By ADEDAYO ALLI
The Ooni of Ife, Kabiyesi Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ojaja 11 has called for unity among Africans and the people of African origin around the world , he said during this year’s celebration of Odun Aje festival held in Ile-Ife on the 23rd of February 2021. In collaboration with LAF foundation (Lydia Ajoke Ogun Foindation) the organization has recognized the importance of prominent Black people making positive impacts in the promotion of Africanism around the world.
Also speaking at the event , the Vice President of the foundation, Madam Lydia Ibinike Osinowo
“Black History Month is a time to recognize the extraordinary contributions of the African people throughout our history. As we remember the past, we also honor the persistence, determination, and commitment of today’s Black leaders who champion justice and equality in their communities. Especially in a time when miseducation, hate, bigotry, fundamentalism and corruption has gained such prominence” she said .
The LAF FOUNDATION featured the immense contributions made by outstanding Africans and people of African Origin in Africa and in the diaspora , it has recognized the efforts of the black activists, community activists , promoters of the African arts , culture and tradition, prominent black people who are social, racial, and economic justice leaders.
“These individuals devote each day of their lives to rightening the wrongs of the past and advancing a vision of economic security and racial justice.” The president of LAF foundation , Barrister Alli said at the event, he reaffirmed that the palace and the LAF foundation are sharing their stories and reflecting on their current contributions, he said that LAF foundation celebrates the accomplishments of these great individuals, it will serve as a reminder and also according to the words of the great mind and historian , Carter G. Woodson who created the Black History Month in 1926.
Founded in 2007 , the LAF foundation shares the opinion that those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history, the foundation’s concern in history and biography has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the attention of the public , the important developments that merits positive emphasis and credibility.
The 2021 Edition of the Black History Month commenced on a majestic note in consonance with the theme: BLACK FAMILY , REPRESENTATIONS , IDENTITY and DIVERSITY. , the Legacy + and album launch by the duo of FEMI ANIKULAPO KUTI and MADE ANIKULAPO KUTI on the 5th of February at the NEW ÁFRIKA SHRINE , both albums that make up ‘LEGACY+’ are steeped in the tradition of Afrobeat invented by FELA KUTI (Femi’s father, and Made’s grandfather), but they also bring their own unique vision and sound with classic tracks such as ‘ STOP THE HATE ‘ which honors FELA KUTI in a traditionally fun, sharply political, and affirming way. Meanwhile ‘FOR-E-WARD’ is a modern and progressive freedom manifesto, pushing boundaries of the subgenre even further. However, MADE KUTI also performed every instrument on his album! , the track ‘ FREE YOUR MIND’ inspires hope and courage to the people in the face of political and economic hardships.
The avant garde artist, ABINORO AKPORODE COLLINS in appraising the relevance of BLACK HISTORY MONTH stated; “I am an artist who see art as a means to document history, impact the present and foresee the future, the artist is a medium through which messages that can impact the world are passed.
“I am a multimedia and dimensional artist, my art infuses classical, conceptual and often metaphysical touch using repurposed materials; iconical stainless steel is a medium , a primary material I use in my artistic expressions . Working with these mediums gives new meaning and purposes to renderings “ However , for the sustainability of the African History , he reiterated further “
The beauty of being an African artist based in Africa is the depth of creating from firsthand experience of living in Africa and able to tell our narratives through my art. Our cultural, social and political landscapes are a base of inspiration to my art because I am directly and indirectly impacted by what it is to be an African.
“My series on ‘nonconformist’ which challenge the negative narratives about our identity in terms of our colors, our unique body features, our hair type and texture, our ways of life. Surviving years of racism and inhuman treatment , but standing tall against all odds to celebrate what makes us Africans. My works are deeply rooted in my experience as an African with a view to inspire and impact the world”
In her brilliant submission on mental health and post-colonial Africa , the convener of @mymindfirstaider, FLORENCE PETERS affirmed; “ the psychological oppression of slavery, colonialism and migration, meant a period of reinventing and rediscovery for the black community.
The effects of slavery and colonialism increased negative self-perception in black people, the response to these issues was psychopathology; like anger and despair.
As a result, black people have thrived to place themselves in a favourable and acceptable manner to the other cultures. Adapting and seeing oneself through the eyes of the rest of the world. This colonial encounter has facilitated an enduring impact on us psychologically. The African community suffers from an increased rate of mental health concerns.
The negative stigma surrounding mental health plays a big role in this. Instead of seeking professional help with issues such as depression, anxiety disorder, and bipolar. Many isolate and wrongly diagnose themselves, this is often classified as a spiritual problem. Masking the pain and emotional discomfort they feel, this is more prevalent amongst men. We must challenge this stigma and bring more light to Mental illness in the African community.”
A renowned and prolific artist and writer par excellence who has made his mark in BRAZIL and beyond , ADEYINKA OLAIYA avers that “Celebrating the Black African History in Brazil and in the diaspora is a divine confirmation that our gods, the gods of our forefathers are still very much at work, and they are fighting their cause”.
Black History Month is the month when ODUN AJE is celebrated in ILE-IFE , the cradle of YORUBA RACE, held on Monday 23rd February 2021, His Imperial Majesty , OONI ENITAN OGUNWUSI , Ojaja II follows through a traditional procession from his throne to pray for the well-being of all and sundry on the continent and diaspora; that all may enjoy abundant wealth and economic security.
He exhorted everyone to embrace African Cultural Ascendancy, peace and hard work as the forced push for sustainable wealth.
The 2021 edition of the BLACK HISTORY MONTH accompanied with a medley of songs, dance, poetry, lectures, art exhibition, drum ensemble, Alarinjo (Mobile Theater) and other performance activities designed to express the year’s theme:
Black Family ; Representation ; Identity and Diversity” appositely captures the aim for which it was established:to ensure the revival, resurgence, propagation and promotion of Black and African culture and black cultural values and civilisation; to present Black and African culture in its highest and widest conception, to bring to light the diverse contributions of Black and African peoples to the universal currents of thoughts and arts, to promote Black and African artists, performers and writers and facilitate their world acceptance and their access to world outlets, to promote better international and interracial understanding; and to facilitate a periodic ‘return to origin’ in Africa by Black artists, peoples, writers and performers uprooted to other continents.
During this year’s ODUN AJE festival , OONIRISA also launched the Yoruba traditional therapy medicine , NAFDAC approved Organic Remedies containing local and natural compliments like Kola nut , natural leafs for health and mental treatments
The Ojaja 11 however prayed for Nígeria and all black communities around the world to continue prospering , he advised that Africans and the Africans in diaspora should embrace and preach oneness.