African History
Riddled with perfect and flawed perspectives; a decade in African history
BY DAVE RANKIN
History. Subjective. For some individuals, and it is definitive for others. Riddled with perfect and flawed perspectives. Shared by the great, the small, the victors, the captives, the story seekers and the storytellers. Positive or negative, these events have impacted, shaped and influenced public opinion for years to come. Where these events have separated people, it has also brought many together. I’m sure we all have been in circles where we have either listened or divulged historic information and its affect on us as well as others. Let’s face it, if we don’t discuss these events, and take in its causes and affects, a people and sometimes a language can be lost to us; only to be bought up in a “Did you know,” moment.
As I was putting together this final piece for the decade, my editor suggested that we break from our normal journey down historic lane to recant memorable events from the past decade. Pretty good idea right! Well, that’s what I thought. Of course, the greatest challenge would be what to fit in this column. I’ll miss some things, which is all right. We definitely couldn’t fit every world event that has impacted us as Africans in the diaspora. However, if we don’t mention a few things we deem as important, it would be harder for us to continue to find ourselves “On the map of human geography.”
The decade began with devastating news as we were rocked with the announcement of the catastrophic earthquake that took place in Haiti. Measuring at least a seven on the Richter scale. The earthquake altered the lives of three million Haitians at its onset and changed the country forever.
The world looked on a few months later as South Africa became the first African nation to host FIFA’s world cup. A feat for the ages, and what was remarkable is that the bidding process was only open to African countries.
Fast forward a few years later, as he already made history in becoming the America’s 44th president, Barack Obama won a second term in 2012 ousting Republican Milt Romney. It gave him a chance to finish what he started, including the first of its kind, the Affordable Care Act, affectionately dubbed ‘Obamacare.’
Staying in the America’s, in 2013 we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s I Have A Dream Speech. The ceremony took place at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Not without its tragedies, we lost a few warriors for change throughout the decade. The great Nelson Mandela passed at the age of 93 in 2013. Scholar, Dr. Yosef Alfredo Anotnio Ben-Jochannan, also known to the community as Dr. Ben, was also in his 90’s when he passed in 2015. World-renowned psychologist and author of the ‘Isis Papers’ Dr. Frances Luella Cress Welsing passed January 2nd, 2016 after suffering two strokes. Canadian stalwart, Bromely Armstrong was another huge loss to our community when he passed in August of 2018. If you are not aware of the Order of Canada recipient, please pick up the book, Bromley: Tireless Fighter for Just Causes.
Remaining on Canadian soil, the Federation of Black Canadians spearheaded by the work of dedicated Africans had a successful launch in 2017. The organization’s impact garnered enough federal government support that in 2018 the Federal Budget finally allotted a portion of it towards African centered programs.
This past summer Toronto witnessed the son of Africa’s greatest son, Dr. Julius Garvey make a historic trip into the city to advise as to why economic unity is of great importance to steer us towards One Aim and One Destiny.
2019 became the ‘Year of the Return.’ The West-African nation of Ghana has made sure to open its loving arms to ensure we take the trip back home. Cultural, spiritual, and economical unity has been more than just a theme, as its agency has peaked its head as the establishment of The Economic Community of West African States, also known as ECOWAS, has challenged old colonial rule.
The past decade had its ups and downs, but one thing is for sure, we had memorable moments that will continue to place ourselves on the ‘map on human geography.’
I’m looking forward to all the advancements that we as Africans around the world will continue to make.
Walk good!