Got this link from KZS aka The Ghetto Intellectual on FB...The video demonstrates very clearly how a hero can be "made" into a villain by the so-called mainstream media. I challenge all the agencies who continue to feed into the media hype nonsense to look deeper. And to tell us why European powers decided to destroy the Zimbabwean economy which was strong by their standards up until the land re-distribution. Do the homework and save yourself from propagating the imperialist illusion.
| The Herald_Saturday, September 18, 2010 US artistes take on sanctions INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed hip hop group Dead Prez recently announced plans to make a song that would call for the lifting of the US-EU sanctions against Zimbabwe, as well as the US blockade on Cuba. En route to Washington DC, one of the group’s lyricists, brother Mutulu Olugbala whose stage name is M-1 gave The Herald’s US correspondent, Obi Egbuna (OE) an exclusive interview and shared the reasons behind the decision for a song focusing on both Zimbabwe and Cuba. OE: Brother Mutulu, thank you for granting The Herald this interview. Could we begin by having you share the reason for doing a song concerning US-EU sanctions on Zimbabwe and the US blockade on Cuba? M-1: In the case of Zimbabwe, the US-EU sanctions are approaching 10 years very rapidly, and the monstrous US blockade on Cuba, is approaching 50 years old. This tactic being used by our former colonial and slave masters to politically isolate countries and stifle their economic growth and ability to strengthen basic infrastructure is as destructive as war, military invasions (and) natural calamities like hurricanes and tornadoes. But (it) hasn’t received the same attention. We feel the US Government is extremely hypocritical when it labels both Zimbabwe and Cuba dictatorships, boldly claiming both countries deprive its people basic democratic freedoms. However, the international community vehemently opposes US-EU sanctions on Zimbabwe and the US blockade on Cuba and the White House, US Senate and Congress won’t budge at all. I sincerely hope this song will not only bring more awareness to the suffering these policies have caused in Zimbabwe and Cuba, but also celebrate the resilience of the leadership and people on the ground in these countries, who overcome daily challenges therefore standing firm in the face of adversity. OE: Brother Mutulu, the timing of the decision to do this song will be received very well in Zimbabwe and Cuba. In Zimbabwe Akon, Sizzla Kalonji and Maxi Priest have all performed there recently, and in Cuba earlier this year Kool and the Gang performed and received an award. Will Dead Prez do this song alone or reach out to other artistes to have more impact? M-1: We will definitely reach out to the artistes you mentioned who performed in Zimbabwe and the artistes who we know have performed in Cuba. We also want to involve artistes in both Zimbabwe and Cuba because in the final analysis who else can speak better for their leaders and people? I was amazed when I was told that Zimbabweans affectionately refer to their country as the land of musicians, and we know in the case of Cuba, it would be hard to find a country that has used art in a revolutionary framework better than they have. I am getting excited just thinking of the potential of this song. It will cross genres and generations, and complement the genuine efforts of countless freedom fighters who dedicated their lives to building bridges between people driven by an unyielding passion for freedom and justice. OE: Brother Mutulu, what in your opinion are the broader implications of having the first US president of African descent extending sanctions on Zimbabwe two years in a row, and approaching lifting of the US blockade on Cuba on the Democratic Party’s timetable, instead of the ties of the world community? M-1: First and foremost, it is important for President Obama to look at Zimbabwe and Cuba as a US Democrat and not an African; therefore he is mainly preoccupied with US interests in both nations, not what is in the best interest of the masses. If he is not challenged he will maintain the course of his predecessors. Frederick Douglas taught us, "Power concedes nothing without demand", therefore we must intensify the battle to lift US-EU sanctions on Zimbabwe and the US blockade on Cuba in the streets of the United States. In our case as artistes, until we match the pressure of the international community in relationship to US policy on Zimbabwe and Cuba, the US government will go on with business as usual. If we don’t aggressively confront President Obama about lifting US-EU sanctions on Zimbabwe and the US blockade on Cuba, we give the impression his failure to do so has our political blessing. OE: Brother Mutulu, inside the United States we saw the leader of the National Action Network, Reverend Al Sharpton recently organise a march in commemoration of the historic March on Washington in 1963 where Dr Martin Luther King, Jr made the "I have a dream" speech. Because Zimbabwe and Cuba were both liberated through armed struggles, do you think that's what makes Africans born and raised in the US who consider non-violence as a cardinal principle reluctant to embrace these nations? M-1: This is a rational explanation but nevertheless is not acceptable. The most moderate and conservative