MICHELLE OBAMA: A WOMAN FOR ALL SEASONS

     As a Black and African man, I am compelled to express the sentiments evoked by Michelle Obama'z speech, last night at the Democratic National Convention. Ms. Obama not only represented the beauty, grace, and charm of African Women, but also the intellect and wit of African Queens. These qualities were complimented by her love, appreciation and support for her man, her devoutness and commitment to her children, and because of these, her aspiration for a higher level of life for her community and human family. Michelle Obama follows in a long path of African Women who have paved the way for humanity since the beginning of time, from Isis, to Hatsheput, Nzinga, Yaa Asantewaa, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells, Mary Mc Cleod Bethune, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks and Wangari Maathai. Ms. Obama represents the resilience and the enduring love and passion of African Women to create a world in which we all can love freely and our children can grow to reach their fullest potential and possibilities without impediment. As an African Community, we applaud her for being a shining example of what it means to be both African and Human in the world. May hers, and the legacy of African women she represents, live for as long as the Grass is Green, and the Waters flow. Ashe'

By Mwalimu W. Kabaila

Chair, Congress of African People 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/CongressOfAfricanPeople/

9/4/12

CONGRESS OF AFRICAN PEOPLE'S IMHOTEP HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICY: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE

IMHOTEP HEALTH AND WELLNESS POLICY: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE 

A. PRINCIPLES

1. FOOD IS OUR MEDICINE, NOT DRUGS!! THEREFORE, WE RECOGNIZE A DIVINE RELATIONSHIP WITH ORGANIC FOOD FROM THE EARTH, NOT TO BE REGULATED BY ALIEN MEN OR LAWS. SOUL FOOD SHOULD BE REDEFINED AS RAW OR VEGAN AND FISH OR FOWL IN MODERATION.

2. ANY EFFECTIVE HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYZTEM, MUST BE NEED BASED AND PEOPLE DRIVEN, AND NOT MOTIVATED BY PROFIT.

3. HEALTH CARE IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT, NOT A PRIVILEGE.

4. IN THE IMHOTEP SYSTEM, PREVENTION IS PRIMARY AND FUNDAMENTAL; SURGERY AND OTHER OPTIONS ARE SECONDARY. THUS, WHOLISTIC MEDICINE IS GIVEN EQUAL VALUE AS A COMPONENT OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE, WHERE EACH ARE DETERMINED BY NEED.

5. PAN AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES ISSUING DOCTORAL, PHYSICIANS ASSISTANT AND NURSING DEGREES, MUST DEVELOP STANDARDIZED CURRICULI, SUCH THAT GRADUATES CAN PRACTICE ANYWHERE IN THE PAN AFRICAN WORLD WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION AND/OR PREJUDICE.

6. UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL WHEREVER AFRICAN PEOPLE RESIDE. THIS IS A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT.

7. SPIRITUALITY IS RECOGNIZED AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF HEALTH CARE IN THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY. RECOGNITION OF THE BODY AS A TEMPLE IS A DIVINE CONCEPT IN AFRICAN CULTURE, AND THEREFORE HEALTH AND WELLNESS BECOME FORMS OF WORSHIP, AND IS NOT SUBJECT TO ALIEN DEFINITION OR IMPOSITION OF ALIEN LAW.

B. PRACTICE 

1. EVERY MORNING SHALL BE MET WITH A FORM OF EXERCISE, MEDITATION AND OR PRAYER, GIVING RECOGNITION TO THE DIVINITY WHICH RESIDES IN EACH OF US. THESE CAN BE DONE IN COMMUNAL/COLLECTIVE OR PERSONAL SETTINGS, THOUGH THE FORMER IS PREFERRED, (E.G.TAI CHI IN ASIAN CULTURE).

2. WELLNESS CLINICS SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN EACH COMMUNITY, AND CAN BE RUN BY HEALTH PRACTITIONERS WHO ARE LICENSED BY AN AFRICAN BOARD OR A CERTIFIED QUEEN MOTHER PROGRAM.

3. ALL FORMS OF MEDIA SOURCES (RADIO BLOG, TV, SYNDICATED BLOGS, MAGAZINE, PODCAST) SHALL BE USED TO EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITIES IN MATTERS OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS, BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES ABOVE.

4. BICYLCLE, YOGA, MARTIAL ARTS, MASSAGE, WALKING CLUBS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND NETWORKS ESTABLISHED AMONG AND BETWEEN GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS AND TRIBAL/NATIONS TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND/OR TECHNIQUES DEVELOPED.

5. THE GROWING AND USE OF HERBS IN MEDICINE IS A SACRED PRACTICE IN THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY AND A SYSTEM SHALL BE DESIGNED FOR THE PASSING ITS KNOWLEDGE FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION .

6. AROMATHERAPY, ACUPUNCTURE, CRYSTALS AND OTHER WHOLISTIC MODALITIES CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO OUR SYSTEM, BUT INTRODUCED IN A CULTURAL CONTEXT WHERE THERE VALUE IS MEASURED AS A COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE, NOT DEFINED BY ALIEN INTERESTS.

7. RITES OF PASSAGE PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXCURSIONS INTO THE FOREST TO EDUCATE OUR YOUTH OF THE VALUE OF NATURE, IN ORDER TO INSTILL THE VALUE FOR ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING A BALANCE AND HARMONY BETWEEN MAN AND NATURE.

INTRODUCING NKOSAZANA DLAMINI-ZUMA: NEW ERA IN THE AFRICAN UNION?

Bridging the African Union's divides

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's success at the AU will be measured by her ability to gain consensus among heads of state, writes Liesl Louw-Vaudran.

When the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi was trying to cajole the rest of Africa into accepting his grand idea of a United States of Africa, it was rumoured that he offered Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma the job of prime minister if she would back him. At the time she was South Africa’s minister of foreign affairs.

A lot has changed since that summit in Accra, Ghana, in 2007 when a number of smaller African states gave in to Gaddafi’s bullying and buying of votes. Yet Dlamini-Zuma was duly elected as chairperson of the African Union Commission by a majority of heads of state at its 19th summit in Addis Ababa on July 15.

