14 hours ago
Showing posts with label african history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label african history. Show all posts
Sunday, February 6, 2011
bob marley day!
today marks what would have been the 65th birthday of robert nesta marley. a visionary and a messenger, the impact of his music in my life is almost impossible to describe. i just don't remember my life without him.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
let freedom reign: nelson mandela
today marks 20 years since the release of Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years of his life as a political prisoner.
i clearly remember watching his release on television on a cold winter morning, and writing about it in my little journal, which was ordinarily filled with angst-ridden pre-teen non-drama. after years of participating in anti-apartheid protests with my parents and their friends (my first taste of activism), i knew i was witnessing a moment that would forever impact the continent, and the world.
"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires."
if you have not already, read about his epic journey in Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom.'
and 'When Mandela Turned Down Freedom' via Khaya Dlanga.
i clearly remember watching his release on television on a cold winter morning, and writing about it in my little journal, which was ordinarily filled with angst-ridden pre-teen non-drama. after years of participating in anti-apartheid protests with my parents and their friends (my first taste of activism), i knew i was witnessing a moment that would forever impact the continent, and the world.
"There is no easy walk to freedom anywhere, and many of us will have to pass through the valley of the shadow of death again and again before we reach the mountaintop of our desires.""Let freedom reign. The sun never set on so glorious a human achievement."
--Nelson Mandela
--Nelson Mandela
if you have not already, read about his epic journey in Mandela's 'Long Walk to Freedom.'
and 'When Mandela Turned Down Freedom' via Khaya Dlanga.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
youth day: 33 years since Soweto
today marks 33 years since the Soweto uprising, when high school students protested against Apartheid and Bantu Education. police responded to the protests with tear gas and bullets, killing hundreds in the process. today, we remember and honor those who risked and lost their lives fighting against injustice.
Monday, May 25, 2009
africa day
today we commemorate the anniversary of the creation of the Organization of African Unity in 1963 and the beginning of a long and hard struggle...for liberation and, ultimately, for unity. the struggle continues.
happy africa day!
happy africa day!
unite for the benefit of [our] people
unite, for it's later than you think.
Monday, April 13, 2009
lift every voice: never again
east african musicians collaborate on 'never again'--written and recorded in commemoration of the Genocide, sung in the various languages of the region.
aerial footage of the commemoration ceremony
never again.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
on the pirates
the events taking place in the Gulf of Aden over the past couple of days have ignited interest in and sparked debate about Somali pirates.
first, it must be acknowledged that their actions are clearly in breach of international law. the issue, however, is how did this happen? how, in this day and age, is piracy thriving? why does the world seem helpless in terms of how to address this matter, politically and legally? i will not attempt to answer these questions, here...i just want to raise them. in situations like this, it is often easy to gloss over the underlying issues and concentrate on the headlines. mainstream media outlets have relied, as per usual, on sensationalizing or glossing over the facts, choosing to focus on the most recent hostage-taking situation, without delving deeper to examine the history and root causes of this phenomenon.
the UN Special Envoy to Somalia has confirmed that there is indeed 'reliable information' that European and Asian ships have been using the Gulf as a dumping ground, for years, without being held to account. when questioned as to whether this dumping has been officially sanctioned, he maintained that 'no government has endorsed this act, and that private companies and individuals acting alone are responsible.'
even the hip-hop world has gotten involved: people have been chiming in on twitter, particularly after an interview on Shade 45 featuring K'naan, in which he attempted to explain the context of modern-day piracy in Somalia, briefly shedding light on a history of Western ships dumping toxic waste--including nuclear waste--into the Gulf, which has resulted in destruction of the coastline and in the potential poisoning of the people.
the question therefore arises: who are these pirates? are they essentially sea-borne extensions of the warlords, terrorizing the seas purely for financial gain or are they freedom fighters, forced to take desperate measures to defend the territorial integrity of a country the rest of the world has given up on?
regardless of my personal opinion on the matter, i've chosen to focus on offering context because that is what is often missing in cases like this. i think the majority of the information that is being widely circulated is simply not telling the full story. i decided, therefore, to offer a glimpse of this debate, from various points of view, from both Somalis and non-Somalis.
