Page 23 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 18

Re-Education

reconstructing details from the past
that the colonizers were doing ev-
erything that they could to conceal
in order to maintain a deception
about the people of Afrika. Though
this has resulted in versions of
events that often seem bent on cre-
ating a whole new religion around
the Afrikan reality that has the same
flaws and challenges as any other
religion that has existed. In that,
these ‘divine melanated or car-
bonated beings’ are seemingly still
unable to resolve most of the basic
issues that the world is dealing with,
including just the basics of loving
one another as a people. Alternative-
ly, we end up with a situation where
every single Afrikan, or person of kill us); and to those who dared to many still attacking one another
Afrikan descent is said to either tell their children that they are here over issues that have no value in the
be a king or queen or the descen- because they belong, and they can long run… what difference does all
dant of one, while no one seems have a positive impact on society. of this supposedly important history
to remember that there were those All of these things are helpful in the of ours make? Tell me. Of what
who cooked the meals for the royal liberation of the Afrikan mind that use really is the Afrikan history if it
families or looked after their cattle. is so desperately needed so that we only serves as the ashes that remind
These claims are sometimes based can look to the past with renewed us that one upon a time a fire burnt
on a longing for a great identity; a understanding, to the present with in our hearts for achieving great
longing that comes from too many confidence and hope, and – using things? Of what use is the Afrikan
years of being told that one is un- wisdom, build a future from these history if all we have created out of
worthy, unable and descended from fresh perspectives. it is some wayward pride and insen-
filth. It is a tool that has been used sitivity to true issues, while making
for dealing with an unfortunate low But that is where we seem to keep excuses to blame others for how
self-esteem, but often not helpful getting stuck. The building of the badly they have treated the Afrikan
in actually facing the realities of the new thing that must be built in or- people, and how their treatment is
world around us today. And because der for Afrika to take her place and what is keeping Afrika down. The
it is a tool for hiding behind the tree shine. That is why I am asking, “so narrative should have moved past
of past glory, and not an instrument what?” So what if we had ancient that by now. For, if truly every Afri-
for constructing a new reality going calendars created in Afrika, so what kan is a descendant of kings, queens
forward, it has become a burden on if we were the cradle of human- and great emperors as we like to
the necks of every Afrikan, rather kind, so what if we had ancient claim, then the DNA of greatness
than an inspiration that spurs cre- cave art, so what if we had all these and royalty must be in the blood
ativity and growth. trans-continental trade routes and of every Afrikan. Meaning, that the
relationships and kings and queens ability to build, create and sustain
Before you get (too) angry with and gold? So what? If the truth of meaningful development should be
me, please understand where I our true identity does not birth new in every Afrikan, just as it was with
am coming from. I reiterate that life and new reality for us, but leaves the ancient ones. But why are we
I am grateful to the scholars who us stuck in the realm of complaints, not using these mighty gifts passed
would not believe that they were claims of and aspirations to royalty, down to us?
inferior to anyone on the basis of hatred for other races who per-
skin color; to those who defied the petrated genocides and atrocities Ohhhh but we built the pyramids
Darwinians’ claims that we were against us, a spirituality with tenets and did such detailed artwork on
lacking in intellect or humanity (so that many like to elevate and speak the sarcophagi and we have a great
that they could come and rob and of, but not actually live out, and has connection to nature! I say again…

WWW.MSINGIAFRIKAMAGAZINE.COM ISSUE 18 | DECEMBER 2021 23