IS JUSTICE WORTH FIGHTING FOR?...

Hmmmm.  It's been a long time.... since I left you, but now its time to get back to,
expressing the thoughts in my mind...okay that's enough Erik B & Rakimming...I love them guys...that's when Hip Hop was Real.  But true, it has been a while, I got locked out of my blog  you know how that goes...I'm sure that I'm not the only victim to have suffered from that problem.
Too many passwords to remember and too paranoid to write them down...lol.

In the interim though, lots has been happening.  This month October 2012 is Black History Month in the UK and October 18th is Anti-Slavery Day for more info check out /LIKE us on our facebook.com/sankofaians page. On the Sankofaians Radio Talk Program we interviewed Grace Akallo, former KONY Child Soldier and founder of United Africans for Women and Children Rights. Grace has been interviewed on the Oprah Winfrey Show to highlight the kidnapping of innocent children in Uganda, forced to kill and subjected to inhumane acts.

Surprisinly I had mixed messages about the subject in the community.  The majority were grateful to be made aware of these issues whilst others had been infected with the poisonous rumor that Kony was either dead or that this evil stopped years ago in Uganda or that it never did happen at all, and or the 'Invisible Children' campaign was an attempt for the Founder Jason Russell to make millions from his founded charity.  Yeah quiet possibly but if this is the case then every charity should be questioned.  I personally don't think that was his interest...after all the poor man had a nervous breakdown and was reported walking naked on the beach.  Which tells me that his heart was in the right place; to do anything he could to save the children that trusted him to get the word out about their plight.  I cannot imagine what it would have been like for him and other advocates from different organisations to continuously visit and leave behind the innocent to search for help and resources to save their lives.  Can you imagine that this man calls out the devil and then is accused of being the devil?  Okay so the documentary needed to be updated on the facts like Kony had moved on from Uganda to operate in Congo.  Despite these minor inaccurate details, the documentary was a very successful campaign to STOP KONY 2012 which made it to my 14 year old sons Facebook status before mine.  This began my knowledge of the campaign, like any responsible parent monitoring their child's Facebook page, I Googled Kony and was horrified of what I learnt  and summoned the whole family to watch the documentary on YouTube.

On air Grace shared details of torture, humiliation, suicide for the children who couldn't take it anymore, brainwashing and indoctrination by Kony, being abducted on Uganda's Independence Day by Kony's army, mutilation, the brave acts of Sister Rachel a Catholic nun who begged Kony to surrender the 139 girls he abducted from the High School and to kill her instead. He released 109 school girls to Sister Rachel... Grace was 1 of the 30 remaining... and so the atrocities continues.

Grace a Survivor who says "I am not a victim but a survivor who cheated death" lives to be a voice for her best friend from High School, whom is still in Kony's army.  She fights to highlight that the soldiers are merely children who have been brainwashed to serve Kony by force that these children after being forced to kill their parents, guardians and neighbors are now mentally shattered and as sheep are following the orders of Kony who now becomes there guardian and god.  Grace exclaims that these children are in need of our support, protection and compassion as opposed to criminal punishment.

Grace once escaped, was placed back into her former High School, finished her education and was blessed with an opportunity to travel to the USA and was even featured on the Oprah Show when at the time she knew not of Oprah's notoriety. Grace advocates for protection, health and education intervention for the Child Soldiers whom have escaped as they are not well received back into the community for fear that they would betray them back into Kony's hands and or merely because they are seen as Kony's evil replica.

After hearing Grace many people shared with me that though they watched the documentary 'Invisible Children', Grace's account was undeniably real, so real that it was hard for them to switch off and move onto the next thing but were compelled to want to help bring a change.

So these blinding rumors have spread into the African community which insult the intelligence of the public who search for truth and most importantly to the innocent fretful children who are fervently praying non-stop that someone will come to rescue them from killing their parents, from being raped and infected with HIV/AIDS, shot, forced to kill a child who was accused of thinking of escaping, from witnessing their friend commit suicide and committing suicide.

