Cultural Awareness

A dog that is owned by Master, that relies on a master for his life, food, shelter, identity has the culture of the Master. He is named by the Master and wants to learn the Masters language and culture so the owned can get out of the cold with the Master, so he can eat at the Masters table, so he can sleep in the Masters bed, he wants to kiss the Masters wife, girlfriend or boyfriend.

Come on Mozell--Truth will set you free----what is the culture of a SlaveAmerican owned by MasterAmerican for 400years?

Baraka Hussein Obama, our leader, does not have SlaveAmerican culture.

Mozell, you can find the article at this link: http://www.bridgecolumn.proboards36.com/in...

Robert, your comment points exactly to the phemonnon that I believe has stifled African American progress. Your description of SlaveAmerican culture is a sympton of someone who is not "intellectually free." That person always sees himself or herself as a victim, as long as they are anywhere on this continent. But they lack the courage to exit to wherever they believe they will escape the dominant culture. What I experienced in Southern Africa -- South Africa and the neighboring countries -- is that the instant the freedom decree was issued, they emerged "intellectually free." They were still poor, disadvantaged, and 400 years behind. But they had bright new smiles on their faces and moved forward anchored by their firm grip on the culture from their ancestors. What separates us and so-called freedom we were granted at the end of the Civil War is this anchor in our true culture was missing. We have been laboring for the past 150 years with a made-up culture of inferiority, lies, discrimination, and false dreams of others. We can emerge from these handicaps in the 21st century with a new awareness of who we are. But we must discard the excess baggage that we have gathered in the past 150 years of our sojourn.

But make no mistake, we have every right to be here. So does Barack Obama. If we expect him to feed us some magic potion to empty our minds of the SlaveAmerican cuture that victimizes so many of us, we are mistaken. However, at the same time, there is no alternative "nationlism" that we can escape to where we will be released from the influence of the rest of the world. Our former oppressors are NOT our slavemasters, and those who seek to enjoy all the benefits of life in the 21st century Global world we face, are not slaves. True freedom (wich includes an awareness of our culture) allows us to choose and pursue our destiny -- wherever we find ourselves on this planet.

Clark, your comments are very relevant. Many of us found ourselves n the lonely position that you describe. One of the recommendations that I would make is that it is important to study the culture of our African ancestors. It is not necessary to know the exact geogrphic region where we might find a dsant relative. I learn by living in South Africa for three years that ethnic Africans from all over the cntinent relate very well with one another. What is apparent is the "Colonial influence" in their current worldview. This sometimes puts Africans in conflict that lead to the disasters that we read about. However, in the long run, there is a deep cultural linkage that runs within all of us of African descent. The goal of the archtects of this nation were to "assimilate our culture out of us" and replace itwith something called "American culture." But ll of us recognize the dissonance in the attempt to implant European culture into the Afrcan psyche. Sadly, not many of us kno what to do about it. So, we invite coping mechanisms that some try to convince us is our "African American culture". But it fits like a bad suit.

Deep within the melodies and riffs of our jazz music, and our spirituals, and the popular culture that emerges in positive contributions of Africans to this American melting pot, we see unique threads that our African brothers and sisters identify with immediately. Just as we identify with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. Sadly, we are in a downward slide where we have lost our grip on the basics -- family, respect, self-esteem, hope, faith. The hip hop noises of today; the jailhouse culture; tattoos and sagging pants; exposed cracks and cleavages, and s*xual immorality; all of these have left our current generation adrift at sea without oars or sails to bring them ashore to the safe haven of our rich culture. I worry about how to recover, and applaud every positive example I see.

I still have hope and faith that when we reach bottom, there will be a clear path upward via our unique culture. That s why I am such a strong advocate of African-Centered Schools. We must teach our African Culturee to our children at a young age, utilizeing a well developed pedogogy that counters what our Public Schools may offer as brainwashing to our African Children. If you are interested, please visit http://www.izania.com/support-african-cent...

Yes we can! But we have to make a concerted effort to discover our culture. Four hundred years of enslavement and assimilation have taken their toll.

Wow. Mr. Madison.

I believe the phemonnon that has stifled African American progress is the SlaveAmericans' lack of being able to read and understand.

As you can plainly see in my writing, I was responding to a question of culture. Culture refers to the cumulative deposit of knowledge, experience, beliefs, values, attitudes, meanings, hierarchies, religion, notions of time, roles, spatial relations, concepts of the universe, and material objects and possessions acquired by a group of people in the course of generations through individual and group striving.
Culture is the systems of knowledge shared by a relatively large group of people.
Culture is communication, communication is culture.
Culture in its broadest sense is cultivated behavior; that is the totality of a person's learned, accumulated experience which is socially transmitted, or more briefly, behavior through social learning.
A culture is a way of life of a group of people--the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next.
Culture is symbolic communication. Some of its symbols include a group's skills, knowledge, attitudes, values, and motives. The meanings of the symbols are learned and deliberately perpetuated in a society through its institutions.
Culture consists of patterns, explicit and implicit, of and for behavior acquired and transmitted by symbols, constituting the distinctive achievement of human groups, including their embodiments in artifacts; the essential core of culture consists of traditional ideas and especially their attached values; culture systems may, on the one hand, be considered as products of action, on the other hand, AS CONDITIONING INFLUENCES UPON FUTURE AND FURTHER ACTIONS.
Culture is the sum of total of the learned behavior of a group of people that are generally considered to be the tradition of that people and are transmitted from generation to generation.
Culture is a COLLECTIVE PROGRAMMING of the mind that distinguishes the members of one group or category of people from another.

