Libations: Homage To Our Ancestors Who Paved The Way For US.

In his book titled ” Wretched of the Earth”

Frantz Fanon one of Africa’s well-known psychiatrist, philosopher,post-colonialist says “Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it…”

The questions that Fanon raises for us former colonized and neo-colonized black around the world/ African people today are:

1. What is our collective purpose, our vision for our country and the entire continent of Africa/ he diaspora?

2. As individuals how are we contributing to our nation building?

3. Who inspires us?

4. Are we willing to sacrifice our time, resources to achieve our goals, collectively and individually?

5. Are we ready and willing to embrace our differences ( religion: African Traditional Religion, Christianity, Isalm, class: rich, poor, middle class, ethnic: Yotti/ Bali, Tigrinya, Edo, Twi, wolof education: formal, non-formal ) in order to accomplish our goals?

6. In our romantic relationships and or marriages are we building an african conscious family or are we simply following other peoples’ culture, as a result fueling self hate in our children?

Those who came before us ( our ancestors) many of them did their part, they served humanity to the best of their knowledge and abilities. They did not live off their parents/ family name or their ethnic (tribal) name but instead they drew strength, inspiration from them and others who held to truth as a rule. This short pan-African ( people from Africa and people of African descent in the diaspora) have shown us that we have nothing to lose but everything to win if we work individually and collectively; they showed us that we can accomplish all that we wished.

Our ancestors used their talents and gifts to solve their communities’ pressing needs. This generation of Africans/ blacks must look at our communities and ask what is most needed and then we use our individual talents, education, wo/man power,wealth etc to help out.This need could mean a young boy or girl in our community needs someone to help him/her with assignment, or an old lady needs company or youth needs something to do with their free time ( start a program that could benefit them) or our neighbor got laid offer from him/her job offer a helping hand etc This means we should make it a point in helping our communities instead of waiting on missionaries from overseas to send us donations- handouts, foreign aid from United Nations etc as former president of Burkina Faso ,Thomas Sankara said “he who feeds you controls you” inorder for Africans to have complete independence and self worth in this world, they/we must work collectively and individually to achieve that goal. Constant begging from foreigners is only going to continue keeping Africans in subjugated position in the world.

But we have to get off our high horses, kill the pride that is eating us up by humbling ourselves for the sake of humankind and our people in Africa and abroad. I pay homage to my ancestors for sacrificing so much on my and our behalf because of Truth ( Gaskiya) as it was reflected in their respective careers and they died with truth on their lips.That is why they are relevant even in death….

Truth Roll Call ( Short Edition):

1.Saint Kimpa Vita ( Priestess, fought for Christianity that speaks to African needs, not a version of European Christianity she is from Congo) . More on Vita

2. Yaa Asantewaa ( Command/ liberation Leader from Ghana)- she led the people of Ghana in a battle to resist European slavery and colonizations.more on Asantewaa

3. Kaka Chio ( Grandmama from Nigeria) she was an Africana Womanist from the village of Yotti Nigeria, who believed women could do both house and field work. She was a good example of working woman. One of my personal role model.

4. John Henrik Clarke ( Historian-Pan-Africanist.. he is African- American )

5. Patrice Lumumba (First prime minister-pan-Africanist from Congo)

6 Thomas Sankara ( President of Burkina Faso, Pan-Africanist-Anti-colonialism)
picture of Sankara ( L) wife ( R) and children ( middle).

7. Malcom X ( Human Rights Activities- Nation of Islam minister- Pan-Africanist–African-American)

8. Kwame Nkrumah ( Godfather of Africa-Pan-Africanist, President from Ghana) see…prof_kwamenkrumah.html

9. Rt. Rev. Dr. Donny Dabale ( Nurse, Teacher, farmer, first bishop of the United Methodist Church from Nigeria ) see more ..gbgm102199dabalebm.html

10. Maria Steward ( First woman in U.S History to speak about women’s plight, first feminist- she is African-American)

11. Steve Biko ( Liberation-Student leader-Anti-apartheid activist from South Africa)

12. Kwambana Damuah ( Scholar-Theologian-pushed for coexist of African Traditional Religions and monotheistic religions from Ghana)

13. J. Kambarage Nyerere ( Pan-Africanist- President from Tanzania )

14. Miriam Makeba ( Pan-Africanist-Anti-Apartheid- Musician from South Africa)

15. Dr. Cheikh Anta Diop ( Egyptologist, anthropologist, historian, physicist, politician,Sociologist, pan-Africanist from Senegal )

16.Zora Neale Hurston ( Writer- she is African-American )

