Title: A Call for Global African Unity Post by: imhotepptah on March 12, 2005, 10:02:44 PM [smiley=2thumbsup.gif]
A Call for Global African Unity Recently, a few articles in the press outlined the tension in America between the African Americans and African immigrants from the continent and from the Carribean. With a rate of about 50,000 legal African immigrants arriving in the US yearly, it is important for us as a collective to reinforce our global African unity as well as work together for mutual benefit. All blacks, whether from the continent or in the Diaspora are victims of global white-supremacy and have been conditioned to look at each other suspiciously and focus on our differences rather than the common elements of our extended family as well as see creative opportunities for all of us to benefit from our cooperation. Some of our tension and suspicions originate from old historical mistakes and resentments, cultural differences and social-political-economic experiences, as well as unique interests, problems and priorities. The inclusion of the African Diaspora as an important part of the African Union came as a positive step towards the effectiveness and meaningfulness of the African Union. Last October the AU Commission convened the 'First Conference of Intellectuals of African and the Diaspora in Senegal. The themes of the conference included PanAfricanism, contribution of the intellectuals from Africa & the Diaspora to the strengthening of African Integration in the 21st Century, the relationship between Africa and its Diaspora, etc. My call today is for us all to seek creative ways through which we can work together and benefit from each other socially, economically, intellectually, culturally, political and spiritually. Therefore I am calling on all of us, Africans from the continent and Africans in the Diaspora to open our hearts, forgive each other for our lack of courtesy, lack of real love for each other, lack of sensitivity, arrogance, and self-rightiousness. I am particulary appealing to African immigrants from the continent and from the Carribeans to pay extra attention to the reality of how much tension they cause when they live in the US and ignore the social, economic and political problems that African Americans face. It is irresponsible for any black person to live in the US, pursue the American dream and not make effort to reach out to, help or work with our African American brothers and sisters whose ancestors paid a great price to build this country, and who are still victims of social, economic and political injustices. Please, dont isolate yourself but make yourself an instrument for community building and social change. Through your participation and active role in the black community change can come and unity can be achieved. I am saying this from experience, I am myself an African immigrant from the continent and I have seen how attitudes change when you give yourself and actively participate in community building and show that you are not just about chasing the American dream but you are really interested in contributing to the development of African American communities. Learn from the example of Marcus Garvey, he didnt sit and criticize but took responsibility and ignited Pan-Africanism worldwide. The next thing I am calling for is for all those who are interested in signing a 'Declaration and Pledge of Global African Unity' to send me emails with your names and address so that you can receive a copy of that 'Unity Declaration' document, which you will sign and send back, then all signatures from our global family will be included in the document and you will receive a copy. The document will include the following points: 1. Declaration and pledge of African unity for all Africans and African descendants worldwide. 2. Recognition of the African diaspora as full citizens of any country in the African continent, including the opportunities to invest, own property, land, and businesses on the African continent 3. A pertition for African governments to ammend immigration laws to enable easier movement within the continent and from the Diapora 4. A pertition for greater economic, cultural and intellectual exchange and coopeation between continental Africans and African diaspora 5. Recognition of historical mistakes and a determination to create a new history based on internation unity. etc. - Your contributions will be most appreciated. This document will be sent and signed by all African nations, the AU, all black organizations and institutions worldwide, as well as all interested individuals. To participate or contribute to this project send emails to - contact@uniaf.org Hotep Adin http://www.uniaf.org Reference: RECENT ARTICLES ON CHALLENGES, TENSIONS AND THE NEED FOR AFRICAN & AFRICAN AMERICAN UNITY:- 1. OVERCOMING PERCEPTIONS: African immigrants seek ties, harmony with American blacks BY ERIN CHAN FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER http://www.freep.com/features/blackhistory/2005/african24e_20050224.htm 2. More Africans Enter U.S. Than in Days of Slavery For the first time, more blacks are coming to the United States from Africa than during the slave trade. http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=75765 3. Commentary: More Africans in America Means More Opportunities for Real Black Unity http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/bawcommentary/dawkins225 4. Ghana to encourage African/Americans to visit the country http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=75077 |