I have to admit, it has been quite some time now, over two years to be exact, since I thought of writing this blog piece. It was around the time that Wode Maya was not yet well known. I had come across a YouTube livestream focusing on the topic of his blog. The thoughts being shared by different young Africans/black people from across the continent was so interesting that I took pen to paper to write them all down, with the intention of later sharing them in a blog.
Now for anyone who is familiar with Wode Maya’s livestreams, you can imagine how lengthy this process was for me – pausing and writing every few minutes – but I thought it worth it! I invite you to judge for yourself if this was the case by reading a few answers that were shared that night:
1. African mentality
“The African mentality is the main thing preventing unity among Africans! We need to stop comparing ourselves with the West. We need to decide what to change based on our own view and not in comparison.”SISTER FROM GAMBIA & & SIERRA LEONE, LIVING IN GERMANY
“I agree with sis, we need to change our selves. We should stop being jealous of each creates. Religion also divides us. We need to know our history and we need to know where we are heading. This all creates dis unity.” MALAWIAN BROTHER LIVING IN AFRICA
“Yes, our mindset needs to change. Africans always look for leaders and want to be lead but we are leaders ourselves. We don’t need anyone or things outside to tell us how to live like religion and leaders. We don’t need much, and we are leaders ourselves.”CARIBBEAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE UK
“We are too competitive and not collaborative. Everton is trying to bring someone down. We need to be heling one another. Wee ne to watch for each other. Even if our leaders are not good, we can make the change ourselves”NIGERIAN LIVING IN GERMANY
“The West will not respect us. Never. We need to respect ourselves and our neighbours first. If we do the right things people will follow. People like to follow. The diaspora can help with this.”AFRICAN AMERICAN SISTER LIVING IN THE US
“We need to change the system we live in. We are living in the EU system which is based on money. We are losers here as it is based on money. We are too big to live in the EU reality. Even if we know how to rise it is rising based on an EU system where thy have the upper hand. We won’t go far. Our mindset needs to get out of the EU system. We are trapped there. We need to start at the beginning. Go back to the earth and define our progress from scratch – own currency, own borderless Africa. How can you expect us to come to Africa and expect progress in an EU system when they don’t want us to rise?”AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE US
2. Greed
“It’s greed! This destroys progress and blocks unity” NIGERIAN BROTHER LIVING IN DUBAI
“Yes, greed, lack of education and understanding. Poverty is also in the way. Poverty makes everyone vulnerable.”UGANDAN BROTHER LIVING IN UGANDA
3. Knowledge & education
“Lack of knowledge and education. Without this we will get nowhere. Also, we talk too much – no action. Africans like to talk. Always there is conspiracy talk when an African leader tris to do something. Action requires self-sacrifice. I want to ask you, what have you done to create African unity? What do you do on a daily basis for this? UNKNOWN
“We don’t share information with one another enough. We need to share information. There’s a lot you can do with basic things like charcoal. You can do new things with it. Instead of focusing on building buildings. Education needs to demonstrate what is possible this way.” AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE US
“Lack of knowledge of who we are is what keeps us apart. Whey do African women war white hair? Why look like Hollywood? Many of us don’t know how rich Africa is… Where w come from, our ancestors… Leaders are also the problem, but we just need to claim who we are and we will all move like a tsunami, nothing will stop us after that!”CAMEROONIAN SISTER LIVING IN EUROPE
4. Bad leadership
“Fake promises from our leaders is the issue. I got this perspective while living in the West. Tribalism is also an issue that blocks unity. Leaders need to be paid normal wags and behave like others live. Why are we asked about which tribe we belong to when we get back home? Why are only certain tribes working in on company? KENYAN BROTHER LIVING IN SWEDEN
What helps create unity among Africans?
You can imagine the sense of relief everyone felt by the time the conversation turned to the more positive question of how to build unity among Africans and everyone had something to say.
