If you live in Western society there are so many things which go on in the world that you just never hear about. Especially in the United States where people are more concerned with the latest events of the O.J. trial than they are with East Timor. We only pay attention when there is a scandal or conspiracy. So this week I am doing my best to hook you up with info about the wildest place I can think of and the continent which I feel people are the least informed about, Africa.

Like most African Americans what I know of Africa only extends to what I know of my ancestors. I have links to the past but no true geneology. I often wonder what causes such violent conflicts there as evidenced by the atrocities in Rwanda. Has any other place in history had such bad luck with famine and disease? And no other contintent is harder hit by AIDS (the statistics are alarming.)

What I've also found about modern Africa is that it is a place of immense hope, beauty and spiritual faith. Today's African Art is more than masks. African art is intimately related to the very soul of the bushmen. Have you ever heard African music?

There is a definate resurgence of African pride among black people today, some good and some bad. I guess anything which brings you closer to a realization of self is good. So maybe this time around I will go to the Million Man March, even though last time we were not invited. And next time you watch the news listen to what they're not saying. Instead of believing the TV just change your channel.

Good Day,
-riea