Being born in the motherland is an obvious answer. Having African parents, or parents of African
descent is another. However, these and many other attributes makes us Africans.
Until
one migrates, one take for granted the meaning and essence of being African,
and the question never gets asked back home. Some didn't appreciate our style
and fashion and what we were born with at one point. Thank God more and more of
us now have great value for our heritage.
When
we swap hot sun, for cold climes, spicy and fresh foods for cold, grab and go meals, Oshodi Okè for Oxford
Circus, noise, and vibrancy for calm and serenity, style and fashion, banter
and camaraderie, for a sometimes lonely life, suddenly we come to realise what
we have missed.
Africa Day was founded
on the 25th of May 1963 and the chief aim was not only to commemorate our independence, but also to have socio-economic
freedom from dominion and exploitation. It also aimed to promote unity among
African countries which today has the African Union (AU) as the organisation
which binds the continent together peacefully.
Currently
the world is facing a deadly pandemic. The coronavirus has put paid to any
celebrations marking this year's Africa Day. However, in-keeping with
commemoration of the event Pan-African responses were forthcoming as to what the day means to them.
Buck
Dumbuya a Sierra Leonan stated that
Africans should practice strategic
thinking. Sighting keywords to be Action, Focus, Restoration, Innovation,
Creation, and Attitude Toya Da Costa of Angolan descent felt that we should
create, maintain and increase awareness showcasing African cultural diversity.
Allan
Mandindi Banda from Malawi believes it is time to reflect on the struggles of
our forefathers and to start shaping up the Africa we want with the hope of
changing the world's negative perception about us as a people. Similarly, Nikky Olayiwola aka Okpeke on The
Couch a Nigerian wants us to celebrate and be proud of our heritage. Dr Erinma
Bell MBE a Nigerian is also of the opinion that people of African and Caribbean
origin should be proud of who they are. They should display their cultural
identities in today's society where we are encouraged to embrace "multiculturalness".
Mrs
Mary Fadahunsi Adekugbe a Nigerian believes it is time to tell the world that
Africa is an amazing and distinctly unique continent, rich in natural
resources, breathtaking tourist attractions and rich cultural heritage. Sol Yaa
from Ghana but living in Germany is proud and happy to be African. While
Patience Bentu also from Nigeria hopes that we can build a strong Africa based
economy post Covid-19.
I
am of the opinion that Africa Day brings us to the realisation how important
our cultural heritage is, and we should truly be proud of it. At times like
these and every given opportunity, we begin to scramble for every piece of
African fabric or instrument we can find. We are willing to pay top dollar for
things we took for granted back home "desperately trying to catch memories
of our Africa back" We should now
make these objects we took for granted part of lives and not only need them at
special occasions.
True
pride comes when we see others
appreciate the beauty and richness of our culture be it fashion or food.
It then becomes apparent we truly took our "Africaness" for granted
back in the motherland.
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