Proud of your African Heritage

[The Original Ape]

Are you proud of your African Heritage? What role will you play in making history that we'll be proud of?

[AKA2D '91]

You first...

[The Original Ape]

Yes I am proud of my African heritage: from the architects of the great city of timbuktu, to Kofi Anan, leader of the United Nations. I am also extremely proud of current discussions to unite the continent into one nation.

I am but a bolt in a world of nuts; and I know what I must do to make the world a better place for my people. Currently I am an educator, molding the minds of students who will make history.

[abaici]

I am extremely proud of my African Heritage and the history of the continent of Africa.

I will take the knowledge I've acquired in my readings and studies to pass on to others.


Question 4 Original Ape: Do you think that it's possible to form more than a confederation, such as the OAU? I find it hard to imagine a single African nation.

[The Original Ape]

It is my prayer that Africa evolves into THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA, complete with a congress made up of elective representatives from each province/state, completely financed by the federalization of all precious diamonds, precious metals and minerals, and all of the items exported from the continent--including the oil of Nigeria. I know this will take time, but the sooner they begin this project, the better. The future of all black people depends on it.

[AKA2D '91]

Originally posted by The Original Ape
Are you proud of your African Heritage? What role will you play in making history that we'll be proud of?

Yes, I am proud. Why wouldn't I be proud of that heritage?

I don't know if "we'll" be proud of my legacy, but I hope to continue the legacy of strong females of African descent that I have come into contact with. Hopefully, as I "wait on God to fulfill my destiny" (Kindred), I will have positively affected the lifes of others, primarily AfAm females through my service professionally and personally. I hope that with their interaction with me directly or indirectly, they will too forge ahead and continue the lasting traditions of strength, integrity and a strong sense of self, (to mention a few) as they serve in all capacities. Then, through their service, can continue to pass the torch to the next generations that follow.

[abaici]

Originally posted by The Original Ape
It is my prayer that Africa evolves into THE UNITED STATES OF AFRICA, complete with a congress made up of elective representatives from each province/state, completely financed by the federalization of all precious diamonds, precious metals and minerals, and all of the items exported from the continent--including the oil of Nigeria. I know this will take time, but the sooner they begin this project, the better. The future of all black people depends on it.

But, they've tried before. What makes this time different?

[The Original Ape]

Originally posted by abaici
But, they've tried before. What makes this time different?

Because it's THE NEXT TIME-not the last time-that matters.
If they continue to see the value in it becoming a reality, then they would work harder to see it happen. Where there is hope, there is someone trying.
If it becomes a reality, most of Africa's problems can be eliminated in a matter of months. By federalizing all of the most valuable commodities, they would begin with an operating budget, so money wouldn't be a problem. Adopting a national language, and a national attitude of tolerance towards differences in religion is key to the success of the plan.

[Professor]

While I am certainly proud of those that helped create opportunities and make me what I am today, I wonder if the Brothers and Sisters of Africia are proud of Afro-Americians.

[The Original Ape]

Originally posted by Professor
While I am certainly proud of those that helped create opportunities and make me what I am today, I wonder if the Brothers and Sisters of Africia are proud of Afro-Americians.

Good question.

[PHAShriner/1906]

