Enua Kijana Afrika - Enuka’s Post

In the heart of Haitian culture lies the "Lakou," a term that might translate simply as 'yard' but embodies so much more. Beyond being a physical space, it represents a profound communal and spiritual system, teaching us invaluable lessons about unity, respect, and shared responsibility. Respect for Every Member: In a "Lakou," the greeting "Onè, respè" (honor, respect) is more than a salutation—it's a philosophy. Here, every individual, regardless of their role, is valued equally, encapsulating the beliefs “Tout moun se moun” (Every person is a person) and “Vwazinaj se fanmi” (Neighbors are family). This respect fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and trusted. Freedom to Practice Religious Beliefs: "Lakou" also serves as a safe haven for spiritual expression. Embedded in its foundation is the principle of religious freedom, where every individual is free to practice their beliefs without fear of judgment or persecution. This tolerance and openness enrich the community's cultural fabric and spiritual life. The "Lakou" model, with its roots in plantation heritage, emerged as a beacon of autonomy and community solidarity in post-slavery Haiti. It represents a self-sustaining ecosystem based on mutual aid, respect, and shared spiritual practices. Today, it offers us a powerful blueprint for building cohesive communities that honor diversity, ensure economic equity, and celebrate cultural heritage. The "Lakou" teaches us that it's possible to live together, work together, and grow together as one.     At Fonkoze, we're supporting these values as we empower women and families. If you want to support our work, you can donate via give.fonkoze.org #Lakou #HaitianHeritageMonth #Haiti

Today, I want to wear my social scientist and rural development expert hat. Sharing a different perspective of history around famous founders of nations: When we think of historical figures like Christopher Columbus, James Cook, David Livingstone, or Jan van Riebeeck, we often celebrate their "discoveries" and founding of nations. But let's pause and acknowledge a different narrative—one that recognizes the indigenous peoples who were already inhabiting these lands long before the arrival of explorers or settlers. For instance, when Captain Cook landed in Australia in 1770, indigenous Australians had been thriving on the continent for over 65,000 years, developing intricate cultures, languages, and social systems. Similarly, Livingstone's exploration of what is now Malawi in the 19th century overlooked the presence of various indigenous ethnic groups who had long called the region home. These groups had established sophisticated societies with complex political structures, economies, and belief systems. In South Africa, the arrival of Jan van Riebeeck in 1652 is often depicted as the founding moment. Yet, the land was already home to numerous indigenous groups, including the Khoikhoi and San peoples, who had lived there for thousands of years, with their own rich cultures and ways of life. This broader perspective challenges the Eurocentric view of history and emphasizes the need to prioritize indigenous perspectives in our understanding of the past. As we reflect on history, let's strive for a more inclusive narrative that honors the sovereignty and rights of indigenous peoples, and acknowledges their enduring legacies in shaping the world we live in today. #History #Colonization #IndigenousRights #SocialScience #RuralDevelopment

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." - Martin Luther King Jr. On this #WorldMentalHealthDay, let's reimagine what mental health can truly mean for our communities. This powerful image from #Kenya in June 2024 challenges us to think differently. In the wake of tragic deaths of young Kenyans demanding justice, we see a profound moment of collective healing and resistance at Uhuru Park. This scene isn't what typically comes to mind when we think of "mental health interventions." Yet, it embodies a radical reimagining of wellbeing: 1. Community Resilience: Thousands gathered, finding strength in unity and shared purpose. 2. Cultural Healing: Music, dance, and communal celebration became powerful tools for processing collective trauma. 3. Active Engagement: Mental health not as passive treatment, but as active participation in creating a just society. 4. Holistic Wellbeing: Linking mental health directly to social justice and community action. 5. Joy as Resistance: Celebration not as denial of pain, but as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience. This World Mental Health Day, let's expand our vision: How can we integrate community and culture into our mental health approaches globally? What if our "treatments" prioritized addressing societal injustices? How might our understanding of mental health shift if we focused on collective wellbeing? It's time to move beyond individualized diagnoses and medications. Let's reimagine mental health as a journey towards collective healing, social justice, and community empowerment. What does reimagining mental health mean to you? Share your thoughts! #WorldMentalHealthDay #ReimaginingMentalHealth #CommunityHealing #SocialJustice #HealingCenteredPeacebuilding

The article explores the significance of tribal affiliation for the global diaspora in Ghana, offering insights into the concept of tribe, its importance for cultural connection and belonging, and how GDAAR Foundation can facilitate this journey of self-discovery.

