#bloggingmoment

africaisdonesuffering: Where I Stand: Voice in the Community...

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:56:26 +0100

Where I Stand: Voice in the Community Week 3 Video

For the third week, we focus on the identity. Whether African or of African descent or Black (non-African). This week we tell stories of our experiences that have transformed us, our mindsets, and our sense of identity. Or maybe you view this week as an opportunity to explore and explain what your identity is, or what it means to you. Feel free to use the following questions to guide you as you watch this video.

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"Lets not talk things to death. Ideas take the path of least resistance and most often, the path of..."

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:23:24 +0100

“Lets not talk things to death. Ideas take the path of least resistance and most often, the path of least resistance is “oh here’s all the reasons we can’t do that”. So we tend to say lets move quickly on this and if we’re wrong we can just torch the whole thing. But if we’re right at least we’ll have some momentum.”

- Jim Coudal on CreativeMornings Chicago, a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types.

"Dan Gilbert is a writer. He wrote a book called Stumbling Unhappiness and he said the reason that..."

Sun, 19 May 2013 17:23:08 +0100

“Dan Gilbert is a writer. He wrote a book called Stumbling Unhappiness and he said the reason that most of us are are unhappy most of the time is that we set our goals not for the person we’re going to be when we reach them. We set our goals for the person we are when we set them and I think that’s really important if you think about it. At least in my life it has been. Before all of this I worked at a big Ad agency and all i kept saying to myself is I can be the Creative Director and win some awards, and that’s exactly what I want to be. And I put that goal in my pocket and I never looked at it again. And a few years later I was the Creative Director. And we won some awards and I was miserable. So I think the lesson in that is things happen quickly, and you’ve got to be careful for what you wish for because you might get it. You need to adjust your goals as you move forward.”

- Jim Coudal on CreativeMornings Chicago, a monthly breakfast lecture series for creative types.

(Where I Stand) Week 3: Coming into your Identity ...

Sun, 19 May 2013 09:53:21 +0100

(Where I Stand) Week 3: Coming into your Identity ...:

africaisdonesuffering:

(Where I Stand) Week 3: Coming into your Identity

Some time last year our Social Media Manager, Joy Otibu was asked in an interview what the most pressing issue facing the diaspora was. Her response was apt and succinct, truly reflecting our purpose as Rise Africa.

“There’s an ample amount of issues to choose from, but the most pressing issue is the matter of identity and instilling in members of the African diaspora a sense of pride that does not easily falter. Learning to adapt to an adoptive country while holding dear to the heritage, culture, and traditions of our native nations can be defined as challenging but yet necessary. It would be a travesty for members in the African diaspora to assimilate so much to their current situations that they forget their people and responsibilities back home.”

We are moulded and influenced by our experiences, our surroundings, our families and our friends. And when living away from home in the diaspora gives us experiences that make us different, there’s some kind of disconnect that emerges and a new identity is forged. By all means adapt to your immediate surroundings. In some cases it might even not make sense not too. But as Joy put it, “it would be a travesty for members in the African diaspora to assimilate so much to their current situations that they forget their people and responsibilities back home.”

This week, the third in the Rise Africa Jely Pals Diaspora series, our conversations are centered on the issue of identity. Lets hear from you. How have you dealt with issues of identity and what stories do you have to share?

-Michael Annor

Also, join us tomorrow on Twitter @RiseAfrica as we discuss this week’s theme“Coming into Your Identity”

“Where I Stand” Tweet Chat tomorrow at 2 PM CST | 3 PM EST

africaisdonesuffering: Where I Stand: Voice in the Community...

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:05:25 +0100

africaisdonesuffering:

Where I Stand: Voice in the Community Week 2 Video

For week 2, we’re looking at the tensions between Africans and black people of Indirect African decent. Although, we’re all black, there are differences in our upbringings, cultures, perceptions, understandings, etc. And these differences could lead to conflicts. This week we move one (from week one) to discuss these tensions and how to work around it. We’re bringing up these unspoken issues and finding a way forward. Again, these questions may be of help. Once again, it’s just a guide.

Do you believe that Africans and African-Americans are the same people?

What part has slavery played within the Africans and African Americans

What are some glaring differences that you’ve observed between Africans and African-Americans?

Do you act more or less African or African-American, or Afro-Latino around mixed company? Why or why not? ( ex: changing the way you move, speak, etc)

Where do you see tensions between Africans and members of the Diaspora. What are the consequences of the tension?

What is your perspective on being physically abused because of your ethnicity? What causes this? Why do we have such conflicts? How do we avoid such conflict?