Mozel is an artist so I used a simple parable of Master/Owned Dog to make what I thought was an answer to Mozel. But you call me the reason for lack of progress. You do not know me but in the world of internet.

I have stated only that in America from 1500-1964-450+years the culture of People from Europe and People from Africa was a culture of Master/Slave. No Master would want his Slave to have his name or be him. The Master made a MONSTER, a wannabe.

I have also stated before that Baraka Hussein Obama is not a SlaveAmerican and there are many of US that are not SlaveAmericans. I am a free man, and a totally free thinker. The South Africans should never have had to be told they were free, they allowed another culture to destroy theirs and South Africans and many others including SlaveAmericans are WANNA BE EUROPEAN culturalist. They base their CULTURE starting with their association with EUROPEAN CULTURE.

My weakness Mr. Madison and lack of courage is that I watched a silly show on CNN and wanted to communicate again with some of the people that Dr. M.L. King refered to as the American Negro.

Please for your own benefit follow our Leader Baraka Hussein Obama.

This is a stimulating and enlightening dialog. First, Robert, my comments were not meant to disparage you, but to point out that the "cultural influences" that affect us are from different origins. I believe that deep within our psyche, the original culture that guided our African ancesters still resides in most of us of African descent. It emerges when it finds resonance with other Africans.

The definition of culture that you offered is accurate -- Culture is the sum of total of the learned behavior of a group of people that are generally considered to be the tradition of that people and are transmitted from generation to generation.

For Africans in America, there has been a generaional gap -- with an imposed culture interjected -- and now we find ourselves reacting to, and pursuing alternatives without a compass. So, we don't know when we have found our true direction. So, the SlaveAmerican syndrome often dominates our behavior.

One of the goals of Africa-Centered Education for our children is to provide an understanding of the origin of our natural culture. African Centered Education places the African American student at the center of the educational experience as a subject rather than an object. This placement of the student at the center allows for an inclusionary process which gives equal representation of all groups rather than one group over or below any other group. African Centered Education is holistic, meaning that the student will be involved in cross discipline learning, meeting state core curriculum goals and guidelines, critical and creative thinking, self-concept development, character development and moral education. Most importantly, is an emphasis on learning about African Culture, so that the student can better understand from whom they have descended. This preares the student with a different set of coping mechanisms that don't begin with a slave/master perspective, or an imposed inferiority complex. If you haven't considered supprting the initiative to strengthen schools that adhere to the African Centered ducation model, I recommend that you visit http://www.izania.com/support-african-cent...
Cultural Awareness for children of African descent must begin at an ealy age. There can be no better investment in the future generations of Africans in America.

Hello Mozelle,

I can identify with your struggle:
"Everyday I struggle with what I am and what I want to be. I identify with American...white america. I identify with what white american culture has shaped and influenced my people ..me to be. If I had an alternative. If I had roots. My strength would be greater. I have accepted that I and my family are a people within a people without a people. I often wonder what it would be like to go to Africa. I speak English... My customs are... a mixture of learned behaviors that my people have adapted to survive in America. I was a thief...A imitator... a bastard of American Values. "

This is the result of "assimilation." Most dominant cultures practice assimilation to some degree -- the attempt to replace the culture of their subjects with the dominant culture. Assimilation is most successful when all traces of the original culture have been erased. Then the subject only has the imposed new culture as a reference point. This would not be a total disater if the dominant culture actually accepted the newly assimilated subjects. However, the truth is that assimilated subjects are almost always second-class citizens. Worse, it is expected that they should accept their condition.

The "great lie" of the American form of assimilation is that anyone can become all that they desire -- with hard work and commitment to the "so-called American values." In reality, most victims of assimilation never achieve true equality. They only excell when they find the resolve become personally comfortable with who they are, and have a firm grip on their roots, so that they are anchored in the storms that come.

So it is with African American achievers. Some are fully aware of their cultural roots, and use these roots to strengthen their self-identity. Therefore, they are in cntrol of who they are. So, in the case of Barck Obama, he arrived at adulthood and "chose" his African roots to anchor his identity. And therefore, he says I am an African American without hesitation or apology for his white ancestors. Nearly all of us have some injection of white forebears. We all have to choose to be "black and proud." Because the other part of our cultural heritage is always demanding that we deny the African influence, or define it as inferior.

Be strong, brother. Trust what you learn about your true African heritage, and walk proudly as a Black man. Your place in the world is wherever you choose to be. You are not an imitator because you choose to thrive in America. None of us can really "go back home." We are Africans in America who choose to be American citizens. God bless America.

