GARVEY LIVES!
MOSIAH LIVES!
Attempts to characterise Marcus Mosiah Garvey and indeed the UNIA-ACL as Christian, though persistent are not borne out by the evidence. Arguably, Garveyism owes more to the example of “the first Black Republic” than any Abrahamic legacy. Indeed, the spirit of Haiti’s Revolution, was well encapsulated in the Garveyite Philosophy of Afrikan Fundamentalism, characterized by:
“• Race 1st- Afrikans must put ourselves & our Liberation 1st.
• Self Reliance – Afrikans must do for ourselves, in the interest of ourselves.
• Nationhood – Afrikans are one people & Afrika is our motherland. Afrika is for the Afrikans at home & Abroad.
• Afrikan Spiritual Orthodoxy: Afrikan must see God and the divine according to our own culture, and reject the imposition of others upon us.” (1)
However, the latter aspect is still probably the least recognised even though:
“Spirituality is the centre and foundation of Afrikan culture, the core of Afrikan consciousness and the essence of the Afrikan personality.” (2)
Thus, what the Garvey Movement demonstrated was the inexorable link between Afrikan spirituality and Afrikan Liberation, although we may query how much today’s crop of activists overstand this.
(1) Tafdazwa ShakaRa. Mbandaka (2011) The Undying Spirit: Nationalsit Pan- Afrikanism Lives On. The Whirlwind, Edition 9, p. 33
(2) Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka (01/07/19) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio – The essence of the Afrikan personality – The divine cycle of life series – Part 1: What is Afrikan Spirituality. https://www.alkebulan.org/2019/07/01/afrika-speaks-with-alkebu-lan-on-galaxy-radio-01-07-19-the-essence-of-the-afrikan-personality-the-divine-cycle-of-life-series-part-1-what-is-afrikan-spirituality/
We ask the question:
What is the connection between spirituality & Afrikan Liberation?
1) What is the connection of Afrikan Spirituality to Afrikan Liberation? (Is there one?)
2) Is spirituality just journey of personal growth/enlightenment unconnected to societal concerns?
3) Can non-Afrikan institutionalised religions (e.g. Abrahamic) offer a pathway to liberation?
4) How can Afrikan Spirituality be practicalised/made more accessible?
5) How does Afrikan Spirituality guide/inform different aspects of Black life?)
Our special Guest:
Dr. ChenziRa D. Kahina: Minister and Priestess of Per Ankh em Smai Tawi Ministries International. Dr. Kahina serves as an Integral and Naturopathic Health practitioner, professor, lecturer and holistic studies researcher with clinical and international experiences in natural healthcare & counseling services, allopathic support, rural and women’s health, psychotherapy, cognitive therapeutics, heuristic education and more. “Dr. Chen” is also Director of Virgin Islands and Caribbean Cultural Center.
She has professional training, certifications, licensures and degrees from Rutgers University (NCAS); Pepperdine University (GSE); University of California in San Diego (GCSF/SS); Natural Health Institute (CA/MX); in concert with numerous certifications and licensure with other international educational facilities. She has worked, published research and presented with many scholars, artisans, scientists and practitioners internationally that have positively shaped her talents and abilities to harmoniously provide service above self. Her life work remains devoted to family, community, environment, living sciences, prosperity, health and sacred wellness as protected with the ancient principles of Maat (truth, justice, order, harmony, balance & divine righteousness).