Lolaka ya Afrika

2008-10-08T10:43:00.005-05:00

04.22.2008

2008-04-23T00:51:00.006-05:00

Life and Debt:
Globalization and Jamaica

Utilizing excerpts from the award-winning non-fiction text "A Small Place" by Jamaica Kincaid, Life & Debt is a woven tapestry of sequences focusing on the stories of individual Jamaicans whose strategies for survival and parameters of day-to-day existence are determined by the U.S. and other foreign economic agendas. By combining traditional documentary telling with a stylized narrative framework, the complexity of international lending, structural adjustment policies and free trade will be understood in the context of the day-to-day realities of the people whose lives they impact.

and....

The Francophone Community Partnership and the Democratic Republic of Congo's Hands Association are sponsoring the

FETE FANTASTIQUE FRANCOPHONE

What: Celebration of Congolese (central African) culture with a fashion show, dance performances, music video projection, American and Congolese Food, and live music
Where: University YMCA, Wright St., Urbana
When: Saturday, April 26th from 7-10pm
Cost: $3 w/U of I i.d., $10 general admission

tha illest

2008-04-22T21:42:00.005-05:00

yo its been a while since i posted so i feel like i owe yall people out there something good....this mix is something i put together for friends, and alls ive heard back is like 'yo that mix is bangin!' so, hereyago....

THA BANGER VOL. 1

[get it]

tracklist:

4.16.2008

2008-04-16T20:07:00.003-05:00

Repatriation an Unfinished Business

Repatriation not migration
Set the people free
It is known to every nation
Each vine to his fig tree

Repatriation not migration
A difference you will see
One stands for all the people's freedom
The other not for me.

Repatriation not migration
Then shall captives free
From savage and oppressive rule
To justice and equality

Repatriation not migration
It is for us to see
Three hundred year of hard oppression
Was read in history

Repatriation not migration
Our homes we long to see
Now comes the end of tribulations
As told in prophecy

Repatriation not migration
United we must stand
To claim our promised portion
With true determination

Repatriation not migration
All aliens now must flee
We know the truth of revelation
What is to be must be.

REPATRIATION: YES!
MIGRATION: NO!

-Author unknown

New album by BURNING SPEAR coming out this year!
JAH IS REAL

[WEBSITE]

April 21, 1966
Groundnation Day

04.09.2008

2008-04-09T00:14:00.000-05:00

Black Power [Kwame Ture]

celebration

WARCRY [Liza Garza+Amir Suliman]

channeling

2008-04-08T09:45:00.015-05:00

you up on this 2.0 . . .so i was thinking about how we might help the internet to organize itself better, or more specifically to enhance the ways in which consciousness raising information/experiences can reach people more and in concert with each other. . .resonate...vibrate...so this is some stuff ive 'channeled' to yall from some other sites (of which most you can find at links on the side of this page)...

[oh an click up on the liberator bar sometime to see whats crackin ova there - if you dont 10 times a day already...]

[OFFICIAL (personal) WEBSITE ]
Al Gathafi Speaks. . . . .

{EARTRIP E-ZINE}
issue 1, march 2008

our vision is our voice

& a prayer . . .

04.02.2008

2008-03-31T23:05:00.004-05:00

[click for schedule]

April 3-5, 2008 @ UIUC

AND ALL STOOD BY

03.26.2008

2008-03-31T20:47:00.014-05:00

The Ravaging of Africa Pt. IV: AFRICAN RESISTANCE

Written by Asad Ismi and produced by Kristin Schwatrz
The Ravaging of Africa is a four part audio documentary series about the destructive impact of US imperialism on the continent.

Angela Davis was recently at the University of Illinois for the 2nd time this month for the 2008 Women Of Color Conference.
Just wanted to say THANK YOU DR DAVIS for inspiring us all and droppin' the truth.

some organizations she mentioned:

CRITICAL RESISTANCE

INCITE! WOMEN OF COLOR AGAINST VIOLENCE

tha conexshuns

03.19.2008

2008-03-18T21:40:00.013-05:00

The Ravaging of Africa, Part 2:
ECONOMIC WAR

Written by Asad Ismi and produced by Kristin Schwatrz
The Ravaging of Africa is a four part audio documentary series about the destructive impact of US imperialism on the continent.

Eleni Gabre-Madhin on the possibility of ECEX (Ethiopian Commodities Exchange)

The Ravaging of Africa, Part 3:
CORPORATE PLUNDER

Written by Asad Ismi and produced by Kristin Schwatrz
The Ravaging of Africa is a four part audio documentary series about the destructive impact of US imperialism on the continent.

Euvin Naidoo on investing in Africa
who is this dude selling Africa to exactly? whackness - but people believe in what/how he says....esp. the corporations.

you up on dis?