Mr. Madison and Ms. Robinson; I apologize to both of you.

Again my only mistake has been to talk to people who's Culture makes them think that ' Skin color, thinks and reasons "; this past year was like no other--

Baraka Hussein Obama shocked Mankind. Baraka of course means Blessing- Hussein is a historical name most associated with the son of Ali-nephew of Mohamed(SAW); the last prophet sent to mankind, and receiver of AlQur'an Kareem.

On 1/9/09---Roger Madison asks God to bless America.
I thank God for the blessing of Baraka Hussein Obama.

I appreciate all the comments and feedbback. Additionally, I appreciate those who have viewed this dialog but didn't participate. It is important that we illuminate critical issues that shape our awareness of th issues affecting the progress of Black folks. After all, as a popular song said a few years ago, "It is hard out here. . . being Black in America!

I will continue to search for answers and solutions that help move us forward. This is our country too. God bless America!

Irma, thanks for your kind remarks. We are all in this together.

Excellent topic of discussion Roger, one that lends itself to a broad range of discussion to be addressed for full and clear understanding of the word and meaning of “Culture”.
As I attempt to piggy back on what you have written, I realize that my input can and will be in an exhaustive manner, which can lend itself to even more detailed revelations that are necessary for clarity in our collective minds.

One could say that culture is nothing more than a figment of our imagination, because it is a composite of what we want and need out of life; i.e. Food, clothing, shelter, belief system (Religion), language, knowledge base, and etc.
Western society tends to include race in the mix, but race has nothing to do with culture.
I say this because we African Americans have been raised under the value system of white America, adopting many of their patterns of survival and beliefs as our own.

Historically, some of our children have been reared in White homes during slavery and after. The same can be said for a White child who has been raised in the home of Black families from birth. All behavior mannerisms and cultural beliefs become part of the person’s psyche, making them one with the culture. You’ve stated:

“I lived in South Africa for three years following the end of Apartheid. What emerged from the shadow of Apartheid were the distinct cultures of the Zulu, and the Xhosa, and the Tswana, and Ndebeli, Sotho, Venda, and Swazis. Each came to the table of reconstruction with their traditions and cultural backgrounds intact, despite the efforts of their Colonial oppressors to rid them of their heritage.”

The above is a prime example of people of the same “race” have different cultures and are very sensitive about what their values are as compared to others of the same complexion. Listed below are some definitions related to culture and of course some challenge can arise as to its clarity of terms.


CULTURAL COMPETENCE DEFINITIONS

Acculturation. The process of adopting the cultural traits or social patterns of another group. In immigrant groups, traditional cultural values and the protective value they provide may be weakened as a result.

Assimilation. An intense process of integration in which members of an ethno-cultural group, typically immigrants, or other minority groups, are absorbed into an established, generally larger community. This presumes a loss of many characteristics, which make the newcomers unique.

Cultural awareness. Being open to the idea of changing cultural attitudes.

Cultural diversity. Differences in ethnicity, language, nationality, religion, etc. among various groups within a community. A community is said to be culturally diverse if its residents include members of different groups.

Cultural heterogeneity. The differences within a cultural group. Large population groups, such as Asian Americans, Native Americans or Hispanics possess many similarities, but also differ by tribe, national origin, language, geography and culture.

Cultural knowledge. An understanding about some cultural characteristics, history, values, beliefs, and behaviors of another ethnic or cultural group.

Cultural sensitivity. Knowing that differences exist between cultures, but not assigning values to the differences (better or worse, right or wrong). Clashes on this point can easily occur, especially if a custom or belief in question goes against the idea of multiculturalism.

Discrimination. Differential actions toward others.

Ethnocentricity. The belief in the inherent superiority of one’s own ethnic group or culture, or a tendency to view alien groups or cultures from the perspective of one’s own.

Multiculturalism. The preservation of different cultures or cultural identities within a unified society, as a state or nation.

When we say culture, as it relates to Black people, we have to analyze the concept. Do we, here in America, have the same cultural values? Are we homogenous in thought actions and deeds? Are black folks of the South the same as the black folks of the North?
Are Black folks from the West Indies the same as the Black folks of Chicago? Do “WE” have the same cultural values as our grand parents or great grand parents?

I would think you would say, No. There are only similarities as far as complexion and adaptations that both sides have come to agree and jointly accept. But over all, we are diverse or multicultural in values and beliefs.

We can agree on the fact that we have been used and abused by those who don’t look like us as well as some that do. As a historically “African” people, we must create open dialogue to develop and understanding of our cultural difference and know where we have a common thread that goes beyond skin color. Through this direction we will no longer assume or take for grants that others of our complexion will readily support having joint efforts for any and every cause.

Brother Okpara,
I appreciate your exhaustive observations about the implications of "culture." All of these apply to the meaning and process of functioning in a multicultural society. I did,however, notice something that you may not have intended.