17. Fela Kuti ( Pan-Africanist-musician from Nigeria)

18. Marcus Garvey ( Pan-Africanist-activists from Jamaica)

19. George Padmore (Pan-Africanist from Trinidad)

20. Nzinga Mbande aka Ana de Sousa Nzinga Mbande ( Queen from Angola)

21. Paul Robeson ( Lawyer, human rights activist, musician, actor).

inspired to live up your dreams as you help contribute to the African continent stop, stop…

Here are few examples:

1. “Fomba Trawally is a Liberian, former refugee in Ivory Coast who had to drop out of school inorder to support his siblings. With the help of his Ivorian friend who gave him a loan, he started his small business, now it grew so much that the company is one of the biggest in Liberia” In the future he hopes to start a manufacturing company in Liberia so that he can start exporting to other countries within Africa and beyond…Trawally former refugee who made it in Liberia

© bbc

2. Ikal Angelei, Kenyan environmentalist, fighting to stop the building of a dam that would destroyed the livelihood of the fishermen/ women, and their source of income. Angelei is the founder of the group “Friends of Lake Turkana (FoLT)”.
see more on : ikal-angelei

3. Joy Wanjiku is a Kenyan who realized that the elderly in her community were being abandoned for that reason she started an organization where she goes in with volunteers help them clean up and anything else they might need. Joyce Wanjiku Kairu Caring for senior citizens

4. P-Square is a band of Nigerian twins- self made musicians who used what they had in Africa to make something out of their lives.They are positive role models to young people who would like to capitalize their talents.

6.Vérone Mankou is a 26 years old engineer from Congo-Brazzaville, he invented the first homegrown computer on the continent currently his computers are on sales, please see the link: Congo-Brazzaville: Inventor Puts African Tablet On Sale

7. Deborah Ahenkorah is a 24 years old Ghanaian who started a project promoting -encouraging Africans to write children books because their is power in self- defining, opened children’s library in Ghana and she also awards the best author in a yearly competition …..

8.Kassi is an artist from Ivory Coast, he uses his work to depict the story of his society, specifically paying homage to full figured women in Africa. See more of his work here….Kassi celebrates big ladies…

Black is Beautiful.

These images debunk stereotypes about black people especially women, they give us a glimpse into the deep beautiful bones of women of African descent, African women, blacks across the globe ( Pan-African). I hope you enjoy them and be inspired to imitate some of their natural hair styles, head wraps/ties and generally their Afro-centric fashion.

What these women taught us is that you can wear your roots, Africaness in a sophisticated manner, so don’t believe the internalized taught self-hate, colonized, slave mentality that it is backwards, not formal to look ” african” be it with our natural hair, in our beautiful African fabrics and head wraps/ ties. You can be African in the office, at the club, on the streets, at the farm, at school etc most of the women attached are everyday people working and impacting the world in their respective careers, so you can do it. Black is beautiful therefore you have no reason to be ashamed of who you are. Enjoy!

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Nse Ikpe Etim

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Please note: I don’t have copyrights to these images.

Help to Bring Justice for Late Trayvon Martin: African Immigrants in America Racial Murder Doesn’t Wait to Hear Your “Nice” Accent …

Above: Trayvon Martin’s killer George Zimmerman (L) and Trayvon Martin (R)

If you are black you are Trayvon Martin therefore let us work together to fight racist views about black people and make sure the killer of Trayvon Martin is persecuted. “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor” Elder Desmond Tutu

What can you do?

1. Know the story- a 17 years old African-American boy Trayvon Martin went out to get skittles (candy/sweet) and a drink (ice tea) in his father’s gated neighborhood store on his way back, a member of the neighborhood watcher claimed that Martin looked suspicious, hence he shot him like a dog and the police are yet to arrest the murderer

2. Take action by signing this petition Prosecute the killer of our son, 17-year-old Trayvon Martin my continental Africans in the diaspora you can say oh this is African-Americans problem, but as you know racial profiling/murder does’t wait to hear your “nice” accent remember 23 years old late Amadou Diallo from Guinea,West Africa who was shot 41 times by 4 officers all because they suspected he was armed. If you are black in America it doesn’t matter ..my white/brown/etc associates esp those of you that believe in “one world” this is your chance to show Martin and thousand other black boys/men that you believe your words- solidarity!

3. Stop encouraging racist system that oppresses black people criminalizing black boys even before they are born.

For additional material in this case :

1.Witnesses in Trayvon Martin death heard cries before shot

2.

3. Trayvon Martin: 15 facts you need to know about case of teen shot in Sanford, Florida

4.The 411 On Trayvon Martin's Killer George Zimmerman (DETAILS)

5. Trayvon Martin's girlfriend tells prosecutors about their call the night he died

6.Trayvon Martin Final Moments Captured During Phone Call With Teenage Girl

7. Witnesses describe Florida teen shooting

8.