Why would some Africans want to deny what is happening under Kony's leadership in Northern Uganda, parts of Sudan Central African Republic and now Congo.  Yes it is painful to expose our dirty laundry in public but its worse to keep it dirty and hidden.  Yes it is not happening all over Africa nor all over Uganda or even Congo, parts are being affected but just because you or someone you know may be living in the country and not witnessing any abductions it does not mean that it is not happening.  Kony is alive and still committing these atrocities in Congo currently.
Please Do not be quick to deny for fear of wanting to project a perfect Africa, perfection comes when we identify and smooth out the imperfections!  If countries like America can expose its ills then why should we feel pressured to defend a perfect Africa? As Grace always states "The only thing that makes evil to prevail is when good people decide to be quiet".  So my friend, let's join together to push for a Political, Social and Cultural Change to protect and stop the murdering of Africa's Hope and Future; Our Youth!  

My question is this...
1.  I ask a question to the Deniers, If it is true and if it was you, what would you want the public to believe?
2.  Why is there not a strong representation in numbers of  Black people at Human Rights conferences or events?
3.  Do we not have a responsibility to address Human Rights issues in our communities?
4.  Why should we leave it up to non-blacks to fight for Human Rights Issues in Africa?

MARCHING FORWARD!

Grace Akallo is contactable through her website: www.africanwomensrights.org.  She is planning a documentary viewing in Worcester MA in early Dec 2012.  Please inquire and attend as well as volunteer your services as it is greatly appreciated.  At times we can feel like if we are not in position to give money then whats the use.  I would like to plead with you that every effort towards pushing this cause is dependent on the nature of good Samaritans like yourself...therefore do not underestimate how instrumental your voice, signature on a petition, attendance to events, prayers, expertise, words of encouragement etc, can be in saving lives.

Efua Expresses is a blog for the Sankofaians Radio Talk Show, you can follow us on www.facebook.com/sankofaians for further updates and contact.

In the meantime we will be attending this event, please show your support...

SANKOFAIAN'S RADIO HOSTS: Efua (Mercy) & Freda

SANKOFAIAN QUEENS

Don't miss SANKOFIAN'S sankofaschildren.com & Radio Talk Show Every SATURDAY 11-12 noon EST, 3-4pm Ghana time on www.myvisionradio.com or 

Dial (302)-781-8141 and listen on your phone and dial (508) 752-0841 to call-in

FRUSTRATED!

I was so upset.....Car situation prevented me and the kids from going to the Atta Mills Vigil at Worcester City Hall, MA.  I found out whilst at the Radio Station based in Worcester.  How come we Ghanaians  knew nothing about this in Springfield, MA.  Or even so, we could have had our own gathering.  When I asked others in Springfield about it they had no idea this was going on.  I wonder what Ghana was doin, London, New York and even Hartford, CT..... Can't we do something here in Springfield, MA.  Somebody help me please...let's get together in this dry and pioneering land.

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/diaspora/artikel.php?ID=246403&comment=8145769#com  If anyone can get a hold of some pics to share, let me know please.  Thanks!

Dream on...

Saturday 4th, August rolled along and finally I got an opportunity to have my own Radio Show!   My mum would have been proud...  I will never forget that memory of when I got a serious beating by my mother.  I couldn't understand why at the time, I was really confused.  I didn't hurt my siblings, break anything in the house, talk back nor did I not follow my mother's instructions.  I just had a passion for music and entertainment.

So what happened was....My mum had two of her friends visiting the house and they asked the common questions that we still ask today of a child of 10 years old "What do you want to do when you grow up?...If only my mum guided me with her squinted eye or twisted mouth I think I would have got the hint, to say nothing or go into the other room upstairs.

