Editor’s Notes
In this issue we are reflecting on 50 years of the OAU, that had nations that had strong economies, cultures and and celebrating the fact that most African countries cohesive societies. They all came into leadership at different have been independent for over 50 years. AIM tried ages and with different experiences under their belt. Who to capture what the world was like for Africans 50
are the Lumumbas, Nkrumahs and Kenyattas of today?
years ago when the OAU was being formed and most African countries were celebrating their independence.
Although we are 50 years strong, we are still in need of To accomplish this, we studied the independence day leaders to inspire, propel and harness the potential we have speeches of three very pivotal personalities: Kwame of leading the world in a new direction in the next 50 years.
Nkrumah, Patrice Lumumba and Jomo Kenyatta.
Wambui provides timelines for independence of African I recently heard Emeli Sande sing, “You’ve got the words countries, Dr. G gives us context for what was going on to change a nation/ but you’re biting your tongue/ You’ve in US at that time that was relevant to the struggle for spent a life time stuck in silence/ afraid you’ll say something independence in Africa and beyond.
wrong/ If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song.../You’ve got a heart as loud as lions /So why let your Lumumba, Nkrumah and Kenyatta all travelled voice be tamed/ Maybe we’re a little different/ there’s different paths and overcame varied and particular no need to be ashamed/ You’ve got the light to fight the challenges that led them to the front-lines on the fight shadows/ so stop hiding it away/ Come on, Come on”
for independence of Africans regardless of where they were in the world and this led them back to their This is us #africansinmotion, we are half-stepping it unsure nations where they also stood and fought for their of where we want to drive this continent of ours, worried people to be free and hold their destinies in their own that we are not experienced enough, smart enough, strong hands. What I want us to realize is that they stood and enough to conquer the challenges that lie ahead. Let us fought, motivated by speech and action without studying draw strength from our ancestors and our dearly departed any really helpful blueprints. They were very fluid in the leaders so that we are empowered to give it all we’ve got way they learned and implemented the knowledge they without reservation.
acquired. What they also had was an instinct for what was fundamental in getting their people to heal from Harambee [Let us pull together]!
colonialism and inspire them to build a strong continent D’Eva