Title : A Journey into the Reason for Black People
ASSUMPTA MONTHLY MAGAZINE : Presents “Philosopher” from the special edition of securing the foundation.
Last updated: 14 /08/04/2024
Assumpta GHTU-Dialogue: A Journey into the Reason for Black People.:
https://www.instagram.com/quianawatson_?igsh=MTJodWR6MjI1NXM0aA==
Prologue:
In the quiet moments of reflection, when the clamour of the world subsides, one might ask: What is the reason for Black people?
This question, layered in complexity and steeped in history, invites us to embark on a journey—not just through time and space, but through the very essence of existence itself. It is a journey that traces the roots of civilization, navigates the turbulent seas of colonialism, and traverses the resilient landscapes of culture, identity, and spirit.
This question is not one of mere curiosity. It is a profound inquiry into the purpose and meaning of a people who have been at the heart of the human experience. Their stories, often obscured by the dominant narratives of history, reveal a legacy of creativity, resistance, and unparalleled strength. The journey into understanding Black existence is not only about uncovering truths long buried but also about recognizing the intrinsic value and contributions of Black people to the fabric of humanity.
This journey is not one of easy answers. It is a path that demands we confront uncomfortable truths, challenge our perceptions, and ultimately, expand our understanding of what it means to be human. As we embark on this journey together, we are reminded that the reason for Black people is deeply intertwined with the reason for us all.
Introduction:
The question of why Black people exist, and what purpose they serve, is a question as old as time itself. Yet, it is a question that has often been met with silence, misunderstanding, or outright dismissal. For centuries, Black people have been defined by others—by the oppressors, the colonisers, and the historians who have too often written them out of the very histories they helped to shape. But this narrative is changing. Today, we stand at a crossroads where the voices of Black people are rising, reclaiming their stories, and redefining their place in the world.
This work, “A Journey into the Reason for Black People,” seeks to explore the multifaceted nature of Black existence. It is not an attempt to find a single answer to a complex question, but rather an exploration of the many dimensions—historical, cultural, philosophical, and spiritual—that define the Black experience.
We begin with history, tracing the origins of Black people to the cradle of civilization in Africa, exploring how ancient cultures thrived and contributed to the world. We will then navigate the traumatic chapters of slavery and colonialism, examining how these experiences have shaped Black identities and communities across the globe. But this journey is not solely about pain; it is also about resilience, creativity, and the indomitable spirit that has allowed Black people to survive and thrive in the face of overwhelming odds.
Culturally, we will explore the rich tapestry of Black art, music, literature, and philosophy—contributions that have not only enriched the world but have also served as a form of resistance and affirmation of identity. We will delve into the spiritual traditions that have provided solace, strength, and a sense of purpose for countless Black people, connecting them to their ancestors and to each other.
Finally, we will turn our attention to the future, considering how the legacy of Black people will continue to shape the world. Through the lens of Afrofuturism, intersectionality, and the ongoing fight for justice, we will explore the possibilities that lie ahead, and how the journey of Black people is a journey that belongs to all of humanity.
As we embark on this exploration, it is important to remember that the reason for Black people is not a question of justification but a celebration of existence. It is a recognition of the profound impact that Black people have had—and will continue to have—on the world. This journey is one of discovery, understanding, and ultimately, of connection.
Assumpta GHTU-Dialogue: A Journey into the Reason for Black People :
In a small village in Ghana, three old friends—Okomfo-Black, Abena Oforiwaa, and Titan—gather under the shade of a large baobab tree. Okomfo-Black and Abena are from the village, deeply connected to their Ghanaian heritage, while Titan, an African American, is visiting from the United States to learn more about his roots. They are about to embark on a deep conversation about their shared history and experiences as Black people, across continents and cultures.
Okomfo-Black: (Smiling warmly) “Akwaaba, Titan! Welcome to our village. It’s good to have you here with us. How are you finding Ghana so far?”