The result of racism in this country and throughout the colonialist period is that "race" has been the defining explanation of our oppressors for all our so-called deficiencies. This lumping together of all Black people according to "race" has distorted t dialog about "culture." So, when I spoke about the "cultures of South Africa" I was not speaking about "race." What I was saying is that Africans in America have lost contact with their cultural roots. Culture is more about "group identity."

Here is your comment:
"The above is a prime example of people of the same “race” have different cultures and are very sensitive about what their values are as compared to others of the same complexion. . . As a historically “African” people, we must create open dialogue to develop and understanding of our cultural difference and know where we have a common thread that goes beyond skin color."

You are correct that most Africans in America have adopted a cultural orientation that is uniquely "American." Some would say that is a bad thing. I do not. The point is to come to that decision with some of the cultrual content that informs who you are while you formulate decsions about who you want to become culturally.

While our skin color informs observers something about our racial origins, it doesn't necessarily inform the observer about our "cultural orientation. If the only cultural content is "American" that can mean seveal things. Most often it can mean that the person has chosen to adopt American cultural values while subordinating others. The key here is whether the adherent has "voluntarily or involuntarily subordinated other cultural influences."

So, "cultural awaress" for me is about becoming informed about those historical African roots that contributed to my being -- consciously or subconsiously. My journey has informed me that there is a subconsciuos current flowing through my cultural heritage that resonates with African cultures -- even though I have decided that I am an American and most of my value systems are informed by my lifetime in the USA. What is important for most Africans in America, is coming to terms with a balance that helps us t deal with all other aspects of cultural differences. That includes positive and negative implications. We have to arrive at the table of multiculturalism with our unique identity intact to weather many of the negative storms. Our collective efforts to overcome those negative implications will help future generations become more comfortable with their African cultural roots while functioning at a high level within the American cultural tapestry.

Roger Madison
www.izania.com

Thank you brother for providing more clarity and as I said, this will “lend itself to even more detailed revelations that are necessary for clarity in our collective mind”.
My comment on “race”, which I had put in quotes, due to the fact it is a political word created by the federal government to create a distinct category of people, because as far as I’m concerned there is only the human “race”, which has a variety of color spectrums caused by natural/environmental laws (just more clarity for sake of communication).
The emphasis I was making was just on the cultural differences of each nation/tribe/group in S. Africa.

(So, when I spoke about the "cultures of South Africa" I was not speaking about "race." What I was saying is that Africans in America have lost contact with their cultural roots. Culture is more about "group identity.")

You Stated:
“So, "cultural awareness" for me is about becoming informed about those historical African roots that contributed to my being -- consciously or subconsciously. My journey has informed me that there is a subconscious current flowing through my cultural heritage that resonates with African cultures.”

Share with me this subconscious current, which I understand esoterically, which flows through your cultural heritage and resonate with African culture? And I ask this due to
Our personal wants and desires to be connected to our “roots”. Which aspect of African culture draws you in to the point of romanticizing its virtues?


You Stated:
“Our culture is what binds continental Africans today to the success of Barack Obama. Our culture is the deep well of strength that keeps us focused on the destination of freedom. “

What in our “culture” binds continental Africa to Obama’s success? And how does it keep us focused on freedom?

And finally, you stated:
“When we are free -- as individuals first, then as families, and communities -- only then we can begin to use our freedom to build our future upon our culture as a people.
If we are free, we can study, learn, and raise our awareness of our true culture. It will inform us about the fires that burn deeply within us. We don't have to adopt someone else's faith, or discard those things of value that come from another culture. We can be comfortable in our own skin. It is freedom that is missing -- between our ears. Even if we have a blank cultural slate, if we are free, our study and research and personal interests can guide us to choose to be proudly African American.”

How does freedom play into this? Free from what? Our ancestors are free from physical bondage and our achievements up to this point are not due to the lack of freedom or are they and how so? The romanticism of freedom causes some what of a paradox when it is mixed with concrete analysis of our position her in America. Defining “cultural awareness” requires us to analyze, synthesize and evaluate all aspects of its meaning. My questioning of this is not to negatively criticize, but to constructively criticize our, yours and my thought process as to how we perceive concepts and ideas that we have adapted and adopted through our life time.
I’m learning, growing and hopefully making a difference with you. Thank you for allowing my 2 cents.
Peace

Hello Brother Okpara,

I appreciate your questions that lead to clarity of thought for all of us. Here are my responses to your questions:

1. You Stated:
“So, "cultural awareness" for me is about becoming informed about those historical African roots that contributed to my being -- consciously or subconsciously. My journey has informed me that there is a subconscious current flowing through my cultural heritage that resonates with African cultures.”
Share with me this subconscious current, which I understand esoterically, which flows through your cultural heritage and resonate with African culture? And I ask this due to Our personal wants and desires to be connected to our “roots”. Which aspect of African culture draws you in to the point of romanticizing its virtues?
ANSWER: While my comments may seem like romanticizing, I found that when I was living in Africa, I could see direct physical attributes among a sea of Africans that helped me to connect to a different standard of beauty and attractiveness that was not based in a European standard. The physical qualities of larger buttocks and broad facial featues abounded. So, rather than an urge to minimize our features to conform, these "different" features became commonplace and I found them to make me more comfortable among my people. Further, the rhythms and harmonies of the native music seemed like I had known them all along. I am convinced that the gospel and jazz musical forms have their roots in African rhythms that never left our deep well of connection to our native culture. Simply put, I felt at home even though I was in a land and cultural environment that I had never experienced before.

