AN OG'S PERSPECTIVE/SEPTEMBER: EITHER/OR OR BOTH/AND: RAISING OUR CHILDREN IN THE STRUGGLE By Watani Stiner

I was somewhat surprised that my children born in South America don’t seem to share my passion for fighting for racial justice in the United States, that they don’t even see its injustice the way I do. Because of this it throws into question my assumptions about how they thought about me when we were apart. I wonder what my children were thinking about me when they were in foster care…so young and knowing so little of my story and what had happened to me. Why was I in prison? What was their narrative about me?

After all, they didn’t grow up in this country, that wasn’t the context they were immersed in. They had no conception of the rising intensity of racial antagonism within this country that continues today. Nor had they ever heard of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X. All that my children knew was that they had a loving daddy and then he left, and when he left things turned into a nightmare.

As a young activist fighting for social justice during the tumultuous 1960s, I was focused on wanting to make a difference for the very reason of wanting children – my children, everyone's children – to be able to grow up in a just and safe world. I had a big picture view, a revolutionary vision that was a kind of love for them.

Would I do it all again the same way, knowing the huge emotional toll it has taken on my children? I was not there when they needed me most. But my choice was not just about making a difficult decision to join the struggle for social change. It was also about a racist system and the actions of COINTELPRO that limited my choices. I can’t honestly say that there are no regrets. But if I had to do it all over again, I would. However, this time I would be mindful of the collateral damage done to my children. I would never forsake or take for granted the small picture for the big picture.

In a strange way, the ironic outcome of me not being there for them is that my children don't see or understand the issues like they might have if I had been teaching and dialoguing with them all those years. Sadly but truthfully, being in prison for so many years, separating them from their children, is the plight of so many Black fathers. Because my life was sacrificed for the struggle, the big picture, I didn't get to raise my own children to see critical social issues like I would want them to. And in fact, a few of my children have some beliefs that are really shocking to me. That is a hard outcome to have, given my life for the struggle.

A thing that feels so poignant to me is that my pregnant daughter Latanya, with her unborn son, proclaims passionately how she will never abandon her child. She will care for him above and beyond any and everything else. She will always be there for him, to comfort, protect and support him in all his dreams and aspirations. For Latanya, there is no issue more compelling and important to her than raising her child. She says, “I can name a million and one incidents where I would rather have had you there than you being where you were because of what you were doing for ‘your people’! So like I said, Dad, the price you paid was not worth it! It’s not that I don’t care. I just care more about my child!”

I realize that Latanya is just as passionate about her unborn child as I was in my passion for revolutionary social change in this country. But I also understand that if the society in which she lives is not just, and sees her son as less-than, then all the love she pours into him and all the protection she offers will not be enough. She will long for changes in society so that he can thrive and grow in the ways every mother wants to see.

It feels tenderly naive to me that she thinks that she on her own can make his world. She can do a lot, but he will have to live in this society. She can "choose him above everything else," but he and all of us still need activists fighting for justice. My grandson also needs the social justice work I care about. If I have come to any conclusion at all about family and social struggle, it is this: It is not a question of either/or but must be a balance of both/and. My hope for my unborn grandson is that he cries out into a world where justice prevails and Black lives truly matter.

OPEN LETTER TO YOUTH AND STUDENTS OF FERGUSON, BALTIMORE AND BEYOND: AN UPDATE ON OUR PROMISE ONE YEAR LATER

Greetings Family, 

I write this to you, The Youth and Students of the Ferguson and, now, Baltimore Movements for Social Justice, at the request of Hershel Daniels Junior., Chair, Friends of the African Union. He agreed with, and liked most of the points made in the 2014 Letter, but was visibly affected by the reference to the promise made there, that we, of our generation, were working on leaving a legacy of Capacity Building and Structural Formations, such that the next generation, you, would have something of substance to build on, other than just empty rhetoric and briefcases.

Before doing the update though, please allow me to review in summation some of the points made in the first Open Letter, which may be relevant here:

1. We, again, offer our most deepest and profound condolences to the Family of Michael Brown, but would also like to expand them to reach out to the families of those who have been unjustifiably killed since, at the hands of or in custody of the States police forces. The emotions felt around the Tamir Rice, Walter Scott and Sandra Brand cases.are still fresh in our collective memories.

2. Each unjustified death in our community, at the hands of the State's agents leaves a void, as we are again, robbed of the potential contribution which could have been made to the building of our community by that lost member. 

3. America has a history of extending rights, while at the same time denying and impeding the exercise of those rights, especially, when they don't serve the interests of the ruling/race class. Law is manipulated by the ruling elite.

