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.

PROPOSAL FOR SANKOFA CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL AND COLLOQUIEM

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

PROPOSAL FOR SANKOFA CULTURAL ARTS FESTIVAL AND COLLOQUIEM

April 21, 2013 at 12:22pm

by Mwalimu W. Kabaila
 on Friday,October 30, 2009 at 7:46am

The Sankofa Cultural Expo/Tour Project is a bold, yet comprehensive approach at cultural reconversion and reconstruction in the Pan African Community. It is grounded in the fact that many festivals which take place in black communities are either singular or dual focused (Film, Performing Art, Fine Art., Caribbean, Brazilian)

Sankofa as a theoretical and  conceptual framework seeks to take a Renaissance approach to art and various forms of artistic expression. In this context, art is not just art for art's sake, but is the creative cultural production of a peoples common history, common life styles and their common and collective aspiration for a higher form of life and humanity. Building on the notion that  2011-2021 is the UN sanctioned, International Decade for People of African Descent, the Congress of African People (in collaboration with the Friends of African Union) will advance the notion of an Annual Global Pan African Festival Tour (Sankofa Productions Inc.), which will showcase the breathe and expansiveness of African and Diasporan creative productive capacity with an emphasis on sustainability. The goal of such sustainability is to create and support the growth of the creative industries, such that they generate their own revenue streams and are not just dependent on government, foundation, or corporate charitable giving, which may change from year to year. A key goal in this respect, is to contribute to the re-introduction of the Arts back in school curriculums, with a focus on Cultural Reconstruction. The Sankofa Cultural Project, CAP, and Sankofa Productions will work in concert to market the creative genious of the African mind and spirit, consistent with the communal character of the African Personality.

This will be achieved by harnessing and assembling the best and brightest creative minds in the Pan African Global Community. Festivals are not only for entertainment, but are the artistic manifestation of a peoples values, collective personality, cultural creativity and ultimately, their aspiration and vision of a higher level of life. Thus, in this context, the African centered Approach to Wholistic Medicine becomes an art form. The Sankofa approach would also highlight the Africanity in Architecture, Technology, Applied Math (STEM), Natural Hair Design, Interior Decorating, Fashion, Language and even the artistry of the way we love when in harmony with our African self. The distinctions in these art forms are not only a source of pride and dignity for our people, but also form the basis for creating and developing new industries which give rise to jobs and revenue sources for our community's creative expansiveness, self sufficiency and sustainability.

This Annual Event would designate certain cities around the globe where it will be held every year.
The theme for this event should be based on Cultural Sustainability. Sustainability in this context means that we seek to control creative production of every aspect of the industry, vertically and horizontally, unlike what has happened in the Black Hair Care Industry. Vertically, refers to control in each component of an industry, such as agriculture, processing, distribution, management, marketing, trademarks, intellectual rights, and residual revenues. Horizontal merely refers to control in each of the above categories. Building this kind of Sustainability into our industries insures not only control, but cooperative and collective benefit, as revenues can be used to build other industries in our communities, such as Cultural Centers and Sports Federations which are also revenue sources. These are the kinds of methodologies which will allow us to achieve the dreams and vision of Garvey, Nkrumah and Malcolm. Ashe', Shem Hotep.

Humbly Submitted by Mwalimu Kabaila
Copyright@Simbamaat Consultants 2009



A title might be, "The Sakofa Cultural Arts Festival and Colloquiem: Building for a Sustainable Future". Or we could place Renaissance in front of Building.

COMPONENTS:

Prelude: A Drum Call would accompany a procession where each represented peoples' flag will be recognized. This will be followed by a Libation invoking spirits of the ancestors, followed by a Request of an Elder to begin Program.

1. Dance - Creative expression, African centered (theme, style, content, artistic expression)

2. Music - Involving Song, Drum, Instramentals Promoting Sustainable themes, and key interest areas such as STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering , Math) Key example is Dwight Trible

3. Comedy - as opening for other acts - Michael Williams as resource.

4. Theater - multiple venues…..themes must project some positive vision of Sustainable future and unification of our community. This is not form of censorship, merely pushing for new creative themes, which are community driven, and at the same time build their own audieces by directly speaking to community needs and aspirations. Howling Monk Coffees to be served.

5. Art Exhibit - multiple venues, each with own theme; assemblage, sculpture, AA, Continental, Diasporan, Haitian, utilizing malls, Crenshaw, Fox Hills, Leimert, and AA museum, Libraries.

6. Literature - Readings of literary works along with discussions to be held at libraries, restaurants, book stores and/or coffee shops. This concept to be promoted and instituted community wide, as an ongoing activity to increase literacy, and alternative to gangs, drugs, violence. Seek available grants. Get all book clubs to address same book for the month, and have a mass gathering/event every month with author, theme, content, skit. Awards program at designated time of year for those who have advanced the most in terms of their literacy. This fosters community unity, fights against illiteracy, increases status of nerds in school, and gives community concrete means of supporting anti-gang/drug/violence culture. African style Story Telling cannot be under estimated in this genre.