background information on the topic, including analysis can be found in Johann Hari's 'You're Being Lied to About Pirates and in Daniele Archibugi and Marina Chiarugi's excellent analysis, 'Piracy Challenges Global Governance'.
and below are various opinions on the issue:
first, it must be acknowledged that their actions are clearly in breach of international law. the issue, however, is how did this happen? how, in this day and age, is piracy thriving? why does the world seem helpless in terms of how to address this matter, politically and legally? i will not attempt to answer these questions, here...i just want to raise them. in situations like this, it is often easy to gloss over the underlying issues and concentrate on the headlines. mainstream media outlets have relied, as per usual, on sensationalizing or glossing over the facts, choosing to focus on the most recent hostage-taking situation, without delving deeper to examine the history and root causes of this phenomenon.
the UN Special Envoy to Somalia has confirmed that there is indeed 'reliable information' that European and Asian ships have been using the Gulf as a dumping ground, for years, without being held to account. when questioned as to whether this dumping has been officially sanctioned, he maintained that 'no government has endorsed this act, and that private companies and individuals acting alone are responsible.'
even the hip-hop world has gotten involved: people have been chiming in on twitter, particularly after an interview on Shade 45 featuring K'naan, in which he attempted to explain the context of modern-day piracy in Somalia, briefly shedding light on a history of Western ships dumping toxic waste--including nuclear waste--into the Gulf, which has resulted in destruction of the coastline and in the potential poisoning of the people.
the question therefore arises: who are these pirates? are they essentially sea-borne extensions of the warlords, terrorizing the seas purely for financial gain or are they freedom fighters, forced to take desperate measures to defend the territorial integrity of a country the rest of the world has given up on?
regardless of my personal opinion on the matter, i've chosen to focus on offering context because that is what is often missing in cases like this. i think the majority of the information that is being widely circulated is simply not telling the full story. i decided, therefore, to offer a glimpse of this debate, from various points of view, from both Somalis and non-Somalis.
background information on the topic, including analysis can be found in Johann Hari's 'You're Being Lied to About Pirates and in Daniele Archibugi and Marina Chiarugi's excellent analysis, 'Piracy Challenges Global Governance'.
and below are various opinions on the issue:
excerpt from K'naan interview with HardKnock TV
ongoing debate between friends and colleagues on facebook:
Zaynab at 4:50pm April 10
This issue of so called 'Somali Piracy' has been deeply troubling me lately. Is there such a thing as Somali Pirates? I don't think so. This is another American led Western invention to justify an invasion/occupation of Somalia. Americans still remember 1992 and their Black Hawk Dawn! These armed men were created by a specific political vacuum that... Read More we all know about and I do recognise it is a major problem. But they certainly cannot be labelled ‘pirates’. According to Sheeko Magazine, these 'pirates' see themselves more like the guards of the Somali cost which is being pillaged by the real pirates; Europeans, Americans, Russians…etc who have no business to be anywhere near Somalia. I am sure of one thing; the Americans, who set up a massive base in Djibouti after 911, are exhausting the resources in the Red sea, especially the fish while our people are dying of hunger. Let’s not be fooled by the Massas and their propaganda machines.
This issue of so called 'Somali Piracy' has been deeply troubling me lately. Is there such a thing as Somali Pirates? I don't think so. This is another American led Western invention to justify an invasion/occupation of Somalia. Americans still remember 1992 and their Black Hawk Dawn! These armed men were created by a specific political vacuum that... Read More we all know about and I do recognise it is a major problem. But they certainly cannot be labelled ‘pirates’. According to Sheeko Magazine, these 'pirates' see themselves more like the guards of the Somali cost which is being pillaged by the real pirates; Europeans, Americans, Russians…etc who have no business to be anywhere near Somalia. I am sure of one thing; the Americans, who set up a massive base in Djibouti after 911, are exhausting the resources in the Red sea, especially the fish while our people are dying of hunger. Let’s not be fooled by the Massas and their propaganda machines.