2. You Stated:
"Our culture is what binds continental Africans today to the success of Barack Obama. Our culture is the deep well of strength that keeps us focused on the destination of freedom."
What in our “culture” binds continental Africa to Obama’s success? And how does it keep us focused on freedom?
ANSWER: There is a widespread euphoria about the success of Barack Obama in Africa. I asked one of the elders in South Africa what that was about? He explained that Africans of many nations were still in various stages of recovering from colonialism. The oppresson that accompanied the colonial domination has left scars as deep or deeper than the enslavement of African Americans. Our freedom and theirs is closely bound. Ours beginning with emancipation in 1865, and theirs with independent nations emerging in the 1960's. So, in many respects, Africans look to the American experience for guidance. Our progress is an indicator of what is to follow for them. Not the only indicator, but one that is significant. Africans are still traveling a journey of freedom from their colonial oppressors. The success of Obama represents the pinnacle of achievement when an African has become the leader of the descendents of their former oppressors. It gives them hope that they may have a kindred spirit who understands their journey, and perhaps will not treat them as inferiors. Obama's victory is their victory.

3. And finally, you stated:
“When we are free -- as individuals first, then as families, and communities -- only then we can begin to use our freedom to build our future upon our culture as a people. If we are free, we can study, learn, and raise our awareness of our true culture. It will inform us about the fires that burn deeply within us. We don't have to adopt someone else's faith, or discard those things of value that come from another culture. We can be comfortable in our own skin. It is freedom that is missing -- between our ears. Even if we have a blank cultural slate, if we are free, our study and research and personal interests can guide us to choose to be proudly African American.”
How does freedom play into this? Free from what? Our ancestors are free from physical bondage and our achievements up to this point are not due to the lack of freedom or are they and how so?
ANSWER: The legacy of our enslavement, and the colonial oppression in Africa, places our future in the context of that period in our history. So, we mark our progress in terms of before and after our emancipation. While the time of the decree can be fixed, our oppressors did not relenquish the bonds that limit our progress. We have lived for decades in a state of measured freedom. For those who acknowledge the condition of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, this syndrome affects our responses to limited freedom. Our African brothers and Sisters also suffer from a "Post Colonial Stress Syndrome" that leaves residual doubt in the minds of many about our equality with our former oppressors. A key element of their oppression was to convince us that they were superior. So, we must become free from this condition to accept our freedom unconditionally within our own minds before we can actually live and function at our full potential in a multicultural world. So our paths of freedom run along parallel lines, with the progress of Africans in America serving as a leading indicator for our African brothers and sisters.

Brother Okpara, You stated:
"Defining “cultural awareness” requires us to analyze, synthesize and evaluate all aspects of its meaning. My questioning of this is not to negatively criticize, but to constructively criticize our, yours and my thought process as to how we perceive concepts and ideas that we have adapted and adopted through our life time. "

My observation for Africans in America is that we find ourselves disconnected from our cultural roots, and subject to indoctrination that would suggest tht those roots are inferior. Therefore, we should adopt the superior culture. My point is that even if I arrived in this cultrual environment with my cultural roots intact, I could choose to adopt this culture, but I would not necesarily abandon my original culture. I would choose to suppress it in favor of another. It would not leave me, but provide me with something positive to contribute because of my diverse background. That is what the Koreans, Vietnamese, South Asian Indians, Chinese, Latinos, and others bring to the American cultural tapestry. For Africans in America, we have to make a deliberate effort to learn about our cultural roots in order to gain confidence in our difference. Otherwise, we are left to the explanations of the dominant culture about why our differences don't matter. This has a deeply disturbing psychological impact on those who know nothing of their cultural roots. They are defined by "others" and not by the natural connections that people with intact cultural roots arrive in the USA with.

So "cultural Awareness" becomes a learned awareness. I have been blessed to have been emersed for a time (3 years) in a cultural environment that is close to my true roots. That experience makes a big difference for me in contrast to my awareness of my unique culture prior to that experience. The closest most Africans in America can come is a positive learning experience that accuratey informs them of their heritage.