In effect, she will be the prime minister of an institution that aims to be the continental decision-making body. Of course, things are complicated because she will not be reporting to one executive president but to 54, give or take a few, depending on how many coups there have been on the continent.

The way South Africa lobbied for votes since the last unsuccessful bid for the position in January will not make her job any easier. Some countries are accusing South Africa of using the same tactics of which Gaddafi was guilty.

When she takes up office in Addis Ababa in three months’ time, her first task will have to be an attempt at some radical improvements at the commission – an institution bogged down by inefficiency, understaffing and underspending. Only 52% of posts are filled and the average underspending is 37%.

A hardship post
On this score she will probably do very well, or at least better than her ¬predecessors. Walking into the AU Commission cannot be much worse than walking into the portfolio of home affairs in 2009.

For a while, Addis Ababa has been considered by diplomats to be a hardship post – a perception reinforced by the strain of working in a country with terrible phone infrastructure, restrictive laws and very little to offer expats.

The Anglophone and Francophone divide at the commission is also a reality – the men in boubous (robes) do not sit at the same lunch table as the East Africans in suits – but she will be able to use her skills as a South African to convince bureaucrats from diverse backgrounds to work together.

Despite what the rulebooks say, she will probably have to define her role and relationship with the heads of state as things go along. This she has to do with the rotating head of state who gets the position of AU chairperson for a year – a title often confused with that of the commission chairperson. Benin’s President Yayi Boni has this job at the moment and is doing it relatively well, but sometimes the AU chair is largely symbolic, especially when it is occupied by leaders such as Equatorial Guinea’s Teodoro Obiang Nguema, who filled this post last year.

Following the extensive battle to get Dlamini-Zuma elected, many are claiming that she will raise the profile of the AU. Certainly the drama between her and her predecessor, Jean Ping, has captured imaginations, but it will take much more than this to restore the credibility of the commission and of the AU. This is true of the union’s image internationally and among ordinary Africans.

Africa policy
Dlamini-Zuma will have the power and influence of South Africa behind her, but it will not always be an advantage given South Africa’s much-criticised Africa policy. Ping, also a former foreign minister, was unable to get heads of state to agree on almost anything and was decried for being weak.

Still, heads of state are unclear about how much power the commission chairperson should have. Former Mali president Alpha Omar Konaré clashed with many of his peers when he had this position. After his term ended the commission chair was again occupied by a minister, just as it was during the time of the Organisation of African Unity.

Consequently, when half of Africa’s heads of state at last year’s summit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, decided to recognise the fledgling Libyan National Transitional Council and the other half – led by South Africa – refused to do so, Ping could not do much about it. The AU’s road map for Libya was completely ignored by Nato – a huge embarrassment for Africa. 

Earlier this year, when some agreed with Malawi’s president that the International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Omar ¬al-Bashir of Sudan should be respected and the other half wanted the 19th AU summit (that just took place) to be moved to Addis Ababa, Africa again looked hopelessly divided.

These divisions and the stalemate that preceded Sunday’s election made some analysts fear a total breakdown of the institution. Some advised that the AU should abandon efforts to model itself on the European Union, but rather look at a loose structure, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, leaving integration up to the regions.

For now, the AU’s reputation has been salvaged and there is real hope for a more efficient commission with Dlamini-Zuma at the helm.

Constitutive act
A huge advantage for her is that she knows the AU commission very well. After all, she helped to implement its constitutive act in the early years after its creation in 2002.

“Your foreign minister doesn’t take no for an answer,” I remember a West African foreign minister telling me at an AU summit in Addis Ababa in 2003. It was during a marathon session on getting a resolution on gender parity pushed through the agenda.

At the time Dlamini-Zuma showed the same unwavering determination and work ethic she has become known for at home. It was not unusual for the media to be called to press briefings by Dlamini-Zuma at 2am or 3am to explain the latest AU decisions.

Ten years after its creation, things at the AU have not moved as quickly as what she and Thabo Mbeki, then her commander in chief, had envisioned. Funding remains a huge problem. More than half ($160-million) of its budget of $275-million for 2012 is paid for by external partners, mostly the European Union. An audit of the commission finalised in 2007 recommended vast reforms of it, but little of this has been implemented by Dlamini-Zuma’s predecessor.

An efficient AU will hugely improve its relations with international donors, especially now that this kind of money is getting scarce. Real action in solving peace and security issues will also improve the AU’s standing in the eyes of its citizens. But achieving credibility and raising the profile of the AU will ultimately depend not on the commission chairperson, but on the quality of leadership in its member states.

HARAMBEE GLOBAL RENAISSANCE DRUM CALL FOR LIBERATION AND SOVEREIGNTY

HARAMBEE GLOBAL RENAISSANCE DRUM CALL

FOR LIBERATION AND SOVEREIGNTY

The African Drum has long been an instrument of communication and spiritual healing and expression. Even when drums were denied to South African miners, they duplicated the beats of the drum by patting on there boots, thus, the Boot Dance. As one of the first instruments the drum has been used to call our people to action, to express reverence and adoration in spiritual ceremonies, and to announce the comings and goings of our spirits upon such events as birth and death. Many African beats and rhythms are said to be formulated with mathmatical precision and to be in harmony with vibratory frequencies in the universe and cosmos. This is not an esoteric conclusion, but a highly evolved spiritual one, which permeates African Culture. It is with this backdrop, that we, African People, Rescue and Ressurect the meaning, substance and symbol which the drum has had to the African Community.

In many African ceremonial rituals, the Drum Call is performed first, to awaken consciousness, welcome ancestors and the unborn into our midst, and to call on the participation and engagement of participants in sacred and community oriented activity. We, African People, again, call on our Drum Circles and Dancers to do Drum Call, but this time for Liberation and a Higher Level of Life for the entire Global Pan African Community. We do Drum Call to revere and honor our Ancestors who sacrificed that we might have a fuller, more fulfilling life. We do Drum call for those who continue to wage Revolution in pursuit of a Sovereignty and Dignity which allows African Descendent Peoples to determine their own destiny and future. We do Drum Call for our children now, and those unborn that they might fashion and achieve a Pan African Community reflective of our ancestors' vision and which gives adoration to those Heroes and Heroines, who have given their life in Revolutionary Struggle.

