to accomplish this. What I find to be a disadvantage is my lack of professional experience in the health field. I consider myself health savvy but unfortunately that will not give me the credentials I may need. I would like to have as many healthcare professionals in my team as possible who are willing and able to travel to Africa and be dedicated to this mission. We can start with one country until a chain is established. Sounds ambitious but thinking big is always a great start to accomplishing great things. If interested please send me an email at echizea@hotmail.com.

Kwame Nkrumah/I Speak of Freedom

Kwame Nkrumah is considered by many to be the face of the pan african movement. He was born in Ghana (then the gold coast) in 1909. In 1945 while furthering his studies in England, he helped organize the pan-african congress. He returned to Ghana and formed the Congression People's Party otherwise known as CPP. He was jailed after his positive action campaign was cited as a disturbance. He was freed however, when the CPP swept the 1951 elections. He was then able to lead Ghana towards independence from British rule in 1957. He died in 1971.

"I Speak Of Freedom"

For centuries, Europeans dominated the African continent. The white man arrogated to himself the right to rule and to be obeyed by the non-white; his mission, he claimed, was to "civilize" Africa. Under this cloak, the Europeans robbed the continent of vast riches and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the African people.

All this makes a sad story, but now we must be prepared to bury the past with its unpleasant memories and look to the future. All we ask of the former colonial powers is their goodwill and co-operation to remedy past mistakes and injustices and to grant independence to the colonies in Africa….

It is clear that we must find an African solution to our problems, and that this can only be found in African unity. Divided we are weak; united, Africa could become one of the greatest forces for good in the world.

Although most Africans are poor, our continent is potentially extremely rich. Our mineral resources, which are being exploited with foreign capital only to enrich foreign investors, range from gold and diamonds to uranium and petroleum. Our forests contain some of the finest woods to be grown anywhere. Our cash crops include cocoa, coffee, rubber, tobacco and cotton. As for power, which is an important factor in any economic development, Africa contains over 40% of the potential water power of the world, as compared with about 10% in Europe and 13% in North America. Yet so far, less than 1% has been developed. This is one of the reasons why we have in Africa the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty, and scarcity in the midst of abundance.

Never before have a people had within their grasp so great an opportunity for developing a continent endowed with so much wealth. Individually, the independent states of Africa, some of them potentially rich, others poor, can do little for their people. Together, by mutual help, they can achieve much. But the economic development of the continent must be planned and pursued as a whole. A loose confederation designed only for economic co-operation would not provide the necessary unity of purpose. Only a strong political union can bring about full and effective development of our natural resources for the benefit of our people.

The political situation in Africa today is heartening and at the same time disturbing. It is heartening to see so many new flags hoisted in place of the old; it is disturbing to see so many countries of varying sizes and at different levels of development, weak and, in some cases, almost helpless. If this terrible state of fragmentation is allowed to continue it may well be disastrous for us all.

There are at present some 28 states in Africa, excluding the Union of South Africa, and those countries not yet free. No less than nine of these states have a population of less than three million. Can we seriously believe that the colonial powers meant these countries to be independent, viable states? The example of South America, which has as much wealth, if not more than North America, and yet remains weak and dependent on outside interests, is one which every African would do well to study.

Critics of African unity often refer to the wide differences in culture, language and ideas in various parts of Africa. This is true, but the essential fact remains that we are all Africans, and have a common interest in the independence of Africa. The difficulties presented by questions of language, culture and different political systems are not insuperable. If the need for political union is agreed by us all, then the will to create it is born; and where there's a will there's a way.

The present leaders of Africa have already shown a remarkable willingness to consult and seek advice among themselves. Africans have, indeed, begun to think continentally. They realize that they have much in common, both in their past history, in their present problems and in their future hopes. To suggest that the time is not yet ripe for considering a political union of Africa is to evade the facts and ignore realities in Africa today.

The greatest contribution that Africa can make to the peace of the world is to avoid all the dangers inherent in disunity, by creating a political union which will also by its success, stand as an example to a divided world. A Union of African states will project more effectively the African personality. It will command respect from a world that has regard only for size and influence. The scant attention paid to African opposition to the French atomic tests in the Sahara, and the ignominious spectacle of the U.N. in the Congo quibbling about constitutional niceties while the Republic was tottering into anarchy, are evidence of the callous disregard of African Independence by the Great Powers.

We have to prove that greatness is not to be measured in stockpiles of atom bombs. I believe strongly and sincerely that with the deep-rooted wisdom and dignity, the innate respect for human lives, the intense humanity that is our heritage, the African race, united under one federal government, will emerge not as just another world bloc to flaunt its wealth and strength, but as a Great Power whose greatness is indestructible because it is built not on fear, envy and suspicion, nor won at the expense of others, but founded on hope, trust, friendship and directed to the good of all mankind.