elements in our community all celebrate the Civil War as the driving force in relationship to abolishing slavery, but ignore 200 slave revolts in response to forced free labour, rape and torture. These same groups amongst our people have also written the Deacons for Defence out of the history of the civil rights movement. You have touched on overcoming the colonial and slave mentality, therefore embracing all genuine forms of resistance, because you celebrate true progress regardless of the political manner in which it was brought about. Zimbabwe defeated the second most powerful European army on the African continent, and Cuba launched a guerrilla war from the Sierra Maestra Mountains. This meant both countries overcame almost insurmountable odds to attain independence. Both stories bring tears to my eyes, and must be taught to our children without apology or hesitation. OE: Brother Mutulu, what would you say to this generation of Zimbabweans and Cubans who might not appreciate Dead Prez wanting to stand with them, and would like the opportunity to relocate to the US? M-1: The inability of the formerly enslaved and colonised to fully contextualise their political significance and succumb to pressure is part and parcel of the struggle to defend your sovereignty. Our artistic mission is to capture for the African world, the true plight of the African in the United States, which defiantly contradicts the colonialist and imperialist version of our story. This will make not only this generation of Zimbabweans and Cubans, but all young people not yet in touch with their fighting spirit realise that the battlefield for oppressed people is truly heaven on earth. OE: Thanks for your thoughts and time!M-1: Long live the heroic people and leadership of Zimbabwe and Cuba! obiegbuna15@yahoo.com |
The Multi-Media students created this effort which is based solely on their desire and their faith that they can learn with the students in the CarreFour Community in Port-au-Prince Haiti.
I teach students at both Overton Elementary and at Betty Shabazz International Charter School where we specifically create media and increase youth media awareness.
We have a young Haitian friend, Jemima Desir who was born in CarreFour and graduated from Catherine Flon Academy where the building collasped on Jan. 12 killing 251 students. Mama Jemima has invited us to help with the re-building of the school which she called "the heart of the community". This is a long-term project and we will encourage students and anyone who wants to help to give at least $1 per month until the school is re-built.
Another benefit for the youth of both Overton and Betty Shabazz is that the Desir family will give us first hand reports, letters and digital communications that we can share from the Catherine Flon students. We will be able to help the students establish what we hope will be lasting communication and a invaluable shared learning experience.
Our students have an opportunity to observe their power in action through the creation of media like the flyers, website, film projects, first-hand news reports. Many of the skills we have worked on thru the years will be put to work for the benefit of Afrikan people.
We invite you, your organization, church or school to share in this experience. Please, make a committment to give-- and make a committment to watch, observe and participate in this unified effort.
Well, you've heard the news about what young people are doing in Chicago right now, haven't you? I stand here to tell you that we have got to go beyond criminal news networks to see the outstanding work that many youth are engaged in here in Chicago and beyond! This endeavor is the perfect example! The youth conceived this project in reaction to the news about Ayiti from January 12's earthquake. But their interest and work goes far beyond reactionary. Many youth will tell you simply--they had never heard of Ayiti before the devastating earthquake in January 2010! Whose job was it that they should know about one of the greatest independence struggles? Well, anyway, as soon as they had the info, a few of students in my multi-media workshops began to devise a plan. So far, they have raised very little funds and we all want to have a kick-off event to really get the word out about this unique, family oriented approach. This is not the Red Cross, we have organized ourselves to make sure 100% of our donations get to use at Catherine Flon Academy and surrounding community! If you are in or around Chicago May 22nd, come and meet the dynamic woman, Jemima Desir, graduate of Catherine Flon and on-the-ground contact person for our relationship with the school...and stay tuned cause the Youth in Action are taking the struggle to another level...
If you're in a few hours driving range of Chicago this coming Saturday, I would encourage you to come and meet Dr. Asare, Naturopath and Master Herbalist from Ghana-West Afrika.
In 1960, Kwame Nkrumah gave a speech where he stated, "Ghana's independence is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa and with the projection of the African personality in the international community." To understand this statement is to be able to visualize or imagine the path to where we want to be as Afrikan people.
There are several people whose life work contributes tremendously to this goal...I know I am only familiar with a few.