8 FOLD PATHS TO AFRICAN RENAISSANCE

1. Unity of the Pan African Community – Continental and Diasporan using Operational Unity
2. Self Determination and Sovereignty – Recognition of and Engagement in determining our own destiny and future.
3. Food Security – NO GMO Seeds on African land; Build seed banks; Urban and personal gardening; Redefining Healthy food as Soul Food.
4. The Ascension of Black Women to Queens and Goddesses – and their shared Role in building viable and sustainable Institutions and Industries for and in our communities. A key industry Associated with this Ascension is the Natural Hair and African Centered Design Industries.
5. Adopting and Adapting Traditional African Institutions into the Revolutionary Process – Cultural Revolution is defined by the quality of institutional structures which promote and advocate for progressive African values, ethics, and morality systems. Among the most Pan African are the Nguzo Saba and Ma'at Those Institutions worthy of rescue and reconstruction are Council of Elders, Queen Mother Associations, Rite of Passage, Arusi (African Marriage), Maziko (African funeral or transition ceremonies), Akika (African Naming Ceremony), Pan African Flag (Bendera), Pan African Song

6. Reclamation of African Land from Alien Hands and Reparations – No African has the right to sell African Land to NON African descendent aliens; Every African Descendent affected by the
   Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and subsequent Colonization has the right and responsibility to be made whole via some form of agreed to, compensation.
7. The raising up of a Pan African Youth Corps and/or Simba Wachanga - which are responsible for the defense and development of our Global Pan African Communities and who serve as added Gatekeepers for the preservation and promotion of African Culture, Values, Institutions, and the unique African Personality.
8. Healing on a Personal and Collective Level - Healing from the forced displacement and dispersement of our people from our Homeland. This healing process is currently being defined by our healing community and involves ritual, herbs nutrition, prayer and active engagement in a significant and substantive manner, the process of making Cultural Revolution.
   
   

   
   

PROCESS, RITUAL AND PROCEDURE

1. DAYS: First and last days of Kwanzaa - Umoja/Unity and Imani/Faith. Early morning or Evening Event
2. VENUES – Parks, Halls, Community/Convention/Culture Centers
3. RITUAL –
   A. Umoja Day - is more celebratory and is a call to Unity and Unification of Africa and Diaspora. The Fihankra Chief will issue a major address which gives focus for the upcoming year. After the Drum Call (which should be a standard beat chosen by a committee of Master Drummers), the Standard Dance for this event, will be the Zulu Warrior Dance which will be done by young males and females. The rationale for selecting one dance as standard is that it would serve as a unifying factor for youth, and give them something in common which they all can identify with as a unifying African cultural activity. Also, Chaka and the Zulu Warriors, have historically been the symbol and substance of the African Warrior Spirit in opposition to alien intrusion and domination. No matter which part of the African world they travel too, all African youth will know the Harambee Drum Beat, Dance and Song. The Dress, shield and spears should be uniform. The Dance, Drumming and Song should be incorporated into all Pan African Youth Corps and Rites of Passage curriculum and orientation.
   (1) Libation, which reveres and invites our ancestors to enjoin the celebration, should be performed by an accepted Cultural Leader in your community.
   (2) Speakers at this event should focus on each of the 8 Paths to African Renaissance (above).
   (3) Karamu – Optional. It is up to the discretion of the organizers if they wish to have a mini or major Karamu (Feast) at the conclusion of the event.
   
   

   
   
   B. Imani Day – Imani Day marks the end of one year, and the beginning of another, and therefore it's Drum Call and Dance movements should be more solemn and sacred allowing participants to be contemplative about the lessons of the past, even while charting a path to our collective and personal vision of the future. The African Warrior no matter where from, engages in a Movement to Restore the Ancient Values and Ethics passed down to us by our Ancient Kemetic Ancestors, in the form of Ma'at. Therefore, speakers at this event should focus on the Seven Cardinal Virtues of Ma'at; Truth, Justice, Balance, Harmony, Order, Propriety and Reciprocity. Master Drummers (and Koro players) are mandated to submit beats or vibrations to be chosen along with a Council of Elders, or in their absence, the Fihankra Queen. It is suggested this event begin on the eve of the day, Kuumba, and end after 12am Midnight on Imani. Again, Council of Elders are encouraged to make sure that Youth are intricately engaged in these rituals and re-enforcing gestures, which, in turn, support African Values and Ethics. Drum Interludes can be conducted all during program.
   

   
   

INTRODUCTION TO THE FIHANKRA TRIBE: THE NEWEST AFRICAN TRIBE REPRESENTING 300M DIASPORANS

                                                                 

                                                               

Awo Yaa Asantewaa writes:

A citizen of the FIHANKRA Stool and Skin is any person who is a descendant of an African born in the Diaspora as a direct result of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

How did FIHANKRA Develop?

On December 9, 1994, one of the most historically significant events of this millennium took place in Accra, Ghana, West Africa. The event was the inaugural purification of a specially carved wooden stool and the specially prepared skin of an animal. Together these two sacred articles were customarily given the name "FIHANKRA", which literally translated means "when leaving home good-byes could not be said".

In the traditions of Africa, both the Stool and Skin are sacred symbols of divine chieftaincy authority in which, it is believed resides the very spirit and soul of its people. Chiefs of Southern Ghana sit upon stools, while Chiefs of Northern Ghana sit upon skins. In their symbolic form the Stool and Skin can be compared to the traditional throne of other peoples and nations. Thus, in keeping with tradition, the Purification of FIHANKRA restores to Africans born in the Diaspora two sacred symbols as one, thereby reaffirming the cultural and spiritual ties that had been denied them for centuries.

