“Between Truths and Indulgences” by Wole Soyinka

Repost inspired by this commentary from Sis. Carolyn Moon:

“The difference that I’m noticing more now and it’s a perception which I’m sure can be debated but there is this extreme animus towards the various countries on the continent of Africa and their historical role in promoting the triangularity  of the slave trade that culminated in a diaspora seriously adrift. We’ve encountered at times, a dismissive or condescending attitude towards American blacks by those who were born and reared in the various countries on the continent.  This became painfully apparent when the dialogue about describing ourselves as ‘African-Americans’ became the topic on various blogs and if that is truly an accurate description. There seems to be a grace and forgiveness for those who provided a market (Europeans & western whites) for the selling and purchasing of human beings and also promoting one of the most virulent and devastating forms of slavery that the world has ever witnessed.”

Powerful commentary by Nigerian writer, poet, playwright and 1986 Nobel Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka, on Africa’s role in the slave trade and it’s consequences. These are 2 must read articles posted in the online magazine theRoot:

Part 1, Part 2 

sat’day riddymz

Slavery: A 21st Century Evil

I haven’t been paying too much attention to the Occupy Wall Street fiasco. Like the Tea Party Movement, it’s become a media fueled circus (panem et circenses), a reality tv inspired showcase of privileged White americans who are pissed at being forced to downsize their decadent lifestyle, as well as their unrealistic expectations. Americans, both White and Black, are finally waking up and coming to the realization that they are not the world, much less the centre of the universe. Sure, the so-called (white) left wing pundits attempt to give the OWS some legitimacy as a part of a worldwide phenomenon, by aligning it to the protests in Europe (Greece in particular) and the Jasmine Revolutions in Africa (read here), but don’t believe the hype! The truth is, it’s nothing more than a passing fad for most… like the protests of the 60’s.

Continuing unabated however is the issue of slavery. In fact it is much more entrenched worldwide and flourishes with little or no opposition in western (european and amerian) societies. Ironically, it is hidden right out in the open. However there is no type of “Freedom Movement”…. like the Occupy Wall Street or Tea Party Movement… among the socially or culturally conscious to end it’s practice. These social and cultural elites, just like their cousins, the political and financial (capitalist) elites, are concerned more about attaining and/or keeping the material trappings of privilege, which are created on or stolen from the backs of modern day slaves. Indeed, there is nothing new under the sun.

There is an eight-part series on Aljazeera by journalist Rageh Omaar on the 21st century slave trade. It sure brings life and recent events into perspective, for those who are not “too blind to see”, or distracted by latest circus, X-Factor-like spectacular.

You will be able to watch all the episodes here and read more about it in detail here.

The Story of St. Josephine Bakhita

Submission from Sis. Ana

The Story of St Josephine Bakhita, a remarkable woman born in Sudan who was kidnapped by slavers. Despite slavery, rejection, the loss and separation from her family, discrimination and hardship, she kept the faith and retained her dignity as a human being. She is considered by many as the Universal Sister and was canonized by the Catholic Church. There is a movie made about her by the Italian movie industry entitled “Santa Bakhita”.

Saludos