2008-03-17T11:40:00.021-05:00

readers - just to give you an idea of some of things you might find by checking out the links on the right side of this blog. everything you see here can be found by exploring there...i wonder what else is out there??

blog ya bantukelani

(blog oyo ezali na francais, angele, mpe lingala)

Ce blog est destiné aux personnes noires Afrikaines de n'importe quelle partie du monde. Il a pour but d'informer et de vulgariser la vérité historique dans le respect des instructions laissées par les Grands Héros qui jalonnent l'histoire des peuples Afrikains. Je vous offre des informations qui peuvent nous rendre service en ces heures critiques où les Afrikains souffrent. Je suis une adepte de la Tradition Kongo (BUKONGO) et de la spiritualité Afrikaine. Je ne me trompe pas quand je dis que notre libération est d'ordre spirituel car c'est l'ésprit qui libère le corps, celle qui ouvre la voie de la libération véritable et au futur préstigieux prophétique du continent Afrikain. Si vous ne connaissez pas l'idéologie Afrocentriste et Panafrikaniste lisez d'abord la section HOTEP KIMIA YENGE et procurez vous les livres que je conseille et vous saurez tous. Bonne visite et que nos Ancêtres forts et exemplaires vous guident.

Virtual Museum of Political Art: Paintings from the Congo

Cheri Cherin (Kinshasa)

"L'Esclavagisme (Slavery)", oil on canvas, 152 x 250 cm, 2006.

Rumba Lingala as Colonial Resistence

by Jesse Samba Wheeler
published in Image & Narrative (2005)

note: This article is dope and it even includes samples of music and images. Image & Narrative is a pretty slick online journal too in both content and layout, and I would highly recommend checking out at least issues 10 & 11 . Some of the other articles include:

- Visualization of subliminal strategies in world music: An ethnomusicological analysis of socio-cultural transformations through maracatu and mangue beat in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil

- We Are Who We Believe Ourselves to Be': Curaçao Jazz and the Expression of Identity

- Heeding the Creole Voice (in the Seychelles Islands): Alternatives to race and nation as identifiers of cultural value

- Ribbon Shirts in Rasta Colors: Native American Syncretic Musical and Visual Strategies of (Jamaican) Resistance in the Lyrical Imagery, CD Jacket Art, and Performance Costuming of Hopi/Diné Reggae Singjay Casper Loma-Da-Wa

- Lyrical Subversion in Cuban Reggae

DocSouth

Documenting the American South (DocSouth), a digital publishing initiative sponsored by the University Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, provides access to digitized primary materials that offer Southern perspectives on American history and culture. It supplies teachers, students, and researchers at every educational level with a wide array of titles they can use for reference, studying, teaching, and research.

The texts, images, and other materials come primarily from the premier Southern collections in the libraries at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. These original Southern materials can be found in several library locations, including the Southern Historical Collection, one of the largest collections of Southern manuscripts in the country; the North Carolina Collection, the most complete printed documentation of a single state anywhere; the Rare Book Collection, which holds an extensive Southern pamphlet collection; and Davis Library, which offers rich holdings of printed materials on the Southeast.

note: this is an amazing resource - and it is free.

breath of life | a conversation about black music

alls i go to say about this one is that brother listens to great music, and always brings the truth when choosing albums to feature and what he be sayin about the music too.

PROJECT CENSORED: TOP CENORED STORIES OF 2006-2007

miziki ya www

03.12.2008

2008-03-11T17:48:00.012-05:00

special guest: AMIR MUHAMMAD

Tomorrow, March 12th from 9am-10pm on WRFU-LP 104.5, we will have special guest Amir Muhammad, scholar and president of the Collections & Stories of American Muslims along with the hosts of Daughters of Eve (Saturdays 11-12pm), Sister Patsy and Sister Takeya. Mr. Muhammad will be discussing the history of American Muslims and the work of his organization to remember, preserve and teach their legacy. We recently did a show with Daughters of Eve about this topic HERE.

Sunday 3/9 and Monday 3/10 @ The Central Illinois Mosque and Islamic Center, Mr. Muhammad will be lecturing on and showing "Muslims in America: A History", a traveling documents and photography exhibit. A history of the Muslims from the pre-slave period, to Civil Rights, to the significance of the Nation of Islam, and current times. For more details and other events put on by the Muslim Students Association for UNITY WEEK (week of 3/10-3/13), click the the flier.

The US Prison Gulag

2008-03-09T22:06:00.002-05:00

New York Times:
Prison Nation (2008)

Black Agenda Report:
Black Prison Gulag and the Police State (2008)

Mumia Abu Jamal:
Prisonhouse of Nations (2008)

Parole time for the MOVE 9

Young Black Men and Prison

The Prison-Industrial Complex

more information: www.prisonsucks.com

03.05.2008

2008-03-05T20:31:00.010-05:00

The Ravaging
of Africa,
Part 1:

MILITARIZING
AFRICA

Written by Asad Ismi and produced by Kristin Schwatrz
The Ravaging of Africa is a four part audio documentary series about the destructive impact of US imperialism on the continent.