4. Your organizing efforts in Ferguson and Beyond have now, placed you in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ida B. Wells, WEB DuBois, and Marcus Garvey and the fight for Human Rights, Self Determination, and Human Dignity. You achieved national and world wide acclaim for your organizing efforts in Ferguson, and the disciplined manner in which carried them out.

5. Your Movement was built and based on sound organizing Principles of Truth, Justice, Self Determination, Peace, Unity, Power and Security. In doing so, you represented the best of what it means and meant to be African/Black and Human in the World, and in the process made your Ancestors and Elders proud.

6. The Ferguson Movement of Justice for Michael Brown, revealed the critical contradictions in the American system of jurisprudence. We must never forget, and be a constant reminder to the powers that be, that many of the "Founding Fathers" and "Framers of the Constitution", while talking about Liberty, where also slave owners and inflicted some of the greatest cruelty on women in Human History.

7. Your Movement was not just a clarion cry for Justice, but because of the lack of redress in many of the cases where blacks are killed at the hands of the States agents, many people in our community began to look at formulating our own internal security systems, establishing our own education institutions in which we control the process and content, and most of all, people began looking seriously at Nationhood and Nation Building Strategies for which we have a legitimate right to pursue as a Self Determined People.

One of the things which I think it is important to point out here, as a political science student and analyst, when Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation it has remained just a document stating that African people could no longer be enslaved according to law. Let's remember, that 200,000 Black soldiers fought on the Union side in the Civil War. Thus, our freedom wasn't given to us, we fought and died for it, and yet, we were never party to any terms of surrender, and/or how Freed Blacks would now be reintegrated and assimilated into the fabric of society. And though 150 years have passed, we, as Jews  and Japanese in WWII, never been issued Reparations due us. That is the first debt America must pay, as it is well overdue, and interest is compounding daily. We demand immediate payment of this past, overdue debt. Hershel Daniels Junior. as Chair of the Friends of the African Union (FAU), and Queen Mother Dr.Deloris  Blakely Phd., of the New Futures Foundation (NFF), have issued an invoice to the POTUS in the amount of $5T, along with a statement of how such funds would be used in the building of Civil Society in and throughout our communities. An October date has been given as a deadline. We state this here, because it is your work which has been partly responsible for any positive results which are achieved.

Also, we promised in the first Open Letter to build the structural capacity for your generation to continue to grow and to flourish as you pursue this Movement for Social Justice. In this regard, the FAU has begun to build the structural formation to have an organic relationship with our Motherland, Africa, through the already formed structure of the Fihankra Tribe. This tribe was designated in 1994 to be the tribe which all descendants of the African Slave Trade could belong to, and land was actually allocated for those wishing to repatriate to Africa. Thus, nearly 270M African descendant people in the Diaspora are eligible to be members of the Fihankra Tribe making us the largest tribe of Africans on the planet. This tribal designation is a key element in our demand for and exercise of our inalienable right to Self Determination, meaning the right to determine our own destiny as a people, and that noone has the right to try to impose their will on us, as a community of people. Furthermore, as a matter of governance, the FAU has designed a structure which can unite all the African descended people in the diaspora under one umbrella. This umbrella would be called a Commonwealth, and structurally would fall under the auspices of the Fihankra Tribe, which is a cultural designation. The Commonwealth would be made up the Congresses formed in each respective country where African descendant people habitate. The Peoples Congresses would be made up of Council of Elders, Queen Mothers, professional associations, unions, youth, women, men, community groups, politicians, businesses, etc. The Congresses would have policy making, and program implementing authority at the national, regional and local level. In this scenario, Columbia, with its 15M African people, would have its own Congress within the Commonwealth, Brazil, with its 120M African people would have its own Congress within the Commonwealth, the US with its 55M, Canada, UK, France, Australia, and even India, with its 200K. The Commonwealth would create an African natural capital accounting system which would involve developing green GDP indicators that take into account the economic value of natural resources, biodiversity and other natural good and services, like soil and fresh water in a sustainable environment. This is just for starters. Also, the FAU has established a Global African Chamber of Commerce, where, based on our status as an official African Tribe, we set up our own Trade policies, Trade Routes and build our own markets, independently or interdependently, as we choose, according to our interests as African people. This institution alone, will change the quality of life for many of our people as it will be an industry and job builder for the masses of our people. 