In many parts of the world, the ways of the land—the traditional knowledge and practices tied to the natural environment—are deeply cherished and preserved. In places like Mexico, Australia, and across Europe, these traditions are integral to the identity and cultural heritage of the people. However, in Africa, we are witnessing a concerning disconnect between the younger generations and the land of their forefathers. The indigenous knowledge of our lands, passed down through countless generations, holds the secrets to sustainable living, community harmony, and cultural richness. It is vital that we, as Africans and people of African descent, do not lose this precious inheritance. The land of our fathers and their fathers is more than just a physical space; it is a repository of wisdom, tradition, and identity. Unfortunately, many of today's youth are growing up without a deep understanding of their ancestral lands and the traditional practices that have shaped our communities for centuries. This loss of connection threatens the continuity of our cultural heritage and the sustainability of our environment. I call upon all Africans and those of African descent to prioritize the teaching of these ways of the land to the next generation. It is through understanding our landscapes, our agricultural practices, our ecological wisdom, and our cultural rituals that we can preserve our heritage and ensure it thrives. One powerful resource to aid in this mission is the Family Roots Project workbook by the Unveiling Africa Foundation. This book serves as a guide to the rich cultural and environmental knowledge of our lands, providing valuable insights and practical lessons for both young and old. By embracing and teaching the ways of the land, we can foster a sense of pride and responsibility in our youth, empowering them to become stewards of our cultural and environmental heritage. Let us take this important step in preserving the legacy of our ancestors and ensuring that the wisdom of our lands continues to flourish. Join us this crucial endeavor. Look forward to the launch of our Family Roots Project workbook and use it as a tool to educate and inspire the next generation. Together, we can keep the spirit of our land alive and strong. #WaysOfTheLand #AfricanHeritage #CulturalPreservation #FamilyRootsProject #UnveilingAfricaFoundation #IndigenousKnowledge

The image of the First Lady of Botswana, kneeling before her husband, Duma Boko, as he’s sworn into office, is a powerful testament to African cultural values—deeply rooted in respect, humility, and the strength of family bonds. As a highly respected lawyer, she holds a professional status that commands respect and authority. Yet, her gesture shows that regardless of one’s achievements, family values and cultural respect are central and timeless. This act reflects a grounded confidence nurtured by African culture, where dignity and honor are upheld in both public and private life. It serves as a reminder that respect is not a one-way gesture but a mutual exchange that fosters unity, stability, and strength within families. When leaders embody these values, they set an example, reinforcing tradition and social harmony as key to building resilient, peaceful societies. Imagine if all Africans embraced and protected these values with confidentiality and pride in our cultures, actively promoting our indigenous wisdom. I’m glad this resonates with you! Ethiopia, with its rich heritage, shares many of these values that emphasize respect, unity, and the wisdom of indigenous traditions. It’s inspiring to see how African cultures, from Ethiopia to Botswana, celebrate family bonds and cultural pride in ways that foster peace, love and Resilience. When we hold onto these values, we not only honor our ancestors but also set a strong foundation for future generations. Africa’s strength truly lies in its unity and diversity. #ProudAfrican #Ethiopia #Botswana #AfricanHeritage #UnityInDiversity

“Call us by our name.” There are approximately 476 million Indigenous Peoples in the world living across 90 countries. They speak 40% of the world’s estimated 7,000 languages and represent over 5,000 different cultures. Indigenous Peoples have retained social, cultural, economic and political characteristics that are distinct from those of the dominant societies in which they live. Indigenous Peoples from around the world share common problems related to the protection of their rights, one of them is the preservation of their culture and languages. Indigenous languages, traditions and cultural practices aren’t taught in schools, moreover some Indigenous communities, such as the Rohingya are still being displaced, targeted and dehumanised. So, what can you do to preserve Indigenous cultures? Our Ambassador Noor has three tips for you: - cook our food, and talk to people about it to raise awareness about our culture and traditions - call us by our name: for example, learn about the misinformation campaigns against the Rohingya and other Indigenous communities to ensure you are addressing the people and their culture correctly - support organisations, such as Noor’s, to preserve cultures and rehabilitate displaced people Learn from our Ambassador Noor Azizah, founder of the Rohingya Maìyafuìnor Collaborative Network, a refugee and women-led organisation working towards preserving and rehabilitating the Rohingya people. https://bit.ly/4cjjyHF #OneYoungWorld #OYWAmbassador #InternationalDayoftheWorldsIndigenousPeoples