But I didn't and joyfully answered with my buck finger sucking teeth "I want to be a Radio DJ, Hairdresser and a Dressmaker like my mum".  Whaaaaaaaaaaat! Eiiiiii!  Who told me to talk about my mum's business and who told me to mention anything other than a Doctor, Lawyer or Teacher.  These are the only professions that Ghanaian parents approve of for their children.  After all they did not go abroad for nothing, even if they have to hustle to get theirs.

Now passion decades later comes to fruition; 2 out of 3 - Hairdressing/Cosmetology & DJ.  Eiiiiii if only my mum was still alive to hear me on not any station but a Ghana Community Station...I know she'll be vely (very) proud of me despite her lack of support of my childhood dreams.  I think I'll play some Beres Hammond and Daddy Lumba, some of her favorite artists.

Right now I'm laughing because as I write this I realize that tomorrow is my first day of returning to full-time education since doing my BA in Social Science/Social Work.  My mum was proud to tell her friends that her daughter is a Social Worker.  Though I loved this profession I still had a love for doing make-up on myself as well as others.  Receiving compliments for my make-up when I didn't know what I was doing demonstrated that I had a gift for it.  So it was easy for me to fall in love with the Mary Kay products and business.  Now is the time that I embark on the challenge of studying, working and balancing everything else all at the same time.  I love it all!

However I wonder what my life would have been like if I followed my passion and dreams earlier on...hmmmm
It's tough being a parent, I know that now....having five sons of my own.  Of course we want only the best for them...we may not understand or agree with their dreams but as long as we are encouraging them to be the best that they can be, I am confident that destiny will eventually find them.

Trip to Minnesota!

Greetings to you all, fellow Sankofians...Well I've been quite busy since my last post.  I took a 3 day trip to Minnesota as I am this years Delegate for the International non-profit organisation Dress for Success Western Mass.  What a trip it was...maan it was so inspirational that I am still full of fire.  They had the Conference perfectly organised and had an impressive line up of speakers that delivered timely practical principles for success to support each Delegate to create and lead a Community Action Project (CAP).  Look out for updates on my CAP: Success Seminars for Women.

Yes this is the REAL HELL'S KITCHEN!  Unfortunately the wait for a table was 30 mins and I had eat like right then to be on time to get to the airport, sorry hubby and HK fans...I'm no food critic but I sure would have loved to have given one.

I wanna be just like her I told her.  God is so good.  I sat at the wrong dinner table...woman to my right is a Delegate from London.  This lady sat on my left and gave me insightful counsel, I'm so grateful.  All while I sat on the wrong table, supposedly.  I'll let God sit me anytime for he knows what or whom will cross my path.  Rebecca Herrera a renowned International Speaker, CEO of Speaking of Beauty, LLC & Author of '21 Days to Transform, Transcend and Treasure Your Life".
When I heard this woman's introduction I was full of anticipation.  When I saw her get up from my side I was in shock!  All that time we were networking I had no idea she was the Keynote Speaker.  Never be afraid to be open, kind, friendly and talk to the person next to you.

Us ladies after a pampering session consisting of massage, make-up, nails, image consulting and a bath robe.

SANKOFA'S RADIO SHOW!

DON'T FORGET TO JOIN US LIVE ON SANKOFA'S RADIO SHOW on the NEW VISION RADIO STATION 103.5FM  Every Saturday from 11-12noon Where we will feature special guests each week, inspirational music and discussions that inspire you to take positive action.

So here it is, you can watch the GH All Stars - Yedi Awereho (Tribute To Late Ghana President Atta Mills) (Official Video).

Ghana mourns...

This was terrible news to have casually stumbled across on my facebook wall, during a work break.  O'h not to mention Actor Mr Sherman Hemsley who played George Jefferson (74) on the Jefferson's show was also plasted on my facebook wall as I continued to scroll down.  My immediate thoughts was "O'h no not again", still mourning over the massacre in Colarado last week.  Another reminder that life is real precious so we must learn to honor it by being who you are without waving or powdering to the needs of others who are not in support of your success.