Mo
Hey Zeinab nice to hear from you...
I have to politely disagree with you on this one… I think blaming America for the piracy requires what Hillary Clintons once said a willing suspension of disbelieve.
Africans can’t continue to blame all what is wrong with our societies on someone else. What were they pirates guarding when they went into Kenyan waters and captured the Saudi oil tanker? Somalia unfortunately has become a hellish place, where Pirates, Warlords, and Religious zealots congregate… The silent majority better speak up and be counted before the little of what is left disappears.
I have to politely disagree with you on this one… I think blaming America for the piracy requires what Hillary Clintons once said a willing suspension of disbelieve.
Africans can’t continue to blame all what is wrong with our societies on someone else. What were they pirates guarding when they went into Kenyan waters and captured the Saudi oil tanker? Somalia unfortunately has become a hellish place, where Pirates, Warlords, and Religious zealots congregate… The silent majority better speak up and be counted before the little of what is left disappears.
Zaynab
Hey Yahya, good to hear from you too. Please dont get me wrong; I am not blaming ALL our problems on the devilish, Neo-imperialist American government. Although, if you truly deny or misunderstand their involvement in the destruction and destabilisation of the whole African continent, then you are deluding yourself. I do understand what are the issues we are facing and yes, I do know about the warlords and tribal divisions which are destroying our people. The hateful and greedy amongst us are very good in perpetrating our own oppression. But not everything is all negative e.g, the religious zealots that you blame brought peace on the street of Somalia to the relief of the majority. And it is only with peace that education and change can be fostered. Having said that, these so called pirates are a problem, but they are not pirates. What gives anyone the right to exploit Somalia and dispose of tons of nuclear waste on our shores just because there is no stability or government?
Figuring out what's wrong with our countries and having an opinion on the imperial West are two different things but often have an overlap and many of our problems are caused by interference, imperialism, colonialism, neo liberalism, etc, etc. I think the West should be bashed as often as possible because it is so hypocritical and self righteous. At the same time, yes, we have to move ahead and forge our own destiny. But I think a real, dignified destiny can only be forged by looking less and less towards the West.
I could not have said it better! Understanding our enemies and those who don’t wish us to unite and be in control of our resources is a crucial part of finding the solutions. The new rulers of the world are in for global dominance to secure their luxurious way of life and it is all about resources. Yet, resources are the one thing they do not dispose of as their lands are not blessed as African lands. But they are willing to get them by all means. And we should be focusing on how to mobilise our efforts to counter their Machiavellic plans and to ensure that our people are the biggest beneficiaries of our own resources. It is all about economic power and we must be at a more advantageous bargaining position. Without Venezuela, the US would not have any gas today.Therefore, Chavez can say what he likes about America and expel the Israeli ambassador with no remorse. What truly worries me is Africans looking up to the white man for salvation! We must shake this off!
If being deluded is not being conspiratorial then I am as guilty as charged. Excusing banditry and fanaticism for expediency sake is a mistake. Don’t let your hatred of America blind you about the nature of these people. Both the Pirates and the illiterate fanatics are curse to an already suffering people. As for the peace you are talking about, go tell that to the family of the young girl the fanatics stoned to death in Kismayu or the Sufi Somali that are being persecuted or maybe the hundereds of Somalis being killed in Mogadishu,I could go on but I am sure you get the point
I know you don’t subscribe to any of the ideology of these people, but I am wee bit worried that your vitriol dislike of uncle sam maybe influencing your assessment…
p.s I noticed you never answered my question about the Saudi ship captured in Kenya, or where they also guarding the Kenyan waters out of pan-African solidarity
I know you don’t subscribe to any of the ideology of these people, but I am wee bit worried that your vitriol dislike of uncle sam maybe influencing your assessment…
p.s I noticed you never answered my question about the Saudi ship captured in Kenya, or where they also guarding the Kenyan waters out of pan-African solidarity
Yahya, I heard you and I am not blinding myself about the ignorant minorities that are causing destruction. But you seem to be blinded from the complete truth and the bigger picture. So I respectfully disagree with you. And the Saudi ship is a useless little detail in the whole matter. Please please just check the following link http://livinginblack.ning.com/ and listen to the debate right now on there. And please check out what AFRICOM is truly about.