BLACK AGENDA REPORT:No Arms! No Transfers! No Military Aid!
It's Time To Demilitarize US Policy in Africa

PAMBAZUKA NEWS: The US ‘War onTerror’ Exported to Rwanda: A Threat to Peace in DRC

MUMIA ABU JAMAL: W in Africa pt.II

LOLAKA YA AFRIKA VOL. 2; 100% na Lingala

2008-02-28T00:55:00.004-05:00

DOWNLOAD/READ/PRINT
[if you print the first & second page double sided and the third and forth page double sided, you can fold them in half and staple for a magazine to distribute or sell]

02.27.2008

2008-02-27T23:40:00.007-05:00

Afro-Futurism & African Fractals

SuN Ra

Cosmic Equation by Sun Ra

Then another tomorrow
They never told me of
Came with the abruptness of a fiery dawn
And spoke of Cosmic Equations:
The equations of sight-similarity
The equations of sound-similarity
Subtle Living Equations
Clear only to those
Who wish to be attuned
To the vibrations of the Outer Cosmic Worlds.
Subtle living equations
of the outer-realms
Dear only to those
Who fervently wish the greater life

Ron Eglash: African fractals, in buildings and braids

Ron Eglash homepage/simulation software/more information

and this issshhhh!!!!!! (its the future!)

DJ Spooky - Ghost World: A Story in Sound Mixtape (listen)
tracklist

also...

Liberator Blog Posts on Afro-Futurism including an article by Kodwo Esun

02.20.2008

2008-02-27T22:34:00.009-05:00

Amiri
Baraka
on: Obama, People's Democracy,
BoOZHwAA Democracy
and the Political Moment.

AND

It's Nation Time! (side two)

This week we discussed and listened to the influence of Black Nationalism and African Consciousness in Jazz Music from the 1960s. We also heard the second half of Amiri Baraka's recording It's Nation Time!

If you are interested in this you can listen to some Coltrane, Archie Shepp, Max Roach, Charles Mingus, Don Cherry, Randy Weston, and MANY OTHERS! And you can read:

John Coltrane and The Jazz Revolution of the 1960s
by Frank Kofsky

Black Music
by Imamu Amiri Baraka

02.13.2008

2008-02-27T21:55:00.009-05:00

XAMDULILAH! MIXTAPE

01 Native Deen - Subhan Allah
02 One Be Lo - Questions
03 Outlandish - I've Seen
04 Me'Shell Ndegeocello - Haditha
05 Amir Sulaiman - Change Gonna Come
06 One Be Lo - Axis
07 Amir Sulaiman - Like A Thief
08 Gang Starr - Robinhoodtheory
09 Outlandish - Any given time
10 Native Deen - Sea Of Forgiveness
11 Brother Ali - Soul Whisper
12 Brother Ali - Daylight
13 Outlandish - Look into my eyes
14 Youssou N'Dour - Allah
15 Keba Bobo Cissoko - Allah La Kananjon
16 Hassan Hakmoun - Ma´Bud Allah
17 Randy Weston - La Elaha-Ella Allah / Morad Allah
18 Tinariwen - Oualahila Ar Teninam
19 Ali Farka Toure - Yer Bounda
20 Cheikh Lo - Sante Yalla

Thank you Sister Patsy and Sister Takeya! - check Daughters of Eve every Saturday from 11am-12pm on WRFU 104.5FM.

We discussed the millions of enslaved Muslims brought to the Americas through the slave trade and the influence of Islam on their lives in the New World.

Here is a dope interview with Imam Zaid Shakir, scholar-in-residence and lecturer at Zaytuna Institute, talking about this same topic.

You can also check out the movie Prince Among Slaves for the the story of Abdul Rahman.

for more information read:

Servants of Allah: African Muslims Enslaved in the Americas. (1998)

by Sylviane Diouf

This show was dedicated to all the young Muslims out there gettin they grind on.
Lupe Fiasco - Muhammad Walks

Kenyan Round Table @ UIUC 2/18/2008

2008-02-16T22:37:00.009-05:00

In addition to his WCIA television interview on Kenya in January 2008, Professor Peter Otiato Ojiambo, together with the Center for African Studies, will hold a Kenyan Round Table, A Nation in Crisis and a Region in Shock: The 2007 Kenyan Elections, Challenges and Future Prospects, at 101 ISB on Monday, February 18, from 6:00-8:00pm. Panelists include Prof. Ojiambo, Prof. Anthony Oluoch (Veterinary Biosciences), Margaret Njeru (Curriculum and Instruction) and Leonard Muaka (Department of Linguistics). Watch for publicity about this upcoming event.

also...

