I have been dreaming.... Dreaming of a closer knit black family and community that can resist the vagaries of creation and the attacks from the outside! Dreaming of a black kingdom where every black mind can cast its energy and thought... The closest things to black Utopia and Mecca!
I am tired of feeling of a member of no major race... I swear every Chinese in Jamaica is a member of the Chinese Benevolent Association and has their eye and mind turned to China, same for the Indian he is either a Muslim or a Hindu with their mind turn to the motherland in many ways... at times mi feel like a me a grasp alone fi Africa while the rest of JA nah stretch for her hands n Africa nah too reach out nor unify... I feel like part of a truly scattered and lost race of people who don't even know we are a race!
What stories will our children hear, what knowledge passed on, what notions of identity culture and reality... have we done enough to rescue the future, to secure and negotiate a future we are ok with for them a future still malleable enough for them to impress upon it an even newer and better black race.
You know a great disappointment of mine... there is no central Africa cable network where I can have a host of channels to watch that cover strictly Africa and the diaspora... where I can watch Good morning Nigeria Ghana Gambia Morocco Tanzania South Africa, where mi can see local African news, see concerts music videos, local Africa documentaries and cartoons and our collective perspective... an android box chock full of Africa!
I cannot help but express this deep yearning for a stronger sense of community and unity within the black population, both locally and globally. I write to highlight the frustrations of feeling disconnected from one's own race while witnessing other ethnic groups with more pronounced ties to their heritage. I cannot help but laments the lack of resources that would allow for greater exposure to African culture and news, and the potential impact of that exposure on future generations.
To delve further into this topic, it's important to recognize that the struggle for black unity is not a new concept. For centuries, black people have faced oppression, exploitation, and marginalization, often leading to a fractured sense of identity and community. From the African diaspora to present-day issues such as police brutality and systemic racism, there are countless examples of how the black population has been systematically excluded and discriminated against.
However, despite these challenges, there have been numerous efforts to promote unity and solidarity within the black community. This includes grassroots movements, social organizations, and cultural initiatives that aim to reclaim and celebrate black culture and history. From the Civil Rights Movement to the Black Lives Matter movement (though I have my philosophical differences with that group), there is a rich legacy of activism and advocacy that has brought about positive change and progress.
At the same time, it's clear that there is still much work to be done. While many individuals and groups are actively working towards a more unified black community, there are still many obstacles to overcome. This includes ongoing issues such as colorism, internalized racism, and economic inequality that can further divide the black population. Moreover, the global pandemic has highlighted the disproportionate impact of health and economic disparities on black communities, underscoring the need for greater social and political change.
In terms of media representation, there have been some strides towards greater visibility and representation of black perspectives and experiences. The emergence of streaming services and digital media has allowed for more diverse voices to be heard, with shows such as "Black-ish" and "Atlanta" showcasing the complexity and diversity of black life. However, there is still a lack of mainstream media outlets that are dedicated solely to highlighting African and black diaspora cultures.
Despite these challenges, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the black community. Through collective action and continued advocacy, there is the potential to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. By celebrating and elevating black culture and history, we can create a more unified and empowered community that is better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.
The potential for greater integration of black business and the black diaspora with Africa is immense. The African continent is rich in natural resources and is home to some of the world's fastest-growing economies. A greater facilitation of trade between black diaspora communities and African countries would not only benefit both parties economically, but also strengthen cultural ties and promote a shared sense of identity.
One way to foster this integration is through the creation of platforms that connect black businesses and entrepreneurs across the diaspora with opportunities in Africa. This could involve the establishment of trade missions, business incubators, and networking events that bring together individuals and organizations with a shared interest in promoting economic growth and development.
In addition to business opportunities, there is also great potential for greater media representation of the black diaspora and African cultures. As earlier highlighted, there is a need for more diverse media outlets that showcase African and diaspora perspectives. A diaspora-wide media platform, such as an African Diaspora Netflix or cable network, would provide a space for a diverse range of voices and experiences to be heard.
Afrofuturism is another important aspect of black culture and the black future. This artistic and cultural movement imagines a future in which black people play a central role in shaping technology, society, and culture. By incorporating elements of African spirituality, science fiction, and fantasy, Afrofuturism challenges dominant narratives and celebrates black creativity and imagination.
Finally, sister city twinning programs between African and black diaspora cities would strengthen cultural ties and promote greater collaboration and exchange. Through these programs, cities could share best practices in areas such as urban planning, community development, and cultural preservation. This would not only benefit the local communities involved, but also contribute to a greater sense of global black solidarity.
Overall, greater integration between black diaspora communities and Africa has the potential to foster greater economic and cultural exchange, promote diverse media representation, and inspire new visions for the black future. By embracing the richness and diversity of black cultures and histories, we can build a stronger and more unified global black community that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future.
Here is to an #AfricanCableNetwork and an #AfroCaribbeanMedia... #africaunite!
#BlackDiasporaUnity, #AfricaDiasporaIntegration,
#BlackBusinessOpportunities, #Afrofuturism,
#DiasporaMediaRepresentation, #SisterCityTwinning,
#GlobalBlackSolidarity, #BlackCulturalExchange,
#BlackEconomicDevelopment, #BlackFutureVisioning