Join the conversation

(Where I Stand) Week 2: Tension and Cultural Differences

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:52:49 +0100

(Where I Stand) Week 2: Tension and Cultural Differences:

africaisdonesuffering:

(Where I Stand) Week 2: Tension and Cultural Differences

There’s an elephant in the room and we pretty much can’t continue to ignore it. We can’t continue to pretend it’s all rosy. In different ways, we’re dealing with issues of colour, race, identity, culture, ethnicity, etc. And it all affects how we view and relate to each other.

“You can live in the hotel for all your life but at some point you’ll need a home, and Africa is home”.

I quote this from one of last week’s entries. As an African, I immediately came to agreement with it. Afterall, no matter how far away I go, Africa will always be home. But I didn’t realise it was not as straightforward until I was drawn to consider how I’d take the statement, had I been of indirect African descent. Even if I decided that Africa is home, it won’t make me any less foreign to the people living there. They have different ways of receiving people not directly from their countries. In Ghana for example, a foreign accent could easily land you the label “obroni”. The tag, which isn’t intended to be derogatory or negative in anyway suggests you’re foreign and that makes me wonder if it’s possible to be a foreigner in your own home. I’ll leave that to you to answer.

It’s not that easy to live in this imaginary utopia we’ve created for ourselves. This week, as part of the Rise Africa JelyPals Diaspora series, we’ll discuss the Tensions Between Africans and Blacks of Indirect African Descent. Indeed, Africa is home but having gone our separate ways so long ago, being raised up in different environments, going through experiences of the civil rights movements and other similar movements, the diaspora also becomes less of a hotel and more of a home.

This week, lets put aside the diplomatic skills we use to swerve issues relating to these tensions and face the awkwardness and find answers to these questions.

-Michael Annor

"If not not taken properly into account, this expansion of population, of labour force and of urban..."

Tue, 07 May 2013 23:04:23 +0100

“If not not taken properly into account, this expansion of population, of labour force and of urban centres could be crippling to the continent. It could undermine the apparent gains of our current economic growth. But there’s no reason why it should not automatically be a part of everyone’s vision for Africa’s future. At the core of our investment in projects must be an investment in the people of Africa, and in the continuity of Africa’s success. We must make sure that jobs are being created for the people who need them. We must provide education and training so that tomorrow’s workforce will possess the necessary skills for industry. Structural provisions should be made so that our people, honest hardworking citizens, can also have a stake in industry. Otherwise all of this will be a really be this century’s version of a new scramble for Africa”

- John Dramani Mahama

— Keynote Address at the Times CEO Summit Africa 2013

africaisdonesuffering: Where I Stand: Voice in the Community...

Tue, 07 May 2013 22:52:40 +0100

africaisdonesuffering:

Where I Stand: Voice in the Community Week 1 Video

For this week we’re looking at linking the bridge between Africans and people of African descent. The following questions should guide you and help you understand the responses in the video below. Feel free to read them yourself and share with us your response, thoughts, opinions and personal experiences. All participation is greatly appreciated! Let’s get the conversation started!

How would you briefly describe Africans/people of African descent from what you’ve experienced?

How much of the media’s representation of Africans/people of African descent impact the mentality of other people?

Were you aware that there was a difference between the Africans/people of African descent? If yes, when did you become aware?

Do the lives of Africans impact the lives of members of the Diaspora?

What do you feel contributes to misconceptions about Africans/African Americans?

If you could speak with an African/African-American what are some things you would like to speak about?

Do you think the rest of the world sees Africans and members of the Diaspora as one people? Why do you think they do? Do you agree?

What can we do to change the perception of the two groups of people and bridge the gap of separation because of cultural differences?

What is the benefit of connecting the bridge between Africans and people of African descent? Why is it important? Has it always been important?

(Where I Stand) Week 1: Why is it important? – Connecting the bridge

Sun, 05 May 2013 22:01:08 +0100

africaisdonesuffering:

In a matter of days the first video in this series will go public. Before we can engage in any conversation and find out #WhereWeStand, there are certain factors we have to take cognizance of. First off; migration and its consequence. Cross-continental migration dates way back, and has taken different forms as times have passed; slavery, economic migration, political exile and even holiday visits. Of which some are short temporary visits, and others lifelong, generational stays. But whatever the case be, it brings Africans and people of African descent into contact. With different experiences and exposure; the two groups have grown so apart, it’s almost as if there is tension.

So this week, to introduce it all, we’re focusing on building a liaison between Africans and people of African descent. Through our discussions on misconceptions, media representation, experiences, benefits, differences, etc. we’ll be able to “connect the bridge” by week’s end.