#luo #hebrew Name 'Ritaree' The House of Nobility either refers to the institution of the Finnish nobility or the palace of the noble estate. The Finnish nobility was from 1809 until 1906 the first of the four estates of the realm. The Finnish House of Nobility as corporation owns, since 1857, the assembly building completed in 1862. The building, called Ritarihuone in Finnish and Riddarhuset in Swedish, (House of Knights) is of Neogothic style by G.T. Chiewitz. The building is located in Kruununhaka, downtown Helsinki. The block and its land is owned collectively by the Finnish nobility. #Note: 'Chiewitz' (Chwaa) Tamarind: The Alur , Acholi, lang'o, Jonam, Joluo and Padhola call this "Chwaa" , in The sour taste is called " wach" Chwarszczany, Village in West Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland Chwałowice, Rybnik, Rybnik District in Silesian Voivodeship, Poland Chwalim dialect,Slavic dialect in Poland Chwa I of Buganda;Kabaka of Buganda #context Uganda: Buganda Kings Are Luo, Says Museveni 19 Mar 2008 — "The kings of Bunyoro, Buganda and Tooro are Luos," said Mr Museveni. "It's only in Ankole that we stopped the Luo expansion. 19 Mar 2008 "Toro, Bunyoro and Buganda kings are Luo, according to President Yoweri Museveni. However, selfish interest groups are trying to distort historical facts to cause divisions among Ugandans, he said Tuesday..." https://lnkd.in/dQ_KJKw3 White washing European Heraldry isn't just restricted to Europe and Books; Western agencies have infiltrated communities were Luos scattered, exploit the dollar and corruption networks to dehumanise Luos. There's a massive hate campaign against Iberian Jews by the West. #royalty The Luo arrived in Africa in Four Major waves; 27 kingdoms of Medieval Europe are Exiled in Western Kenya and Northern Tanzania. To suppress the Houses; Collective West pour upwards of $8 billion USD yearly into East Africa, to deprive Luos (Iberian Peninsular diaspora population) opportunities and livelihoods. Western agencies move from office to office, corrupting Hamito Bantu Cushitic Elites not promote, employe or allow Hebrew access to state services. The Luo would have been wiped out; it took China and Iran to warn African Elites not to fall into Zionists traps and target beni Isreal, else the Chinese will be forced to interven military. Chinese offered the region a ransom for the lives of the Israelites, heavily invested in South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania as a ransom; March 21 2022 "China will send out engineers and students. We don’t send out weapons". "We don’t impose our views on others in the name of democracy or human rights". "Our real purpose is to achieve common development and prosperity". "We want to see our friends here enjoy the same living standards, the same happy life". https://lnkd.in/duC3mPxD

Exploring media ,culture and society dynamics within Zimbabwe's unique context.

The United Nations estimates that there are approximately 370 million indigenous individuals spread across more than 70 countries globally. These communities face significant marginalization in economic, social, and cultural aspects. Despite the numerous challenges, indigenous populations worldwide have achieved noteworthy milestones in reclaiming their rights over the past decade, as recognized by the UN's International Decade of the World’s Indigenous People (1995-2004). During this period, significant changes occurred in Africa, including the emergence of an organized civil society that represented diverse indigenous groups across the continent. These civil-society organizations advocated with the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, prompting the recognition of the concept of indigenous peoples in Africa. Under the influence of organizations representing indigenous communities, some countries have made substantial progress. For instance, Burundi recently amended its constitution to ensure representation in the national assembly for the indigenous Twa people. In Rwanda, efforts are underway to address war crimes against the Twa during the 1994 genocide, where a significant portion of the Twa population was tragically killed. In other parts of Africa, Cameroon officially recognizes "pygmies" and nomadic pastoralists as indigenous people. The government has committed to implementing policies that compensate and resettle indigenous groups affected by the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project, which is supported by private investors and the World Bank. Additionally, Morocco has lifted a ban on teaching the Amazigh (Berber) language in schools and established a national commission to formulate policies regarding indigenous language and culture. At United Village Global (UVG), one of our primary missions is to empower indigenous peoples in various ways. By doing so, we contribute to providing alternative paths for sustainable development and prosperity. Let us draw inspiration from the rich art, culture, knowledge, and activism of indigenous communities and have the courage to follow their lead. #unitedvillageglobal #uvg #indigenouspeople #culture #africa