Mo
Farzana, I don’t subscribe as you are already aware, to the notion that west is our problem…If the Asian tigers and China were able to prosper why not the rest, why not the Islamic world? Self-determination is what our forefathers fought for in the Colonial Era, what they really meant to say was I want to replace the colonialist so I can behave just like the them. They failed our generation has to correct that but not by pining our problems on others.. The implication of your point of view that we are so powerless and that things are always done to us, I for one do not subscribe to such victimhood
Zaynab
You are misunderstanding me my dear brother. Never do I indulge myself in victimhood. But I will challenge any eurocentric views of what is wrong with Africa, even if it has a Black face...especially when it has a black face.
The Asian tigers were colonised by other Asian (e.g Japan) and these colonialists, unlike the Europeans, build all the necessary infrastructures for economic take off as they believed the progress of these countries will be their own progress. So, this is not a valid comparason.
The Asian tigers were colonised by other Asian (e.g Japan) and these colonialists, unlike the Europeans, build all the necessary infrastructures for economic take off as they believed the progress of these countries will be their own progress. So, this is not a valid comparason.
Farzana
We can't divide ourselves and say 'these' people are complete evil fanatics. Where do 'these' people come from? Islamic terrorism was created by the damn West to begin with to fight the Soviets. I really don't understand what is so victimhoody about acknowledging that.
Then there are are many other ideological terrorists who branched out to fight the West in general. Even then, there is not much difference between myself and that person given that many of 'terrorists' are your average, middle-class educated types.
'These' people are humans, too.
Repeat: Nothing 'victimhoody' about acknowledging what the US is doing.
Then there are are many other ideological terrorists who branched out to fight the West in general. Even then, there is not much difference between myself and that person given that many of 'terrorists' are your average, middle-class educated types.
'These' people are humans, too.
Repeat: Nothing 'victimhoody' about acknowledging what the US is doing.
Mo
I am asking for us to take some responsibility for our failed societies. I think with some probing the indicators will lead you to no where else but mostly to poverty of leadership, with largely a consenting society or indifferent one…I hope we will stand up and confront what is wrong with our societies rather than look for-- scapegoats….
...and the debate continues...
...and the debate continues...
Friday, March 6, 2009
inspired: celebrating africa
one of the loveliest discoveries i've made in a while: Celebrate Africa!
the project was started by two sisters, Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu:
having had enough of 'images of starving children, stories of corrupt politicians, famines, etc,' they decided to embark on a road trip around africa in an attempt to 'celebrate all that is beautiful on the continent from her peoples to her cultures, languages and religions.'
their mission is to: 'contribute to changing the negative image of Africa and encourage Africans and the world to begin to see the beauty in the continent [and to] promote a sense of identity and unity for Africa’s people.'
a noble mission indeed. rather than complain about the lack of positive images of africa in the media, these women are actually doing something about changing these images. about shedding light on the positive aspects of this struggling continent. in addition, they're giving back to the countries that host them throughout this journey.
they now intend to visit 22 countries in Africa, by road, over the period of 15 months. they intend to volunteer for non-profit organizations in each country, and will film their journey along the way.
for those who have never been to the continent, this is a beautiful introduction. for those of us who live here, it is a brilliant reminder.
all images (c) Chioma Young 2008
the project was started by two sisters, Chioma and Oluchi Ogwuegbu:
having had enough of 'images of starving children, stories of corrupt politicians, famines, etc,' they decided to embark on a road trip around africa in an attempt to 'celebrate all that is beautiful on the continent from her peoples to her cultures, languages and religions.'
their mission is to: 'contribute to changing the negative image of Africa and encourage Africans and the world to begin to see the beauty in the continent [and to] promote a sense of identity and unity for Africa’s people.'
