CHRIS OPOKU-AGYEMAN:
Pan Africanism which has been cited in many literatures gyrates on the unity of the black race in all over the world. Some scholars have argued that pan Africanism is an art, a philosophy, a concept, and a movement that seeks to bring together Africans in every walks of life under one umbrella of political, economic and social autonomy. Opponents of this view have also argued that pan Africanism is just a myth and a philosophy that tries to over-empower the black race for global recognition and acceptance in the social, economic and political order. Other commentaries have also recognized pan Africanism as a “toothless movement” that promotes a disintegrated community and individual’s interest against past experiences.
Before treating the issue of pan Africanism, I wish to acknowledge the founding fathers of this movement. The two famous activists are Edward Wilmot Blyden and W. E. B. Du Bois. Others also include George Padmore, Hugo Chavez, Marcus Garvey, Walter Rodney, Jomo Kenyatta, Julius Kambarage Nyerere, Patrice Lumumba, and Martin Luther king Jnr., In addition to these famous people are Frantz Fanon, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Ahmed Sékou Touré, Thomas Sankara Francis Ohanyido, Kwame Nkrumah, Muammar Al-Gaddafi, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, Malcolm X, Bob Marley, C. L. R. James, Cheikh Anta Diop, Haile Selassie and many others. These activists used a whole range of activities including for instance, music, arts, poetry, writings (literatures), civil disobedience, leadership experiences to promote their ambitions, personal agendas and the common good of society.
That notwithstanding, the new era of pan Africanism is not to disintegrate cultural, historical and normative heritage, or to promote a hidden agenda, or to endorse the autonomy of the black race, or to brainwash the masses to revenge against their past experiences, or support racism and black superiority, but rather to encourage individuals, race, societies, nations and many others to work together towards the general interest of society. Not only that but also, to motivate those people who are considered the button of the social, political and economic order to create in them a sense of responsibility towards each other. These people which I chose to call the “civilian overseers” will have self denials of norms, race, values, history, money, prestige, status, power, comfort, class, and many others to promote the common good thus, the experience that individuals derive for being part of a community. Examples include community development, popular sovereignty, political equality, social justice and liberties, economic impartiality and a culturally diversified environment.
In the new era of pan Africanism both black and white races should seek to ultimately promote equality and equity towards each other. This can be done when people of races can make fundamental information accessible to assist them in making precise decisions which are comprehensive, particular and customized towards potential realization and achievements. In this new era of pan Africanism, we need people who will build up a mindset of winning ... (continue)
New Era of Pan Africanism
Chris Opoku –Agyeman
PhD student; University of Akron -USA.
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