Proud of your African Heritage

[abaici]

Originally posted by TheWriter
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.

Good post.

But this part sticks out and supports my stance. In African countries you have hundreds of languages (we won't even start with the differences among Francophone and Anglophone countries). Also, you have the religion barrier. For alot of people, religion supercedes nationalism. For instance in Nigeria, you have indigenious religion, Christianity, and Islam. Christians and Muslims have not reconciled their differences in all these years. It seems unrealistic to assume that nationalism will outweigh religion and traditions that accompany it. Also, let's consider the bad relations that have existed amongst various culture groups/countries. I think of Eritrea and Ethiopia.

The problems are VERY complex.

[TheWriter]

I agree. The problems in Africa are complex. We have problems in the U.S. also that can't be fixed in a few months also (HIV/AIDS in the Black community).

Anyway, let's not dwell on the negative. I am happy that this topic is at least a public topic( even if it is on the net ). Although I may sound like an after school special, lol, but we have to work on improving today for a better tomorrow.

[The Original Ape]

To start a fire, you need a spark.

Believe it or not, I'm a realist; but I'm a hopeful realist. The problems of Africa ARE a multitude of complexities; but I think work should begin NOW, and WE (African- Americans)should be willing and prepared to help whenever they ask for it.

As for proud, again, I am. I posted this question because I see many African-americans that aren't proud of their African heritage. I can't think of any other culture that suffers from this type of self-hatred. I wanted feedback on this topic from those of you that post here regularly.

[abaici]

Originally posted by The Original Ape
To start a fire, you need a spark.

Believe it or not, I'm a realist; but I'm a hopeful realist. The problems of Africa ARE a multitude of complexities; but I think work should begin NOW, and WE (African- Americans)should be willing and prepared to help whenever they ask for it.

As for proud, again, I am. I posted this question because I see many African-americans that aren't proud of their African heritage. I can't think of any other culture that suffers from this type of self-hatred. I wanted feedback on this topic from those of you that post here regularly.

Thank you for this topic Original Ape! It's helped me to start thinking about issues that I've placed on the backburner.

Many African Americans are ashamed of our roots in Africa. However, it's largely due to ignorance of the culture and people. It's difficult to be proud when you equate your history to slavery, betrayal, and poverty. What's to be proud of? However, there is no focus on the strength and industrious nature of our ancestors. When I taught, I made it a point to incorporate African heritage in my curriculum. Not, an insert, but fully incorporate it. During the first week of class, I taught my students about the Akan concept of Sankofa (I taught history). Constant redirection when negative comments were made. Recommending books for them to read. Answering questions they had about our history.

[zkablueshadow]

I would like contribute my knowledege, wisdom and understanding concerning culture in the black world. I want to countinue the legacy of powerful proud and virtous african women. I believe that the only way to make the best stride foward is to know where you are coming from. Too many young folks are falling by the wayside because they have no knowledge or respect of their historic African past. The African homeland is a vast and beautiful place with 54 countries and thousands of languages and cultures which are impossible for one to relate to all or even one of those cultures when we have been separated from them for so many centuries. Yet in this day and age unknowingly we have retained many of the africanisms our fore fathers and mothers brought with them as slaves. However hard it is to relate, it is important that we know and accept that this is an important if not crucial part of our past. For if we deny our roots we deny ourselves and are forever lost in babylon without a language or a culture to connect with.

[The Original Ape]

Originally posted by zkablueshadow
I would like contribute my knowledege, wisdom and understanding concerning culture in the black world. I want to countinue the legacy of powerful proud and virtous african women. I believe that the only way to make the best stride foward is to know where you are coming from. Too many young folks are falling by the wayside because they have no knowledge or respect of their historic African past. The African homeland is a vast and beautiful place with 54 countries and thousands of languages and cultures which are impossible for one to relate to all or even one of those cultures when we have been separated from them for so many centuries. Yet in this day and age unknowingly we have retained many of the africanisms our fore fathers and mothers brought with them as slaves. However hard it is to relate, it is important that we know and accept that this is an important if not crucial part of our past. For if we deny our roots we deny ourselves and are forever lost in babylon without a language or a culture to connect with.

Good points. It's sad but alot of people shun their African Heritage. Some hide the fact; some don't. They're lost nevertheless.

Oh yeah; Jasha Blunt is my nephew. If you know him, tell him his uncle Tony said whut up! He wont know me as TOA.

[zkablueshadow]

If ur talking about Josha on the bball team, I do know him he's cool that kid has an awsome slam dunk.

will do.

[The Original Ape]

Originally posted by zkablueshadow
If ur talking about Josha on the bball team, I do know him he's cool that kid has an awsome slam dunk.

will do.

Yeah he does! His dad was a LORD OF DA COURT, so he got it honest. You should see his baby brother!

Don't forget to give him that message for me, aight? Thanks.

[BlackAdam06]

My dad's from Nigeria...do you really have to ask this brotha if i'm proud of my African Heritage?......

[hotsaucetran]

well im a proud of my Asian heritage and proud of my Alpha history and pham