They say that when someone close dies that the mourner goes through 'denial' as a way of coping with the new reality.  I think I must been in denial because my mind went to thinking about those movies that show silent contracted killers finish an assignment on political leaders that were part of a controversial situation that made others uneasy.  Who knows?  I don't know what to believe.....Whatever it is one has to adjust and accept the news, process it and move on.  My heart and sincere condolences goes out to the family, friends and all countrymen.

This is a loss for Ghana.  My prayer is that may he Mr Atta Mills rest in peace. We thank you Lord for using him mightily and trust that his replacement will be divinely empowered to lead the country to become one of the global leading countries to be economically stable and prosperous. Amen!

Once again health issues is identified as the culprit....a reality for us all... He was only 68 young.....  Live Life and Live Healthy.
Day dream no more, decide NOW to be a Dream maker!

THE LAW OF ATTRACTION WORKS!!!

Never did I think to see how simple this principle works outside of the usual need for receiving wealth and how smoothly it operates.  Last week one day I was minding my own business, I just parked the car to go inside a mall when I heard a guy across the way shout "Hey, are you from West Africa, my sister how are you?".  Whoah did I laugh or what!  A man stopping me?  This is a first... its normally the other way around, in is this dry land.  I couldn't keep but laughing. So I waited on him to catch up to me.  He was a brother from Sierra Leon.... a brother who needed more than just loose change but some hope to rescue him out of his situation.

Then today at the gym an older black man said to me out of the blue again, never seen him before "Are you African?"  Me and my son just looked at each other acknowledging how strange this was.  Feeling flattered I asked  "What you can tell" he said "No.... I heard you talking".  To myself slightly offended I thought to myself "Nah mate!" but to him I said "I'm British you heard an English accent, but still you're right".  Turns out he is a Jamaican..... in his late 50's I should think.

My son giggling said "Mom that's weird its normally you going up to people and asking them are they African".  And its true in fact that's how I've made friends.  So I question... is this a coincident or what?  Thinking deeply into it I come up with an answer.  The LAW OF ATTRACTION is the instigator behind this.  Its true my friend and I can prove it to you.  In almost 3 weeks of starting this blog, I have been immersed into yet another bubble this one being the Ghana Bubble.  I undergo a facelift by going public; as a blog writer and now radio host on a Ghanaian Radio Show, then comes the BIG ONE, using the local Name.  And of course you know....there is power....in the name; restoring identity and all that.

Hmmmm, I tell you the truth....this principle is NO JOKE!......What you think about you attract and will be seen in your life.  Receive!   My friend.....Its not just for money O'H!

The Sankofa bird makes an appearance

Hubby and I at the Tropical African Market in Springfield, MA.  We had a pleasant time with the Owner Kwabena Ahenkang who actually had a Sankofa artifact.  So here it is!  More encouragement and inspiration to keep on blogging.  I'm so...so excited!

Sankofa bird; We look back into our past, eating only what is good to share and feed others to promote individual and collective positive progression and advancement.
As you can see here, Sankofa is eating an egg at its back to represent birthing new and positive things with your mouth to better your current circumstance and future goals.  Recognizing that with our mouth we use knowledge to position ourselves for greatness.

Speak or not to Speak?

OH MY GOSH!  Never have I met someone who claimed to be just like me.  Until a few days ago, I met a young brother in an elevator.  In that awkward moment when the doors closed.  He looked up at me and mumbled something to interrupt our silence.  I recognized his features and called out his ethnicity he responded "Etisain".  I replied with a delightful "Bokor" with my fingers gesturing tiny to couple the words "Kitsy, Kitsy" before he goes into some big long conversation that I can't answer to.  Then came his revelation  "You are just like me?......What's up with that?   Why didn't our parents teach us their language?".  There was something to his claim...like to say.  I thought I was the only one.  I understood because truly the people that I have met in and around Massachusetts, USA, their children can speak, unlike in the UK it is not uncommon to meet non-speakers, if you will.  Trust me I felt his pain.

