Times of turmoil in any nation unite people in different ways. In the United States, the African American community has recently begun coming together to combat police brutality and racial profiling. Those who are a part of the black community in the United States understand how wonderful it is to come together with their own people to target a serious issue. Several African American leaders and role models come forward every day to target these issues. But as the black community unites to fight these problems, many are often left wondering where other leaders of African descent are. Where are the other nations and why have they not
But as the black community unites to fight these problems, many are often left wondering where other leaders of African descent are. Where are the other nations and why have they not leant the United States their support? In searching for their words, I was also astounded to see that not many African Americans are lending their voices to problems happening in Africa and other nations with large African populations. There is so much division amongst these communities and not many solutions that benefit the living conditions of any of us. This leaves one simple question: Why?
While searching for the answer to this question, African Americans must first be forced to confront their own preconceived notions about other nations. On any given day, positive news about African nations is rarely seen. Any news published deals with violence, disease, or both. Unless an article is posted about a disease epidemic (Ebola, AIDS, or Zika) or a shot of impoverished looking children is run, there is virtually no news about the people we share ancestors with and the achievements they are making. Africa has a population of over 1 billion people, there has to be good coming out of these countries in many ways. African Americans need to begin acknowledging it and supporting it, as they are exposed to our media more than we are exposed to theirs.
Africans in other nations are not blameless in this matter as well as they also do not contribute much to closing the gaps that exist among black people. Researcher Teresa H. Clarke stated in her lecture “The Diaspora Divide” that there is much prejudice against African Americans when they travel to other African nations. This creates yet another gap between the people.
All of this is counterproductive as people of African descent are all facing the same issues around the world. Black people have been systematically oppressed across the world for centuries, and skin complexion has been used to keep the people in poverty and separated for years. Complexion, origin, and religion should no longer matter in a world as connected as ours.
People should be aware that Africa is one of the largest continents and is the continent richest with valuable natural resources. Africa also has the 2nd largest population. It doesn’t make sense that this region has one of the smallest geopolitical voices in the 21st century. Looking back on the continent, before globalization took place, it housed some of the richest and most powerful empires known to history. Kingdoms like the Mali empire controlled extremely large territories and obtained wealth that rivaled that of the Roman and Ottoman empires. King Mansa Musa I, an African man, was the richest man in history. After colonization, these empires and the legacy they left were destroyed. Separation of people of African descent only continues that cycle of destruction. While black people can regain the past, it is time to focus on reclaiming the future.
While searching for examples of people who have done much work break the cycle and bridge the gap, Oprah Winfrey is a wonderful person to examine. Winfrey has done much work with women in Africa by using her wealth to build schools in the continent to uplift struggling economic systems. She has also formed a bond with the women of the Zulu tribe which allowed her to gain a connection back to the continent her ancestors were born in. By giving back, she was able to gain as well. That is the mentality that will move black people forward.
People of African descent have to start targeting the larger issues in the Africa Diaspora and stop separating themselves. African women leave an average wealth of $5 to their children when they pass. Why? Brazil has the 2nd largest population of black people in the world. 50% of their population is of African descent. Why haven’t any of those men and women held the presidency in that nation? In the US, black people only make up 13% of the population, but 35% of the prisoners. Why? And why are black people from all countries letting trivial issues such as skin color blind them from the bigger issues? It is time to wake up and demand answers and resolutions to these questions. Together.