Roger Madison
www.izania.com

Thank you brother Roger for the clarity from your eyes. It is a beautiful sight from which I see as well. I had lived in the Philippines when I was in the military in the 70's. My 3 years there had left me with the same feeling as you. A sense of spiritual belonging and a oneness with its diverse culture. It is what caused me to study our African past, only to find their roots to be African as well. I now speak 2 languages and a number of broken dialects because of the unique experiences afforded me. Like you, I had gone to Africa, and spent my time in Egypt with Dr. Yosef ben-Jochanan, affectionately known as Dr. Ben. He and Dr. John Henrick Clarke were my mentors in New York. There was a great thirst (and still is) for knowing why and how we had ended up under these circumstances in America, resulting in me studying these areas of interest in college, selling books and lecturing. I’m now working with brothers and sisters nationally and Internationally, finding ways in which we can regain what was lost historically, mentally, philosophically and economically. I am one of the Chief Elders of an organization called World African Diaspora Union, Headquartered in New York. It can be found on the Internet and I encourage other brother and sisters who have a strong interest in Africa to research the organization and see if it can be of any support to you or vise versa.
Thank you brother again for this topic and I wish you well.
Peace.

What you are speaking of is mental slavery I assume, because according to the 15th chapter of Deuteronomy, there is a year of release every seven years. Meaning that a person can only be held as slave for a period of seven years. This is suppose to be a law of God, so why don't we know about it yet.I guest because it was written in the Old Testament and we were searching in the New Testament. I guest that what is meant by the phrase " My people die because of a lack of knowledge.
I think that it is nice to dedicate a month for Black History, There are television programs that promote knowledge that you just don't hear everyday. Last February I heard that the man who wrote the song "Amazing Grace" was a ship captain who overloaded his ships with slaves to make up for the ones that died during the voyage.

Thank you Roger for bringing me back to sanitywith those comments! It is so hard for me to not get angery at those who unlike me have a chance to reeducated themselves from those of my generation who had no way to learn about those proud people who I am decended from in,in such a demeaning and false way.Yet it gives me such pride to have the young Blacks not calling me by my first name when they learn my age. It gives me even more pride when I get to tell them why this has been taught to them before this like so many other things about US as a race of people about, OUR CULTURE(of survival) and how it has made us who and what we are today.

As, for me I am just trying to spare them the pain that I will suffer from telling my beloved grandmother, "Why don't you learn to speak English" only because I had no idea that my first language was Ebonics...(smile) but, then there comes my Black pride right back up front when I put this on the formal information forms today, with the satisfaction of "live with it" until you L-E-A-R-N why I spoke this truth UNDER PENALTY of the law.(smile and hugs and many thanks from me Roger)

Thank you robert, but , please, please, please never apologize for learning any thing;be it some thing you like, do not like, agree with or not agree with.I say this because i believe that 'dialog is the only means to come to PEACE.

I say this also because a 'smile'never has to have a:known culture/ language understood/word spoken to be understood.A smile is universal.

And, may I add somethings else to this conversation.

Mozell, thank you for saying that we are a new people only about 400 years old. This is more true than any other explaination, description I have ever heard our race referred to as!!! But, then my brother this is so simple, so true that (we) I never thought of it. We are brand new, but then we did have to start some where.And, for this one I will bring up the basic instince of mankind...SURVIVAL...and being an oral learning people we came fully equiped with this from Africa.Boy, what a point you made Mozell!!!!!!!!! A major point that must go much farther than we who read and respond on this post of Roger's. I say this because of the belief today that "Obama has schocked" the worldis a false rational to say the least.

Not true in any way, form or fashion. President Hussein Obama is only another of the "first" in this country that has been demanding 'equality' for the African-American citizens.

It is almost laughable about Obama shocking the world. In my generation it was Dr. M.L. King and Rosa Parks. Before this it was Supreme court Justice T. Marshall and the first Black man in Harvard (I can not think of his name right now,the first Black to win and oscar, Fredrick Dougless, the first slave that cause a slave up rising in America!To start with President Obama is demeaning as he is a first generation African-American nagates all of our Black In America. As, I believe that my actions in the 60s helped get a Black President as so many other unsung members of our race; I can not accept this rational as Obama is the first shock to the world. England and France joined us during the 60s therefore I am sure that they will agree with me on this one.

...for those whose education on Black In America is limited only to CNN... France and England sent most of the cars to those cars when the Black race went on strike against the bus system after Rosa Parks was arrested.They did this because back then 2&3 car family was not the norm as it is today. Those White women who could not as the (Blacks) afford to buy their US cars or pay taxi fares to get them to work. The White merchants joined in because it was Christmas season and they needed the Black business.

Remember what Roger said about being "Black In American" being taught in a true fashion? Can you see why I am so proud of my Black color of skin and do not want to hear the word "color blind"!!!!!!!!! My people are unique,as is our history in America ,period, end of story. Obama is only going to help speed up this needed for ever, African-American study in our public instutions and not just starting in college, but from grade school. Oh, and do not let us forget the inforcement of FREEDOM OF RELIGION?????(smile)The Black Muslims and churches like Trinnity suffer greatly for doing this as those like Robert have seen. Now, Robert may I be accepted back into the black community,race,even thought you thought those like me did not exist in my own race/culture? Just Kidding Robert as this is what is called stepping into the other person's shoes. You have done this and I congradulate you for having the nerve to buck the norm.