FAU Chairman, Hershel Daniels Junior. is a 2013 member of the African Scientific Institute, and one of its 800 plus Fellows. One of the Founding members of ASI, is Engineer,  Lee Cherry, who is the current Chair of the African Scientific  Institute (ASI), which has 15,000 members worldwide, 800 Distinguished Fellows and 674 patents, in a wide range of fields,  ready for market. As ASI is a sister organization to the FAU, its patents form a patent pool around a patent owned by the FAU, which solves 3 problem areas for African development, waste management, energy and water purification. With the energy provided to a number of African countries, Africa will wind up with State of the Art Communications systems which will allow for expansion of Trade and Commerce, Communications, Virtual Education, Job Training and Cultural Advancement. With ASI being made up of Engineers, Scientists, Contractors, Planners, Architects, etc. we could be looking at the largest Transfer of Technology and Knowledge in history. In 2009, this writer wrote a paper which was presented  at the ASLAH conference in Birmingham, in which I discussed the fact that scientists were pretty much left out of the movement since the 50's, and that if the movement was to transition from its singular focus on ideology to fundamentally addressing quality of life issues, we needed to introduce an the scientific community into the movement with their skills, critical thinking, and the ability to solve every days issues and challenges within our communities. This dilemma was resolved with my introduction to the FAU in 2013.

The comprehensiveness of this plan which can only be compared to the Marshall Plan after WWII in rebuilding Europe, extends also, in the financial arena. The FAU has been negotiating with officials in an Island Nation, to make it a Financial and Trade center, within the African sphere of influence. It will have the capacity to house an African Development Fund, and the ASI engineers can deepen its port to facilitate maritime trade between the Diaspora and Africa. To sweeten this prospect, The FAU has also engaged the services of two of the top Program Management and Accounting firms in the world, and they both see great possibilities in what has been proposed thus far.

There is more which could be shared, but for security purposes some things must be held in abeyance, until the right time to release certain information. All of this is the result of Strategic and tactical planning and some hard, difficult and long negotiations. The key element here, is to remain focused and to keep our eyes on the prize, and not to allow ourselves to get involved in the litany of impossibilities which those with arrested development from days gone by wither and wade in with their list of complaints with no real and viable solutions in sight. What is revealed to you above is what results by engaging the scientific sector of our community in the Nation Building and Community Development process. As stated in my first open letter, those of my generation wish to build something of value which your generation can build on in providing a Sustainable future for our children and yours. We now, challenge you to work with us, in building these institutional structures in order that you have something of worth to pass on to future generations of our people.

We may be experiencing the fall of an empire, but even in its ashes, we are intent on building a safe haven for our people in the USA and in African nations, by bringing $5T in QE5 based financing, based on a current estimate of African In Ground Asset value of at least $100T in 2015 USD.  .

 We, along with other progressive forces in the world, belong to the Rising Tide of History, and our Liberation will not only free us, but will bring the whole of humanity closer to full and final Liberation. Africa gave the world civilization, liberal arts, science, math, medicine, cultural appreciation. The qualities which allowed this to happen historically remain a part of our DNA. We challenge each and everyone to take the Sankofa Journey back to your African Personality, in order that we might create the world which our Ancestors envisio)ned for us, as they realized that we were the ones which we have been waiting for. As the Odu Ifa teaches us, we have come to bring good and righteousness back to the world. Let us unite together in common cause, focused on building for eternity, that we might live for eternity, and just as we call the names of our Ancient Ancestors, future generations, for hundreds and thousands of years, will likewise call our names. Let's join together, and be about the work.

Harambee!!!! ( Swahili, for "Let's all pull together). 72815 

In Unity and Struggle, 

Mwalimu Kabaila

Congress of African People

Friends of the African Union

HARAMBEE MOVEMENT'S 10 POINT PROGRAM FOR PAN AFRICAN UNIFICATION

                     HARAMBEE MEANS "LET'S ALL PULL TOGETHER"

1. Unity of the Pan African Community - Continental and Diaspora, with Operational Unity being a primary vehicle. 

Unification needs to occur in several areas, politically, economically, socially, spiritually and culturally. Also must occur on several levels; personal, family, neighborhood/village, community, Region, Nation, Pan African Community, World. This process can be achieved by forming alliances, coalitions, collaborations, NGO's, Consortiums, partnerships and any other forms of institution building which contribute to the achievement of this goal.  

2. Self Determination and Sovereignty - Consistent with the 6 Regions defined by the African Union (AU), only African People have the right and responsibility to define boundaries, currency, and resource management in Africa and the Caribbean. The effects of colonialism must be totally deconstructed on a personal, institutional and territorial level. The Challenge to our youth and intellectual groups, is how to rebuild African peoples lives based on 21st century needs and aspirations, without sacrificing and/or diminishing the character and integrity of African culture and its rich traditions.

3. The Ascension of African/Black Women - Rejection of any restrictive rights and role of Women by religious or ideological constraints, and the realization, recognition and promotion of Womens' Role in building viable and sustainable institutions and industries which develop African Community. The Harambee Movement calls for an All African Harambee Women's Movement which allows for women to define their own goals and aspirations in their own image and interests.