a noble mission indeed. rather than complain about the lack of positive images of africa in the media, these women are actually doing something about changing these images. about shedding light on the positive aspects of this struggling continent. in addition, they're giving back to the countries that host them throughout this journey.they now intend to visit 22 countries in Africa, by road, over the period of 15 months. they intend to volunteer for non-profit organizations in each country, and will film their journey along the way.
you can follow their blog on their site and check out the photos, as well.
this is something i've always wanted to do, but never had the courage.
for those who have never been to the continent, this is a beautiful introduction. for those of us who live here, it is a brilliant reminder.
all images (c) Chioma Young 2008
 | Currently listening: The Dusty Foot Philosopher By: K'naan Release date: 2005-06-23 |
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
zimbabwe
i've been meaning to write about the predictable, yet nevertheless unbelievably shocking situation in Zimbabwe, but words have failed me. i never thought i'd see the day that a country that paved the road to liberation of this continent would be drowning in the very oppression they fought so hard against. yes, we saw this coming, really. Mugabe lost his damn mind years ago and the warning signs were everywhere. but i never thought it would get to this point.
i suppose, like Bob Marley said so long ago, we eventually find out who the true revolutionaries are. the oppressors have different faces, but the situation is essentially, for all intents and purposes, the same.
i suppose, like Bob Marley said so long ago, we eventually find out who the true revolutionaries are. the oppressors have different faces, but the situation is essentially, for all intents and purposes, the same.
Every man gotta right to decide his own destiny,
And in this judgement there is no partiality.
So arm in arms, with arms, we'll fight this little struggle,
'Cause that's the only way we can overcome our little trouble.
Brother, you're right, you're right,
You're right, you're right, you're so right!
We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll have to fight (we gon' fight),
We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fight for our rights!
Natty Dread it in-a (Zimbabwe);
Set it up in (Zimbabwe);
Mash it up-a in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate (Zimbabwe), yeah.
No more internal power struggle;
We come together to overcome the little trouble.
Soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionary,
'Cause I don't want my people to be contrary.
And, brother, you're right, you're right,
You're right, you're right, you're so right!
We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight)
We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!
Mash it up in-a (Zimbabwe);
Natty trash it in-a (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
I'n'I a-liberate Zimbabwe.
(Brother, you're right,) you're right,
You're right, you're right, you're so right!
We gon' fight (we gon' fight), we'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight),
We gonna fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!
To divide and rule could only tear us apart;
In everyman chest, mm - there beats a heart.
So soon we'll find out who is the real revolutionaries;
And I don't want my people to be tricked by mercenaries.
Brother, you're right, you're right,
You're right, you're right, you're so right!
We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), we gonna fight (we gon' fight),
We'll 'ave to fight (we gon' fight), fighting for our rights!
Natty trash it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Mash it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Natty dub it in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe).
Set it up in-a Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Africans a-liberate Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe);
Every man got a right to decide his own destiny.
Wednesday, November 1, 2006
it's come to this
Botha, the face of apartheid, is dead
Mail Foreign Desk Last updated at 12:46pm on 1st November 2006
South Africa's last hardline apartheid ruler died last night at the age of 90. PW Botha led the country for 11 years, first as prime minister and then as president, until he stepped down in 1989.
His death, at the Western Cape home he shared with his second wife Barbara, puts paid to any hope that he might stand trial for human rights abuses committed during his leadership.
His death, at the Western Cape home he shared with his second wife Barbara, puts paid to any hope that he might stand trial for human rights abuses committed during his leadership.
Botha had refused to testify before the post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission which was set up to investigate human rights abuses and force perpetrators to account for their actions. His ill health saved him from prosecution for non-cooperation.
However in a surprising twist, Nelson Mandela paid tribute to the former South African Preident who is remembered for doggedly refusing to release Mandela from prison for battling white rule.
"While to many Mr Botha will remain a symbol of apartheid, we also remember him for the steps he took to pave the way towards the eventual peacefully negotiated settlement in our country," Mandela said today.
Nicknamed 'The Great Crocodile', Mr Both was an abrasive and controversial figure. In his last interview, he dismissed the idea of a 'rainbow nation' in which all races could exist in harmony. He described the ANC-led government's policy of affirmative action to help disadvantaged blacks as a 'bad form of apartheid'.