9.What Trayvon Martin and Troy Davis Are Telling Us From the Grave

10.

11. Join the protest….if you are in the New York area.

12.Trayvon Martin's parents attending Million Hoodie March

13. Fight by attending talks on racism to expand your mind on the topic, sign petitions, speak out when your friends endorse racists behavior/comment, join protesters on the streets, do what you can in your power so that your/our black children don’t have to question……

14.Trayvon Martin, White Denial and the Unacceptable Burden of Blackness in America

15.Black men and women need to stand up for Black boys and girls like Trayvon Martin

16.Trayvon Martin Case: Timeline of Events

17.A Letter to my Future Son

18.

19. Stand for what is right at all cost….

20. The Bullet Next Door: An Open Letter To My Unborn, Black Boy

21. "Walking While Black: The Killing of Trayvon Martin." By Amy Goodman

22.Bill Lee, Sanford Police Chief, Steps Down Temporarily Over Trayvon Martin Case

23.
Quoting Brother Jasiri X “the message of [ young brother Trayvon's murder] is that only white life is protected in America”..

24.

Similar stories of racial murder in America’s recent past…

TRAYVON MARTIN IS BUT ONE OF MANY VICTIMS HUNTED FOR NO OTHER REASON BUT BEING BLACK AND MALE

25.Shooting Death of Dane Scott Jr. by Police: Another Trayvon Martin Type Coverup?

26.Trayvon Martin Case: Frank Taaffe, Friend Of George Zimmerman, Defends Shooter

27.Zimmerman, One-Man Lynch Mob, Intended To Kill Trayvon All Along

28. Obama on Trayvon Martin: ‘If I had a son, he’d look

29.Geraldo Rivera’s Idiotic Rant: ‘Trayvon’s Hoodie Is As Responsible for His Death as George Zimmerman’

30.Why black people don't trust the police

31.If Trayvon’s Mother Were White, Would Obama Give Her a Call?

32.Dwyane Wade speaks out on shooting death of Trayvon Martin

33.Tyrese Gibson expresses his views on the death of Trayvon Martin

34.Trayvon's Killing And The Tyranny Of GUNS

35.Trayvon Martin's Death Puts Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' Law Under New Scrutiny

36.Witness: Zimmerman 'never … tried to help' Trayvon Martin

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38. Dover Kent County Residents Protest Killing of Travon Martin in Florida

39.Sinead O’Connor Goes In On Trayvon Martin, Hip-Hop and The Black Community

40.Thousands expected in Sanford on 1 month anniversary of Trayvon Martin's death

41. Will Smith on Trayvon…..

42. Malinda Williams on Trayvon (March 21) she included the picture below with comment:

“Fear erodes, destroys, cripples, disrupts, paralyzes and ultimately kills. I need us to NEVER forget!!!”

43. The Heat's hoodies as change agent

44.LeBron James’ reaction to tragic killing of Trayvon Martin shows his growth

"In this image posted to Miami Heat basketball player LeBron James' Twitter page, Miami Heat players wear team hoodies. Heat stars Dwyane Wade and James decided, Thursday, March 22, 2012, to make their reactions about the Trayvon Martin situation public, and James felt the best way to do that was the team photo with everyone wearing hoodies. Martin, an unarmed black teenager wearing a hooded sweat shirt, was shot to death on Feb. 26, 2012, in Sanford, Fla. by a neighborhood crime-watch volunteer."

43.The New Black Panther Party is offering a reward for the capture of George Zimmerman in the Trayvon Martin case.

44.Trayvon Martin's parents say the police are trying to kill their son's reputation by bringing up claims he was suspended.

45.New claims cast Trayvon Martin as the aggressor

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47.Geraldo Rivera apologizes for comments

48.George Zimmerman, Son of a Retired Judge, Has 3 Closed Arrests

49.Craig Sonner, George Zimmerman's Lawyer, Reportedly Flees Lawrence O'Donnell Interview

50.You Won't Believe UT's Daily Texan Trayvon Martin Cartoon (UPDATED)

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52.In Case You Missed It: George Zimmerman’s “Friend” Joe Oliver exposed as a fraud (videos)

53.Subtle racism and racial profiling in the age of Obama

54. Global solidarity for Trayvon…an Iraqi girl’s prospective

55.Trayvon Martin Video Shows No Blood or Bruises on George Zimmerman

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57.NBC News anchors, correspondents and contributors discuss the feelings that Trayvon's death sparked

58.New Orleans officer resigns after Trayvon comments

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60.White Christians Sleep While Young Black Men Die

61. Spike Lee 300 Tweets on Trayvon Martin….

62.African American-Celebrity Reactions to Trayvon Martin Tragedy

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64.Poll on Trayvon Martin case shows racial divide