4. The Raising up of a Pan African Youth Corp which the Harambee Movement calls Simba Wachanga (Young Lions)(from the Kenyan Movement of the same name). Youth have a responsible role in the defense and development of building an African Global Community. In order to accomplish this goal we must build an internal educational system which is best embodied in an Harambee Rites of Passage: 

A PAN AFRICAN SIMBA WACHANGA (YOUNG LIONS) MOVEMENT/YOUTH CORPS IS:
S - SHIELD TO OUR PEOPLE SPEAR TO OUR ENEMY
I - INSPIRATION TO YOUTH INNOVATORS OF REVOLUTION
M - MONUMENT TO OUR ANCESTORS MOVEMENT FOR LIBERATION
B - BUILDERS OF OUR NATION BROTHERHOOD AND SISTERHOOD
A - ADVOCATES OF MA'AT ALTERNATIVE TO THEM

The Simba Movement would be a methodology of engaging with our youth in a pro-active, meaningful and sustainable manner. It is also a re-socialization process utilizing African centered paradigms to teach basic community standards of behavior and conduct. In this regard, Harambee offers the following Rites of Passage Curriculum for the Simba Wachanga:


RITES OF PASSAGE PROPOSAL FOR THE BUILDING OF A PAN AFRICAN YOUTH CORPS/SIMBA WACHANGA:
A SUGGESTED CURRICULUM
by Mwalimu Kabaila on Friday,
July 30, 2010 at 2:31pm

The Rites of Passage should address:

1. Developing a Multi-dimensional Personality
a. learning one of the arts - music, art, poetry, architecture, computer arts,
b. learning African centered spirituality and values training - Maat, Ifa, Dogon, Zulu, Akhan, etc.
c. Basic knowledge and understanding of Black History - Kemet, Songhay, Mali,Ghana Reconstruction, Harlem Renaissance, Black Cultural Revolution, Black Arts Movement.
d. Learning 1 or more African Languages or that POD speak

2. Physical development
a. African Martial arts, Kemetic yoga, meditation, capoeira, etc.
b. routine of running, walking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, etc.
c. Survival and Disaster training
d. Team sport can be a substitute in this area

3. Community Orientation
a. Senior escort service
b. youth corp training curriculum and means of implementation - Pan African Youth Corps; Community Alert Patrol for gangs and drugs.
c. participation in political campaigns and/or community organizing
d. Regularly scheduled field trips to museums, zoos, plays, park concerts, drives in the country, hiking, camping, bicycling, planetariums, Expos, Family reunions
e. Learning Enviromental concerns and doing Community Farming
f. Volunteering for the Community Marketplace

4. Basic Education and Tutoring
a. Science, Math, Language, writing skills proficiency
b. basic intro to African languages and encouragement to learn at least one extra language.
c. Science, Math, African centered Architecture, computer technology,
d. Maatian  and Mbongi governance systems
e. Matching Career choices with needs of the Community

5. Social Skills
a. relationship training and orientation with reinforcing rituals
b. sexuality from Afrocentric perspective
c. family skills and orientation
d. Communal principles of building community in contemporary society
e. Health - Learning how Food is our Medicine

[6] Economic Values Orientation
a. how to develop, follow and evaluate a personal budget
b. understanding the importance of a personal savings program
c. practicing collective economic investment and/or wealth-building
d. triangular development (Africa, Caribbean, Africa America and other Diasporan communities)
e. Cooperative Economics orientatation
f. Understanding Micro and Macro Economic and Development Planning

[7] Development of Work Habits and Ethics
a. how to plan, use and assess a personal schedule
b. learning to set and accept responsibility for personal priorities
c. practicing collective decision-making and/or organizing
d. Time Management
e. Physical Work out Regimen

{8} Study Abroad
a. Especially in Africa and the Caribbean

(9) Spiritual Development
a. Maat, Yoruba, Zulu, Akhan, Dogon, etc.
b. wellness, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, meditation

Some of the essential goals and objectives here, in my opinion, should be to establish some community standards and expectations for our youth and establish a system of reward and sanctions that reinforce these, and to institute a type of graduation ceremony with progressive African rituals.

Copyright@ Simbamaat Consultants

5. Reclamation of African and Caribbean Land and Resources from Alien Hands, and a Worldwide Demand for Reparations as a Healing, and to make African People Whole Again.

Healing and Reparations must occur for the interruption of African History and cultural continuity, for the forced displacement and dispersement of our people from their Homeland, and the organized and intentional genocide imposed on African People on a Global scale, continuing, even until today.There can be no forgiving or forgetting until/unless these debts are paid in full by the perpetrators and their progeny who have benefitted from said genocide and destruction.  

