“I trust that you will so live today as to realize that you are masters of your own destiny, masters of your fate; if there is anything you want in this world, it is for you to strike out with confidence and faith in self and reach for it.”
THE HONORABLE MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY
I began my journey back to Afraka as a teenager, full of idealism, vigor, and hope. I had a romanticized vision of returning home, where I would see our greatness drenched in gold and grandeur. But what did I discover? In the vast expanse of the continent, where the sun blesses you with its warmth as it dips into the horizon and paints the sky with hues of blue, purple, and crimson, there lies a promise of freedom and love that has yet to be fully captivated. It is a freedom not merely from the shackles of oppression but from the confines of the mind—a freedom to dream, to imagine, and to create a world where love is the guiding principle. From a foreign place I came and home I was welcomed to by brethren that just recognized me by blood. However, it is easy to get jaded by the shackles of the mind, but what happens if we focus on the shadows of liberation? This is a tale of a utopia yet to be born, a utopia that whispers to us in the nuances of nothingness, beckoning us to cultivate and safeguard our love for generations to come.
I AM AFRAKA (ALKEBULAN)
As we navigate the complexities of our interconnected world, the Afrakan diaspora faces a myriad of challenges, not least of which is the pollution of divisive rhetoric that seeks to fragment our collective identity. The airwaves are filled with narratives of propaganda that question whether Afrakans are Black, whether Blacks are Africans, and whether Caribbeans belong to either category. These labels, often used to sow discord, distract us from the urgent task of planning for our nations' futures and confronting the historical injustices that have shaped our experiences.
The transatlantic slave trade and subsequent eugenics projects represent some of the most egregious crimes against humanity. Yet, despite these historical facts, our narrative is often distorted, and our unity is undermined by internal conflicts. The question remains: How can such distortions persist in this era? Do we allow them to continue, or do we rise above them?
Afraka, the cradle of humanity, is a land of vibrant cultures, resilient peoples, and breathtaking landscapes. From the majestic rivers to the towering mountains, deserts, and icy expanses, its beauty is undeniable. However, beneath this beauty lies a complex reality of colonialism, exploitation, imperialism, and oppression—forces that have sought to destroy humanity from its core. The decolonization of Afraka is a journey that must unite all Afrakan diasporans, regardless of their geographical location. Countries like Ghana, Angola, Tanzania, and Algeria have bravely fought for independence, paving the way for a new era of self-determination. This struggle against racial capitalism requires our collective effort and solidarity.
A Call to Unity
To my fellow diasporans, wherever you may be, let us rise above the divisive rhetoric and proclaim with one voice:
"I AM AFRAKAN."
Let us fight for Afraka, driven by the silenced love we have for each other. This love is not just a sentiment but a powerful force that can heal the wounds of our past and guide us toward a brighter future. In this era of globalization and internationalization, we must recognize the dangers of division and the importance of unity. We must not allow historical distortions to define us; instead, we must reclaim our narrative and forge a path forward that celebrates our shared heritage and resilience.
Let us stand together, as Afrakans, and build a future where our diversity is our strength and our unity is our shield against the forces that seek to divide us. We are not just individuals from different regions; we are a collective, bound by our history, our culture, and our unwavering commitment to each other.So, let us say it with conviction: "I AM AFRAKAN," and let this declaration be the foundation upon which we build our future—a future of unity, strength, and love for Afraka and for each other.
The Nuances of Nothingness- A Love Yet to Be Experienced
The love I feel every time I find myself in a new city or country on the continent is something inexplicable. As I traverse the vast expanse of Africa, a profound sense of belonging envelops me, transcending borders and identities. Despite the fleeting moments of frustration and misunderstanding, the essence of Afrakan culture resonates deeply within me. It is a love not romanticized by tales of old, but a transformative force that seeks to heal historical wounds and bridge the divides that separate us. This love recognizes the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. It is the bedrock upon which our utopia is built—a utopia where freedom is not merely a right, but a lived experience, where kindness and community are the foundations of existence. In the simple acts of kindness and the ease of being among Afrakan people, I find a sense of home, a reminder that love can be both a powerful unifier and a profound healer.
The Urgency to Cultivate and Safeguard
As we navigate the complexities of our world, where societal pressures often lead to mental illness and anguish, the urgency to cultivate and safeguard this love becomes paramount. It is our responsibility to create a world where our children can grow in peace and abundance—where they can experience the beauty of love without the shadows of oppression. We must cherish this love, nurture it, and pass it down to future generations as a legacy of hope and resilience.
Africa's journey towards freedom and love is ongoing, a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. As we strive to create a utopia where love is the guiding principle, we are reminded that this is not a distant dream but a reality that can be shaped by our collective efforts. It is in the nuances of nothingness, in the stillness of the night, that we find the courage to imagine and build a world where freedom and love are not just ideals but lived experiences. Let us cherish this vision, cultivate it with care, and safeguard it for the generations that will follow us, so that they may inherit a world where love is the foundation upon which all else is built.
If you want to connect, please reach to me at nkozia@moorsearch.org
“If we as a people realized the greatness from which we came we would be less likely to disrespect ourselves."
-THE HONORABLE MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY
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