7. Mini Film Fest - Classical Black themes and/or he/sheroes, and which used mostly black labor in making and bringing to market. Also, film about or from Africa or Diaspora whereby we begin a methodology and/or modalities of creating more exchange, thus creating our own markets and need for community theater.

8. Poetry and Spoken Word - Leimert, Kamau Daoud, Makeda

9. Photography and Visual Arts

10. Cultural Tourism/Travel Exhibit
Identify and dissimenate info on Travel and Resort destinations where blacks have ownership.

11.Fashion - Renaissance Show - including Fashion Dress Design (shoes, jewelry, henna Design, Face art, waste beads, Oshun Whispers) for every occasion and segment of our community. This will be designed to be the Centerpiece of the Extravaganza, with a special emphasis on Natural Hair Designs in order to engage community interests in the politic/economy of Black Natural Hair. Featured Designer, Clara Ames, though not exclusive.
We'd like to particularly encourage African centered dress for Sunday church services, which is the one area Blacks exert most control over their lives.

12. Wholistic Health as an African Centered Art Form
       a. Massage Techniques, Herbs and uses, Reiki, African Yoga and Martial Arts, Capieora
b. Belly Dancing as health Therapy - Dr. Sunyatta Amen

13. African Centered Architectural Designs -Mathu

14. African Centered Interior Design

15. African/Black Inventiveness in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

16. African Crafts - beading, glass blowing, carving, shoe/sandal making, furniture design, purses, caps.

RATIONALE -

1. An event of this type would build on the energy generated by the local Cultural oriented events, which can serve as feeders for this one. and could become a practical expression to channel creative production into.

2. It could be used as a tool to unite the different and various sectors of the arts community into a singular event causing all to coordinate and work together for common success. One way to give recognition to Cultural Pioneers is to name awards after them, e.g. Gil Scott Heron, Letta Mbulu, Nina Simone, Big Black, Olatungi, Oscar Brown Jr., Larry Neal and a Tribute to Amiri Baraka.

3. A means of Rallying the entire community in support and recognition of Legacy Agenda of the African Union (AU)  and the Renaissance theme it projects and promotes in its policies, programs and projects.

4. The Fashion Show component promoting Natural Black Designs can be a means of mobilizing young Black woman around the identity politics of fashion and culture, and by extension, economic development by engaging associated industries.

5.To demonstrate the importance, relevance and meaning of  building a Pan African Film Industry in which films are mutually distributed throughout the continent and diaspora, which would attract a support base in our own communities and develop an economic stimulus in each, and venues for Black/African independent film makers. This event can be a pre-promotion and signal to the community to prepare for such.

6. The Colloquiem would be a forum to discuss and present proposals for building such institutions such as Sankofa Press (A Pan African News Service),  Sankofa Stock Exchange,  Sankofa Bank, Sankofa Fashion Expo, Sankofa housing developments, Sankofa Amusement Parks, Sakofa Healing Spas N Weight loss Retreats, Trade and Commerce Missions,  Sankofa Communications Networks, Sankofa Drum Festival,  Sankofa Health Delivery Systems, Sankofa Virtual University Systems, Sankofa Rites of Passage, Sankofa Cultural Tourism, Sankofa Spiritual Systems,  Sankofa Agriculture and Food Security, Sankofa Governance Systems and Modalities,  Sankofa Sports, Sankofa Holidays, Ceremonies and Rituals, Sankofa Family Development and Lifestyles,  Sankofa Film and Performing Arts Industry.

7. To Advance and Promote the Cultural Revolution advanced by Garvey, Nkrumah,  Malcolm and others seeking to throw off the yoke of colonialism and enslavement perpetuated over the last 5 centuries. The Colloquiem will seek to also define the key elements of Cultural Revolution and African Renaissance,  and how they shall be pursued in our endeavor to  move our collective struggle for Global African Liberation, and to Restore Ma'at among our people, as our ancient ancestors instructed.

PROCESS
1. Identify cities in North America and Carib which are large population centers and  would attract the largest audiences. Potentials would be New York/New Jersey, Chicago, Atlanta/Charlotte, New Orleans, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Toronto, Barbados, Trinidad. Early networking should be done with smaller local communities in each area.

2. Venues in each city should be identified for their potential as a showcase and initial work done to collect necessary information for making final decisions.

3. A professional Promotion team should be assembled for Coordination and Management, but each locale should have their own local organizing team. A calendar will be made specifying the best time for each locale.