6. To Engage in the process of building Pan African Communities through Institution and Industry Building:

     A. Council of Elders and Queen Mother Circles 

     B. Harambee Women and Men Circles

     C. Simba Wachanga, Pan African Youth Movement and Corps

     D. African Marriage Ceremonies (Arusi) based on African values, customs and tradition, but adjusted to todays' needs and aspirations.

     E. Funary Services which are cost effecient, yet represent the best of African tradition.

      F. Naming Ceremonies, Newborn Whispers, Holidays, Sacred Days which reinforce African  Unification Values of Maat and Nguzo Saba.

      G. Implementation of the Garvey admonition to build and control every Industry which affects our daily life and destiny.

      H. Building Workers Unions, Professional Associations

      I.  In order to maintain connection with African Tribal history, traditions, values and customs, sororities and fraternities should adopt Tribal names, where part of the initiation is learning the history and contributions of said tribes.

7.  Re-introduction and Re-enforcement of African Spiritual Values and Ethics as basis for Social and Cultural formation.

        A. The Congress of African People asserts that African based values, such as Virtues of Ma'at and Nguzo Saba (7 Principles of Kwanzaa) form a firm foundation for social justice and social cohesion. This is counterposed to the position of Western theorists who posit that Law is the basis for social cohesion and justice, even when reality dictates and reveals that law can be manipulated to serve the interests of the ruling race-class, at the expense of mass interests.

          B. CAP encourages the study of research of the value structure of each African ethnic group and how to integrate them into new social, geo-political and cultural paradigms via the Evolution through Fusion System.

8. To Expand the Meaning and Practical Effect of the African Renaissance to all African Communities.

          A. The African Renaissance is defined by advances in philosophy, culture, language, governance, economics, health, education, STEM, agriculture, communications, transportation, etc. The key and common element to these advances are the degree to which they improve the quality of life of African people.

           B. Another key challenge of the Renaissance is to increase the capacity of the brain by no less that 10%, consistent with our ability to build pyramids and discover Sirius B without a telescope.

9. Food Sovereignty - 

This is a key demand of the Harambee Movement which is key to our health and well being as a people. GMO foods have contributed to African people becoming susceptable to Western disease processes. Thus, the Harambee Movement adopts the adage that "Food is our Medicine, and our Medicine is our Food". NO GMO seeds on African or Caribbean soil or land. Build Seed Banks. We encourage Urban and personal gardening. The redefinition of Soul Food as Super Spirit Food.

10. To be and become good Stewards of the Earth and the bounty, therein. We shall develop good and principled standards and practices of environmental protection, ecology, agriculture, waste management and nutrition.

PAN AFRICAN SIMBA WACHANGA YOUTH CORP: A PROPOSAL FOR CONTINENTAL AND DIASPORAN COMMUNITIES

Friday, May 31, 2013

PAN AFRICAN SIMBA WACHANGA YOUTH CORP: A PROPOSAL FOR CONTINENTAL AND DIASPORAN COMMUNITIES

RATIONALE:

Key to building an Harambee Movement for Peace and Security, we must be concerned with defense and development. Without development, there is no forward progress or growth; without defense, a barbarian or alien will come and destroy all we have built.  Therefore, a culturally grounded Youth Corps which includes Warrior/Priests who are trained to minister to the needs of our community in peace times by teaching and practicing the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles) and Kwanzaa Accords,  as they will serve as models  as they accomplish community standards.  Likewise, whenever and wherever African peoples collective interests are attacked or violated, from internally or externally, these warriors will be prepared to engage and deploy anywhere on the globe to defend African honor, heritage,  and our Vision of a New Africa.  Those of our youth who are now homeless, orphaned, jobless, alienated or otherwise neglected or abused will be given a new home within the New African Family. Their purpose now, will be to make a positive contribution to the builidng  of an African Renaissance,  and where we, as an African Community step back on the stage of history as a Free, Proud and Productive People.

BACKGROUND:

Simba Wachanga was the name of the Youth League of Kenya which fought against the illegal occupation of their country by the British. Under the leadership of Pres. Jomo Kenyatta, the Simba were a valiant and valuable force in the Kenyan's peoples fight for Sovereignty, Self-determination and the end to British colonial rule. Like the youth of Soweto, the Simba were organized, disciplined and courageous, and remained true to the Principles of their Revolution. The Simbaalso have a history in the U.S. during the Black Power Era and maintained many of the characteristics of their namesakes. The Harambee Movement, seeks to use the model established by the Simba as a framework to build a unified Youth Corp for diasporans and continental youth, which gives each a framework to grow and develop to their fullest potential and possibilities as New African Men and Women. The Harambee Movement does not seek to control such a large movement, but rather, chooses to apply a Marcus Garvey model of organizing, which allows formations in each locality to operate independently, but can adopt the name and symbol of the Simba Wachanga Movement, as long as each group subscribes to basic program components and tenets described in the Harambee Format. In the Harambee scenario, the Simba Wachanga Youth Corp will serve as Global Based Rites of Passage Program, incorporating traditional beliefs and practices, modern organizing techniques, a common set of African based values and principles, common educational and training modalities, common goals and objectives, and most importantly, common vision and aspirations in building a New and Unified Global Africa (which includes Diaspora).