A farmer's son from the Afrikaaner heartland of the Orange Free State, Botha first became active in politics in 1936 as an organiser for the National Party, aged 19. He won a seat in parliament in 1948.
As defence minister from 1966 to 1978 he managed to get round the international arms embargo and oversaw a massive increase in the defence budget.When he became prime minister in 1978 he embarked on a number of reforms, including bringing an end to the ban on inter-racial relationships. These limited measures were, however, seen merely as an attempt to assuage hostile world opinion and retain the white minority's monopoly on power. For many South Africans Botha will be remembered more for his brutal suppression of political opposition.
Human rights groups estimate that up to 30,000 people were held without trial during the repeated states of emergency he ordered between 1986 and 1989. He was ousted as National Party leader by FW de Klerk in September 1989. De Klerk went on to release ANC leader Nelson Mandela, who became South Africa's next - and first black - ruler.
________________________________________________________
my first reaction: *singing* ding, dong, the witch is dead/the wicked witch is deaaaaad!
second reaction: i really shouldn't rejoice, outwardly or otherwise, in ANYONE's death, should i.
third reaction: whatever. his time had come. and what's this bullshit "about the steps he took to pave the way towards the eventual peacefully negotiated settlement in [South Africa]"?? perhaps mandela is privy to information that i am not. cuz that smells like bullshit to me.
fourth and final reaction: why do these guys (mobutu, milosevic, botha) always die of natural causes before i get my chance to haul them into court for gross human rights violations!!??
Currently listening : Groove Theory
By Groove Theory
Wednesday, July 5, 2006
H.I.M
Exams! Finished! Finally!
This was over two weeks ago, but I haven't had internet access for ages (*waves sarcastically to Ethionet*), so this is the first chance I've gotten to write, or check my mail, or anything else. I have to admit, I have been suffering from serious internet withdrawal. I even got the damn shakes!
Anyway, I arrived in Addis Ababa a little over two weeks ago (one of the many places my nomadic family calls home), and for the first week, I did absolutely nothing. Except watch a whole hell of a lot of television and sleep which I think everyone is entitled to do on the first week of vacation. During this week, I discovered, rather alarmingly, how easy it is to get addicted to nonsensical reality shows on MTV (8th and Ocean--follows the misadventures of 8 hot models trying to make it in Miami!! My Sweet Sixteen--follows the misadventures of disgustingly wealthy children who throw crude, lavish birthday parties that cost enough to feed, clothe, and provide medication for a small country!! Laguna Beach--follows the misadventures of 8 hot, non-model, disgustingly wealthy children whose combined allowances are equivalent to the cost of feeding a small country and who...um...live near a beach!!!). I also discovered that Tyra Banks really likes to take off her make up and show us "the real [her]", and that Oprah is getting on my last frayed nerve. But that's another entry for another time.
Once I finally got out of the house and choked on the fresh air, I began taking walks with my mother every morning around our area of town. The city is growing at such an incredible rate because so many people from abroad have come home to invest. In five years, Addis will look completely different. It's always exciting being somewhere where things are happening, where people are building, where you can see real growth. But what strikes me most about this country, is the people. The people are incredibly beautiful, inside and out (however cheesy that may sound). It's well known that Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized. What I had never noticed before, however, is how the nature of the people here reflects this fact. The legacy of colonialism is not restricted to our socio-economic-political systems, but it remains within us. Although each country's story is different, colonialism has had a significant impact on the spirit of the people that were colonized, and on their descendants. Some 40 years later, my generation is still battling the legacy of colonialism, sometimes overwhelmed by how to deal with the remnants of years of foreign rule that successfully divided and conquered our people. Coming from Rwanda, where this legacy eventually resulted in the horrific events of 1994, the effects of colonialism are very real, and have essentially succeeded in destroying a people that were once united by a common history and vision. Colonialists not only ensured that we knew and accepted that we were lesser beings than they, but they also ensured our society was divided such that--within our own people--we developed superiority and inferiority complexes that have lasted for generations. As with many other African states, the people have not lost their pride and sense of self, despite all of this. Our spirits, however, have been shattered to a certain extent. The people of Ethiopia, on the other hand, have never considered themselves inferior to anyone. When the Italians invaded in the 1920s, they fought back with everything they had and ran them out. When the Italians successfully took power in the 1936, sending Emperor Selassie into exile, resistance was immediate and continuous for five years. Those who led the resistance movement are referred to as Patriots, and they continuously battled Italian rule losing thousands of people in the process until they had returned the Emporer to power in 1941. Today, those patriots are buried in the graveyard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, which was built by Emporer Selassie, and in which he himself is buried. The spirit of these people, the spirit of resistance has contributed to an Ethiopian self-image that is incredibly proud and unwavering, and--quite frankly--awe-inspiring.