The purification of FIHANKRA evolved from a coalition of persons under the leadership of his Majesty Odeneho Oduro Numapau II, then President of the Ghana National House of Chiefs.

The importance of this traditional purification ceremony lay in the following:

* It was the first time that African chiefs had gathered especially to perform traditional rituals to atone for the misdeeds of ancestral traditional rulers who helped to sustain the trans-Atlantic slave trade initiated by European powers in the 15th century.

* It was an act of restoring customary authority to the Africans of the Diaspora, presumed to have been lost as a result of the slave trade.
It also provided for the appointment of a Diaspora born custodian, and the subsequent establishment of a Traditional Council and an International Council of Elders to administer the affairs of FIHANKRA on behalf of the descendants of Diasporans.

We are Honored to Introduce to the Pan African Community,  the newly selected Queen of the Fihankra Tribe:

H.R.H. Yaa Asantewaa aka Tonya C. Saafir, Esq.

Her Highness, Yaa Asantewaa, was born in Clarksdale, Ms, but grew up traveling with her military parents.  After completing her high school education at Daleville, High School in Daleville, AL., she enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years following in the footsteps of both her parents.  She served in the Army as a computer programmer.  After serving her country for three years, Yaa Asantewaa enrolled in college at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN, where she completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with the honors of cum laude in May 2000.

She was accepted into law school at the Cecil C. Humphrey’s School of Law at the University of Memphis in Memphis, TN.  Yaa Asantewaa received a number of awards for her academic performance while attending law school and received her Juris Doctor in May 2003. 

Upon graduating from law school, Yaa Asantewaa took and passed the Tennessee state bar exam and was immediately employed by the Shelby County Public Defender’s Office as an Assistant Public Defender, where she practiced criminal defense law.  In August 2004, she went to work in a small private law firm at the Law Offices of Michael Harrell, Esq. where she handled a variety of criminal, family and civil law cases.  In 2005, Nana Yaa left the law office of Michael Harrell to open her own private law practice.  While in private practice, she taught law classes as an adjunct professor at Lemoyne Owen College in Memphis, Tennessee and she was regularly requested by Memphis City Judges to sit on the bench in their absence as a special judge.  Her Highness managed her own law practice until January 2008 at which time she was offered the position of Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice in the U.S. Virgin Islands where she remains today.

Her Highness is currently licensed by the Supreme Court of Tennessee to practice in the state of Tennessee.  She is licensed in the U.S. Federal Court to practice in the Federal District of Western Tennessee and she is licensed by the Supreme Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Upon her repatriation to Ghana, she intends to take the Post Call course at Ghana School of Law so that she may sit for the Ghana Bar and obtain her license to practice law in the country of Ghana.

Yaa Asantewaa began to dream of repatriating to Africa in 2006.  She began her travels to Africa in 2011.  Since that first trip, it was solidified in her heart and mind that Africa was be her home.  She has a cocoa farm in Ghana, a taxi business and several other small ventures that she is working on to create sustainable income for her family upon her final trip home.

She is the mother is 5 children, Prince Octavius age 22, Prince Rashedi age 20, Prince Tyriq age 17, Princess Ayanna age 14 and Prince Ausar age 2. Awo Yaa Asantewaa is also the grandmother of 8 month old Princess Imani! 

Her Highness Yaa Asantewaa is a true Garveyite who tirelessly encourages Africans in the diaspora to always look towards Africa!!

                                                                              

* These are subject to revue, revision and approval. MK

THE HARAMBEE PROJECT: A COMPREHENSIVE, PRACTICAL MODEL FOR PAN AFRICAN CULTURAL REVOLUTION

THE HARAMBEE PROJECT: MISSION, PRINCIPLES AND PROGRAM

by CAP Leadership Council, REVISED by Mwalimu W. Kabaila on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at 2:47am

MOTTO: "TOWARDS OUR RADIANT FUTURE" - former President of Burkina Faso, Hon. Thomas Sankara

BANDERA (flag): Black, Red, Green

MISSION STATEMENT:

The HARAMBEE PROJECT is dedicated to the reclaiming, reconstruction and restoration of our African Homeland, the sovereignty of Africa and people of African descent. HARAMBEE promotes capacity and collaboration building within the Pan African community of persons and organizations to harness, direct, develop and sustain our resources to support, restore and/or create African centered industries, cultural production, spiritual advancement, and social, political and economic development.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO OUR PEOPLE AND STRUGGLE:

Our unity in sisterhood, brotherhood, and struggle is profound, principled and forever. Our Struggle is constantly and continuously  against our oppressors and against all is us which is in contradiction to our values and the choice we've made. We choose the liberation of our people as our life's goal, and struggle as a method to achieve it. Our choice is conscious, full and free and we accept all risks and welcome all  rewards it brings. We have nothing better, more revolutionary or rewarding to do with our lives than to struggle to bring into being a new world, a world in which we, our children and our people can live, love and create freely and stand and walk in a warmer sun.

 NOTE: Us Organization Pledge of Allegiance to our People and Struggle

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

The Harambee Project is a conceptual formulation which is dedicated to the cultural and material transformation of Africa and its Diaspora. Because of the unique history of African people, unique institutions are required to remedy historical circumstances which deny African people their inalienable right to Self-Determination, i.e. the right to determine their daily lives and destiny, as a free, proud and productive peoples. Harambee is a conceptual framework for nation building in the Pan African context which seeks to promote and advocate for research, organiztion, collaborations and the harnessing of the collective resources as African People, worldwide. Ths, i in order to engage in sustainable development, and to assert our unique vision of a world free of want, toil, exploitation and domination. African culture and civilization have given much to the world, and has yet, much more to contribute to human transformation and progress.The Holocost of Enslavement divided these resources, thus weakening them, but today African Peoples everywhere, are prepared to step back on the stage of Human History, ready to speak our special truth to the world. Key areas where these advance will tak place are in Creative Production, Agriculture, Cultural Tourism, Education, Science and Technology, the Environment, Finance, Governance, Health and Welfare, Tri-angular Development (Africa, the Americas, and Caribeebbean Reigions) Trade and Commerce, utilizing African centered paradigms. Through these endeavors we will realize our full potential and possibilities as African people, in honor of our ancestors and their life and sacrifice.These are the goals and objectives of the Harambee Project. We introduce ourselves, proudly!!!

