Time for Africa Agency to Take Center Stage
Will this generation see Africa fulfill her potential?
The Scramble for Africa in the 19th and 20th centuries saw the culmination of European colonization on the continent. A less talked about, but very real consequence of colonialism has been the re-assignment of Africa’s identity and that of her people. European colonial powers propagated the notion of racial superiority. Europeans were placed at the top of the hierarchy and Africans at the bottom.
African history and achievements including the triumphs of African civilizations and their contributions to human civilization were distorted and erased, downplayed, and ignored. The disconnect from and ignorance of African nations’ rich cultural heritage and accomplishments reinforced the narrative of African inferiority. African cultures were seen as primitive, uncivilized, or backward. Indigenous languages and customs were denigrated and suppressed, while European languages and cultural norms were imposed. European names were preferred over indigenous names and so Africans were encouraged to only use their European names when they engaged in various sectors of society. Colonialism’s economic exploitation of the continent’s resources created a sense of economic inferiority and dependency, leading to a diminished perception of value and agency.
These and many other examples of the practices of colonialism have led scholars and lay persons alike (particularly Africans and persons of African descent) to generally agree that colonialism had a significant impact on the Africans’ mindset of self-worth and self-identity. The de facto identity adopted has been one of diminished self-worth and so the need to be codependent. In large parts, Africans have taken on an image and understanding of who we are that is in fact not who we are. Consequentially, we have become beholden to the whims of those who we deem more worthy, more powerful than we are. This has resulted in African nations deferring to the instructions of the West, and, as it pertains to the Middle East, Arab leaders instead of acting in the best interests of their people. Thankfully, due to the work of organizations like the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI), the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, Innovation Africa and others, this will soon change.
IBSI has just ended a 9-month journey with its first cohort of IBSI Ambassadors of the P.E.A.C.E. Initiative; African American community leaders from diverse backgrounds across the United States who recognize that a truly meaningful and prosperous future for them, their families, and their communities are dependent on the fruition of strong Africa-Israel and Black-Jewish relations. Monthly learning sessions, a trip to South Africa, and a trip to Israel unearthed the history that was, the history that is becoming, and the history that can be. IBSI Ambassadors were engaged in learning and exposure to the practical and empowering benefits of a strong Africa-Israel and Black-Jewish relationship that was life-changing and inspiring. These benefits range from politics, education, defense and security, intelligence, nuclear cooperation, agriculture, technological innovations, health, economy, finance, and culture.
For far too long, Africans have allowed themselves to be held hostage by the narrative that we are unworthy and incapable. Our history has been held over our heads whilst our journey has been hijacked for the political and economic gains of others. We cannot continue to blame the past for our present struggles. Our focus must be on who we really are: a continent with the richest concentration of natural resources, owner of 30% of the earth’s mineral resources, and home to the world’s biggest precious metal reserves on earth. Our human capital is also exceptional. Of the 10% of America’s Black population that was born outside the US, 42% were born in African countries as of 2019. Nigerians are one of the largest and most educated African immigrant groups in the U.S., and they are known for their success in fields, such as medicine, engineering, IT, and entrepreneurship.
This is our identity. A proud powerful people made in the image of God; the same God who promised to bless us if we blessed Israel. These blessings were once enjoyed in the 1950s and 1960s when all across Africa, from the Congo, Ethiopia, and Uganda, Israel was in Africa helping these nations to build airports, highways, universities, and hospitals. Israel was in Africa helping Tanzania, Chad, and Nigeria, with agriculture, medicine, education, housing, and defense. Ghana, Malawi, and Cote D’Ivoire welcomed Israel as a friend from the very beginning and they achieved their respective independence from colonialism. These blessings can again be harnessed to lift Africa out of many of her current challenges, blessings that can be left as an inheritance for generations to come. It is an Africa that chooses to exist in the identity that she is that will harness these benefits.
The Africa-Israel relationship goes back 3,000 years when the Queen of Sheba (Queen Makeda) traveled across the continent to the capital of the Kingdom of Israel to visit King Solomon. The journey was with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold and precious stones – 1 Kings 10:2. Queen Makeda also gave King Solomon precious stones, approximately 4 metric tons of gold, and so many spices the quantity of which Israel had never before or thereafter seen. She came in the fullness of her identity, well prepared to give and to receive.
Whilst deeply painful, Africa’s history is not only of oppression; it is also one of much courage and great promise. African societies have shown and continue to show resilience, reclaiming their cultural heritage, asserting their worth, and working towards positive transformations. This work cannot exclude Israel as, among other reasons,
From renewable energy to agriculture to IT and more, Israel is a leader in the global innovation sector. In Africa, these innovations have the power to save lives. With similar climates and natural resources, Israeli solar, water, and agricultural technologies are a natural fit for African villages – Innovation Africa
Africa’s wealth, military strength, and dynamic contribution to civilization are no secret for the learned. The time has come for this knowledge to become widely known and for Africans (and persons of African descent) to embrace the clarity and security of identity that this brings. Now is the time for us to be at the forefront of confidently, deliberately, unapologetically, and enthusiastically embracing and strengthening partnership opportunities between African people and nations with a 3,000-year-old and proven mutually beneficial and respected friend, Israel.
I cannot say how much I am impressed by Pastor Washington and the entire IBSI community. Please continue your good works. Hey, I signed up for a small monthly donation and received an IBSI coffee cup, which I use regularly. How can you have a better organization than that!!