The following format is a first draft towards this end:

  

1. IDEOLOGY, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  

A. Ideology must be rooted in the basic Pan African Value Systems of Ma'at and the Nguzo Saba of Kwanzaa. These do not replace local values and traditions, but rather, are over arching and like an umbrella of other values, and are ones which unite us on a Pan African level. There will be certain basic points of knowledge each initiate should know, called:
 MAARIFU YA MSINGI  ( meaning Basic Knowledge)

1. The Three Ends of Culture – Identity, Purpose and Direction
2. Two Basis for Movement – Tradition and Reason
3. Two Forms of Analysis – Critique and Corrective
4. Seven Criteria for Culture – History, Spirituality/Religion, Political Org, Economic Org. Social Org., Creative Production and Ethos.
5. Kanuni – Rules and/or Protocols of Conduct to be determined and approved by Council of Elders

B. Goals - Our goal is to create a Unified Pan African Youth Movement grounded in African and Diasporan History, committed to Global African Sustainable Development, supporting global African industries and institutions building, trade and commerce, cultural Fests, building respect for African children, Women and Elders, fostering commitment and dedication to educational achievement in a variety of areas and releasing of the productive forces and apparatus of the Global African Community with full force and effect. We will direct our Youth into key industries such as Agriculture, Fashion and Design, Eco-Development, Mining, Sustainable Energy, Transportation, Business and Communication

C. Objectives

1) To set up cultural centers in every town, city and hamlet, starting out in houses coffee houses and book stores.
2) A standardized Harambee curriculum must be completed in order for each Simba to receive a certificate and Simba ID. Mentors may borrow from any curriculum choices for the programmatic emphasis and needs of each locale, though Harambee reserves the right to choose which qualify for a Simba certificate.

(1)RITES OF PASSAGE PROPOSAL: A SUGGESTED CURICULUM

The Rites of Passage should address:

1. Developing a Multi-dimensional Personality

a. learning one of the arts - music, art, poetry, architecture, computer arb. learning African centered spirituality and values training - Maat, Ifa, Dogon, Zulu, Akhan, etc.c. Basic knowledge and understanding of Black History - Kemet, Songhay, Mali,Ghana  Reconstruction, Harlem Renassaince, Black Cultural Revolution, Black Arts Movementd.d. Learning 1 or more African Languages or that POD speak

[2.] Physical development

a. African Martial arts, Kemetic yoga, meditation,  capoeira, etc.

b. routine of running, walking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, etc.

c. Survival and Disaster trainingd. Team sport can be a substitute in this area

[3.] Community Orientation

a. Senior escort service

b. youth corp training curriculum and means of implementation - Pan African Youth Corps; Community Alert Patrol for gangs and drugs.

c. participation in political campaigns and/or community organizing

d. Regularly scheduled field trips to museums, zoos, plays, park concerts, drives in the country, hiking, camping, bicycling, planetariums, Expos, Family reunionse. Learning Environmental concerns and doing Community Farming

e. Volunteering for the Community Marketplace

[4.] Basic Education and Tutoring.

Science, Math, Language, writing skills proficiency

b. basic intro to African languages and encouragement to learn at least one extra language.

c. Science, Math, African centered Architecture, computer technology,

d. Maatian governance. Matching Career choices with needs of the Community

[5.] Social Skills

a. relationship training and orientation with reinforcing rituals

b. sexuality from Afrocentric perspectivec. family skills and orientationd. Communal principles of building community in contemporary societye. Health - Learning how Food is our Medicine

[6] Economic Values  Orientation

a. how to develop, follow and evaluate a personal budget

b. understanding the importance of a personal savings program

c. practicing collective economic investment and/or wealth-building

d. triangular development (Africa, Caribbean, Africa America and other Diasporan communities)

e. Cooperative Economics orientatation

f. Understanding Micro and Macro Economic and Development Planning

[7] Development of Work Habits and Ethicsa. how to plan, use and assess a personal scheduleb. learning to set and accept responsibility for personal prioritiesc. practicing collective decision-making and/or organizingd. Time Management e. Physical Work out Regimen

{8} Study Abroad.

