There were also examples given of the young women leaders in the audience and their resolve to not only help themselves but to help others in the struggle for empowerment.
One of my favorite poets captures the essence of the First Lady's speech.
"WON'T YOU CELEBRATE WITH ME"
won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my one hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
won't you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life? i had no model.
born in babylon
both nonwhite and woman
what did i see to be except myself?
i made it up
here on this bridge between
starshine and clay,
my one hand holding tight
my one hand; come celebrate
with me that everyday
something has tried to kill me
and has failed.
~Lucille Clifton~ June 27, 1936 - February 13, 2010
2 comments:
A major part of her speech is when she talks about how the Obama Administration is interested in working with Africa versus giving charity, with those who are willing to step up and change problems of corruption and access, etc. Corruption, especially in government is a major issue in Africa and it takes leaders who--really believe in their own African people's worth, and that the problems, which seem overwhelming, do have solutions. The leaders have to know how to lead and get people who care and have empathy and understanding for their own. Black Africans can rise and do what it takes. Just think, Ancient Africa and Ancient Black Africans were the progenitors of ALL civilization and humankind.
@blackfemaleandhappy:
On the subject of corruption in Africa--there is a long hx. of this and many progressives and advocates in the various countries have varying opinions on how to eradicate it.
I remember long ago of such freedom fighters like Patrice Lumumba in the Congo and how he was killed by imperalist backed forces and many others of that ilk. Colonialism and the remnants of it still reign in many of these countries and to be quite frank--it's a difficult task sorting it all out. For example on Afro Spear there was an article written by Nkwazi Mhango "A Better or Bitter Life For all"
http://afrospear.com/2011/04/25/africas-hidden-presidents-by-nkwazi-mhango/#comments
The article was well written and as a result I broaden the number of news outlets on the subject of the various turmoils suffered in the war torn and struggling countries. However, this article alone and the comments really revealed the different perspectives.
Noted and respected commentators such as Anna Renee, Cry Me An Onion, xcroc & jay vs those who didn't agree with the article such as Diva, and Adama,et.al..
The African American Pundit and Pan African News are blogs that link to more news sources
to get a better handle and a more balanced view on the issues. Comparative research if one has the time or makes the time can make one a more informed advocate.
Many baby boomers who participated in the cultural as well as political struggles of the 60's stocked their home libraries with books on Africa and the diaspora for their off springs. Sufficed to say it begins in the home, since there appears to have been
"a dropping of the ball" in that respect for many. The phasing out of African and African American Study programs is disconcerting.
BTW:The ancient empires of Songhai and Mali were real, however, they were despotic and regal and I would imagine served the times, yet, they fell or were conquered. My sense is that we need a more democratic or populace approach in many African countries. The goal is holding the so called Presidents and Rulers accountable. Sorry didn't mean to go on but this is such a complicated and difficult subject to truly understand in all its complexities! It's an ongoing process.....
Peace...
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