Mumia Abu Jamal:
"If it's African it's Tribal"

JUKWAA - Kenyan Political Analysis Internet Discussion Board(great site, a lot of thoughts and information)

MALCOLM X: We Must Bring the U.S. to the United Nations

2008-02-16T21:20:00.005-05:00

In the Spirit of Robeson and Malcolm X,
Indict the US at the UN
(week of 2/13-2/20 @ black agenda report)

A Black Agenda Radio Commentary by Glen Ford

2008-02-15T23:42:00.003-05:00

AFRICANHIPHOPEXTRAVAGANZA FRIDAY 2/22/2008

2008-02-15T23:07:00.007-05:00

Krukid: Invisible

C-U African Film Festival Schedule

2008-02-15T22:28:00.007-05:00

AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL
FEBRUARY 22-28, 2008
BEVERLY 18 CARMIKE CINEMAS, CHAMPAIGN IL [MAP]
$5 admission
(click titles for description)

Bamako
Drama from Mali/France/USA, 2006
French and Bambara with English Subtitles
118 minutes., Color

Friday(9pm) Sat(12pm) Sun(2:30pm) Mon (9pm) Tue(2:30pm) Wed(12pm) Thurs(9pm)

Ezra
Drama, Nigeria/France/Austria, 2007
110 minutes

Sat(4:45pm) Sun(9pm) Mon (2:30pm) Tue(4:45pm) Thurs(2:30pm)

Les Saignantes
Sci-Fi Erotic Thriller, Cameroon, 2005, French with English Subtitles
92 minutes

Fri(11:15pm) Sat(7pm) Sun(4:45pm) Mon (7pm) Wed(7pm)

Tasuma
Comedy, Burkina Faso, 2003, French/Jula with English Subtitles
90 minutes

Fri(7pm) Sat(11:15pm) Mon (12pm) Tue(9pm) Wed(4:45pm)

O'Heroi
Drama, Angola, 2005, Portuguese with English Subtitles Grand
97 minutes

Sat(9pm) Sun(7pm) Tue(7pm) Wed(9pm) Thurs(4:45pm)

Kirikou & the Sorceress
Children's Animated Film, France, 1998
70 minutes
First Prize, Children & Adult Juries, Chicago International Children's Film Festival

Sat(2:30pm) Sun(12pm) Mon (4:45pm) Tue(12pm) Wed(2:30pm) Thurs(12pm)

Love

2008-02-14T11:41:00.005-05:00

Stevie Wonder - As

I could read this piece everyday. It is beautiful not only in content, but also approach, and I wish society was more engaged in analyses such as this. highly recommended, and relevant to today.

From the rasx context @ kintespace:

Stevie Wonder's Key of Life

Let me summarize in 1960s sci-fi terms: Stevie Wonder (Steveland Morris) set out on a “mission” like a “mad scientist” to “invent” the “greatest love song” ever. After the rise of the gangsta rap aesthetic, it should sound strange to a twenty-something in the year 2007 to imagine a time in pop music when self-described Black recording artists (with a capital B) would compete against each other with love songs. Just imagine gangs of Black dudes trying to out love one another! What is sad is that today’s youth would more accept the possibility of a singer or a rapper competing with knowledge of ballistics, vehicles, jewelry or food rather than this thing called “love.”

So, back in the day, Stevie Wonder lived and thrived in what is now the ‘alien’ world of the “love” song. And when Songs in the Key of Life was released September 1976, the opinion here is that our “mad scientist” achieved his goal in the form of a song called “As” (on CD disk 2, track 6). You see, one too many self-described Black pop artists in the 1970s put on African costumes and inconvenient disco boots—but few barely could see the nature of African consciousness. The poetic irony is that a blind man in America could catch a glimpse of the ancient African Old Kingdom. When you need the white executive summary of what ancient Africa was all about, the short answer is this: Africa was about the complex, technical challenge of populating the Earth in a responsible manner. So ‘we’ properly-trained Americans know about the “great” Space Race—‘we’ even accept the slang “rocket scientist” without a thought. Well, the great-society mission of our Africans of the Old Kingdom was being fruitful and multiplying.