Especially in Africa and the Caribbean

(9) Spiritual Development

a. Maat, Yoruba, Zulu, Akhan, Dogon, etc.

b. wellness, massage, acupuncture, Reiki, meditation Some of the essential goals and objectives here, in my opinion, should be to establish some community standards and expectations for our youth and establish a system of reward and sanctions that reinforce these, and to institute a type of graduation ceremony with progressive African rituals.

Copyright@ Simbamaat Consultants 2009

3) For more advanced Simba, a rigorous training regimen must be completed, allowing these candidates to be eligble for Crisis Prevention, Security, Scouts, First Responders, Scholarships, Travel Abroad, Ambassadors, Translators, etc.

4) Learning the Warrior Dances, such as Zulu, Masai, for male and female, is mandatory for each Simba, as it is a symbol of our unified Power, and our capacity to contribute to Human Progress as we grow and develop as a people and global community. It is proposed that this module be coordinated by Harambee in order fto create National and Pan African Dance troupes which can become sustainable in support of Rites of Passage.

5) Simba can be called into National Service on behalf of any Governing entity serviced by Harambee, for such projects involving Agriculture, Infra-structure Development, Roads, Rail, Airports, Bridges, Technology, Science, Engineering, Security and/or Intelligence. In exchange Simba will be eligible to receive Higher Education Credits, employment credits, Enhanced retirement benefit or for travel.Free Breakfast for Children and Health Clinics will be set up in needy communities.Field Trips to be organized for Orphaned Children needing mentors. Gardening Projects to be established in every community.

6) Simba will also be involved in developing Sports Programs, Science and Math Competitions, Language Labs, Chess Tournaments, Study abroad, Interpretors and Translators, Learning Skills Modalities for younger children, Dance Troupes, Griot Programs, Drumming Circles, Astronaut Training, Pilot Training, Navigation and Captain's training. These also can serve as sustainable activities.

7) Leadership Training – This training will prepare students for leadership in specific areas of concern and interest, such as Security and Intelligence, Science (STEM), Finance, Law and Governence, Health/Medicine, Spiritual, Industry and Trade, Economics, Culture/Creative Production, Ethics, Social Development.

An additional strategy and approach for organizing Pan African Youth is to use an approach which was used by African Liberation Movements, named Liberation Zones. We present the following modules for this Strategy.

LIBERATION ZONES

Liberated Zones would have structures set up for Cadres in the following areas: 1. Education - Study groups, tutoring, community and rural schools 2. Health - utilize community healers, set up system of community health care education and delivery; promote food as medicine (better nutrition); food sovereignty and security; Agriculture programs as revenue generation. 3. Community Escort and Support Services - Train cadres to ensure safe passage for women and children through danger zones; provide delivery service for elders; Counseling for those with mental and drug issues. 4. Leadership Training - basic understanding of politics; organizing techniques; ideological and ethics training; learning diplomacy; making alliances; learning geo-politics. 5. Cultural Enrichment - learn how to use culture as a propaganda tool, via dance, song, drumming, storytelling, poetry, theater, film, sport, etc. 6. Spiritual Development - While respecting local traditions, Simba promotes Maat as our classical form of Spirituality and which unites us on a Pan African level. The Seven Principles of Kwanzaa can also be instructive in this regard. 7. Economic Development - Learn creative ways of marketing the Simba Wachanga brand, as quick ways of raising revenue, and connecting our regional organizations; Learn from our Uganda cadre about micro-financing and agriculture; Learn from our Kenya cadre about how to use technology as a revenue generating source. We must also address transportation needs in our communities, and how we can build revenue from various sources. Energy is another economic source we must exploit. We must also deal with how we gain control over our natural resources so that the people benefit, rather than foreign corporations.

2. ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

In order to maintain the Cultural Significance and Historical Continuity of the Simba Wachanga they should be broken down into African Tribal groupings, e.g. Zulu, Watusi, Masai, Fulani, Bambara, Ashanti, Ndebele. Each member should have familiarity with their tribe and a cursory knowledge of the others in order to build pride in African history. There should be a core group of at least 7 Tribes which have the same names. These groups should be the top tier made up mostly of older youth and those younger who excel quick. Any tribal names can be used for the ones outside the 7 Basic Tribes. Those who graduate to one of the 7 tribes will get more intense training and subject to higher standards of dedication, discipline, sacrifice and achievement. For the youngest initiates, the entry level Tribe will be the Kobi, each of which will be assigned an older mentor.Within the Simba, there will also be interest group associations formed, called Chama for now (A Medu Neter Name will be selected later). At the very least the following are necessary: Kemet; Smai Tawi, Yoruba, STEM, Dogon, Malaika (for young ladies); Drum Circle; Kasisi (Warrior/Priests); Askari (soldier training); Usalama wa Nguvu (Security Force); Mwandishi (scribe or writers); Wasanii (Artists); Singing Chorus; Kilimo (farming); Construction; Business; and other areas as designated by Council of Elders and Queen Mothers. First Responder Team and Crisis Prevention teams should also be formed. Fihankra Simba Wachanga ID Cards will be issued, and upgraded as one progresses through the program.