65.White People, You Will Never Look Suspicious Like Trayvon Martin! by Michael Skolnik

66.Pew poll: Majority of Republicans, whites think there's too much Trayvon coverage

67.Black anchors on msnbc reflect on Trayvon's case

68.29 Black People Have Been Killed by Police/Security Since Jan 2012: 16 Since Trayvon

69.Armed Neo-Nazis Now Patrolling Sanford, Say They Are "Prepared" For Post-Trayvon Martin Violence

70.Playing the Violence Card

71.‘Long Live Zimmerman’ Painted On Ohio State’s Black Cultural Center

72. 2Face Idibia Conscious Nigerian Musician Pays Tribute To Trayvon

73. Trayvon Martin killing: UN human rights chief calls for investigation

74.Racial slur on Mich. road sign targets Trayvon Martin

75.Special Prosecutor Won't Take Trayvon Martin Killing to Grand Jury

76.BREAKING: George Zimmerman Launches Website, Features Vandalized Black Cultural Center

77.Zimmerman's lawyers withdraw from Trayvon Martin case

47010429#47010429

78.Teacher Fired For Organizing A Fundraiser For Trayvon Martin

79.George Zimmerman to be charged in Trayvon Martin shooting, official says

80. The subjectivity of slacktivism

81. Trayvon's Mother: 'I Believe It Was An Accident'

82.Zimmerman charged with 2nd degree murder

83.George Zimmerman makes first appearance in Florida court

84.Trayvon Martin's mom retracts 'accident' characterization, says Zimmerman killed him in 'cold blood'

85."Zimmerman Confronted Martin" Court Affidavit Released! (DETAILS)

86.Trayvon Martin's father says he warned son about stereotypes

87.Martin judge may have conflict of interest

88.Miami Firefighter’s Facebook Post Blames Trayvon Martin Situations on ‘Sh*tbag Parents’

89.Zimmerman wants to Apologize to Trayvon Martin’s Family

90.Association of Black Anthropologists (ABA)..,,,NAACP statement on Trayvon case

91.‘I Am Sorry,’ Zimmerman Says as Bail Is Set at $150,000

92.George Zimmerman released on bond

93.George Zimmerman Bail Reverses All Hard Work Done for Trayvon Martin

94.LESSONS ON RACE FROM GEORGE ZIMMERMAN by Matthew McKnight

95. SUDDENLY GEORGE ZIMMERMAN HAS BLACK ROOTS AND $200K FROM WEBSITE NO ONE KNEW ABOUT

Women of African Descent Leading and Impacting The World : A Pan-African Collection

Unknown farmer in Ghana,she represents millions of faceless women that do back breaking work everyday to make life much easier for people in Africa and around the world. I dedicate this entry to all the voiceless women. I give thanks for their lives, may the forces grant them their hearts wishes.

©BOB PIXEL PHOTOGRAPHY

Captain Amsale Gualu Endegnanew first ethiopian female captain,she was awarded and earned the position year and half ago. Ethiopia

©Ethiopian Airlines

Magatte Wade- entrepreneur- business woman owner of Adina World Beverages company that uses traditional recipe of her home country to make hibiscus juice,she now provides jobs for the jobless esp. women. Wade’s company is internationally known presently they are in business with countries such as Indonesia, India, Ethiopia, U.S.A and Guatemala. Her home country is Senegal

©Magatte-Wade

Clenora Hudson-Weems, professor and theorist of Africana Womanism ( calling for unity between African people male and female world-wide, she believes when this happens people of African descent would be able to uplift themselves from global white-supremacy). U.S.A

© Clenora Hudson-Weems

Unoma Azuah is a professor, poet and a writer on issues affecting africa today such as anti-gay laws, immigration etc. Her home country is Nigeria

©Unoma Azuah

Lauryn Hill is a conscious singer-she empowers people with her clever, uplifting lyrics. Some of the themes she covers in her music are sex, relationships, knowledge of self and she is a promoter of African/African-American culture. U.S.A

©Lauryn Hill

Affiong L. Affiong is a public speaker, organiser, cultural ambassador, broadcaster, pan-africanist fulltime activist that travels around the world speaking about Africa’s potential to use its wealth effectively by suggesting ways the continent could uproot those things that are keeping its underdeveloped. Affiong also tries to bring together continental Africans and diasporans to form a united front by doing that Africans-people of African descent across the globe have no other alternative but to become powerful again. Along side her travelings she co-founded Moyo Pan Afrikan Solidarity Centre where Africans of different nationality could hold events and share with each other and Moyo wa Taifa a PanAfrican Women’s Network to help build relationship between African women on the continent and in the diaspora they have office for both organizations in London and Accra Ghana. she has been appointed by presidents to head discussions and African cultural events. Her home country is Nigeira-Ghana