This past weekend, my family went on a museum tour that was essentially a crash course in Ethiopian history, which is so rich and so well documented. This tour wound up at the University Museum, which is located at the Institute for Ethiopian Studies at the University of Addis Ababa. The building itself is the former palace of Haile Selassie who donated the building to the University in the 1950s, and as we were taking the tour, we turned the corner and were suddenly in his bedroom. I don't know how to accurately describe what it felt to be standing there. The room itself is very simple, with a bed, chair, desk, wardrobe, and a small statute of the Lion of Judah in the corner. There was nothing incredible or out of the ordinary about the room. But it was nevertheless, an incredible experience.
I know that Selassie made many mistakes during his reign, particularly in the latter years. He was, like any other, flawed and his leadership had its shortcomings. During his reign, parts of this country were engulfed in famine for many years, for example. But the man was, for the most part, a great leader. An inspiration not only to Ethiopians, but to all Africans. I stood for a long time at his desk, staring at his writing pad, and noting the remnants of ink from the inkwell, and imagining him sitting there, writing the speech he gave to the League of Nations in Geneva in 1936, following Italys invasion. And even though it was historically inaccurate, I also allowed myself to imagine him sitting at that desk, composing the legendary war speech, which he made to the United Nations in 1963. The sources of my admiration for Selassie as a man and as a leader are not only the words of those speeches, but the spirit contained therein. And this spirit of courage and resistance and pride is not contained to this one man. Rather, he was a reflection and a product of the rich heritage and defiant spirit of the Ethiopian people. This is their legacy. And I stood there in awe, speechless for the first time in ages, as one would be in the presence of greatness.
I know that right now, African people continue to battle the legacy of colonialism, and we are forever trying to forge an identity that is not tainted by this history. I'm sure we'll get there someday. And when we do, we'll be able to produce great, fearless leaders (not rulers), who will be a reflection of their people.
Excerpt from Haile Selassie I's address to the United Nations in 1963 on Peace:
Currently listening : Exodus
By Bob Marley and the Wailers
This was over two weeks ago, but I haven't had internet access for ages (*waves sarcastically to Ethionet*), so this is the first chance I've gotten to write, or check my mail, or anything else. I have to admit, I have been suffering from serious internet withdrawal. I even got the damn shakes!
Anyway, I arrived in Addis Ababa a little over two weeks ago (one of the many places my nomadic family calls home), and for the first week, I did absolutely nothing. Except watch a whole hell of a lot of television and sleep which I think everyone is entitled to do on the first week of vacation. During this week, I discovered, rather alarmingly, how easy it is to get addicted to nonsensical reality shows on MTV (8th and Ocean--follows the misadventures of 8 hot models trying to make it in Miami!! My Sweet Sixteen--follows the misadventures of disgustingly wealthy children who throw crude, lavish birthday parties that cost enough to feed, clothe, and provide medication for a small country!! Laguna Beach--follows the misadventures of 8 hot, non-model, disgustingly wealthy children whose combined allowances are equivalent to the cost of feeding a small country and who...um...live near a beach!!!). I also discovered that Tyra Banks really likes to take off her make up and show us "the real [her]", and that Oprah is getting on my last frayed nerve. But that's another entry for another time.