The emergence of such a mighty stabilizing force in this strife-worn world should be regarded not as the shadowy dream of a visionary, but as a practical proposition, which the peoples of Africa can, and should, translate into reality. There is a tide in the affairs of every people when the moment strikes for political action. Such was the moment in the history of the United States of America when the Founding Fathers saw beyond the petty wranglings of the separate states and created a Union. This is our chance. We must act now. Tomorrow may be too late and the opportunity will have passed, and with it the hope of free Africa's survival.

From Kwame Nkrumah, I Speak of Freedom: A Statement of AfricanIdeology (London: William Heinemann Ltd., 1961), pp. xi-xiv.

Bob Marley/Jamaican born Prophet

Bob Marley was born in 1945 in Jamaica. He was a raggae singer, songwriter and activist who spread the message of love, redemption and unity for people of African descent. He also preached love and tolerance for all humanity with the hit song, "one love" being an example. He became very popular in the 70's until his death in 1981 of cancer. He was only 36 years old. Bob Marley is especially popular in Africa because of his message of pan africanism which was often revealed in his lyrics. One song (out of many) in particular depicts a clear vision for Africa. The message is so important now as it was then. Let the lyrics speak for itself.

Africa Unite.

Africa, Unite'Cause we're moving right out of Babylon
And we're going to our father's land

How good and how pleasant it would be
Before God and man, yeah
To see the unification of all Africans, yeah
As it's been said already let it be done, yeah
We are the children of the Rastaman
We are the children of the Higher Man

Africa, Unite 'cause the children wanna come home
Africa, Unite 'cause we're moving right out of Babylon
And we're grooving to our father's land

How good and how pleasant it would be
Before God and man
To see the unification of all Rastaman, yeah

As it's been said already let it be done, yeah
I tell you who we are under the sun
We are the children of the Rastaman
We are the children of the Higher Man

So, Africa, Unite, Africa, Unite
Unite for the benefit of your people
Unite for it's later than you think

Unite for the benefit of your people
Unite for it's later than you think
Africa awaits its creators, Africa awaiting its creators
Africa, you're my forefather cornerstore
Unite for the Africans abroad, unite for the Africans a yard
Africa, Unite

A ray of hope for Uganda

In Uganda thousands of people have been killed and more than a million people displaced from thier homes in a war that has lasted for more than two decades. The war is between the Lord Resistance Army and the Ugandan government. The war began as a result of a group of people from the north who felt they were exploited by another group of people who reside in the south. This sentiment was heigtened as a result of the current president, Yoweri Museveni 's sucessful coup which was backed by southern supporters in 1986. The Lord Resistance Army was formed by a man named Joseph Kofi who claimed to be a spiritual messenger fighting for the marginalized people of the north. Sadly, the army has terrorized locals utilizing the most brutal methods on thier victims. One of the tragic circumstance of this war is the use of child soldiers by the LRA. These are children abducted from different places and forced to kill. Abducted females have been victims of sexual abuse as well.

Good news #1: The use of child soldiers has dwindled. The U.S state department recently urged Joseph Kofi to sign a peace deal. There has also been demand from the international court that Kofi be indicted for war crimes. Those involved in the peace process are waiting for Kofi to sign this deal even though he is currently giving the excuse that he needs to know how the international community intends to indict him before he signs. Kofi's signature is a big step to ending a reckless war that has lasted far too long. The sooner the war is over, the sooner the victims can move on with thier lives. One of my main concerns are the child soldiers who have been psychologically and emotionally scarred by the atrocities they were forced to witness and in many cases, forced to commit. Africa's future depends on the well being of her children for they are the leaders of tomorrow.

Good news #2: People are making a difference in the lives of some of these children by placing them in centers that provide psychological counselling. To learn more about the efforts being made to re-integrate former child soldiers into society, please visit:
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/uganda_40339.html It is obvious a lot of work still needs to be done but a step in the right direction is a good step.

Also to learn more about the war in Uganda, the efforts being made to end it and what you can do to help please visit: http://www.resolveuganda.org/

Even a simple act like raising awareness can make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters-and children. We can all be freedom fighters on this one.

Thoughts On Africa's Healthcare

Even though I consider myself a citizen of the world, I have a special affinity towards Africa as my homeland. When looking for a sentence to describe Africa, I consider WEB Dubois's words: "Africa is at once the most romantic and most tragic of continents." Africa boasts the best wildlife, landscapes and incredibly spirited people than any place I can think of...yet wars, diseases,economic oppression and corruption dominates this continent like a constant shadow.
Africa is the second largest continent in the world and the most populous continent with about 900 million people. It is the birth place of civilization. Yet in modern Africa lack of clean water, malnutrition, basic healthcare needs and underequiped hospitals is the norm. Human conflicts occurring in the region only threaten to make the situation worse. Then of course there is HIV, which is a major problem in Africa. We may not all agree with the statistics (personally, I am not one to get carried away with statistics) but only a delusional person will fail to see that it is one of the major health crises plaguing the continent. Millions of children have been left orphaned from the disease. And then of course there is the issue of economic inequality-where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
I have so many dreams for Africa. I would like to see the proletariat become empowered and take responsibility for themselves and thier communities. I would like to see Africans demand change from governments in respective countries without fear. I would like to see the healthcare system revitalized in such a way that the average person can afford basic necessities from clean water to medication to cure malaria, tuberclusis and other diseases. I would like to see a healthy, prosperous and spiritually empowered Africa.
I sincerely believe that unless Africa is revived the world cannot be fully transformed into a planet of peace, love and equality for all. This is because there are just way too many people at stake.
I am an eternal optimist (as well) and do believe that Africa will be transformed. However the occasion and level of transformation depends on us all.