Since it seems so easy for say, roaches or other vermin to breed and multiply ‘we’ as imperial minions may erroneously assume that developing humans from scratch is easy, simple—something “dumb” animals do. This is an imperial assumption because it is relatively easy to invade a preexisting “enemy” territory with indigenous, developed civilization, murder all the guys and steal all the girls. But what happens when there is no one ‘else’ to steal from? What do you do when you come from a cultural memory that is so ancient that there was no revolutionary concept of the ‘other’? What happens is sort of like the “love” that Stevie Wonder sang about in his song “As.” You have to read his lyrics to understand that Stevie Wonder is not singing about sexual intercourse. His powerful ancient message is that “loving” you is correct—quintessentially righteous. To not “love” you means nature, itself, is no longer existing as that which was previously set in place. No so-called “love” means the universe no longer ‘knows’ itself.
(read more)

free lectures week of 2/11 @ UIUC

2008-02-09T18:44:00.001-05:00

Global Africa: Whence Its Past? Whither Its Future?
February 13, 2008
Wednesday, 4:00 pm
Third Floor, Levis Faculty Center
919 West Illinois Street, Urbana

Michael A. Gomez
Department of History and Department of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, New York University

One should not speak of the African diaspora as a singular, unified experience. There are myriad components and contexts to the dispersal of Africans since the fifteenth century. This lecture will assess debates over convergences and divergences, such as debates over identity (including creolization, African-centeredness, New World, among others), routes vs. roots, and the contribution of cultural studies. Gomez will explore the intersections of academic scholarship and politics through the lens of recorded history as he assesses the viability of multiple pan-Africanisms.

Biofuels and the World Food Situation
February 14, 2008
Thursday, 4:00pm
Knight Auditorium, Spurlock Museum
600 South Gregory Street, Urbana

Joachim von Braun
Director General, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC

Using more of the world's crops as energy sources could threaten food supplies to hose people who are most in need, especially at prices that are competitive on the world markey. Joachim von Braun assesses opportunities and risks in the development of bioenergy to discuss the changing role of the United States in assisting famine intervention worldwide.

Habari Connection minimag FEB 2008

2008-02-09T18:18:00.003-05:00

VIEW YOUR FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

This is UCIMC-Habari Connection’s community magazine. This grassroots magazine is designed to reach the masses and always has the latest on whats going down in the street. You will always find our webpage in the Community Links menu on the right.

Habari Connection is a non-profit 501(c)3 Community Organization in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Our mission is to work to unify people towards positive change in social, economic, and political conditions.

Tanya Parker, an Economics Graduate from the University of Illinois and founder of Habari Connection, has worked over the past four years to connect all segments of the community and to help our youth develop a new vision of themselves and our future. Habari Connection needs you, brothers and sisters, as much as you need us - that's what community is.

There are many ways to support Habari Connection:

1) Be a writer- Submit announcements, short articles, stories, poems…

2) Donate- www.ucimc.org donate to Habari Connection Program. P.O. Box 6684, Champ., IL 61826

3) Spread the word… JOIN THE CONTACT LIST. There is an informational conference call Tues. 8:30am 1-217-339-7800 access code: 518490

4) Advertise, Advertise… Show your community support!

This program has been supported by the United Way.

U.S. Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health: Political Crisis in Kenya

2008-02-09T01:19:00.000-05:00

U.S. Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

The Political Crisis in Kenya: A Call for Justice and Peaceful Resolution

Njoki N'Dungu
Former Member of Kenya's Parliament

- U.S. Role in Kenya
- Kenyan 'Masculinity in Crisis'

Maina Kiai, Chairman of Kenya National Commission on Human Rights

statement to subcommittee on Africa and global health

I don't know if anyone saw this whole meeting on cspan2 but it was kind of crazy and a lot of important points were brought up. also from a critical perspective the response of the us govt. is amazingly telling of the direction of things regarding both the political/economic interests (benefits) of ongoing conflict in Kenya, as well stepped-up interest of the current govt. concerning having an well planned response to the conflict and a public affairs front. Mr. Kiai said it is what happens in between elections that prove a democracy, not the elections themselves. And Ms. N'Dungu said that the elections were used as a pretext for preplanned evictions of certain segments of the population(remember what Ngugi said too)....wow. are you thankin what im thanking?

we'll probably bring some of this up on the radio next week.

also...

over@liberatormagazine:

Kenya: Intellectuals fail in Times of Crisis

Prince Among Slaves

2008-02-08T18:31:00.000-05:00

Narrated by Mos Def

Last C-U showing on PBS (Channel 13) - Friday February 8, 9:00PM

Official Website

*This is of special interest to Lolaka ya Afrika radio show as we will be discussing the history of Islam in the Americas on our next show w/Sister Takeya and Sister Patsy (Daughters of Eve, Saturdays 11am-12pm), on Wed. February 13, 2008. [see schedule]

February again......

