Although active before then, Bro. Ldr Mbandaka dates his entry on to Liberation Road from his first attendance at the Pan African Congress Movement Umoja-day (Sun) meeting at 25 West Green Road, Tottenham in March 1983.
As energised as he was, he felt that what was lacking in the ‘conscious’ community however, was an adequate emphasis on the need to restore our emaciated spirituality and culture. Given the essential and empowering role of culture, in the lives of any people and the central and vitalising function of spirituality, in the culture of Afrikan people, he felt this was a vital pre-requisite for attaining our total liberation. This led him, four years later to found the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement with he and Ras Kamau-Ayize Mebrahtu Nowe (who sadly passed away in 2008) as Spiritual Leaders.
The first programme of ARM was Shumira (“Fellowship”), monthly traditional Afrikan worship. The second was the children’s programme, which over time developed into the Alkebu-Lan Academy of Excellence, Imani-day (sat) School. Throughout its existence ARM has been committed to establishing a range of institutions, initiatives, programmes, projects, practices and events such as life cycle blessings (e.g. naming, marriage, passing over, rites of passage), Alkebu-Lan Day, agricultural programme, Mama Afrika Kulcha Shap, Soul Force Promotions, Alkebu-Lan Family Association (school advocacy/support), The Whirlwind newspaper, ACKEA (Alkebu-Lan Children’s Kuumba Expression Awards), Family Forum, Kwanzaa, Mosiah Observance, Ogun Ceremony, Spirit Day (‘Let The Circle Be Unbroken’), Omowale Malcolm X Observance, Tony Martin “Dis-Invitation Tour”, Nommo Sessions, Vimbo Verenga (Faith Studies), Ma’at Academy of Excellence (pre-school & home school collective), Food Relief Programme and the interim National Afrikan People’s Parliament (iNAPP). In addition, Bro. Ldr. has led ARM in supporting numerous collaborative community efforts.
Tonight, he reflects on the last forty years, the highs and lows and projections for the future.
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: 40 YEARS on Liberation Road – A Retrospective
1) What is the secret to longevity on Liberation Road?
2) How has activism changed in the last 40 years?
3) What advice would he give to young activists?
4) Have you engaged in any ARM programmes/events in the last 40 years?
Our Special Guest:
Bro. Ldr. Mbandaka: Resident guest who is Spiritual Leader of the Alkebu-Lan Revivalist Movement and an Afrikan-Centred Education Consultant. Bro. Ldr is a veteran activist of almost 40 years standing, a featured columnist in The Whirlwind newspaper and author of Mosiah Daily Affirmations and Education: An African-Centred Approach To Excellence.
*******
SIGN: Justice for children wrongly classified as ESN: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/631043
SIGN: Stop Anti African racism in Tunisia – https://chng.it/5MVRbCD2sn
Help The Ethiopian World Federation support Mama Asaide in Shashamane Land. Donate to Account No. 66582318. Sort Code: 60-22-27; Account Name: Ethiopian World Federation RRC.