METHODOLOGY AND POLICIES:

1. Policy Formulation - The Congress will be organized areas of interest which will provide Forums to establish formats, procedures and protocols for arriving at the best policy options on given issues affecting Pan African Communities with consideration for national, regional and local peculiarities. Policy and Position Statements will be disseminated through various Pan African communications channels, unless for security reasons the Congress shall make other designations.

2. Project Design - Project design shall reflect the needs and aspirations of respective communities , and where at all possible, shall utilize African modalities and paradigms. Projects designs shall be a natural progression and practical expression of policy formulations. Where possible, communities should be involved in this process, and protocols established for how this takes place.

3. Program Implementation This module will address the most sustainable, energy efficient, and practical ways and means of realizing policy and project goals and objectives. African centered modalities and paradigms shall be sought when possible.

4. Infra-structure Development This is a separate category because it remains a need in every Black Community, be it organizational, governance and/or capacity enhancing (transportation, communications, railways, airports, hotels, stadiums, waste management, energy efficiency).

PRINCIPLES OF UNITY

NGUZO SABA

1. UNITY - UMOJA

2. SELF DETERMINATION - KUJICHAGULIA

3. UJIMA - COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBIILTY

4. UJAMAA - COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS

5. NIA - PURPOSE

6. CREATIVITY - KUUMBA

7. IMANI -FAITH

SEVEN CARDINAL VIRTUES OF MAAT (from ANCIENT KEMET)

1. TRUTH

2. JUSTICE

3. BALANCE

4. HARMONY

5. ORDER

6. PROPRIETY

7. RECIPROCITY

SEVEN FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES OF THE COOPERATION

1. Operational Unity - i.e. Unity in Diversity

2. Recognition and Exercise of our Sovereign Rights as African People

We have the right to define our identity, interests, and destiny without interference from others, and only we can chart our path, policies and programs which will determine our future as a free, proud and productive people.

3. Self Determination to define, defend and develop our own Path of Industrialization and/or Modernation in Africa which cannot be modeled after Europe's model. It is mandatory that Africa chart it's own course to modernization using African models and paradigms. Also, it is important that Africa's social, cultural, and spiritual institutions keep pace with any development. As railroads, other forms of transportation grow, it creates mobility which can have a devastating effect on village and cultural life. It is important that basic value structures are preserved, as villages and communities expand.social space and ensure African peoples' future.

4. Harnessing and Direction of our Collective Resources toward African Liberation Globally

5. Taking a Comprehensive Approach and Strategy towards Pro-actively resolving the myriad of Issues we need to address as a People (History, Spirituality/Religion, Political Organization, Economic Organiztion, Social Organization, Creative Production {Art, Literature, Technology,Music, Poetry, etc.}) and Ethos.

6. That our Tactical Modalities be Multi-dimensional in Scope and Content (Science, Governance, Trade & Commerce, Engineering, Health, Transportation, Education,etc.)

7. While we respect and appreciate varied belief systems existing in differenct sectors our Community, the foundational and over-arching value systems upon which CAP will operate on, are from Ma'at and the Nguzo Saba (The Seven Principles). This is what was envisioined for CAP at it's founding, that we not subscribe to any one ideology, but that we engage and commune with all relevant ideologies, and choose the best from all to pursue our selected goals, objectives and aspirations. CAP does not seek to duplicate current organizations, but seeks to appeal to as wide a variety and sectors of our Pan African Community and to promote and advocate for their respective interests as they contribute to the building of a Pan African Village/Community. In this regard, CAP hopes to serve as and provide models and paradigms for other Pan African organizaiotional efforts.

METHOD OF ENGAGEMENT:

The Harambee Project Plan for Diasporans Engaging in Triangular Development on the African Continent is a Comprehensive Strategy and Plan to build institutional structures on the continent of Africa, on land which is autonomous (Like the Vatican and Italy), which would facilitate communications, planning and strategy building, among and between African people and it's broader Diasporan and Global Community.

1. Commerce, Trade and Cultural Tourism Mission

Developing industries such as  Organic Farming, Textile, Coconut Oil and Bamboo Manufacturing, African Art, African centered Fashion, Cooperative and Wholistic Healing and Wellness, Patents Procurement, Communications and ways in which triangular(Africa, Africa America, Caribbean/Brazil) development strategies can be implemented in each industry which affects our daily lives and destiny. Protection of indigenous mineral rights and natural resources. Protection of Technology and mineral rights, patents and innovation. Cultural tourism will be inclusive of Resort Facilities and Theme Parks which have cultural, spiritual and educational value. Key to doing International trade in the Global Marketplace, is development of a Business infra-structure, but one based in the African character, and which respects African values and principled tradtions.

2. Pan African Monetary System and Harambee Stock Exchange -  A new African currency must be instituted to be administered by Pan African  economists, investment specialists and connected to Pan African Banking entities which invite investment portfolios, and which issues loans for Pan African Development and infra-structure projects such as cross continental rail, bridges, road construction, housing,  energy companies and airports and small business development.

3. Pan African University

Curriculum which not only focuses on correcting our history, but which builds, develops and sustains our cultural heritage is such areas a science,technology, engineering, medicine, math, health, governance, education, and ethics/law.  Also a practicum which is broad based, and supportive of demographical, sociological, geographical studies needed to formulate development proposals. Roles of Rites of Passage, Council of Elders. Development and Expansion of our own Communications and Media Systems. We must also explore the use of Virtual Universities and Academies, especially to reach remote communities.

4. Cultural Center and Perfoming Arts Auditorium

This center would focus on the development and preservation of various spiritual and art forms in Africa and the Diaspora, i.e. African yoga, Capeiora, Languages, Dogon, Zulu, Yorubu, Akan. Classes and Promotion of art forms in the areas of dance, music, film, radio, poetry and performing arts, which have African and liberational themes.