2008-02-06T03:49:00.002-05:00

saul williams - black history month

blackhistorymixtape v 1.1
or pt.1/pt.2

1 MAJ - BlackHistory 4:42
2 Jeru tha damaja - History 101 4:22
3 Watts Prophets - Amerikkka 0:34
4 3rd world -1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade) 4:28
5 MAJ - Tubman 4:42
6 Nina Simone - Four Women 4:28
7 Langston Hughes by Taj Mahal - Crossing 4:59
8 The Last Poets - True Blues 1:59
9 Gil Scott Heron - blues/history [excerpt] 5:26
10 Mos Def - Rock 'N' Roll 5:02
11 Sarah Webster Fabio - Alchemy 5:24
12 MAJ - Malcolm'sMeanings 3:58
13 El Hajji Malik Shabazz - End Police Brutality [excerpt] 7:31
14 Dennis Brown - Malcolm X 3:20
15 Stevie Wonder - Black Man 8:27
16 MAJ - Huey P. Newton 2:39
17 we be ( ursula rucker) 5:08
18 Queen Ifrica - Black People 3:44
19 MAJ - Another side of Black History 3:21
20 Me'Shell Ndegeocello - Dead Nigga Blvd. (Pt. 1) 3:03
21 MLK - revolutionofvalues 6:05
22 NaS - I CAN 4:13

(this mixtape isn't perfect or complete, and yeah it is mostly from the pov of amerikkka (lookout for v 2.0), but it is some stuff i had that I always kind of wanted to put together. for the most part it is designed to educate and uplift the kids, but really it is for everyone.)

official stance of Lolaka ya Afrika on 'Black history month': The history of African people is the history of the world and civilization since its inception. Thus the idea of giving black history a month is degrading to say the least, and indicative of much larger problems and contradictions within our society. But we believe in the importance of African/Black history with all of our heart and soul, as well as the need to position history to shed light on present situations and conditions.

02.06.2008

2008-02-06T02:33:00.000-05:00

John Henrik Clarke -
A Great and Mighty Walk

This video chronicles the life and times of the noted African-American historian, scholar and Pan-African activist John Henrik Clarke (1915-1998). Both a biography of Clarke himself and an overview of 5,000 years of African history, the film offers a provocative look at the past through the eyes of a leading proponent of an Afrocentric view of history. From ancient Egypt and Africa’s other great empires, Clarke moves through Mediterranean borrowings, the Atlantic slave trade, European colonization, the development of the Pan-African movement, and present-day African-American history.

The radio program for today will feature this documentary with selections from the mixtape:
'blackhistorymixtapev1.0'

Ngugi wa Thiong'o on ethnic clensing in Kenya

2008-01-31T08:42:00.000-05:00

(BBC) Ngugi laments Kenya violence: Writers must sometimes feel like the Greek prophetess Cassandra, gifted to see the future but fated not to be believed.

What is unfolding in Kenya could as well have been lifted from my novel Wizard of the Crow where the ruling party and the opposition parities engaged in Western-sponsored democracy become mirror images of one another in their absurdity and indifference to the poor.

The picture of men and women burnt down in a church where they had gone for refuge still haunts my mind. A child running away from the fire was caught and hurled back into the flames.

One of the few survivors was quoted as saying: "But they knew me; we were neighbours. I thought Peter was a friend - a good neighbour. How could Peter do this to me?"

I had heard the same puzzled cry from Bosnia. I had heard the same cry from Iraq. I had heard the same, same words from Rwanda: "We were neighbours; we'd married into each other. How could this happen?"

And now I hear the same cry from Eldoret North in my beloved Kenya. For me this burning of men, women and children in a church is a defining single instant of the current political impasse in Kenya.

And this must be separated from accusations and counter-accusations of rigged elections by the contending parties.

Rigged elections is one thing - it can be righted by any mutually agreed political measures - but ethnic cleansing is another matter altogether.

What is disturbing is that this instant seems to have been part of a co-ordinated programme with similar acts occurring in several other places at about the same time against ordinary members of the same community.

Ordinary people do not wake up one morning and suddenly decide to kill their neighbours.

Ethnic cleansing is often instigated by the political elite of one community against another community. It is premeditated - often an order from political warlords.

Or it may be the outcome of an elitist ideology of demonising and isolating another community.

Either way the aim is to drive members of the targeted community from the region.

Premeditated

Frantz Fanon, the intellectual visionary of the Third World, had long ago warned us of the dangers of the ideology of regionalism preached by an elite whose money can buy them safe residence in any part of a country.

A single instance of premeditated ethnic cleansing can lead to an unstoppable cycle of vendettas - a poor-on-poor violence - while those who tele-guided them to war through the ideology of hate and demonisation are clinking glasses in middle-class peace at cocktail parties with the elite or the supposed enemy community.

This crime should be investigated by the United Nations.

If it is found that a political organisation has run a campaign on a programme that consciously seeks to isolate another community as a community, then they ought to be held fully accountable for the consequences of their ideology and actions.

It is often easier to blame a government when it is involved in massacres. This is as it should be.

A government must always be held to higher standards, for its very legitimacy lies in its capacity to ensure peace and security for all communities.

But what about if such a massacre is inspired by a programme of an opposition movement?

This ought to receive equally severe condemnation from all and sundry, for being in opposition does not give an organisation the right to run on an ideology of isolation and hate targeted at another community.