Buildings & Landscapes

African Spirituality For the New Age

Chiisim otherwise known as Godianism is a movement that aims to express African traditional spirituality in its purest form. African spirituality is what sustained our culture for thousands of years. We were able to build great ancient civilizations based on this spirituality. Sadly, after the arrival of Christianity, we were taught that all African religions are paganist. This was due to the fact that the Europeans did not understand our spirituality. Sadly, many of us have been brainwashed to think this way as well. But with knowledge of ourselves, which begins with knowledge of our spiritual heritage, we can be freed by the truth of who we really are.

Godianism spreads the message of love and oneness. It does not discriminate or divide. It seeks to enhance all life. The following words are part of the introduction to the Godianism website.

"It will be a refreshing and exciting experience if a person can go to India and feel free to worship in the liturgical variety of either Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism or Jainism; or to China or Japan and feel free to share the liturgical variety of Confucianism, Taoism or Shintoism; and the liturgical variety of Islam and Christianity in Mecca or Rome; while in Africa you experience the traditional coordinating concept of Chiism, without any prejudice or rancor. With precepts--rational, positive, constructive and objective as these, Chiism is a useful agency for unity promotion and the mobilization of the masses of humanity for harmonious civilization everywhere on earth. We call on all peace loving religions to preach these new lights from Chiism from their pulpits, so that a great new spiritual civilization would be established among the masses of humanity everywhere on earth."

For more information please visit http://www.godianism.com/

Who Was Afra?

Some of you will wonder how I contrived the name Afra-motherland and upon discovering how will wonder who in the world Afra is. Afra is an ascended master from whom the name "Africa" is said to have been inspired by. An ascended master is a spiritual being who once lived on earth and upon transcending the material realm into the spirit world attained the position of an ascended master. Examples of ascended masters are Moses, Jesus, Mary and many of the popular saints and mystics in world religions such as Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. Isn't it refreshing to know that there are some ascended masters and saints who were black? Growing up in a catholic household I was surrounded by images of saints and mystics of european descents. Later, I encountered others from middle eastern and asian descent. I admired each of them but often wondered why there were no black faces depicted.
Afra is believed to have been the first ascended master from Africa. He lived 500,000years ago at a time when a great African civilization was at the bringe of destruction. Pure spiritual practices of that time were being polluted by black magic, voodoo and the likes. He came to save his people and to teach them the importance of being united for the intrusion of these negative practices were beginning to divide them. I believe that many of our African brothers and sisters have ascended. We just have to seek them out to find them. To read more about Afra please visit: http://www.tsl.org/Masters/afra_set.html
Again it is important to be open minded when reading this. Many of us who are from Christian or Muslim backgrounds have no problem believing in the existence of Adam and Eve. Some of us even take the bible literally. If we can do this, should it then be difficult for us to believe the story of Afra?

Additional note: In writing the above, I do not expect or necessarily encourage anyone to believe in an ascended master named Afra. Nor am I attempting to spread or preach a new religion or movement. The most important thing is the concept and what he represents, and not whether he existed or not. For me and many others he represents the existence of great African saints and mystics. These are the beings that spiritual minded people should seek (in my opinion) to assist them in the upliftment of the motherland.

Fela Kuti/Hero & Prophet

Out of Africa have risen several Prophets. By Prophets I mean people who were unafraid to speak for the oppressed. They had no fear for the establishment and in some cases, were willing to die for thier convictions. When we think of Prophets our minds go to Biblical heros like Elijah, Moses and even Jesus. However, in my opinion, Prophets appear in different guises and not always in the mold of organized religion. Our Prophets have been (and are) Politicians, Musicians and ordinary men and women who were able to see a positive vision for Africa and mobilize the rest of us to do the same. Some of them were destroyed because of their unwillingness to surrender their convictions while others passed away too soon. Yet there are many still living, silently fighting and speaking up against injustice.

One of our heros/prophets is a musician and Afrobeat pioneer. His name is Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Fela sang about the corrupt and oppressive regimes of his home country, Nigeria but even by listening to his lyrics you will observe that he was a pan-africanist. He gained popularity in the 70's until his sudden death in 1997 by AIDS. He was only 58 years old. Fela was often beaten and jailed by the police for speaking against injustice. That however, did not deter him. Fela is greatly missed by millions of fans in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. He affected Africans and non-Africans alike with his music and his vision for a better life for all. Below is one of my favorite songs by him. It is titled, "U be Thief" and I dedicate it to all the corrupt leaders that are still ravaging Africa till date.
May your soul rest in peace freedom fighter!