Titan: (Grinning, looking around at the landscape) “Thanks, Okomfo-Black! It’s amazing here, really different from what I’m used to back home. Everything feels so connected—like there’s a history in the air or something. What about you, Abena? What do you like most about living here?”
Abena Oforiwaa: (Nods thoughtfully) “I love the sense of community we have here, Titan. Everyone knows each other, and we share our stories and traditions. But it’s also interesting to think about how much of our culture has changed since, well, you know, since our ancestors met Europeans.”
Titan: (Leaning forward, curious) “Yeah, that’s something I’ve been thinking about too. In America, a lot of us have European names and follow customs that aren’t really ours. I wonder sometimes—who were we before all that?”
Okomfo-Black:.”That’s a good question, Titan. Before Europeans came, our ancestors had their own way of life, their own beliefs and systems. We didn’t need anyone to tell us who we were. But when they arrived, things started to change. They brought new ways of thinking, new religions, and they tried to convince us that their ways were better.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “It’s like they wanted us to forget our inner life, our spirituality. But even though many of us adopted their ways, we didn’t completely lose who we are. You can still see it in our festivals, our languages, and in the way we connect with our ancestors.”
Titan: (Nods) “In America, we’ve had to blend so much. Our history is full of struggle—slavery, segregation, and now, fighting for our rights even today. But it feels like we’re still searching for that connection, that inner compass you mentioned, Okomfo-Black. How do you guys stay connected to your roots?”
Okomfo-Black: “For us, it’s about remembering where we come from. Our names, our stories, our ancestors—they guide us. My name, Okomfo, means ‘priest’ in our language, and it connects me to the spiritual leaders in our community who have always been here. It’s a reminder that I have a purpose, a role in keeping our traditions alive, even though we’ve taken on some European customs, like using spoons or speaking English, living our African names, we’re still very much African. We’ve blended these things, but we also hold on to our identity. I think it’s important that we remember who we are, so we don’t lose ourselves in all the changes.”
Titan: (Thoughtful) “It sounds like you’ve found a balance. I think a lot of us in the diaspora are still searching for that. We have this rich history, but it’s like it’s hidden beneath layers of everything that’s happened to us. That’s why I wanted to come here—to find out more about who we were, and maybe who we still are.”
Okomfo-Black: “You’re right, Titan. Our history, both here in Africa and across the diaspora, is full of pain but also resilience. We’ve survived so much, but that’s also given us a strength that’s hard to describe. The key is to rediscover our inner life, like you said, and use it as a guide.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “And to do that, we need to understand where we’ve come from. Our ancestors’ journeys—across the ocean, through the struggles of colonialism and beyond—those are stories that give us power. When we know our past, we can shape our future.”
Titan:.“So, it’s like our journey into the reason for Black people isn’t just about history—it’s about understanding our place in the world, and how we can use our past to build something new, something uniquely ours.”
Okomfo-Black : (Smiling)* “Exactly. It’s about finding that balance between the old and the new, between what we’ve inherited and what we want to create. And it’s a journey we’re all on, whether here in Ghana or across the world. We’re all connected by that search for meaning, for identity.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “And as we move forward, we have to remember that our culture, our spirituality, and our resilience are what will guide us. We must keep our roots strong, so we can grow tall and reach for the sky.”
Titan: “I like that, Abena. Strong roots, reaching for the sky. Maybe that’s what we all need to remember, no matter where we are.”
-The three friends continue to talk under the baobab tree, sharing stories and ideas. Their conversation is a reminder that the journey into understanding the reason for Black people is not just a quest for knowledge—it’s a search for connection, identity, and a future that honours the past while embracing the possibilities of what’s to come.
Continuation of the Dialogue:
As the conversation deepened, the village elder, Tsasi, joined the group under the baobab tree. Known for his wisdom and knowledge of history, Tsasi was eager to hear the thoughts of the young ones and to share his own reflections.
Tsasi: (Smiling as he sits down beside them)
“It’s good to see young minds like yours engaging in such important discussions. Your journey into understanding who we are as Black people is a vital one, and I’m honoured to be part of this conversation.”