Hotep Brothers. I am very proud of my heritage more especially my genetic linkage by way of Mother AfriKa. I state such, because despite naysayers and critics of me I am still full of vigor, hopes, dreams, goals, and action. My action as one who has studied and practiced Martial Arts for over 25 years has caused for this here brother to be full of pride when I witness the growth and developement of my students along with any youngster through whom I can provide guidance. Witnessing my students progress through the ranks from a White Belt to a White Tip is an accomplishment for me as well. My pride for AfriKan heritage is tremendous and best reflected by the beauty that is often displayed but taken for granted. A couple of years ago I was in court with a client of mine who was every bit the epitome of being termed a "thug." The judge was ready to hand him a 20-25 piece for slinging, for my client was 17 and facing his six time being caught up on drug charges. I saw a BLACK QUEEN who was wearing a BLACK ROBE and w/a gavel and simply requested a side-bar. The judge accepted my request and upon conversing with her I explained to her my intention on getting my client on the right track. The judge was informed that I truly believed my client to be with promise and potential. My client was on track to graduate and had previously posted a 28 ACT score and 1260 SAT score as well and ranked no. 7 in his class of 230 students. For a typical but sadly inner-city academically dismal Chicago Public High School (HARPER HS) this is not to be taken slightly. He just needed guidance. Well, the beauty of the judge was shown by way of her being objective and willing to listen to this here brother. While in the chambers of the judge I noticed that she was a member of a BEAUTIFUL BLACK FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION FOUNDED BY BLACK WOMEN for the BETTERMENT of BLACK PEOPLE. The judge stated that she would dismiss my client's case under one condition. My client would need to attend a HBCU and GRADUATE. The judge threw in a sly remark that my client would need to join a BLACK FRATERNITY (guess which one). Four years later my client not only graduated College with honors and wasted no time telling this here brother how much he liked being in the South more especially the women of MS. He thanked me for helping him to obtain his education by way of a small HBCU in MS but made me scowl when he told me he was a proud SIGMA! In summary, the beauty of AFRIKAN heritage is that the AFRIKAN race is a GREAT RACE that is naturally supportive to bettering AFRIKAN PEOPLE. My help toward a young black male might be considered small in terms of comparison but I am ALWAYS filled with pride for I share something that CANNOT BE TAKEN AWAY...MY AFRIKAN HERITAGE!

[TheEpitome1920]

Good question. I am extremely proud of my African ancestry.

My contribution would be to continue to educate myself and others about the diversity of cultures within Africa. The continent is not monolithic. As Americans of African descent I think we are so quick to say "we know what's best" when we are ignorant of the issues that each individual country faces.

I would also encourage people to travel throughout Africa. I spent 3 months on the continent and it was the best time of my life and I hope to be able to go back.



GO SEE HOTEL RWANDA!!!

[The Original Ape]

Epitome,

I envy you and all others that were fortunate enough to visit Africa. I have friends from many of the countries there. One day I may be able to go.

[abaici]

Originally posted by The Original Ape
Because it's THE NEXT TIME-not the last time-that matters.
If they continue to see the value in it becoming a reality, then they would work harder to see it happen. Where there is hope, there is someone trying.
If it becomes a reality, most of Africa's problems can be eliminated in a matter of months. By federalizing all of the most valuable commodities, they would begin with an operating budget, so money wouldn't be a problem. Adopting a national language, and a national attitude of tolerance towards differences in religion is key to the success of the plan.

I hope I'm not turning this thread into something else. But, your comments are raising more questions in my mind. You mentioned Africa having a common language (I'll leave the religious tolerance alone). I WAS an extremely optimistic person. However, I'm a realist. I just don't see it happening.

And Professor, that's a great question. I'm sure that those who are educated about what we have accomplished in this country (our mere survival), are proud of us. However, I know their are some who hold negative attitudes towards us. But, I liken it to those African Americans who remain uneducated about the various cultures and contributions of people on the continent.

[TheWriter]

Originally posted by Professor
While I am certainly proud of those that helped create opportunities and make me what I am today, I wonder if the Brothers and Sisters of Africia are proud of Afro-Americians.

Yes, I believe that the Brothers and Sisters of Africa are proud of Afro-Americans. I am of Nigerian descent ( Born in the US, with Nigerian parents) and I truly proud of ALL African Americans (Regardless of if you were born in the Continent of Africa, the Caribbean, USA, Europe and other) who are setting a good example to the younger and current generations living today.

I think we alll need to learn more about the Continent and its rich history. Let's not leave out the history of our African Americans that shaped the United States of America(We would have a lot of traffic accidents if not a black person had not invented the traffic light). I still have a lot to learn myself.

I think we as Black people need to learn how to come together instead apart. I attended a majority white college in maryland and I remember the small amount of black that were at my school were separated by the african cliques, the caribbean cliques, the black people from the baltimore area and the black people from the metro dc area. That's sad.

Also, not to believe the images/stereotypes that are shown on television(or commonly heard). I meet people everyday that are SURPRISED that I am not muslim because I'm Nigerian (I'm actually Baptist).

I don't agree with statement that "most of Africa's problems can be eliminated in a matter of months". I don't think it's that easy. Most of the countries in Africa have gained their independence since 1960s ( ex. 1960 for Nigeria) and they are still having problems with their different religions and with the different states within each countries.

Personally, I believe that we STILL have a long way to go.