5. African Development Bank

development of banking system on the continent and diaspora, which allows our currencies to compete and which lends themselves to investment portfolios which support Pan African development projects.  

6. Sports Stadium 

     This venue would be used mostly for training of Pan African sports federations and for integrating continental and diasporan Federations in order to compete in world class events, in every sport we wish. It would also hold World Class Sports events on the African continent. Sports has the capacity to forge unity and can be used as a diplomatic model in building relations among and between our diverse global community.

7. Parliament House of Congress of African People (CAP)

Offices and Staffing to facilitate each sector of the Congress, e.g. Governance, Economics and Development, Science and Technology, Education, Health, Collective Concern, Transportation, Communications and Propoganda, Security, Food Security, Agriculture, Energy, and the regular convening of Pan African Congresses to address issues of governance and political culture, in countries inhabited by People of African descent.

8. TEMPLE OF MA'AT

     In recognition of and respect for the fact that Ma'at is the most classical and sustainable form of African  spirituality and its tenets permeate mostly all expressions of traditional African  spirituality. A key element of the African Renaissance Movement is to promote knowledge and respect of African spiritual tradtions and the role they play in African Restoration and Liberation. Medu Ntr must be studied as a classical language, and by extension, all African languages must be studied and preserved.

9. PAN AFRICAN MUSEUM

    ALL ARTIFACTS AND ART STOLEN BY EUROPEAN COLONIALISTS MUST BE RETURNED FORTHWITHT!!!! This is a part of Reparations policy. Also, such a museum would recognize the major periods of African peoples history, from Ancient Kemet, Songhai, Mali, Ghana Empires,  Timbuktu, Zulu Wars, Mau Mau, Haitian Revolution, Harlem Renaissance, Grenadian Revolution, Ethiopia, Civil Rights Movement, Black Power and Consciousness Movements, Marcus Garvey and the current Pan African Revolution.

10. SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, MATH (STEM) INSTITUTE

       Developing modalities and new paradigms of how to use the vast resources and natural wealth of Africa for more humane means. Forums and seminars on how to further utilize science in the advancement of human civilization, as opposed to allowing market trends dictate how science is engaged. Establish modalities for how STEM plays an effective role in community building and cultural advancement and development.

11. A PAN AFRICAN SIMBA WACHANGA (YOUNG LIONS) MOVEMENT/YOUTH CORPS

      S - SHIELD TO OUR PEOPLE                 SPEAR TO OUR ENEMY

      I - INSPIRATION TO YOUTH                 INNOVATORS OF REVOLUTION

      M - MONUMENT TO OUR ANCESTORS  MOVEMENT FOR LIBERATION

      B - BUILDERS OF OUR NATION             BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD

      A - ADVOCATES OF MA'AT                    ALTERNATIVE TO THEM

     The Simba Movement would be a methodology of engaging with our youth in a pro-active, meaningful and sustainable  manner. It is also a re-socialization process utilizing African centered paradigms to teach basic community standards  of behavior and conduct. In this regard, Harambee offers the following Rites of Passage Curriculum for the Simba Wachanga:

SIMBA WACHANGA RITES OF PASSAGE: PROPOSAL FOR PAN AFRICAN YOUTH CORPS; A SUGGESTED CURICULUM

by Mwalimu Kabaila on Friday, 

July 30, 2010 at 2:31pm

The Rites of Passage should address:

1. Developing a Multi-dimensional Personality

a. learning one of the arts - music, art, poetry, architecture, computer arts,

b. learning African centered spirituality and values training - Maat, Ifa, Dogon, Zulu, Akhan, etc.

c. Basic knowledge and understanding of Black History - Kemet, Songhay, Mali,Ghana  Reconstruction, Harlem Renassaince, Black Cultural Revolution, Black Arts Movementd.

d. Learning 1 or more African Languages or that POD speak

2. Physical development

a. African Martial arts, Kemetic yoga, meditation,  capoeira, etc.

b. routine of running, walking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, etc.

c. Survival and Disaster training

d. Team sport can be a substitute in this area

3. Community Orientation

a. Senior escort service

b. youth corp training curriculum and means of implementation - Pan African Youth Corps; Community Alert Patrol for gangs and drugs.

c. participation in political campaigns and/or community organizing

d. Regularly scheduled field trips to museums, zoos, plays, park concerts, drives in the country, hiking, camping, bicycling, planetariums, Expos, Family reunions

e. Learning Enviromental concerns and doing Community Farming

f. Volunteering for the Community Marketplace

4. Basic Education and Tutoring

a. Science, Math, Language, writing skills proficiency

b. basic intro to African languages and encouragement to learn at least one extra language.

c. Science, Math, African centered Architecture, computer technology,

d. Maatian governance

e. Matching Career choices with needs of the Community

5. Social Skills

a. relationship training and orientation with reinforcing rituals

b. sexuality from Afrocentric perspective

c. family skills and orientation

d. Communal principles of building community in contemporary society

e. Health - Learning how Food is our Medicine

[6] Economic Values  Orientation

a. how to develop, follow and evaluate a personal budget

b. understanding the importance of a personal savings program

c. practicing collective economic investment and/or wealth-building

d. triangular development (Africa, Caribbean, Africa America and other Diasporan communities)

e. Cooperative Economics orientatation

f. Understanding Micro and Macro Economic and Development Planning

[7] Development of Work Habits and Ethics

a. how to plan, use and assess a personal schedule

b. learning to set and accept responsibility for personal priorities

c. practicing collective decision-making and/or organizing

d. Time Management 

e. Physical Work out Regimen

{8} Study Abroad

a. Especially in Africa and the Caribbean

(9) Spiritual Development

a. Maat, Yoruba, Zulu, Akhan, Dogon, etc.

b. wellness, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, meditation

Some of the essential goals and objectives here, in my opinion, should be to establish some community standards and expectations for our youth and establish a system of reward and sanctions that reinforce these, and to institute a type of graduation ceremony with progressive African rituals.

