For the final
Afrika Speaks show of the year, we look back on the last twelve months,
reliving some of our favourite, challenging and memorable shows. From our
attempts to retain community resources, deaths in custody, the UK’s hostile
environment, maternity mortality or domestic abuse – we covered it and much,
much more. So we’re looking back,
Sankofa style, as a basis for moving forward into the New Year.
For our first
show of the year on January 7th we welcomed Sis. Cheryl Phoenix founder and CEO of the Black Child Agenda, here
in her capacity as representative of the Bridge Park Community Council,
addressing the question – Bridge Park Complex – What do we need to do to keep
it?
January 18th
marked 20 years since Roger Sylvester was killed by the police. On January 14th we spoke to Roger’s cousin, Bro. Victor Sylvester, of the Roger
Sylvester Justice Campaign to reflect on the case and its impact on the family.
In early 2019 the
government resumed its so-called deportation planes that were suspended in the
wake of the 2018 Windrush scandal. On
February 11th we spoke to solicitor Sis.
Rachel Okello, who had direct involvement in the issue to query: Jamaica
Deportations: Has the hostile environment returned? Did it ever go away?
The USA’s regime
change machine went into overdrive over Venezuela. On March 11th we spoke to Bro. Marcos Garcia, former First
Secretary at the Venezuelan Embassy to de-mystify the propaganda and get to the
truth.
On March 18th we
touched base with Dr Mumbi Seraki
while she was in the UK in March and she spoke about the effects of
misinformation in the Motherland, while asserting the need for us to use social
media spread the truth and mobilise our people.
After the release
of the controversial documentary ‘Leaving Neverland’, the legacy of icon
Michael Jackson was put under renewed scrutiny.
On March 25th Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka
helped us address whether her should be “muted” or “cancelled.”
Following the
publication of his debut book, The Rise Of Rastafari, Bro. Makonnen Sankofa came in to the studio on April 22nd to
discuss Rasta, repatriation and the future of the movement.
On May 13th
independent midwife Sis. Elsie Gayle
lifted the lid on the maternity mortality scandal where Afrikan women in the UK
are five times more likely to die from complications surrounding pregnancy and
childbirth, more likely to have a pre-term birth and the need for us a
community to get to grips with it.
In July we had
four explosive shows dealing with domestic violence and abuse. Sis.
Ngozi and Sis. Rosanna of Sistah
Space joined for the first two of these, while Bro. David Mullings was a guest on the second two. In the following clips Sis. Ngozi revealed
the case of Valerie Forde that inspired the creation of their organization. She counsels on the need for vigilance to
ensure our young people have the right guidance. After this Bro. David highlighted the
spectrum of abuse that we need to be aware of.
We rounded our
Mosiah on-air sessions by interviewing Sis.
Paula Giddings, author of the definitive biography of Ida B
Wells-Barnett. In wide ranging
discussion she shared how she came to write the biography as well the
establishment of the surveillance state in response to the work of the likes of
Ida B Wells and Marcus Mosiah Garvey, who often shared platforms.
On September 2nd
we interviewed Bro. Nia Imara of the
National Association of Black Supplementary Schools on the value of Saturday
Schools, the challenges they face and where they need to go.
Founder,
Liberator and National Hero of Zimbabwe Baba Robert Mugabe passed away in
September. We dedicated three shows to
his legacy. In the final one on the 30th
of that month Comrade Marshall Gore
of ZANU-PF UK. Questioned the motives of
critics, highlighting the grossly under-emphasised reconciliation within the
country.
Afrocentric
giants Dr Molefi Kete Asante and Dr Ama Mazama joined us on October 21st
to advocate the “consciousness of victory” a centred worldview can deliver.
We began our The
essence of the Afrikan personality – The Divine Cycle Of Life Series delivered
by Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka. The series so
far included presentations on Introduction to Afrikan Spirituality, Birth &
Naming and Initiation (in two parts).
The following clip is from part one of the Initiation presentation.
In our final clip
we welcomed legendary broadcaster and activist Bro. Marc Wadsworth on November 18th to share his
insights on UK politics, allegations of anti-semitism and the truth about his
departure from the Labour Party.
…We ask the question:
How was the year for you?
We
also want to give thanks to our special guests throughout the year, including:
DJ Supreme, Sis. Marcia Loraine Phinn, Chairman Omali Yeshitela,
Sis. Ona Zené Yeshitela, Bro. Luwezi Kinshasa, Bro. Dean Okai Snr, Sis. Amitiye
Lumumba, Sis. Marcia Rigg, Sis. Janet Alder, Bro. Davis Williams, Sis. Winsome
Duncan, Sis. Maxine Davis, Bro. Tahrka Teranga, Sis. Dr. Sandra Richards,
Minister Malak, Bro. Errol McKellar, The Rootz Doctor, Sis. Rosanna Lewis, Bro.
Aaron Highly, Sis. Patricia Blaze, Sis. Rianna Raymond-Williams, Sis. Kai
Ouagadou-Mbandaka, Eld. Emmanuel Amevor, Bro. Kwame Osei, Bro. Jair Tavares,
Bro. Cikiah Thomas, Sis. Selena Carty, Bro. Shenuti Jegna, Bro. Donald Rodney,
Baba Eric Huntley, Sis. Michelle Asantewa, Bro. Twilight Bey.
Tamishi La Tutaonana
(The Farewell Statement by Dr Maulana Karenga)
Strive for discipline, dedication and
achievement in all you do.
Dare to struggle and sacrifice and gain the
strength that comes from this.
Build where you are and dare to leave a
legacy that will last as long as the sun shines and the water flows.
Practice the Nguzo Saba, daily!
UMOJA (Unity); KUJICHAGULIA (Self-Determination);
UJIMA (Collective Work & Responsibility); UJAMAA (Cooperative Economics);
NIA (Purpose); KUUMBA (Creativity); IMANI (Faith).
And may the wisdom of the ancestors always
walk with us.
May the year’s end meet us laughing and
stronger.
May our children honor us by following our
example in love and struggle.
And at the end of next year, may we sit again
together, in larger numbers, with greater achievement and closer to liberation
and a higher level of human life.