Okomfo-Black: “Thank you, Tsasi. We’ve been talking about our history, our culture, and what it means to be Black in this world. Titan wants to learn more about his roots, and we’re all trying to understand how we can connect with our past to shape our future.”
Tsasi: (Nodding thoughtfully) “That is a noble pursuit. You see, as a people who have lived through the horrors of the slave trade and the oppressive systems that followed, we Black Africans have often been made to believe that our salvation lies in adopting the ways of others. From the time we first encountered the Anglo-Saxon, many of us were led to think that our own culture wasn’t strong enough to heal us or to lead us forward.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “Yes, Tsasi. We’ve been talking about how our ancestors adopted European customs, but we’ve also held on to our own traditions. It’s like we’re living in two worlds.”
Tsasi: “Indeed, Abena. And that’s why leaders like Kwame Nkrumah were so important. He understood that to truly free ourselves from the chains of slavery and colonisation, we needed to believe in our own culture. The Convention People’s Party (CPP) that he led wasn’t just a political movement; it was a cultural revolution. Nkrumah sought to infuse our society with the belief that our African identity, our traditions, and our values were more than enough to guide us to greatness.”
Titan: (Intrigued) “So, Nkrumah wanted to use culture as a way to empower Africans, to give them the strength to rise above oppression?”
Tsasi: “Exactly, Titan. Nkrumah’s vision was to give Black Africans a fresh hope—a reason to choose life, freedom, and dignity over the chains of slavery, colonisation, and oppression.
He believed that by embracing our own culture, we could develop the strength to resist those who sought to destroy us and instead build a future on our own terms. It was a powerful message, one that resonated not just in Ghana but across the entire continent.”
Okomfo-Black: “So, in a way, Nkrumah was trying to remind us that our culture isn’t just a relic of the past, but a source of power and identity for the future?”
Tsasi: “That’s right. He saw culture as the foundation upon which we could rebuild our societies after the trauma of the slave trade and colonization. It was about more than politics; it was about reclaiming our identity, our pride, and our place in the world. Nkrumah knew that if we could embrace who we are—our languages, our customs, our spiritual beliefs—we could stand tall and face any challenge that came our way.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “It’s inspiring to think that our culture could be the key to our freedom, just as much as any political movement or revolution.”
Titan:.(Reflecting deeply) “It makes me think about how we in the diaspora can connect with that. Maybe part of our journey is to rediscover and reclaim that culture, to find strength in it just like Nkrumah wanted for all Africans.”
Tsasi:m(Smiling warmly) “You’re all wise beyond your years. This journey you’re on—this exploration of the reason for Black people—is one that many before you have taken, and many after you will continue. Remember that your culture, your heritage, is your strength. It’s a well of resilience and creativity that can never be exhausted. Whether you’re here in Ghana or across the ocean, it belongs to you.”
Okomfo-Black: “Thank you, Tsasi. We’ll remember that as we continue to learn and grow. We have so much to discover, but we know now that we can find our way by looking within, to our culture and our history.”
Abena Oforiwaa: “Yes, thank you, Tsasi. Your words remind us that our culture is something to be proud of, something that can guide us forward.”
Titan: “And thank you for helping me understand more about my roots, Tsasi. I’ve learned so much from being here, and I feel like I’m starting to see where I fit in this journey.”
Tsasi: (Rising to leave, with a gentle smile) “It has been my pleasure, young ones. Continue your journey with open hearts and minds. The future is yours to shape, and you have all the tools you need within you. Remember, your culture is your compass—let it guide you, and you will never be lost. Goodbye for now, and may your paths be bright.”
As Tsasi walked away, the three friends sat in silence for a moment, absorbing the wisdom they had just received. They knew that their journey was just beginning, but they felt a renewed sense of purpose and connection to their roots. Together, they would continue to explore, learn, and grow—carrying with them the strength of their culture and the knowledge that they were part of a rich and powerful heritage.