I am happy and proud to call you my friend.

again Mr. Powell you are too stuck on what you have determinedas CULTURE, and not the real world. I will use you as the best exampleof this kind of human behavior to be right or to be the absolute truth.I am not only one of those people that Dr. King refered to as the AMERICAN Negro or may be because my name is Irma, but I am the same person who not only marched, but marched with Dr. King. Yet here you are fully prepared to call/link those like Mozell ( me) and what we have to say, do to try to end this "master"image from expressing actual experience as what? Wrong in your sulture eye sight, conclusions, beliefs? Why? Oh, that is right you have no idea that Dr. King preached Black Liberation thealogynow did you? Again, why do you not know this or is it because you were not a part of what that movement was all about much less the one you identify as the MOVEMENT, its leader, or even PE Obama? Ore do you believe that Barak Hussien Obama is going to try and eleminate 20 years of his making choices of what is best for him ,his family over a news bite? Please give this man some credit for being with a brain?Or just not there when Dr. King along with us former 20th century American Negroes complained about it being wrong what is still being done in America today; that Burris being blocked from taking his seat?

Dr. M.L.King is dead but the president of the NAACP can tell you how Dr. King and we, those Negros were there about that same thing in the last century being done to the same person who is today's NAACP's president. What are you trying to teach those like me or is it your own self. Again, I am talking directly to you as an individual....can you do the same when you make the you want to communicat with those American Negroes? As. that movement got us the right to include American in our difinition-communication or Culture, here again it is your choice!!!!!...(smile)

Mr. Roger Madison, we are getting there faster that I ever expected. If we can have a Black president we can sure have those like you being recognized by the masses as what the Black community defines and respect and love as a TRUE Black community-educator- leader/Black leader.

Please forgive me for joining in the 'difinitions of the dictionary' but a society defined as two people able to be a sender of a message and a reciever of said message.

This is why I repeat, "We see the WORLD through the eyes of our culture.By the way do you eat, grub worms, take off your shoes when you enter a home? would you even think about becoming a member of the Church that Rev. J. Wright use to be the pastor? If not them why not or is it because you are not an expert in Black culture/hihstory or just have allow the media to turn you off to Black Liberation thealogy.And, if true about Rev. J. Wright then may God have murcy if you are a member of or if you recognize the African Method E. Zion church, because this is why it came into existance in the first place. See what I mean about..."Seek and ye Shall find"?And, how in doing so there is a "going to hell"element??????

but do you know what makes me so happy about information like that given by the robert powells of our 'society' of freedoms. Our Black president is going to first time help us get off the sports courts and into that African-American study departments so that we can learn the very same things taught to him and Oprah bye the right Rev. J.W. these two listening to this man has made them the two most powerfull people on the planet. And, guess what, THEY ARE BLACK, do you hear me Michal Jacksons out there(smile)

I will say this and shut up, Clark, I know what it is like to be the TOKEN/out sider. But, my problem is different although the samethan yours in being a member of the Black community,race. I am just over looked as a person able to even be considered as having a say, because right after they conclude that I am the Anti-Christ, Anti-American, I am shut out allogather.but, as I am about facts and not out for a SUBJECTIVE emotional fix, I am fine with this form of treatment.You see I look at this as their loss not mine.

And, may I just add how long before I knew(growing up in N.C. about a CULTURE , about racism or any of that...I knew that I was always to be on the look out for those men in the White hoods as a danger if seen any place near where I was. It was all about survival.I did not have to be proud of my skin color and, so much so that I resent the statement of "COLOR BLIND". I am this way, because being BLACK is a part of my chosen/accepted idenity.but, who ask me things like this as I am a member of the Black community therefore it is left to the mass media to speak for me. right?...(smile)

And, my thanks and love to you rodger for this post and allowing me to get up once again on my soap box on how black people are individuals and how my culture did not begin in America nor with Dr. M.L. King, but with a race of peoples whose respect for the Female and for Mother nature got us deemed as savage non humans. The African homeland that was a city state of government of Kings and Queens as well as jungles.

Mozell, now this post is what I call (some people)being,living according to your African culture while at the same time fighting against your doing so in the name of God as just a distructive as changing"thou shall not kill to thou shall not murder"; and not ask why, because to do so is to cahllenge the words of God therefore you will go straight to hell!!!!

Every thing has a beginning and every thing has a reason to try to be right according to the one who does the other's thinking especiall when it comes to preventing KNOWLEDGE as so, so bad it is against God therefore you will go to hell for seeking-"Seek and you sahll find"(?). Me, I say a lot like Eve and the tree of knowledge. Here goes,

If the person shouting in church stop long enough to ask why people in White churches do not shoutas those in the Black churches dowhen their pastors get fired up? They will all go straight to hell for even asking because of "THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE". Now people I beg you, do not say that this saying came from me as I am a person unafraid to have learned that shouting is linked directly to the pracice of African --------.Look this up for your selves and take it or leave it at your churches door...Or you can see who, why ,the Slaves of America , held the first sit-in in America. Hint it was not in the 60s, but it did lead to the first BLACK Christian church in the U.S. or "Black In America"(smile)that will never be seen on CNN.

