Is Spirituality the Answer?

For some time I have been pondering the above question in the context of another - How do we, as black people of African descent free ourselves from the clutches of the West? Many of us are aware of the deep hostility and hatred that has been abundantly evident toward people of color over the past 400+ years we have been enslaved in the Americas. It seems clear to me that Western culture has a deep and abiding hatred of anything African.

Since the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation black people of African descent have struggled mightily against all odds to prove ourselves worthy, equal, deserving and good. We are told this is the 'land of the free and home of the brave'.

Yet, during this same period of time, with few exceptions, people of color have been inexorably pushed to the fringes of society via unrelenting racism and discrimination - socially, politically and economically. So, where does the process of freeing ourselves from this web of deceit begin?

Obviously, the solution to this problem is not military might. Warfare has never changed the belief system of a people, only delayed the reaction to the horrors of war. We certainly do have the weapons, equipment, technology or even the will to wage war. We are outnumbered and outgunned.

What about politics? It seems clear that the political arena is not offering a solution either. Oh, yes. On occasion a person of color is elected, yet our plight remains the same. Today, it appears clear to me that the political system of things is under the strict control of Wall Street and the wealthy elite. Witness today, even with an African American in the White House, our problems cannot even be publicly discussed by him for fear of the outpouring of white hatred and denial.

The church has failed us as well. It has allowed this former sanctuary to be turned into a commercial enterprise with little spiritual power or influence over our people. There appears to be more concern with preserving their 501(c)(3) status than motivating our people to live Godly lives. Witness our willingness to kill one another, yet we will not turn on white men who kill us unprovoked. Witness the degradation and immorality of our religious leadership. Witness our willingness to father children and abandon both child and mother. Witness our willingness to join the military and wage war on other innocent people of color. Witness these things and ask - Can God bless this mess?

So, is spirituality the answer? Is an elevated, aware and conscious soul based mind-set the answer? Is there a need to recognize that someone created this planet for us all to enjoy and not just for a select few? Is there value in identifying man-made constructs that inhibit or block our spirituality? I am asking for feed-back and comments with the aim of gaining some insight and gems of understanding that might allow us to develop a strategy to be - 'Free at last. Great God Almighty, I'm free at last.'

I look forward to your comments and thoughts.

Welcome to First Post

Hell0 all,

I have been asked, “What are your immediate impressions of Accra, capital city of Ghana?”

Well, one thing stood out right away. Inside the airport were huge posters advertising phone services, etc. All of the posters featured African models. Not one white model. I began taking photos of the posters and soon learned about another difference. A neatly uniformed policeman approached me and said, “No photos.” 

Stupid me. I repeated the question: “What do you mean, not photos?” He looked straight into my eyes and said once again – sternly, “No photos.”  “Yessir”, I replied.

Later on in the day I was told by a native that I could have been arrested and my camera confiscated. He said, “The guard must have liked you for some reason.” Thankfully, I got away with a reprimand and boy, was I glad.

The next thing I recall was the chaotic scene as we left customs to go find our ride into the city. There were dozens of young men, yelling and gesturing to get your attention. Once they make eye contact, they assume they have permission to grab your bags and help you to your vehicle. Several small arguments and spats broke out between some of the men as they competed for your business. Again, this is level of activity and energy is unlike anything you see at an airport in the U.S.

One other thing that hit me was the fact that almost everyone was Black – African, African American, etc. There were very few whites anywhere to be seen. From top administrators to the young men hustling for bags, everyone was Black. It is difficult to describe the emotional impact such a sight had on my mind and heart. More on this later.

Thus far, the energy and vitality of Accra hits you right in the face from the very beginning and we had not yet located our ride into the city.  Your comments and questions are welcome.