1. Desire to unify is there
“There is a great desire for unity. You [Wode Maya] are providing a platform that gathers us here and look at our numbers! I work in the US in transportation and all of them say the same thing. We need a common language so we can greet and understand each other.”ETHIOPIAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE US
2. Move toward unification, stronger central establishment & expansion
“Africa needs a taskforce to bring back the suffering diaspora. We need to find ways to invest in Africa. I have a business in Africa to mine crypto.”AFRICAN AMERICAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE US
“We need to have a strong military, without that, anyone can do this to you, media feed us the wrong information and stereotypes. We need to stop seeing this and know who we are. Don’t ask the media to change the rhetoric, share our own stories to get away from BBC established stereotypes.”AFRICAN AMERICAN SISTER LIVING IN THE US
“Africa should expand; the Caribbean is part of Africa. Africa should it is as such. Africa should understand we have no friends. We are not safe until we realise this. We need to come together, and we need our own channels because they are listening to us and will not want us to rise. We have no friends we need to know that and act accordingly.”CARIBBEAN BROTHER LIVING IN THE CARIBBEAN
3. Rewire our mindset: See ourselves as one
“Due to the systematic oppression of black people, we are in constant survival mode. We look at our brothers and sisters in suspicion. We need to change this in our heads. Rewire ourselves. Also, we need to let go of the trauma – this is inherited. Let us be empathic to each other. We need to be patient and teach one another with love.”AFRICAN AMERICAN SISTER AFROCENTRIC HEALTH ADVOCATE LIVING IN THE US –
“I see myself as an African, period. We are calling these people leaders, but they are not leaders they are cowards. We don not need a new movement – we need a movement within ourselves. Another sister said as much – we don’t need leaders; we can do it ourselves. And not an Euro centric movement, but our own kind of internal growth. Any time you want to talk about politics and the government, you need to think about the energy you’re about to waste. Instead, think about what we can do to become self-sufficient. Western Education won’t help us we don’t need it. Everything we need is in ourselves in Africa. I came across Africans who have a Eurocentric understanding of what Africa is, which is not correct. We need to make our own stories, our own heroes. This will help a great deal.” AFRICAN AMERICAN SISTER LIVING IN THE US
“The moment we Africans shift our focus to loving one another, unity comes naturally. Each life is valuable. Our leaders will go but we will always remain.”UGANDAN BROTHER LIVING IN AFRICA
“Let’s talk about the one thing that connects us – Africa: the land and our DNA: our melanated skin. This unifies us. We don’t need to share where we come from specifically. Indians say they are Indian, Chinese say they are Chinese, they don’t specify their tribe or town. We should do the same. Religion also divides. We need to collect our resources centrally in one place. We need a central African federation under an African name and create one currency pulled from individual currencies. As it is now, individual African countries cannot compete with the West. As long as we stay divided, we cannot compete on am international scale.” AFRICAN AMERICAN SISTER LIVING IN THE US
You can imagine by the time the livestream had ended; we all took in a long inhale. Despite the heaviness of the topics shared, the feeling of unity and love between everyone on that livestream was palpable and moving. It’s also interesting to note that many of those offering unifying solutions came from the African American community – this is perhaps indicative of what many might see as a vital contribution they can make to Africa and for the black family across the globe.
There is indeed a lot of diversity among the people of Africa, and this diversity can lead to division among Africans. There are many different cultures, languages, and ethnic groups on the continent and these differences can sometimes lead to conflicts. Additionally, the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing challenges associated with poverty, disease, and political instability can contribute to division among Africans. It is important for Africans across the globe to work together and find ways to bridge these divides in order to build a stronger and more united continent.
Along with what was shared by those on the livestream, there are many things that can help build unity among Africans today. For example, increasing economic cooperation and trade among African countries can help to create more opportunities and improve living standards across the continent, which would attract African and black diaspora to invest and relocate to Africa. Investing in education and social programs can also help to reduce inequality and foster a sense of shared identity among Africans. Additionally, as some in the livestream had explained, working to address the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing effects can help to heal some of the divisions that continue to exist among Africans. Finally, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding can help to build bridges and foster a sense of unity among people from different backgrounds.
Africa is a diverse and dynamic continent, and there are many innovative things happening there today. For example, there are many initiatives and programs focused on improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for Africans.
Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin and other digital assets, is gaining popularity in Africa. There are several reasons for this, including the fact that many Africans lack access to traditional financial services, making cryptocurrency an attractive alternative. Additionally, the high inflation rates in some African countries and the volatility of local currencies make cryptocurrency a more stable and secure way to store value. There are also many entrepreneurs and startups in Africa that are using cryptocurrency and blockchain technology to create new products and services. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the use of cryptocurrency in Africa has the potential to help promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.
There are also efforts to promote renewable energy and environmental conservation, as well as initiatives to support entrepreneurship and technological innovation. Additionally, Africa is home to many vibrant and diverse cultures, and there is a rich history of artistic and intellectual achievement on the continent. All of these things are contributing to a sense of growth and progress in Africa.