Once I finally got out of the house and choked on the fresh air, I began taking walks with my mother every morning around our area of town. The city is growing at such an incredible rate because so many people from abroad have come home to invest. In five years, Addis will look completely different. It's always exciting being somewhere where things are happening, where people are building, where you can see real growth. But what strikes me most about this country, is the people. The people are incredibly beautiful, inside and out (however cheesy that may sound). It's well known that Ethiopia is the only African country that was never colonized. What I had never noticed before, however, is how the nature of the people here reflects this fact. The legacy of colonialism is not restricted to our socio-economic-political systems, but it remains within us. Although each country's story is different, colonialism has had a significant impact on the spirit of the people that were colonized, and on their descendants. Some 40 years later, my generation is still battling the legacy of colonialism, sometimes overwhelmed by how to deal with the remnants of years of foreign rule that successfully divided and conquered our people. Coming from Rwanda, where this legacy eventually resulted in the horrific events of 1994, the effects of colonialism are very real, and have essentially succeeded in destroying a people that were once united by a common history and vision. Colonialists not only ensured that we knew and accepted that we were lesser beings than they, but they also ensured our society was divided such that--within our own people--we developed superiority and inferiority complexes that have lasted for generations. As with many other African states, the people have not lost their pride and sense of self, despite all of this. Our spirits, however, have been shattered to a certain extent. The people of Ethiopia, on the other hand, have never considered themselves inferior to anyone. When the Italians invaded in the 1920s, they fought back with everything they had and ran them out. When the Italians successfully took power in the 1936, sending Emperor Selassie into exile, resistance was immediate and continuous for five years. Those who led the resistance movement are referred to as Patriots, and they continuously battled Italian rule losing thousands of people in the process until they had returned the Emporer to power in 1941. Today, those patriots are buried in the graveyard of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Addis Ababa, which was built by Emporer Selassie, and in which he himself is buried. The spirit of these people, the spirit of resistance has contributed to an Ethiopian self-image that is incredibly proud and unwavering, and--quite frankly--awe-inspiring.
This past weekend, my family went on a museum tour that was essentially a crash course in Ethiopian history, which is so rich and so well documented. This tour wound up at the University Museum, which is located at the Institute for Ethiopian Studies at the University of Addis Ababa. The building itself is the former palace of Haile Selassie who donated the building to the University in the 1950s, and as we were taking the tour, we turned the corner and were suddenly in his bedroom. I don't know how to accurately describe what it felt to be standing there. The room itself is very simple, with a bed, chair, desk, wardrobe, and a small statute of the Lion of Judah in the corner. There was nothing incredible or out of the ordinary about the room. But it was nevertheless, an incredible experience.
I know that Selassie made many mistakes during his reign, particularly in the latter years. He was, like any other, flawed and his leadership had its shortcomings. During his reign, parts of this country were engulfed in famine for many years, for example. But the man was, for the most part, a great leader. An inspiration not only to Ethiopians, but to all Africans. I stood for a long time at his desk, staring at his writing pad, and noting the remnants of ink from the inkwell, and imagining him sitting there, writing the speech he gave to the League of Nations in Geneva in 1936, following Italys invasion. And even though it was historically inaccurate, I also allowed myself to imagine him sitting at that desk, composing the legendary war speech, which he made to the United Nations in 1963. The sources of my admiration for Selassie as a man and as a leader are not only the words of those speeches, but the spirit contained therein. And this spirit of courage and resistance and pride is not contained to this one man. Rather, he was a reflection and a product of the rich heritage and defiant spirit of the Ethiopian people. This is their legacy. And I stood there in awe, speechless for the first time in ages, as one would be in the presence of greatness.
I know that right now, African people continue to battle the legacy of colonialism, and we are forever trying to forge an identity that is not tainted by this history. I'm sure we'll get there someday. And when we do, we'll be able to produce great, fearless leaders (not rulers), who will be a reflection of their people.
Excerpt from Haile Selassie I's address to the United Nations in 1963 on Peace:
That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another
inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man's skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman
bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.
Currently listening : Exodus
By Bob Marley and the Wailers
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