Africa is everywhere. From an extensive study of the global African presence it is easy for one to conclude that there are elements of Africa all over the world. Whether it is African people, its artifacts or various aspects of African civilization, countless parts of the Earth has pieces of the motherland. This dispersion is due to both the personal and forced migration of African people to other parts of the world and the destructive shattering of African civilizations. The subsequent result has been the dormant state of the African Diaspora which has prevailed for numerous centuries. However, as history has taught us many times, nothing lasts forever, and everything occurs in cycles. For this reason, without a shadow of a doubt, it is inevitable that the resurrection of African people will be seen again. They have done so many times in the past, and there are signs now that show that it will be so again.
On January 8th this year, the Middle Eastern news website ahramonline published the article, “Hawass fears for Cleopatra’s Needle.” The article discussed secretary general of the Egyptian Supreme Council for Antiquities, Zahi Hawass’ desire to have the Tekken of King Tuthmosis III restored after much weathering due to the Northern climate. If not restored, Zahi desires to push for its return to Egypt so that it can be restored and properly preserved. It is ironic that the restoration of this monument is at the center of an international discussion since it symbolically represents the Kemetic concept of resurrection. Dating back approximately 3500 years in history this monument has stood the test of time and is a testament to African ingenuity and the indestructibility of the African spirit and character. African people all over the world can look to the Tekken as inspiration and to remember the great legacy in which they all share to resurrect themselves from the marginalization they currently experience.
Resurrection is a concept that has been prevalent throughout African history. It can be seen in the multiple intermediary periods which occurred during the dynastic period of ancient Kemet which lead to four golden ages. It is also seen in the rise of West African kingdoms during the Common Era after the ultimate fall of Kemet. After experiencing the world’s worst holocaust, African people fought for liberation from enslavement and colonialism to resurrect themselves at home and in foreign lands. The loss of great leaders such as Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr, Kwame Nkrumah and Cheik Anta Diop have not slowed the desire for progress so the flame still burns.
Many African nations have recognized the importance of working together in the fashion presented by Senegalese multi-genius Cheik Anta Diop so in existence are organizations such as the African Union and The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In addition, this past December saw the culmination of the 3rd World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Dakar Senegal. “This celebratory event brought together people of different nationalities and generations with a common goal: to shed light on the struggle and persistence of black people in the face of colonization.” Its main focus was “Africa as free, proud, creative, and optimistic.” It was attended by scholars such as Dr. Theophile Obenga, Runoko Rashidi, Wade Nobles, Anthony T. Browder and many more. A meeting of such minds is important to continue the resurgence of African people on the world stage.
Currently the Sudan is undergoing a historic political vote to further a 2005 referendum which ended 50 years of civil war. The conflict pitted Muslim Arabs of Northern Sudan against the black Christians and followers of traditional spirituality in the South. The vote would establish Southern Sudan as an independent Nation if it is the desire of the voters and by July could be recognized as an independent nation. 80% of Sudan’s oil reserves are in the south so this vote could be the stepping stone to a bright future for the people. In ancient times Sudan was Nubia which gave birth to ancient Kemet making this event even more monumental. To see a nation that played a significant role in ushering civilization on the verge of reemergence is further evidence to the eminent resurrection of African people.
This reemergence could occur at a fast rate if Africans of the Diaspora recognized the importance of knowing their history. Too many great scholars have stressed this fact. Without knowing their history, it will be far more difficult for African people to resurrect themselves. Dr. Diop eloquently states, “A people who lose their historical memory becomes a very fragile people. They regress. It is historical memory that permits them to be a strong people!” And through a study of history one can conclude that the unity behind the political, social, economical and cultural movements in which African people are engaged, it is a spiritual connection that also drives this force. It is by recognizing the eternal connection that one has to all of humanity and specifically to his or her people that motivate the unity and desire for their resurrection. It is the constant cycle of life which African people have experienced throughout time. The repeated rise and fall creates new opportunities for the expansion of the mind and correction of past mistakes. As African people awake and rise once again, a new chapter in their great legacy will be written to change the course of history. Thank you for reading.
SOURCES:
Van Sertima, Ivan, Williams, Larry Obadele, “Great African Thinkers: Cheik Anta Diop,” The Journal of African Civilizations, 1986
Hawass fears for Cleopatra’s Needle: http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/2/3407/Egypt/Society/Hawass-fears-for-Cleopatras-Needle.aspx
Third Ever World Festival of Black Arts and Cultures in Dakar this Month: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/09/third-ever-world-festival_n_793601.html#s201735&title=undefined
Historic Vote on Whether to split Sudan Ends: http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/15/sudan.historic.vote/index.html?section=cnn_latest
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