Friday, August 26, 2011

Afraid to go home? Who? Me?

"We have always been African.  Slave-ships and a Holocaust, at home and abroad, could never change that.  Garvey and RasTafari reminded us of that.  And then gave us the voice to express, for the African within each of us."


Kwasi Abahu


Several nights ago found me listening intently to a webcast on repatriation.  I must say that the environment was quite lively.  Even the online chatroom was livid with electric discussion.  However, by virtue of being such a polarizing topic, I wonder just how much actually resonated in the hearts and minds of those either previously unfamiliar with or altogether apprehensive about such an endeavor.

One issue in particular did arise that I would point out here.  That of, whether or not repatriation should be slated only for Africans who have been displaced throughout the Diaspora by means of the African Holocaust or, would adherents of RasTafari principles, who may themselves be of other nations, be allowed to repatriate.  Serious topic for sure, and for many a very touchy one.

I wonder though, as to whether or not Africans, those at home and those abroad, really can trust in each other enough to fulfill what true repatriation entails.  For it is to be of great benefit for us all.  While I firmly argue that no other nation, in regards "African repatriation", meets the criteria as set forth by the Rt. Hon. Marcus Garvey for "return", in full dignity and justice, I would no longer lay full blame on any one peoples for the current state of affairs.  Europe, Asia, South and North America and Australia all have problems of their own to solve.  Oft times, it seems it is the indigenous of those regions who are most at risk and in need of the repair.  It is also these same peoples who are stepping up and pulling together to address their own internal problems.  Likewise, the African must also rely on himself/herself in these times.  It is the erosion of what power can be assumed that will result otherwise.

We must make no apologies for this.  Africa must regain and resume her full strength to be a true voice of parity in this new globalized world.  It is quite obvious to me that the world recognizes just how vital African "resources" will be in the new century.  So then let Africa mete out and administer to them and her kin.

Let no detractors prevail.  This is no plea to be uncivilized and ungainly in speech and manner.  We are all one human family of course.  But all families prosper greatly when all members know themselves and their roles; are able to provide their own efforts and strengths; have a truly equal voice and say in all matters, good and bad.  Only then do common goals become realized with real eyes.  Only then can great successes be achieved for the sake of the family.  Without manipulation and exploitation of any one member.  Look within your own house and tell me differently.

As to RasTafari, I personally do give thanks for the life and strength and health walking this trod has given to me.  Through this journey, I have remembered and relearned the principle of Sankofa, or more simply put learning from the past.  Still I have also learned or gathered from my teachings, that for the principles and tenets of RasTafari livity to be fully and completely realized, they must be applied irrespective of jurisdiction.  And that, it is through returning to country of origin that the full application can help to repair any fractures therein.

Surely suffering is not the pariah of any one peoples.  It is a crisis of pandemic proportions.  Though like any personal crisis, it is best to secure the safety of one's own family, however small the measure, before one can truly and faithfully attend to others..

If repatriation is to mean anything, African repatriation, then it must attend to the breach, to repair the rift that was precipitated by European expansionism.  It must also be coupled with true reparations.  Reparations that do not rely wholly on financial compensation, but also true and wholistic dynamic repair.  This time, the ball is in our court.  All of us.





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