From Africa to Martin Luther King, Jr-Let Freedom Ring
Okay, so today, here in the States, we are celebrating the birthday, life, and legacy of the most popular freedom fighter, Martin Luther King Jr. He was one of the many Black leaders in the 1950’s and 60’s, who fought on behalf of Africans that were brought here by way of slavery to The Americas.
Martin Luther King, Jr was a Christian minister who not only fought for Africans in America to have the same rights as American Europeans, but also led peaceful non-violent protests and marches in the segregated south-The southern slave states in The America were Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, and Maryland.
Segregation-Separation of people based on class, color, and differences.
Still no equal rights for our ancestors-We are a highly sought after and profitable race, but didn’t receive our profits
So even after slaves from Africa were granted freedom from Europeans in America in 1863, by way of President Abraham Lincoln, there was still no equal rights for our ancestors.
Things that have been running through my mind on MLK day-Is it really because of the color of our skin?
Everything you hear when it comes to racial hate about Africans in America, is because of the color of your skin. I don’t believe that skin color or any difference in one’s physical traits or appearance is the reason for hate. They just want to make you think that it is. If European colonizers were so repelled about our skin color, in which we scientifically get from DNA, and the natural sun rays, they wouldn’t have even came near us.
The psychology of hate comes from fear, jealousy, and ignorance. Putting another nation down for the sake of raising up one’s own nation to make it look like they are better wealthier and more successful than others, is because of their own insecurities. For when one is truly secure in who they are, they would not waste or dedicate their time, energy, or life on abuse of any kind.
(If you have ever watched archived racial documentaries, you will hear some American Europeans say, “Go back to Africa”, as if we just casually came to America. Ummm, wasn't it you who sought us out, and brought us here??)
My Big But On MLK Speeches from a Christian Perspective-If you haven’t studied African history, your not going to understand, but read with an open mind
Ever since I was 5 years old, I have always questioned everything. On some occasions, I have gotten into big trouble with my parents for my disrespectful curious inquisitiveness. Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s it was really disrespectful when a child questions parents or authority. Still to this day, I always have to ask why, and like to get to the root of the problems behind certain happenings.
I respect, acknowledge and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr but I can’t help but to speak my mind.
BUT…
By way of Africa and being of African ancestry, we are not Christians. Each tribe and culture has their own spirituality. MLK Jr, comes from a legacy of Christian pastors and preachers.., as do I, until I began researching and studying African history. I do not totally condone Christianity, but I would like for us to stand up and speak more on traditional African spirituality.
“Free At Last, Free At Last”
As stated above, after being free from slavery, and segregation, a lot of us are still not truly free as Africans in America, because we are forsaking our ancestral spirituality.
How So?
.A lot of Africans in America use something that is not our own to fight, in particular, the bible
.We still proudly carry and claim the first and last names of former European slave owners. Mine is Armstead which belongs to The Dutch
.We still speak the English languages of our former slave owners
.We still predominantly wear European attire
.We still fight, preach, and stand up to European religions as if they are our own- And oh yeah, if you talk about African spirituality to some African Americans, they will say it is demonic. Really? So the colonizers still have enslaved African minds into thinking that their own race and spirituality and way of worship is demonic? (This is called brain-wash) So therefore, those with minds that are still enslaved, are preaching, upholding, and worshipping a religion, people, and stories, that are not their own.
Raised in a Christian Church
I used to be very active in black churches, and also was an adamant Christian evangelist, so I feel that I can speak very openly about this. I have seen a whole lot when it comes to Africans in America, and the preaching of the Christian European doctrine in Black churches. Both my step-father who helped raise me and my biological father were/are Christian ministers. They spoke and preached more about the Christian doctrine than Africa.
Our African Roots
We must spend time learning and studying about our own roots, which go way beyond the Christian doctrine-But In the African American church, if you go against Christianity, you are deemed to be crazy, instead of the other way around.
*Did you know that in some African countries, Africans that have converted to Islam and Christianity worship together, respect the differences in doctrine, and live peacefully amongst one another? And there are some that have converted, and either combine their African spirituality with Christianity or Islam, or just claim that they are Christians or Muslim, but still believe in and uphold their African ancestry.
Let Freedom Ring
For me, celebrating Martin Luther King Jr's birthday is a reminder that Let Freedom Ring goes beyond physical freedom, and desegregation. I thank and honor Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr for sacrificing his life for Black equality in America. But we must continue to evolve. My aim, and our aim as Africans in America by way of slavery, should be to become totally free, by becoming more African.
Read about Africa, learn, about Africa, study, Africa, research Africa, and travel to Africa.
Let’s continue celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr and our equality as Africans in America, by not forgetting about who we really are.