© Affiong L. Affiong

Tracy Chapman is a singer-story teller she speaks against racial injustices. U.S.A

©Tracy chapman

Patience Ozokwor aka Mama G is a known award- winning actress in Nigeria, she also worked with other countries such as Malawi, and Kenya. Besides acting she has dedicated her time to giving back to the community even though she is already a mother she adopted about six under-provided children.Her home country is Nigeria

©Patience Ozokwo

Marina Silva came from a poor family of 11 children, she worked as a maid and learned to read and write at age 16. Silva worked her way up in life despite all the odds, she is a famous environmentalist, former senator and cabinet minster from the Amazon. She is presently a presidential candidate for Green Party. Her country is Brazil

© Marina Silva

Erykah Badu is a doula she helps women deliver their babies naturally in a safe, comfortable environment. Budu is also a conscious singer who promotes African/African-culture, U.S.A

© Erykah Badu

Dr. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast in Ghana. She has a PhD in literature and three honorary doctorates.. one of her important research is on African resistance to the trans-atlantic slave trade she visited communities whose side of the story has been missing in history books. In order to share her knowledge with the world and specifically amongst people of African descent her university partnered with Winston-Salem State University (WSSU ) in North Carolina, U.S.A and she travelled to many countries giving talks on her projects. She is from Ghana.

©Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

Angela Bassett is an actress that uses her craft to empower minorities across the globe. U.S.A

©Angela bassett

Portia Simpson Miller is the first female prime minister of Jamaica vowed to make her country a republic free from outside control, recently she declared that Jamaica will be removing the Queen of England as the country’s head of state. Jamaica

©Portia Simpson Miller

Thandiswa Mazwai is a conscious singer, she promotes African culture so don’t be surprised to hear her during concert chanting in her mother tongue. Mazwai is also a Pan-Africanist and anti-xenophobia. South African

©MTN South African Music Awards

Dr. Yaba Blay is a professor and researcher on gender relations in Africa and in the diaspora, white-supremacy, coloriism, skin bleaching, beauty politics, and black popular culture. Blay’s work is important because there are only few scholars working in this area esp regarding skin bleaching that is rampant amongst people of African descent. Ghana

© Yaba Blay

Agatha Achindu is from cameroon after she gave birth to her son and realized that the food that major food industry in America serve are not good for babies, with the support of her loving husband she gave up her six figure job and started her own company “Yummy Spoonfuls” rated number one amongst parents across the board, she uses her home country recipe and makes sure that her food is organic.

© Agatha Achindu

Zezé Motta is a famous award winning actress after realizing that there are few Afro-Brazilians presence in media she decided to open a “clearinghouse” her effort is making a huge impact in Brazilian film industry as we speak, making it impossible for “white” Brazilians to make excuses that they “can’t find black actors/ actresses”. Her home country is Brazil.

© Zezé Motta

Bianca Brasdorp opens the first and only all female hostel in the Netherlands.She is Surinamese.

©Bianca Brasdorp

Simphiwe Dana promotes education for all esp.girls and a soul singer. South Africa.

© Simphiwe Dana

Cynthia McKinney is a former U.S Congresswoman she has been on the frontline speaking against injustice practices in America specifically towards black and muslim communities, in addition she and her team have been fighting against Western (NATO) imperialists actions in Libya, Ivory Coast and the entire continent. U.S.A

© Cynthia McKinney

Dambisa Moyo is a renowned economist internationally and an author on issues related to macroeconomy and global affairs.Her goal is to help African countries find a better approach to being economically Independent in that way they wouldn’t have to rely on foreign aid from donors. Zambia

© Dambisa Moyo

Samia Nkrumah is the National Chairperson of CPP and Pan-Africanists. As a leader she reaches out to isolated communities in Ghana providing them with basic necessities of life: schools, hospitals, road etc. She also encourages Africans to unite in that way they could build stronger continent that serves the needs of her people. Ghana

©Samia Nkrumah

Jill Scott is a conscious singer always feeding her fans with positive messages, she is at the frontline promoting African-American culture. Some of her themes are marriage, love, religion etc. U.S.A

©Bennett Raglin

Dr. Musa W.Dube is a biblical scholar, post-colonial intellectual besides doing her academic writings and teaching she dedicates her time and energy to being part of the dialog in finding better approach to caring for those infected with HIV and AIDS individually and collectively. Dube believes inorder to eradicate HIV and AIDS in Africa everyone must be part of the discussion therefore she developed a curriculum that could help schools, religious organizations use healthy and humane methods to dealing with the disease instead of blaming the infected persons. Her home country is Botswana

© Musa W.Dube

Oumou Sangaré, world-music artist she sings on gender relations encourage men and women to work together in building Africa. Mali

