DIASPORA NEEDS AN AFRICAN CULTURAL RENAISSANCE

Activist and academic Ramona Edelin - famous for popularising the term ‘African-American’ - has died at the age of 78.

She argued that the diaspora must draw inspiration from its African roots. Too much emphasis is given, she claimed, to the dark side of our history - especially slavery and the socio-economic problems faced by Africans in America.

In this clip from a TV appearance a while back, she reminds us how rich Africa’s past is in mathematics, science, music, art and religion. Focusing on this, she hoped, would lead to a cultural renaissance within diaspora communities.

Rest in power, sister!

Please keep Edelin’s ideas alive by letting us know your views. Do you agree with her that the diaspora needs to reconnect more positively with the continent?