Copyright@ Simbamaat Consultants

Ideally, this Project would operate and function on Land, which was autonomous (much like the Vatican in Italy). This, so it is not partial to any country or region, and is free to address concerns and issues anywhere within the Pan African World, free from the political whims of any particular host government.

Sustainable housing communities could be built around such a compound to house staff and locals needing quality housing. These housing communities would be self sustaining, meaning that they have their own shops, cleaners, community farming, restaurants, movie theaters. Key to this project, is the development of self sustaining industries, of which the most important are Water, Waste and Energy Management. This addition would add a continuous and independent revenue source for the Project, the host community, country and region.

In order to make this project even more attractive and a revenue producing entity, would be to add the Sankofa Theme Park and Isis Spa and Resort. Revenues from these could provide sustainable funding for the cultural center activities.

Next, are 8 Key Areas of Social Space which our people must engage in order to carry out a successful Pan African Cultural Revolution and African Renaissance.

 8  KEY AREAS OF SOCIAL SPACE

1. Economic Affairs

A. Monetary System - currency, banking, finance and Pan African Stock Exchange.

B. Trade, Commerce and Cultural Tourism

C. Industry - Manufacturing, film, music, Technology, Autos D. Agriculture E. Infra-Structure Development – Transportation, Railways, Airports, Energy (solar, bio., geo-thermal, wind, water), Waste Management, Housing F. Marketplaces – Marketing and distribution of goods and services

2. Social Affairs A. Health - Allio-pathic, Wholistic. Herbs, Traditional African, Native American, Oriental and Indian Medicine. Coops, Clinics and other delivery systems B. Education – Developing African paradigms of pedagogy and learning modalities. Book Clubs, Study Groups. C. Family and Youth Development - Rites of Passage; Family forms; Youth Activities.

3. Governance

– Block Clubs, Town Halls, Interest groups

A. Council of Elders, Diplomatic Corps

B. Simba Wachanga, Panthers, New African Scouts

C. Pan African News Serivce - Propoganda/Communications Networks become and Shield and Spear weapon and tool of effective governance.

D. National Formations – NAACP, NAAC, Urban League, CBC, NBUF, Fraternities, Professional Assoc.

E. Pan African formations – CAP, PADU, WADU, UNIA, AU

F. UN – Bringing Self-determination, Tribal, Reparations and Human Rights violation issues before this body.

G.

4. Spiritual Development

A. Using Ma’at and Nguzo Saba as fundamental basis for Ethical and Ecumenical Approaches which recognize and respect Yoruba, Christian, Black Hebrew, Islam, Dogon, Zulu, etc.

5. History A. Historiography – Corrective History, Managing Images

6. Cultural Production and Enrichment -

Poetry, Art, Music, Theater, Film, Dance, Fashion Design, Sport, Technology Entertainment (Cultural Theme Parks, Festivals) and their role, relevance and function in community building.

7. Ethos A. Psychological healing from effects of enslavement and colonialism. B. Building positive self images, modeling C. Re-enforcing gestures and rituals, which create allegiene to our task of building a New African indentity and activities for rebuilding positive African self-concept. a. Oath of Allegeince; Taamuli for Newborn Children; Nubian Daily Exercise Ritual; Pan African National Song, and Poem (Poem would be year to year); Motto, etc.

8. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Forum

This is a key forum which provides not only for exchange of ideas and projects in these respective areas, but also inspires multi-disciplenary and comprehensive planning and strategies which aid and assist the African Community builidng processes.

SEVEN FACTORS OF SUSTAINABLE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA AND DIASPORA

I. Establishing Trade and Commerce Missions (Africa, New Africa, Caribbean)

II. Revenue and Funding Sources – Dues, Foundations, Investment Clubs/corporations, IMF, UN, taxes

III. Infra-structure Building – Garvey’s notion of building in every industry combined with Booker T’s trade skills training.

IV. Expansion of Cultural and Economic Trade and Exchange

V. Modernization of Agricultural Production/Distribution among African peoples

VI. Systematic and Strategic, Transfer and Exchange of Knowledge, Technology and Science between/among Continental and Diasporan Africans

VII. Dynamic Development Strategies and Methods – Triangular (Africa, New Africa, Caribbean); Square (inclusive of African ex-patriates)

SEVEN FACTORS OF SUSTAINABLE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA AND DIASPORA

1. Establishing Trade and Commerce Missions (Africa, New Africa, Caribbean)

A. Determining which industries are most attractive to and marketable for African/Diasporan people; e.g. Fashion Industry(African centered designs, textiles, clothing outlets) tourism, agriculture, herbology, sustainable housing Construction (Esp. African centered architecture designs)

.B. Decide where to place each industrial center/plant in order to maximize production and distribution of the designated commodities.

C. Determining the most efficient trade/commerce/transportation routes to get products to market, and whichare for export and which need to be imported.

D. Given the above factors, price schedules must be established which allow for affordability, but also enough profit to make the industry sustainable over time/circumstances (market conditions, weather/climate changes competition.

E. Economic Intelligence – defense and development.

F. Determining the best places to begin building African Marketplaces, which would also house museums, learning centers, theaters, Community Administrative centers (Council of Elders, youth/Simba Corps, Cultural/Convention Center, Communication and Response Teams

.G. Training centers for the various trades or a trade college/university

.2. Revenue and Funding SourcesA. dues, taxes, IMF, Foundations, grants, donations, charitiesB. The key difference is that these funds will not go to corrupt politicians or civil servants, but will be allocated and administrated by a Foundation, with a Pan African Board of Directors which will determine which projects get funded based on need; how, when, where, and by what means.C. We propose that any Reparations which comes in monetary form also be allocated through such Foundation, or Foundation approved sources.D. Immedidate debt relief for African and Caribbean Countries and people of African descent, as part of a reparations package 

3. Infra Structure BuildingA. Transportation – Cross continental Rail System, Modernized air transport system, commercial shipping fleet, trucking system. Roads which facilitate commerce and tourism trade.B. Sustainable Energy – water (waterfalls, reservoirs, ocean, stream), wind, methanol-ethanol, Solar, Bio-Thermal, which all link up with a continental energy grid.C. Indigenous Sustainable Sanitation Systems and Water purificationD. Indigenous Communications Systems with the ability to link up with Global systemsE. Reduction of and Penalties for Toxic Waste caused by foreign and/or domestic corporations.