An opposition movement is potentially a government of tomorrow. A programme that such a political organisation draws while in opposition would obviously be the programme they'll try to implement when in power.

That's why such acts must be condemned even when they are clothed in progressive, democratic-sounding words and phrases.

I therefore call upon the United Nations to act and investigate the massacres in Kenya as crimes against humanity and let the chips fall where they may.

For the sake of justice, healing and peace now and in the future I urge all progressive forces not to be so engrossed with the political wrongs of election tampering that they forget the crimes of hate and ethnic cleansing - crimes that have led to untimely deaths and the displacement of thousands.

The world does not need another Bosnia; Africa certainly does not need another Rwanda.

2008-01-28T09:18:00.001-05:00

Lolaka ya Afrika/Voice of Afrika
Every Wednesday 8am-10am
WRFU-LP Urbana, 104.5 FM
http://lolakayaafrika.blogspot.com

special guests scheduled and unscheduled – check website for updates!

Schedule Spring 2008

January 29: Anthropology, Art and the SANKOFA movement with artist Betsem Atiback (Cameroon)
January 30: Street Children of Tanzania: a conversation with Michael Stewart, Founder of Liwalo na Liwe Foundation and director/producer of Watoto wa Mitaani. (TO BE RESCHEDULED AT DIFFERENT DATE - WE APOLOGIZE)

February 6: Black History - A Great and Mighty Walk - Dr. John Henrik Clarke (Documentary)
February 13: The Slave Trade & Spread of Islam to the New World with Sister Takeya and Sister Patsy from Daughters of Eve Saturdays 11am-12pm
February 20: American Jazz, Black Nationalism, and Africa
FEBRUARY 22-28 – AFRICAN FILM FESTIVAL @ BEVERLY CINEMAS
February 27: Afro-Futurism and African Fractals (a talk with Ron Eglash: African fractals, in buildings and braids)

The month of March will highlight a 4-part radio documentary about the destructive impact of US imperialism on Africa, featuring voices of African activists interviewed at the 2007 World Social Forum held in Nairobi, Kenya. These will be followed by discussion, guest commentary, listener comments and additional perspectives. BE part of the discussion 217.344.2536

March 5: part 1 Militarizing Africa
March 12: part 2 Economic War / also Eleni Gabre Madhin: Ethiopian Commodities Exchange (ECEX)
March 19: (Spring Break) part 3 Corporate Plunder / also Euvin Naidoo: Investing in Africa
March 26: part 4 African Resistance

April 2: Rupture, Repression, and Uprising I
APRIL 3-5 – RUPTURE, REPRESSION, AND UPRISING CONFERENCE @ AASRP UIUC
April 9: Rupture, Repression, and Uprising II (recap)
April 16: Jamaica: Maroons, Sam Sharpe, Marcus Garvey, the RasTafarians, & Reggae music
APRIL 21 – GROUNATION DAY
April 23: Life and Debt: Globalization in Jamaica (Documentary)
April 30: Cheikh Amadou Bamba, Lamp Fall, and the Mourides

May 7: PAZ PEACE AMANI KIMYA SALAAM JAMM (last show of semester)

The themes above provide the basis for each show, but every week you will also get updates on pan-African current affairs, political analysis, local Africa-related events, lectures, and happenings, and other surprises. Also, as always, anyone who has a particular interest in any of the topics for this semester is invited to come down to the studio and participate in discussion ON AIR. The radio station is part of the U-C Independent Media Center located at 202 S. Broadway in Urbana, in the old post office building next to Lincoln Square. Any bus that goes to downtown Urbana (ex. GREEN or LOOP) will stop right in front of the building. Also we love music at Lolaka ya Afrika and our view is that music is an advanced form of communication that can take people to higher levels of consciousness. Therefore you will always hear amazing, consciousness raising music every Wed. morning from Africa, America, the Caribbean, South America and everywhere African people and music are found. If you have any questions or comments please email us at lolakayaafrika [at] gmail [dot] com .