Penny Lebyane is a journalist and talk show host at Motswako. Lebyane uses her show as a safe platform where black women either rich or poor could voice out their views, share their talents and worries with the rest of the world. South Africa

©Penny Lebyane

Dr. Mae Jemison is the first African-American astronaut to travel to space and she has been elected to lead a team to space this will make her the first woman to do so. U.S.A

© Mae Jemison

Nneka is a conscious Nigerian musician her work is a mixture of afro beat, reggae, afropop, hip pop, neo-soul. She sings on issues affecting her country, the continent of Africa, and diasporans, such as shell oil company exploitation-corruption in the Niger Delta region, abuse on women, corruption in the Nigerian government, racism against black people, youth sense of hopelessness due to lack of job, lack of empowerment from adults in the community etc.

Esi Cleland is a fashion designer and co-owner of AfroChic clothing line. She believes that africans should clothe themselves instead of depending on foreign companies. What makes Cleland’s business method commendable is that she and her partner lunched one of the first online store in Ghana in that way others within Ghana could buy at their convenience purchased clothes are delivered at customers door steps and of course the rest of the world could have easy access to buying authentic made in Africa product. Ghana

Labelle Deesse jr is a fourth generation Vodun/ Voodoo priestesses,a public educator on Vodun. Labelle’s mission is to debunk stereotypes about African Traditional Religions, introduce the world to the beauty of her religion that is practiced by millions across the globe and to protest against discrimination towards followers. Haiti

©Labelle Deesse jr

Angelique kidjo singer and promoter of African culture, Benin

© Angelique kidjo

Nikyatu Jusu is a filmmaker whose work touches on issues related to diasporans and continental relationship, African customs etc. Sierra Leone.

©Nikyatu Jusu

Funmi Iyanda is a journalist who makes the effort to report on marginalized people in Nigeria, she dedicated her life to serving people at the margins for that reason she refused a job offer with America’s CNN.A mother of a teenager, who also adopted 98 children that she pays for their schools feeds etc. Iyanda’s home country is Nigeria.

© bella naija

Research Shows “beerbelly,” “Potbelly” is Dangerous to your Health

Alcohol recipe to taking you 6 feet under.

“Beerbelly”/ “Potbelly”

I came from a community in the global south where fat is seen as a sign of “good living” and beauty. When a person says to another ( male or female), “you are growing fat” it is considered highest form of compliment, so I understand cultural sensibility. However, when a person gains weight in an unhealthy manner it is paramount that we encourage evaluation.

Recent research shows that people that drink alcohol in large amount are pointing themselves in serious health situation. The symptom of this health risk can be seen amongst men with big stomach known amongst continental africans as “beer belly” and or “pot belly”. These men often look like they are 9 months pregnant while others praise them for looking “good” it is proven that they are at risk of “heart disease, stroke,type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea,high blood pressure” see Dangers Faced By Men with a Potbelly This is because they are taking in a lot of empty calories and fat that don’t add nutritious value to their body.

What is the way forward?

Below are two suggestions for a start:

a. Reduce your alcohol intake, less is not always a bad thing.

b. Also if you eat food that contains a lot of oil try and cut it to smaller serving.

2.
a. You are not too strong to jog simply walk long distance, like this 70 year old elder. ©2012 Ellen Isaacs

b. If you are young jog use your energy to positive and healthy things.

Short Reflection on Bishop Long’s “King Long” coronation ceremony at New Birth Church.

"King Long"

“King Long lifted Up”

When we don’t know who we are black people, we will fall for anything….

a. African-American history did not start with slavery and America, that is like saying Jews history started with the Holocaust..

b. Bishop Long seeking validation from anywhere-everywhere to redeem himself after what might have happened ( sexual relations with boys who trusted and believed in him…)

c. The origin of Christianity goes beyond Judaism

d. many black people seemly follow blindly because they don’t know any better this is a result of oppression via white-supremacy, blacks in America would listen to anyone from the “community” who seems to have a remedy for their plight. This point of view from the margins is similar to the situation on the African continent regarding women’s oppression amongst Christians and Muslims leaders. African women have been/ going through subjugation under their male leaders who use their “holy books” to justify their actions but most of those women don’t question their spiritual leader’s authority, they follow orders because they are tired of being abused and many times they lack proper formal and informal education to enable them to revolt against such oppression…

what is the way forward?

Answer: start with knowledge of self!

Bishop Long and his wife

Two boys (men) that accused Bishop of having sexual rationals with them, for years.

Sexually Charged pictures bishop Long’s sent to his accusers.