Acquaint yourself with the schedule so you don’t miss out on any of the videos or write-ups. Week One is where I stand, connecting the bridge.

-Michael Annor

My First Coup D'Etat - John Dramani Mahama

Sun, 05 May 2013 01:47:52 +0100

Title: My First Coup D’Etat

Author: John Dramani Mahama

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA; 1 edition (July 3, 2012)

Language: English

Mahama, begins his autobiographical novel of his memories of the Lost Decades of Africa with this quote by Ben Okri:

“We plan our lives according to a dream that came to us in our childhood, and we find that life alters our plans. And yet, at the end, from a rare height, we also see that our dream was our fate. It’s just that providence had other ideas as to how we would get there. Destiny plans a different route, or turns the dream around, as if it were a riddle, and fulfills the dream in ways we couldn’t have expected.” -Ben Okri

My First Coup D’Etat is a narration of events in the life of the author, Mahama, that have shaped who he is today. The title refers to the 1966 coup in Ghana that overthrew Dr. Nkrumah. As a young boy, with virtually no understanding of what was happening; it took him a while to understand what was happening. His father’s detention and ban from public office, give emphasis to Okri’s quote at the beginning of the novel. Like the detention, a number of other misfortunes would subsequently set a different path for him than he planned.

The book is a collection of stories, which include My First Coup D’Etat, The District Commissioner’s Hat, How I got My English Name, Teenagers in Tamale, Ghana Must Go. I would love to be able to list all the stories here and a brief summary of each but that’ll make this unnecessarily long. (A friend of mine made some brief notes on each chapter: Read Here). Through these stories, he is able to provide a clear context and a brief history of the times in which these events occurred. To me, one of the best things about the book is how he is able to weave in his experiences, the bigger picture of things happening in Ghana, Africa or elsewhere and the lessons to be learnt on both levels. The book is well researched, and gives insight to topics like colonisation, Northern Ghana, family systems, past leaders, diaspora relations, and the post-lost-decades era to economic growth and stability.

My First Coup D’Etat is a decent publication. The writing is clear but I cannot describe it as stellar. He’s nothing like an Achebe, Soyinka or Adichie. But it has it’s strengths. Chinua Achebe was accurate in describing it as “a much welcome work of immense relevance”. It’s relevant, conscious literature and I guess that’s it. I had a few issues with the book though. Throughout he portrayed himself as the perfect son, student, boy or man in a way that sounded ~~too political,~~ too good to be true. I’m tempted to say it casts doubts on his ability to make clear, objective judgments because, aside his character being almost without flaw, his father’s character is perhaps more perfect. Twice his father made terrible mistakes, signing contracts without careful considerations, which cost him one of his sons and business, yet he glared over them as though they were pardonable errors. Perhaps I’m being harsh on E A Mahama’s character. Perhaps it’s a son’s admiration of his father. ~~Hopefully, a lot more consideration and fair analysis goes into our state of the nation’s addresses~~.

As a president, revealing the hustles and stories of his past (getting shot, finding a girlfriend, his nightlife, etc.), I find this novel humanizing. I made it a point not to touch on the controversies, especially regarding the title in this review. I feel what ever claims people make are just mere coincidences. There are a lot of lessons to be learnt from this novel, and I encourage anyone who can, to read it. Even if you’re not concerned about Mahama, there’s a lot to learn about Ghana in it. I’ll end here, with one lesson I took from the book. In a letter his father wrote to General Acheampong, he wrote, “Remember to leave, when the applause is loudest.”

"The power to manipulate the minds of the public must be exercised with the utmost sense of..."

Sat, 04 May 2013 09:32:25 +0100

“The power to manipulate the minds of the public must be exercised with the utmost sense of responsibility. It is easy to whip up antagonistic sentiments. It is much harder to cultivate critical but levelheaded analysis, yet this is the task for the responsible media.”

- John Mahama (Minister of Communications at the time)

—Government Minister Cautions Press Against ‘Reckless Sensationalism’, 2000.

What started as just another week till the end of the semester...

Sat, 04 May 2013 03:15:00 +0100

What started as just another week till the end of the semester changed with some awesome news today. My favourite homegirl-homie-buddy got into Tufts. For the most part of this year, her Skype PM has read “2013 is God’s to mould”. I know He’s not done with the moulding, but for now, a major CONGRATULATIONS to Phoebe Ewuraba Prah!

Habakkuk 2:3

Today’s labour day, and our doctors are still striking so...

