Pan African

Aug 9 2012

Practical Politics

Youth represent an extremely valuable resource and talent pool when focused and channeled into positive activity.

There would not have been a successful civil rights struggle in this country without SNCC (Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee), the youth wings of CORE and SCLC, or other groups like them.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
May 24 2012

Practical Politics

PRETORIA, South Africa—Yesterday, I was provided a golden opportunity to address the Pan African Parliament, one of the permanent organs of the African Union, and the entity that will begin making enforceable legislation for all of Africa within the next four years. Currently, the PAP is an advisory, consultative body comprising representatives from virtually all 54 AU member countries. The PAP presents its findings, resolutions and recommended suggestions to the Executive Council and the Assembly Heads of State for AU action.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Feb 9 2012

Practical Politics

In one of the largest Pan African/African American Studies departments in the country—at California State University, Northridge—I just had a conversation with three of my classes over whether African American History Month still had relevancy, or whether it had simply become obsolete.

Rather shockingly though, most students—Black, White, Latino and Asian—readily said Black History Month should continue, that there was real sociopolitical value in its continuation.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Nov 17 2011

Practical Politics

We’ve been invited to the table.

The African Union (AU), the linear descendant of the OAU (Organization of African Unity), and the spiritual descendant of governmental leaders who were also Pan Africanists, has called us to the negotiation and discussion table to engage the issue of Africa’s future. Historically, this is the first time we, the Diaspora as a whole, have been so honored.

David L. Horne, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Oct 27 2011

Practical Politics

For those who have so far missed the various signs, clues and symbols, there is a 21st-century Pan African Movement afoot during this Decade of the African Diaspora.

Given the fact that there are hundreds of existing Pan African and African-centered organizations currently operating in North, Central and South America, and literally thousands in Europe and globally, there is a serious need for some agreed upon rules of engagement for those who actually intend to accomplish something lasting and meaningful during this period.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”