Below is a link on the ceremony

Additional link for further reading

1. Bishop Eddie Long is crowned 'king in God's government'

2.Two of Eddie Long’s Accusers Detail Relationships with Bishop

3.One of Bishop Long's Accusers Speaks Out

4. Eddie Long accusers break silence on relationships with embattled bishop

“Knowledge is Power”, Power is knowledge of self, Watch “Black Power Mixtape”

“The Black Power Mixtape” a documentary that is creating a lot of buzz” interview conducted by honorary sister Amy Goodman of “Democracy Now” at

“the Sundance Film Festival, the nation’s largest festival for independent cinema… The film features rare archival footage shot between 1967 and 1975 by two Swedish journalists and was discovered in the basement of Swedish public television 30 years later. [She speaks with ] renowned actor and activist Danny Glover, who co-produced The Black Power Mixtape”.

This documentary shows the vital roles played by Angela Davis, Kwame Ture, Eldridge Cleaver and others durning the black power movement how they put their lives on the line fighting for the rights of black people (African-Americans) in the United States of America.

"The Black Power Mixtape"–Danny Glover Discusses New Doc Featuring Rare Archival Footage of Angela Davis, Huey P. Newton, Stokely Carmichael

snapshot of the documentary

Black Children White Dolls, White Culture: Internalized Taught Self-Hate Manifest.

I would say, it is the failure of father, mother and our (black) community as a whole. Continental Africans and diasporans contribute in fueling internalized taught self-hate in our community:

1. We perm our little girls’ hair

2. We bleach our babies’ skin

3. We buy them toys that are not empowering to their development

4. We don’t teach them our native language, like Zulu, Twi, Bali, we say “English, French is enough to take you places, don’t worry about backwards african languages”.

5. We give them names after our colonializers and enslavers . E.g Abubakar, Livingstone, Halimah, Napoleon, Maria etc

6. We don’t encourage them anymore to take a time out from technology to go out and play with their mates outside

7. We buy them expensive phones, shoes, even when they can barely spell their name or say thank you

8. We let them sit around and order housemaids ( “house boy/ girl”) instead of teaching them about individual and community responsibilities and respect to those that serve them

etc etc….

What is the way forward?? Let us start undoing and doing the opposite, following the lead of those parents that are proud to be themselves. Here are few picture examples( Copyright to those that took them, not my property)

1. Black Girls taking a walk….friendship.

2.Happy Black Baby with her natural hair.

3. Black Baby Boy Reading.

4. Black Baby Being A Princess That She Is with her natural hair.

5. Black Baby Boy playing with a doll that looks just like him,self-love starts at an early age.

6. Baby Girls Being themselves in their natural stage, embracing their blackness.

7. Happy Black Baby Boy.

8. A Happy black Baby Girl With A doll That Looks Like Her.

cute black baby with a doll that looks like her

9.Happy and cute black boy

10. Black and happy baby boy in his natural dark skin.

11. Little Black Girl wearing her natural hair.

12. Black boy aspiring to become the greatest….environmentalist

13. Little black boy with a puppy

14. Little black girl wearing her natural hair.

15. Black boy playing with his handmade toy.

16. Black girls sharing a laugh

When we don’t undo the internalized taught self-hate in our community, the impact will destroy our children’s self esteem leading through out their adult life. Below is a short video directed by a young black girl ( African-American), it gives a wonderful picture of the effects of internalized taught self-hate. She got the idea from the original test conducted in 1940s by Dr. Kenneth B. Clark and Mamie Phipps Clark ( see their picture below copyright to the person that took it.)

Dr. Kenneth B. Clark and Dr. Mamie P. Clark the originators of the doll test ...

” A Girl Like Me” Directed by Kiri Davis and Produced by Reel Works Teen Filmmaking

Black Boy picked a white doll during testing…Dr.Kenneth B. Clark standing on his left.

link to look at Anderson Cooper describes "Kids on Race: The Hidden Picture

Those With Strong Racial Identity Are Happier Than Others

What Racism does to African-American women (black people) in the United States of America.

The video above explains the disparities of infant mortality between blacks and Whites. Here is the summary as researched by gynecologist Dr. Michael Lu:

A. White Women with college education, per thousand (1000) birth = four (4) death.

B. African-American ( black) women with college education and above as white women, per thousand (1000) birth = ten ( 10) death.

C.Educated African-American ( black) women for example lawyers, professors, accountants, physicians, have higher infant death rate than whites and Hispanics without high school/ secondary certificate.

Now even when the children are born, many times they are delivered prematurely or with disorder. Neonatologists Dr. James Collins and Dr. Richard David examined, why is it that many African- American children often are born smaller, premature, than white Children. Below they provide us with findings that complement Dr. Lu’s research.