JANUARY 25TH 2008 - DAY OF PRAYER FOR KENYA

2008-01-25T12:48:00.001-05:00

JANUARY 25TH 2008 - DAY OF PRAYER FOR KENYA Greetings and peace to you! As many of you know, Kenya has been undergoing a time of political unrest since the December 27 presidential elections last year. Many lives have been lost, many displaced, property destroyed, with the situation still unresolved between our leaders. Please join Kenyans throughout the world as we pray for peace and healing for our country. See attached message sent to all Kenyans and friends: God says, "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, I will hear from heaven, I will hear and I will come and HEAL THEIR LAND." (2 Chronicles 7:14) On January 25th 2008, we are asking Every Kenyan and Friends, Everywhere to take time to make a concerted prayer for Kenya. We want EVERY Kenyan and friend in EVERY CONTINENT on the face of the earth to be praying together on this one day on behalf of our country. How to participate: 1. Spread the word: send this message to Every Kenyan you know, Every friend who cares about you, Everywhere – txt, SMS, e-mail, phone call 2. On January 25th, make a point of setting aside time to pray for Kenya, it does not have to be a long time but please make a deliberate effort to pray for specific things about Kenya. 3. You can pray individually, or get together with a friend or friends, workmates, someone on the street, your priest, pastor, congregation, youth group What to pray for: 1. AMANI, AMANI, AMANI (PEACE, PEACE, PEACE) 2. Whatever else you feel in your heart to pray for concerning Kenya 'Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; when there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.' (St Francis) Maombi ya mtu mwenye haki yana nguvu na huleta matokeo.' (James 5:16) (The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much) THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!! ONE

2008-01-24T13:09:00.000-05:00

Dear Kenya (&WORLD),

Mumia Abu-Jamal:

"It Ain't the Voting That Counts, It's the Counting"

From Pambazukanews.org:

Flag and Future by Neema Ngwatilo Mawiyoo

Neema Ngwatilo Mawiyoo is a young writer and musician based in Nairobi. She asks and seeks to answer difficult artistic and human questions. She does not always reach an answer, and the dialogue is not always pleasant. To contact Ngwatilo: nmawiyoo [ at ] gmail.com

From Zelezapost:

Holding a Nation Hostage to a Bankrupt Political Class by PTZ
Kenya’s Murderous Leadership by Godwin Murunga

KENYAN RADIO

91.5 Homeboyz Radio (homepage | listen live)
98.4 Capital FM (homepage | listen live)

Habari Connection minimag JAN 2008

2008-01-21T12:55:00.000-05:00

VIEW YOUR FREE COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

1) Be a writer- Submit announcements, short articles, stories, poems…

2) Donate- www.ucimc.org donate to Habari Connection Program. P.O. Box 6684, Champ., IL 61826

3) Spread the word… JOIN THE CONTACT LIST. There is an informational conference call Tues. 8:30am 1-217-339-7800 access code: 518490

4) Advertise, Advertise… Show your community support!

This program has been supported by the United Way.

Ghana 2-1 Guinea

2008-01-20T15:43:00.000-05:00

Muntari of Ghana kicking winning goal.

Ghana 2 - 1 Guinea

Asamoah Gyan (pen 54)
Sulley Muntari (89)

Oumar Kalabane (64)

from: Ghana CAN 2008

Sulley Muntari produced a last-gasp magic to give hosts Ghana a win in their opening Africa Cup of Nations game against Guinea, at the sold-out 40, 000 Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra.

Muntari rifled a 25-yard shot into the top corner in the dying minutes of the game to unleashed his trademark left-foot bullet from midway in the Guinea half to revive the planned party by the crowd.

The Black Stars hit the post three times in the first half before Asamoah Gyan put the team in the lead after 54 minutes with a penalty following a foul on Junior Agogo by Oumar Kalabane.

Agogo was scythed down by Kalabane as he sprinted into the box to earn the Black Stars a penalty after he had been played in by Gyan.

The Udinese striker shrugged off any nerves to slam the ball into the roof of the net, sending the home crowd into riotous celebration.

Kalabane made amends with a headed equaliser for Guinea.

Gyan had the best early chance, having been played in by Muntari on six minutes before shooting wide from 15 yards and then found himself with another opportunity within 20 seconds thanks to a poor goal-kick from Guinea goalkeeper Kemoko Camara.

Quincey Owusu-Abeyie became a growing threat to Guinea, providing tricks and crosses from the left wing with Michael Essien and Muntari beginning to pull the strings.

With the crowd behind the host and the players looking warmed into the game, Junior Agogo smashed a header against the post on 20 minutes to crank up the pressure on the Sylli Nationale when he was picked out by Owusu-Abeyie’s cross.

But it was Essien who had the whole stadium on their feet again, when he hit the post again from a Laryea Kingston left-wing corner with Muntari firing a half-volley thunderbolt against the upright - Ghana's third close miss of the half.

Guinea coach Robert Nouzaret changed to a more attacking formation and his side rallied by creating a number of openings.

The pressure paid off when Oumar Kallabane towered above two Black Star defenders to thump home a header from a Pascal Feindouno corner.

The initiative was now with Guinea, as Ghana once again looked under pressure.

WED. 01232008

2008-01-20T00:50:00.000-05:00

Betsem Atiback Benjamin

Betsem is an artist/painter, member of SANKOFA MOVEMENT, and his specialty is art and anthropology. As a member of SANKOFA he belongs to those who are decided to teaching African wisdom through art. Originally from Cameroon, Benjamin's creations, collaborations, scholarly activities, and life experience include most of the kontina ya Afrika, and he has given workshops and exhibitions at various colleges and universities in the United States.