A few days ago, the world and Africa celebrated Africa (Liberation) Day. It was just another day to recognize the beauty and greatness of Africa. Looking at Africa, it is a continent with great people and resources that reflect great history and culture. As part of celebrating the greatness of African culture and its people, reminding today’s generation of African cultures and solidarities, there were many different webinars and discussions on a wide range of topics and what we (Africans) should be doing to address various issues.
I was opportune to have joined a webinar organized by Literati Liberia, where we talked about different perceptions of “Africa” in a discussion led by Mallence Bart-Williams who did justice to the entire discussion. Ms. Brat-Williams had a perfect answer to every question from the audience thanks.
Amongst the many points Ms. Bart-Williams highlighted, she described Africa as a “Sleeping Giant.” Who could disprove such a fact? Talk about how we have seen ourselves, which I believe is the real reason we are still dependent but think we are independent. The real truth is that Westerners need us more than we need them, but we have not realized that because of the picture we have allowed them to paint for us. Great people, great culture, great natural resources and views, rich in size, people and land; Africa has everything to change the narratives of her story, but I guess we (African) have not been able to fully do that.
Let’s take it back to how we got here. You may agree with me that our problem with Africa is Africans, but how? We have had a handful of people who have been very committed to their selfishness, greed and corrupt acts. These are people with a great deal of influence and they have been able to run things and get us to where we are today as a continent.
Just like how we’ve gotten here, we have the ability to change the narratives of our continent. A handful of people; we share thoughts and progressive mindset for improving our systems and making the best way possible. If you have even asked how we (young people) can change the narratives of Africa (considering there are already corrupted ones amongst us), this is it; this is how we change and rewrite our story. We need to realize the power of writing your own story. You give your reader the picture of what you’re writing; how you write is the account your readers tend to carry. Let’s rewrite our own story; never feel it’s too late.
Let us continue this discussion through our writings. Please write an op-ed response and share your views or thoughts.
Authored by Aaron Ireland
Featured Pictured by Unsplash
The cause has brought initiated from the brutal civil war in the case of Liberia. Frankly, the dynamics can be change though capacity building as we Africans must prioritize. The factors withholding African Youths isn’t about environment only but a creation of human capacity,career development initiatives. Most government entered to power with such symbol but ended up in political rhetoric. The dynamic can shift with developing their minds and set up standard principles.
G
Quite an insightful message! The sleeping Giant needs to get up and better things.