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:11:51 +0100

Today’s labour day, and our doctors are still striking so despite my impending deadlines, I’m going spend the next few minutes on this public service announcement.

Between 1st April, and today, 1st May, I’ve not died. I haven’t fallen sick, felt weak, ill or caught a cold. And I say this to dispell the misconceptions people have concerning blood donations. A month ago I became a first time donor and from my little experience I can say: it’s almost painless, it’s not scary, it’s a quick process, there’s a dire need for blood, the blood banks in our hospitals are empty and most importantly, it’s not going to kill you.

I remember, when I walked up to volunteer, people asked me if I was certain I wanted to or if I was old enough in a very you-may-not-come-out-alive way. I ignored their pressure and went ahead. So if you can, or have the chance, do it. It takes not more than 15 minutes. You could save a life today. The Maternal Health Channel is doing a good job broadcasting health-related issues in the motherland in a very appealling way. Thumbs up to them. I encourage you to watch the video in this post.

Happy Labour Day. You don’t need a doctor to donate so don’t let the strikes stop you.

Rise Africa Theme for May 2013: Where I Stand: Voice in the Community

Wed, 01 May 2013 21:18:26 +0100

Rise Africa Theme for May 2013: Where I Stand: Voice in the Community

Rise Africa Dislabelled Interview

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 04:23:10 +0100

Rise Africa Dislabelled Interview:

africaisdonesuffering:

Dislabelled Interview

As we look through the looking glass this April, we picture the continent in some desirable state. Yet still, it’s never enough to keep envisioning. Action and hard work is needed. It is common to hear cries for political leaders to back their words with action. But to some, real change is from the people. In recognition of World Autism Awareness Month this April, Rise Africa met up with Dislabelled; one of such change makers for a chat.

Dislabelled is a non-profit initiative which seeks to reverse the notion that people with varying intellectual and physical challenges are unable to be a productive part of society. The initiative seeks to achieve this by reforming the special education and employment systems in Ghana.

read our interview with Dislabelled

Comparable Tragedies?

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 23:51:00 +0100

(CNN) — It was a week that threw us off balance, like a punch-drunk fighter facing blow after blow.

Lushan, China (CNN) — A strong earthquake that struck the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan this weekend has killed 186 people, sent nearly 8,200 to hospitals and created a dire dearth of drinking water, Chinese state-run Xinhua reported Sunday.

(CNN) — The bodies of at least 532 people who were killed over a six-day period across Syria were found Sunday, according to Local Coordination Committees in Syria, an opposition group based in the country.

(CNN) — Two bombs struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, turning a celebration into a bloody scene of destruction.

I’ve attempted to sample some opening sentences of articles from the tragic events of this past week. Monday, 15th April, I started typing out a blogpost on things happening in Ghana but I wasn’t able to finish up. I’m not sure where to start this post from; the local issues, or the global headaches.

I’m not sure if you can compare tragedies. Is a story with 3 casualties any less devastating than “532 people killed over a six-day period”? It’s complicated. It seems like the Boston Bombings deserve the most attention, but that’s ~~international media~~ CNN for you. It’s their business, they’ll do what sells. But shaving off the “inter” for a closer perspective on the “national”, I have very ~~dilute~~ mixed feelings. I’ve been away from tumblr for sometime to try to understand things a bit more. I felt like I wasn’t not in the shoes of the average Ghanaian (which may be true), and thus I wasn’t in a position to do or say certain things (which is untrue). But now, regardless of whatever conclusion I reached, I’m here to say there’s a lot of positive we’re undermining.

Let’s have a quick recap:

(Myjoyonline) — At least 16 people have been killed when a disused gold mine collapsed in central Ghana, local authorities say.

(Myjoyonline) — Former Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Kofi Jumah has said medical doctors and teachers cannot compare themselves with Members of Parliament because MPs are on a higher pedestal compared to the two professions.

(Myjoyonline) — The former Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Maxwell Kofi Jumah has described as unfortunate public disapproval of the monies paid to parliamentarians as ex-gratia.

(Myjoyonline) — Former Member of Parliament for Asikuma-Odobeng- Brakwa, Paul Collins Appiah Ofori says those agitated about the gratuity paid to MPs are “ignorant” of the computation of the ex-gratia.

(Myjoyonline) — Joy News can confirm that the Teachers and Educational Workers Union met today and has formally decided to join the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) on a nationwide strike.

(Myjoyonline) — Public hospitals in the Greater Accra Region are said to be empty, following the industrial actions embarked upon by members of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) as well as the Government and Hospital Pharmacists Association (GHOPSA).

(Myjoyonline) — The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has begun an emergency load shedding programme following a relative stability in supply in the past month.