Mind you he does have a point and does asks some good questions.

Though I already know the answer.  My mum adamant that we know the truth (fearing that one day we would blame her), told my siblings and I several times not to mention I would over hear my parents arguing about it.  She in favor of us children speaking only Fante in the home......not everyone agreed.  Colonialism had us believing that the British way is the to be desired way...superior to any culture.   However I choose to believe that was then this is now...where there is a will there is a way.  I'm picking it back up with the help of my brothers and sisters at home, in church and the on-line community. Thank you to each and every one of you.  Now!.... the next challenge is to inspire the boys to pick it up too.

Some years back when I was in Ghana year 2000, I believe.  I was watching  the news and they were saying that the Government wanted to prepare the Ghanaian children to have an advantage to compete on an international scale.  So to implement this concept they wanted the children who already speak and write English in School, to come home and everybody in the household; grandma, uncle, mom, dad, cousins whoever and whomever, to all converse not in their local language but in the English language.

Tell me people what are your thoughts on this.

QUESTIONS?
1.  Who exactly is pushing these ideas and what's the latest?
2.  Do you think that Bi and Tri-lingual Children get confused with self identity and struggle academically?
3.  Should we not prepare our kids to become tomorrow's leaders?

Why Sankofa's Children?

My mum was very much like Kunta Kinte fom Alex Haley's classic series 'Roots". Kunta was a proud Mandinkan man from Gambia.  His second marriage to wife Belle Waller, for she could not understand why he wouldn't just let this identity go and be whatever was asked of him, enabling them to experience the joys of a relationship with less friction and interference from their slave master.  Belle soon became pregnant, not with just her child but a Mandinka child named Keisa (Kizzy in English) .  There's a difference!  This child had a parent with a purpose; to know thyself, connect and remain true to one's cultural identity.  In the movie we watched Kunta Kinte as a father demonstrate his culture and traditions of his people in attempt to ensure that his daughter would not be 'lost' as time went on.

From experience I know this to be a difficult path of struggles and inner conflicts despite the counsel of my mother.  The good thing is that her wisdom is timeless and as the proverb states its a case of "When the student is ready then the teacher appears".

Sankofa can mean either the word in the Akan language of Ghana that translates in English to "go back and take" (Sanko- go back, fa- take) or the Asante Adinkra symbol.
It symbolizes one taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the benevolent use of knowledge.

Did you know that?....
The film by Ethiopian-American filmmaker Haile Gerima Sankofa (1993) popularized the term.
Janet Jackson has a Sankofa symbol tattooed on her right wrist.
Hip-Hop artist Talib Kweli also references the term Sankofa on his album Reflection Eternal.
British filmmaker Isaac Julien co-founded the Sankofa Film and Video Collective, a collective of black British filmmakers.
In the Toni Morrison novel Song of Solomon the reoccurring motif of flight as a way to escape is indicative of sankofa (Webster's Dictionary).

Interesting huh?  Now it has become my mission to carry this forward into my family.  Life takes us down many trails but this one I am grateful for.... the past offering direction and understanding.....Wow!   such truth can only bring a sense of pride to build a memorable legacy.

So there you have it my mum's, (Antie Felicia's) dream in a nutshell.  What's your parents dream for you? Is it in line for what you desire for yourself or is it clashing like wearing pinstripe and polka dots?

Akwabaa!

Welcome to my blog where I share my learning experiences and curiosity of being a Ghanaian; born and bred and still living abroad.  

Doing my bucket list this week as an exercise of my personal coaching.  I soon realized that I would not forgive myself if I did not engage more deeply with my heritage and not to do so I run the risk of my children being lost.  Which my mother so keenly tried to prevent, by endless lectures where she would shout repeatedly "Don't forget who you are, your family back home and you are one....don't depend upon me".

Yes its true that Martin Luther King had a Dream.....but my mother Antie Felicia, she had a dream too!