"A new battle cry for all Africans – stand tall"
May 26International Africa Day on May 25 is a time to recall that Africa has a history and heritage that extends beyond colonial days and current problems, writes Collins Kimaro, 19, a Correspondent from Tanzania, as he urges Africans to enter a new battle for a strong future.
Stand tall for we are in battle. The rules of the battle may have changed but the weapons of conquest are drawn and the prize awaits the victor. Battles manifest in different forms and are carried out over many different spaces. Our fight spans from the political structures and economic survival to the extinction of our culture and dilution of our languages.
Stand tall, grounded in the richness of your past. From the origins of mankind in Eastern Africa to the origins of basic measuring and counting by the Lebombo bone; continue to be pioneers. From the advancement of Egyptian hieroglyphics to the first advances in agriculture, continue to be developers. From the slave trade over the Atlantic to the apartheid fight on our own soil, continue to be resilient.
Stand tall in your fast changing present. Take courage from those who doubt you and refuse the subordinate mentality. Attack the inferiority complex and look to each other for trade, expertise and solutions to our problems for we know our needs best. Take ownership of your development and even in the face of prosperity never compromise your culture and morals because that would be a greater loss. Let the ignorance of your different languages and customs fuel you to embody them and loudly represent them; the world will listen. Take heed of those that have gone before you for battles are won by paying attention to history. Strive in industry until aid dependency is a thing of the past and claim back the profits of your resources.
Stand tall in your exciting futures. Draw your shields of unity and spears of resilience. The battle cry necessitates everyone to join the fight. Arm yourselves with knowledge and respect and let no boundary limit your growth. Let the echoes of Nkrumah’s vision Cof strength in pan-africanism ring loudly in your impending rise. The time has come for Africa to dictate its own story. The time has come for Africa’s potential to manifest. The time has come for Africa to stand tall.
photo credit: AfricaRice via photopin cc
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About me: We live in a time when the world’s workings are being re-written and unbound possibilities opening up. My ambitions align with this and I aspire to join the field of International Development and help fuel African’s impending rise. I enjoy exploring new cultures, current affairs and the beautiful art that is spoken word.
Apart from being an Economics student at the University of Warwick I am excited to be part of AIESEC Warwick and Treasurer for Warwick World Food Programme.
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Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the Commonwealth Youth Programme. Articles are published in a spirit of dialogue, respect and understanding. If you disagree, why not submit a response?
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