While each local formation can operate autonomously, if it wishes to be designated Simba  it must conform to the basic Simba format. Any deviation must be approved by the Mzee or her designate. This, is in order to create Pan African community standards and not to impose an idle conformity.  Simba na Malaika Wachanga will hold an International Conference Bi-Annually, allowing for Regional Conferences to be held in off years. Thus, and in compliance with AU organizational mandates for the 6th Region, the Simba na Malaika Wachanga will be organized from the bottom up.

1) Block

2) Neighborhood

3) Town/City

4) Region

5) Country/Territory

6) Fihankra Region

7) Internationale

Each tribe will have a Sultani as Chief; Makamu, Asst. Chief; Kasisi as warrior/priest; and a Jeledi (whip or seargent); Each City, Region and Country with have its own Amiri (General), and each of these are accountable to an Amiri (General) directly accountable to Counsel of Elders.

Though any female can choose to go through the same rigor of training as males, for those wishing to engage additional training and skills designed only for females, a Malaika Wachanga will be formed also. The specific curriculi for this program will be designed by a Queen Mother and/or Warrior Queen organization and submitted to a full Council for Consensus.

3. COMMUNICATION

Especially, in this age of the internet, social networking and an ever expanding information sources, having an effective and efficient communications system in not only necessary, but mandatory. The Fihankra Simba Wachanga Movement aspires to be the best in the world and will be/become a model for others elsewhere. In order to accomplish this task, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly deadlines will be established in pertinent areas of endeavor, such as Chama Groups, Regional Councils, and the Respective Leadership groups. Having translators and interpreters will be essential in this process. Each regional formation will develop the capacity for at least radio or radio blog capacity, and a written Newsletter to be distributed among their constituents, at least on a Quarterly basis.Essencial Information to be Exchanged is:

A. Harambee/FAU News and Information

B. Regional and local Youth News, activities, seminars, Lectures, Conferences, Festivals, Awards, Training modalities, and Cultural Toursist locations.

C. Educational News – locations, curriculum, scholarships, Fellowships, Internzhips, Job needs and openings in various locales, Schools with the best curriculum to achieve Fihankra needs and aspirations.

D. Ideas and information which will make the Simba Wachanga a better and more responsive institution to the needs of our community (policy, programs and projects).

E. News and Information on each of the Chama Groups and associations and how to further develop their programmatic emphasis.

F. New Kanuni and Protocols

Formats and Platforms for Communication:

A. TV and Internet Streaming

B. Radio and Radio Blogging

C. Podcasts

D. Newletter in

E. Social Media Platforms – one of which will be a designated networking site only for the Global Simba Wachanga Movement.

F. Short Wave Radio – for Emergency and Disaster

4. RESOURCES

A. Financial – Professional Consultants will be sought to advise on start up industries and businesses Simba can go into, in order to make this Movement entirely sustainable. In the mean time, caps, tee shirts, Simba attire, book marks, book covers, toy dolls, and a range of other marketable items can be used as revenue raising enterprises, and promoted thru the Media Formats.

B. Material – Flatbed trucks to go into communities to do live performances, e.g. skits, plays, spoken word, drum circles, dance, song; Equipment for Crisis and Disaster Control Dispatch and Prevention (PASS to be implemented); microphones, lighting, amplifiers, cameras, phones, tablets, books for libraries; gym equipment for training; computer games to be used for training exercises, Van and Car Pool, Computers, Food for Free Lunch Program, Health monitoring equipment for Clinics; Artists tools, Drums, Material for Zulu Warrior Dance Attire, TV and Radio for Culture Centers; Seeds for seed bank; Gardening materials.

C. Human and Organizational – The Harambee Movement/FAU Men/FAU,  Congress of African People and Sons and Daughters of Africa Tour will hope to collaborate with any existing international, national, Regional and/or local organizations to serve as feeders. Such organizations need not give up their identity or autonomy, but our hope is that they will identify with the Harambee Movement's Simba Wachanga in some meaningful and significant way, such that we can capacity build, and become a real force for change in the Pan African and World Community. We hope to have support from such groups as UNIA, PADU, SDRC, WADU, CARICOM, AU, and Youth groups in each continental and diaspora community where Harambee and FAU preside.