Prior to this research, suggestions have been made that the reason why many African-Americans have infant mortality and premature birth were:

1. Lack of Education

2. Poverty

3. Careless life style

However, both research have shown that, in fact those hypothesis were generally faulty. The major element in infant mortality and premature birth amongst African-Americans ( blacks) boils down to “collective racism” or institutional racism. Since the arrival of Africans on the slave ships, they have been labeled by white Europeans/Americans as sub-human and that their bodies were only good to serve. Through out American history, Africans who today are called African-Americans had to deal with discrimination in almost every aspect of their lives, from their traditional religions to their bodies to their language to their accent to their intellect etc. Today, somethings have changed because African-Americans had to fight for their basic human rights in America. However, the legacy of racism ( white-supremacy) is still present in American governmental structure in their schools, hospitals, churches which in many ways contribute to the stress and health issues that the two videos above explain.

What is the way forward

1. Personal Care, before you are with child as suggested by Dr. Lu and I agree completely. ( take care of your body, eat heathy, dress well to feel good about your self, do things that generally make you happy etc)

2. Surround yourself with positive people who love and respect you (embrace those who truly love and wish you best….)

3. Shun bad belle people ( run away from racists)

4. Partners/husbands should offer more help to their pregnant women, don’t allow them to work too hard, adding to their stress.

5. African-Americans collectively in every field, walks of life- should continue to speak out against racism, thus far it has been the best move.

6. Always remember, your ancestors have gone through hell yet they fought to paved the way for you. And you are not alone, because as Africans, we believe that our ancestors are in constant participation with the physical. Remember, “Africans don’t die but multiple”, invoke their names to come to your aid. They have done it even before their was any religion on earth and they will not abandon you now!

7. And finally, I think this quote from Milton Allimadi is great for us all to digest…..

“When you’re faced with serious challenges, obstacles, decisions, put things in perspective, then think about how your personal hero would have dealt with it. Your mother…. your father… Malcolm X, [Kimpa Vita ] Dr. King, FannieLou Hamer, Nehanda the warrior, Sojourner Truth, Tchaka, Biko, Robeson, Toussaint, Lumumba, Mandela, Kwame Ture…….then make your personal wise decision….and move on knowing your challenges pale in comparison to challenges that have been met in the past….”

Reasons Why White Women Prefer Black Men…..

Strong black man or strong sex object?

Are black men feeding into their objectification by white women?

Top 5 reasons  why white women  ”love” black men:

1. “Rhythm in Bed”
( They said black men give them good sex…one person pointed out that, her white ex-partner was a 5 minutes man.)

2. “The skin”
( apparently black  skin on white is “lovely” it feels great on white skin…)

3. “Treat them right”
( That black men treat them right and give them respect )

4. “Confidence”
(  That black men carry themselves with grace , they have grand presence)

5. “They are healthy “
(  That black men take  good care of their skin, they shower  etc)

The audience in the attached youtube I think is one of the most  honest and respectful  I have listened to in a while. Many times, this topic becomes so heated to the extent that you don’t get the opportunity to hear what folks are talking about.

Heidi Klum says, Seal has a big cock....

Questions that this topic raises:

1. As it relates to reason # 3  white women claim that black men treat them right and give them respect. Are black women missing something because most of the cries I hear from  them is about how, black men are disrespectful and treat them like shit. So if white women generally are claiming that black men treat them with respect, is it safe to  say that black men consider white women more valuable than black women? Or we could say,  some black men internalized self-hate, that they don’t see their black counterpart as equals to whites.

2. Are black men only good for sex? Because 99% of the white women in the clip agreed that black men scored high in sex.

3. Are these claims  by white women relevant today?

4.  Are white women and black men in interracial relationship promoting racist- white supremacists stereotype about black men? Limiting them to  sex objects with no intellect to create and lead ….

For further reflections…

see the link below…”Rent A Rasta/Dread”  a documentary that highlights how some white women, would travel overseas to predominately black countries for sex toursim. One could say, they are again, perpetuating the belief that black men are highly sexual compare to their white counterparts. Limiting black men to sex.

also  see Seal’s response on his German wife’s ( Heide Klum ) comment about his big cock.

and lastly but not limited to…see an article by Susan Crain Bakos, \” A White Woman Explains Why she Prefers Black Men……\”

Quoting Bakos,

“Black men have more energy, style and edge than white men. They know how to flirt, a nearly lost art among the rest of us. A black man is so damned sexy because he knows how to make a woman feel sexy….

Black men have something white guys don’t have anymore: confidence in their masculinity, their sexuality. They clearly know they’re men. White men appear to be waiting for the latest sociological research study to let them know if they are men or not. Yet black men are gentlemen, something else white men no longer are. They make me feel like a woman, both respected and desired. I can let go of my inhibitions, my need to control, when I am with them. How many white men can treat a woman like a lady and ravish her too?”

note: The first picture is from womanist mustings and the second one is from google.com…