The last news item was from January, we’re now ending April. I’ve tried to pick the worst of the worst. But I’m sure you’ll agree that it cannot be compared to the earthquakes and massacres elsewhere. I may be wrong but that’s my take. True we have some extremely unintelligent leaders, who for example, will tell striking civil servants to find their place in society, we have electricity and water shortages, issues with the healthcare system, etc. But we’re a growing nation. Some blame the president and his government for the current problems. Of course, they should responsible for whatever, that’s what leaders do. But I’m convinced, it’s a as a result of generations of mismanagement. Perhaps, not always deliberate, but we’ve been solving our problems the wrong way, only for them to resurface a term or two later.

The election petition court case, I have nothing to say. Haven’t paid any attention to it so far.

I’m grateful for the country I live in but I still have questions about why teachers and doctors are striking, why mines are collapsing and killing 16, why MPs have never gone on strike or complained about working conditions, why they can’t duplicate this for the ordinary Ghanaian, as if they themselves aren’t ordinary. I have questions, but I’m not angry. Am I a bad citizen because I’m not angry? Maybe I am, maybe I’m selfish and insensitive. Maybe I should be angry. Angry that our immunisation system is working so well, angry that we’re not at war, angry that we don’t have to deal with terrorists (depending on how you define “terrorist”) or earthquakes.

Anger is futile. You don’t see the FBI and CIA venting their spleen on the bomber(s). We were angry with Woyome, and Melcom and whatnot. Only months later, have we not forgotten and moved on? Anger isn’t the answer. It’s an attempt to address the issues the wrong way and I assure you, they’ll resurface and bite you in the ass.

Paapa hMensa Interview

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 00:03:00 +0100

Paapa hMensa Interview:

africaisdonesuffering:

“Africa Is Done Suffering communicates my exact sentiment. I do recognise that a large percentage of Africa is economically disadvantaged, and a significant number are facing health challenges. But I do think that much of the continent has reached a psychological point that is past suffering. This mindset acknowledges struggles, but acts or thinks in spite of it.”

-Paapa hMensa

continue reading

musings of an aspiring, young writer.: "I hope you know that now that you have a blog, you have to do a birthday post for us"

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 21:47:18 +0100

musings of an aspiring, young writer.: "I hope you know that now that you have a blog, you have to do a birthday post for us":

awuraba:

(Pressure!) This is not a birthday post. Otherwise, I’d be 48 hours late without good enough reason and Audrr would have blasted me by now. This is just a toast to two of the most amazing people I have ever known and will forever be grateful for, my realest homies, loves, only triplets (yes, I’ve been forskinning their 4/13 swag), niggers, pressure guys!!, and friends to say the least. Cheers to the many good times we have and are yet to share together (Cape Three Points—Audessh ;). This is just to say I LOVE YOU BOTH!…

I love you both.

If I let to-do lists have their way, this blog will die....

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:51:26 +0100

If I let to-do lists have their way, this blog will die. I’ve been up to a number of things lately; slightly occupied, and as usual, occasional internet connection issues. But anyway, yesterday was my birthday. I was willing to let it slide, and leave no traces of it on my blog, but I have such cool friends, I can’t pass this chance to shout out to them. I think of them and it keeps me aware of how privileged I am. I was expecting a rather quiet one, since most of them are not in Ghana, or on my time zone. Interestingly, Facebook was the only silent part of the day.

I hardly wish be people happy birthday, (or more appropriately “hbd”) on Facebook or social networks in general but it was quite awkward when I had no notifications all throughout the day. It didn’t make me feel any less loved or happy, but I just couldn’t understand how not a single person (of three hundred and something friends) wrote on my timeline. I had a few wishes in my inbox, but the timeline was just dry. By the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised with a collection/anthology/library of raps and freestyles and complete music videos (watch this).

I remember when I used to daydream about having a surprise party back in high school. I thought I was just fantasising. I didn’t even think they were listening, but after surprise birthday parties, two years straight, I can only say I have friends you should be jealous of. Yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised with a dinner I thought was going to be for two. The “I-had-no-idea-this-was-going-to-happen” kind of surprised. I enjoyed it. All the way past midnight. And in the words of one of my reallest homies, there’s “no need for facebook, no? we’re grown past that.”

Finally, a shout out to the real birthday girl, my twin. Happy Birthday, Audrey Audesh Kukua! You’re a star!

Rise Africa Theme for April 2013: Through the Looking-Glass

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 22:52:10 +0100

Rise Africa Theme for April 2013: Through the Looking-Glass