Roger, along with what you just said may I add what Mozell once said about how we the African-American are only about 400 years old.

As, for me as me, it is my pride in my "culture" not beginning in America nor in the 60s, but the oral lessons of survival along with the natural instinct to survive that is why I am so proud still when I(we) are refused the human dignity of being seen/accepted as individuals in the Black race/community.

And, like you Roger I to see that comment by Sheril is what this is all about. The Sheril Harris' are our race's future(smile) and Roger keep this post coming, we all have a lot to learn as we prepare for the FUTURE.

robert powell, thank you for saying what is called Anti-Christianity for saying(the master comment) This is why it is much easier for the many many members of the Chruchs themselves being able to sit in church, NO, to sit in B-L-A-C-K Christian churches and condemn the words of Rev J. Wright. That very example you used about "master and ANIMAL is that same reason for our history of not slavery in these United States of America, but CHATTEL slavery. for example

The King David in (your?) the Saint James Bible was a slave, but as he was considered as HUMAN he like everyone else in SLAVERY could rise above this skave status in life. It is because Africans were not human (according) to their WORDS in the Saint James Bible in America that CHATTEL slavery is slavery for LIFE.

The way I look at this matter is only the KKK,Arian brohers and the Skinheads are today trying to inforce that same Saint James Christian Bible that was used back then...come back

And, even more what Rev. J. Wright said about the slaves (non human-animals)and the MASTER could not be praying to the same Gods as they were asking for their prayers to be answered by G-O-D just the OPPOSIT(smile) Therefore at least for ME this has nothing to do with Culture or religion, but about the TRUTH as it is accepted in your/my ,individual-personal WORLD view !!!!!

Okpara, assuming you can not deleat any of what I comment back to your EXPERT comments about the Black culture or Black in America, I will be so blod as to say this.

1. You are so , so wrong in your information about who raise whose children in America. The Black slaves raised the White children thus the MAMMY label of the Black females who raised White children ever since setting feet on American soil!

2.President Barack Hussein Obama was raised in a White home/enviornment and dispite all of the hurt and anger and confusion he suffered all of his lifebecause of this , Rev. J. Wright was able to save this man from every trap that has been set to stop our productive youth in this country from the first day we sat foot in this country to 1-23-2009!
3. and most of all to the Okparas of the world, if the fear of being hung, and remaining under the treat of death because my skin is Black has not stopped me or what I teach about our African-centered education/culture then please join me in laughing at you every time you delets all of my comments like what I say on this post...

4. Your forms of miseducation is of the past, Sheril and Roger and this community site are the future...live with it Okparas of the U.S.A.(smile)This is your 400 year old peoples being your greatest sleep/awake nightmare...because President B. H. O. is our NEW AFFIRMATIVE ACTION following this 21st century Civil Rights movement via the VOTING booths!!!!!

Because it is true about one reaps what one sows, no one can run away from the truth. They can ban books with it in it or delete what they find to their self esteem/distaste or they can just settle for a continued state of denial, but President Barack Hussein Obama is the 21st century's best example of a CULTURE that refuses to not be proud or be denied...

Mozell, what you just said about us and Africa is why it is so important to know our African ties. It will help us know why we are who and what we are and why we fight so hard to talk to each other now. Please believe me that this form of African-centered education is the DIRECT tie to Obama and the young college age people.

Remember me talking before about how our parents call us by our first, middle and last name when they areup set(or mean, LISTEN)! Why the Black woman puts that hand on one hip and point that finger at you when she means business?Why we shout in church. Why we are so tied to eating chicken in the south?Why we hold our heads down when adults speak to us when we are children, but White people call this a sign of guilt and yet we still do it?Why we have yet to accept the Male head of house hold and we are doomed as socially fit if we do not have a Male?These are our direct ties to Africa that has been trying to be taught our of our race for over 400 years! Some of these are now being retaught about why we do these things that are uniquely African.

We did not wake up one day and say ,we are in America therefore we must accept being on the bottom rung because this is how we came into the world.Even today we are being told on the TV how we live by the laws of the jungle by way of Black on Black uncivilized behaviors that now civilized White person would act like. You know how so many get theri expertees of the Black community by never sitting foot in them now do you not, my brother?I will just leave it as this...Aretha was singing a Standard song on 1-20-09 would any one besides a Black person sing that song the way she could. Rev. J. Wright (poeple, I am a Buddhist not a member of his church)was telling the truth that our brains are different. Aretha could no more sing that song or any standard song no more that Byonce or Whitney could have done. Black brains see in round, White people see in square...I promise you, we as a rece of people do not have the physical/gene make up as any othe race of people do. It is called mutating to survive. Oh, almost forgot, the majority of Black people have a hard time digesting cow's mile. We as African genes have not been drinking this form of milk long enough to have mutated to digest it properly.

Please, we have a lot to learn, because we all came from some part of the planet with a totally different enviornment...And, right back to my SURVIVAL soap box...Love you Mozell.