4. Local organizing teams should consist of:
A. Coordinators
B. Fundraisers
C. Tech teams
D. Organizers for each artist category: R&B, Reggae, Dance, Vocals, Comedy, Poetry, Martial arts, Health Modalities, Fashion, Fine Art.
E. Media/Promotions
F. Colloquiem
G. Venues
H. Community/Business/Civic Organizations.
I.  Hospitality

Copyright by Simbamaat Consultants 2009

PROPOSAL FOR A PAN AFRICAN NEWS SERVICE, SANKOFA PRESS

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

PROPOSAL FOR A PAN AFRICAN NEWS SERVICE, SANKOFA PRESS

PROPOSAL FOR A PAN AFRICAN NEWS SERVICE, SANKOFA PRESS

BY Mwalimu Kabaila

Sankofa Press Proposal

Sunday, February 21, 2010

4:37 AM

Rationale

One of the key issues facing continental African and Diasporan communities is the question of Unity and how to forge it. A key problemmatic in achieving this goal has been the lack of a communication organ which seeks to reach across nationality, linguistic, geographical and cultural divides, and which provide news and commentary on the myriad of issues of common concern and interest to all African peoples. A key goal of this organ is in providing information, resource and advocacy portals which allow meaningful cross-communication and exchange. This organ shall also be used to propogate for Mass Mobilizing and Organizing Efforts of those organizations and movements which remain relevant to Nation Building  and the Building of a Pan African Village.

Editorial Policy

1. Qualitative reporting on the news, events, opinions and areas of common concern and interest to People of African descent and those interested in news about Africa and its Diaspora.

2. This news portal will be distinguished by its focus on Liberational and Development themes and issues and World News from an African Centered Worldview. These themes will be guided by such African values as the Nguzo Saba, the Seven Virtues of Maat, and the Odu Ifa admonition, to "Bring Good to the World".

3. The most distinguishing feature of Sankofa editorial policy, is that where it offers critique of social reality, it will also seek to encourage and foster correctives and/or solutions.

4. Sankofa Press shall report on the many, varied and diverse interest groups which comprise the African Community (middle class, working class, christian, black Jews, Nationalists, Pan Africanists, artists, professionals, politicians, community organizers), with the tendency towards fostering Unity in Diversity (Operational Unity).  

5. Sankofa Press shall also serve as support for Mass Movements (Youth, Women, Council of Elders, Queen Mothers, Block Clubs, fraternities, soroities, farm workers, etc.) among People of African Descent, which seek to Unify and promote Sustainable Development among and between continental Africans and Diasporans.

6. Sankofa Press will also seek to be a portal through which information in this digital age can be shared and exchanged in an educational format, and disseminated to African People Globally,  and those interested in our varied perspectives and Worldview.

Format

This shall be a multi-platform news service comprised of several formats.

1.Syndicated news by columnists and/or correspondents in their respective areas of expertise/interest and locales.

2.Columns and articles by freelance writers and journalists.

3. Blogs

4. Streaming Live Videos

5. Podcasts

6. Radio (including blog talk)

7. TV (Cable and/or Internet Protocol)

Focus Areas

1. Politics/Defense (Shield and Spear)/, Governance

2. Commerce, Trade and Economics (Currency Exchrange, Banking, Stock Exchange)

     a. International - Outside of the Pan African Community  

     b. Intra-Afirican;  Within the Pan African Community

     c. Database of Black Business Enterprises (Collective Black People Movement)

d. Economic Development Projects - Pan African

3. Development and Sustainability

    a. Water Purification

    b. Energy

    c. Housing (Architecture and Planning)

d. Infra Structure Design and Development - Bridges, roads, Waste Management, Business Practices.

4. Culture (Creative Production)

    a. Art, Literature

    b. Theater, Cinema, Dance, Spoken Word (Poetry), Comedy, Entertainment, Sport, Music, Crafts

    c. Fashion, Interior and Natural Hair Design

   d. Technology, Architecture

5. Community Issues and Lifestyle

     a. Health - Food Sovereignty, Home Gardening, Farmers Speak, Agriculture, etc.

     b. Education - Black and Africana Studies Scholars

     c. Family/Children

     d. Collective Concern - Black Social Workers

6. Communications/ Media

    a. Languages for initial Translations - English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swahili

        1) African languages such as Bantu, Wolof, Zulu, Yoruba to be translated on as needed basis.

     b. Building a Pan African Press which addresses the needs and interests of the global African community.

7. Travel and Cultural  Tourism

8. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathmatics (STEM), Theory and Practice

9. History and Griots Corner

10. African and African Centered Spirituality

11. The Fanon Column (African Psychology and it's related Subjects as Liberational Modalities)

12. The Black Woman's Corner

13. The Children of New Africa Speak

14. Food Security, Nutrition and Recipes

15. Pan African Dating Service

16. Speakers Bureau

17. Student Perspectives and Education

18.. Environment

19. Poetry and Spoken Word

20. Africology as a Discipline of Study

21. Pan African Online University and Academy
22. Animation Series for children and adults

Copyright@ Simbamaat Consultants 2009