4. Expansion of Cultural and Economic Trade an Exchange

A. Exhibition and Preservation of African People artistic heritage and the progressive character of its culture – Museums, Festivals Seminars, Performing Arts Shows

1) As African people enter into this Renaissance era and new stage of development , new rules of engagement must be designed to enter into the global economy. It is mandatory that institutions are built which preserve the integrity of African and Diasporan art forms, languages, systems of thought (Dogon, Maat, Ifa, Akhan, Zulu, Masai, etc.) and cultural traditions, such as Council of Elders, Rites of Passage, Cooperative Economics, Extended Family, Reverence for Nature and the Spiritual Quest for Oneness with a God Force. These defining elements of African life and culture must not be lost or compromised at the expense of modernization and/or development.

2) Recognition that Africa Culture is one of Africa’s most important , if not the most important exports. It has played a dominant role in the American, South American, Caribbean, and Australian cultures, and now even in faraway places such as Japan. African culture has economic and human value. Thus, it must be packaged to represent the best of what Africa was, is and has the possibility to become, though, it should not just be viewed as a commodity, rather, an expression of who we are as a People in the forward flow of human progress.B. Employment of Culture in our Collective Struggle for Human Liberation and Transformation1) Culture must provide the foundation for our:

(a) Identity – who we are, based on our historical Personality as a people

(b)Purpose – based on who we are, what our role and responsibility is in relationship to elevating the quality of life of our people, creating human progress, and transforming society to reflect the best of who we are as Africans and humans.

(c) Direction – the means we choose to achieve the above. To engage in the struggle to define, defend and develop ourselves as African, Pan Africanists and humans. The process(es) of Social Transformation which allows the human personality to realize its fullest potential, and creates a social context which allows for human flourishing.

2) Definition of a Black Aesthetic which gives Black/African art its distinction and unique qualities as an art form.

3) African and African centered Culture is our most valuable product and therefore, must not only be preserved, but promoted among our own people in our quest to regain our historical personality, and overcome the Post Traumatic Shock of Enslavement.

C. Culture as Economic Stimulus for Africa and Diaspora

1) Gain economic dominance in those areas of Culture where we can gain a measure of control, i.e. 

(a) African cent ered Fashion Design, tailoring, textiles, haberdashery, millinery

(b) Control of Music Production, distribution and promotion

( c) African Centered Architectural Design

(d) Sports and Entertainment personalities donating to Foundations engaged in Sustainable Development policy, programs and projects.

(e) More exchange between and among African (Nigerian, Ghanaian, Senegalese) and New African filmmakers; building community theaters.

(f) Encouraging youth to become more inventive innovative in technology and teaching modalities, particularly in Black schools.

5. Modernization of Agricultural Production -

among African people is mandatory, while Preserving the quality of Rural, Social and Cultural Life.

A. Low Carbon foods are healthier/while balance must be struck with export/import crops.

B. Irrigation systems must be installed and maintained, esp. in arid and dry areas.

C. Basis for industry-wide growth as Garvey called for; feeding into grocery markets and restaurant chains; developing food and herb coops; Holistic Health Coops and delivery systems which service underserved communities.

D. Methodologies which ensure that African Mineral Wealth benefits indigenous people. Corruption must be challenged and rooted out, and replaced by a system which allows re-distribution of wealth on a level of parity. Quatar and Kuwait might serve as models.

6. Transfer and Exchange of Knowledge, Technology and Science -

between and among Continental Africans and Diasporans – A. Each sector of the African World (Continental Africans, African Americans, African ex-patriates, Caribbeans, Brazilians, Africans in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and the rest of Diaspora) must seek methodologies and modalities whereby Science, Knowledge and Technology will be used for human good and progress from an African Worldview, which puts humanity, and Human Good at the center. Emphasis on establishing consortiums, economic clubs, Coops, Conferences and strive to build Pan African Universities which can encourage inventions, study of African languages, architecture, science, Math, Governance, and requirements for re-structuring civil society.

7. Dynamic Development Strategies and Methods –

A. Revolution, as a social phenomena, should never be limited to just struggle from physical bondage, but is inclusive of economic, political and psychological liberation also. Sustainable development strategies and methodologies must be cognizant of this fact, while seeking ways and means of empowering the disenfranchised (peasants, workers and people of color). In this millineum, in todays’ world, Sustainable Development is the sine qua non of today’s revolutionary process. Sloganizing, theorizing nor repeating ideological formulations will no longer suffice as substitutes for designing ways in which we satisfy human need. The degree to which ideologies, theories and slogans contribute to human growth and flourishing, i.e. Sustainable Development, is the new criteria for their validity. Now is the time to make the world we only imagined 60 years ago.

MINISTRIES FOR GOVERNING BODIES

1. Land Development

2. Community Planning

3. Housing - African centered Design and Architecture

4. Infra-Structure Planning and Development

    a. Water

    b. Energy and Power

    c. Waste Management

    d. Transportation and Road Construction and Maintenance

5. Education

6. Cultural Production and Preservation of Artistic Skills and Capacity

7. Media

8. Public Relations

9. Finance

10. Marketplace Administration - Design and Operations

11. Environment and Food Security

12. Collective Concern

13. Spiritual Ministry

14. Historian and Archives

Key Assignments and Functions for Presidents, Organziational Heads, or Tribal Chiefs' Staff

1. Chief of Staff -  Coordinates between and among Ministries, and is Chiefs Liaison to Ministry Heads

2. Scribe

3. Treasurer

4. Defense, Information and Intelligence

5. Security

6. Diplomatic/Ambassador Corps - Outreach

7. Procedures and Protocol Chief

8. Communications, Technology and  Propaganda