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Summary

The web content is a poetic tribute to the African continent, celebrating Africa Day and reflecting on the cultural and physical attributes that connect the African Diaspora to their Motherland.

Abstract

The article titled "Africa Day!" commemorates the founding of the Organization of African Unity on May 25, 1963, now recognized as Africa Day by the African Union. It is a celebration of the unity and diversity of the African continent and its Diaspora, which is considered the 6th region of the African Union. The text is a heartfelt poem that pays homage to the Motherland, acknowledging the deep-rooted connections that members of the Diaspora feel despite the physical and temporal distance. It speaks to the inherent cultural traits, from rhythmic movements and love for traditional flavors to the resilience and beauty of melanin-rich skin and diverse physical features. The poem emphasizes the genetic and cultural inheritance from various African tribes and expresses gratitude for the rich heritage bestowed upon the children of the Diaspora. It concludes with a personal note of reverence and celebration for Africa Day, affirming the enduring bond between the continent and its people scattered across the globe.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a profound love and respect for the African continent, referring to it as the "Motherland" and acknowledging its gifts and influence on their identity.
  • There is a strong sense of pride in the cultural heritage, including music, food, and hair, which the author traces back to their African roots.
  • The author celebrates the physical attributes associated with African ancestry, such as melanin-rich skin and diverse hair textures, viewing them as a testament to their lineage.
  • The poem conveys a sense of loss and disconnection but also a resilient connection and reverence for the continent and its culture, despite the geographical and historical distance.
  • The author identifies with multiple African tribes and cultures, suggesting a pan-African identity that transcends individual ethnicities.
  • The text underscores the importance of Africa Day as a moment to honor and reflect on the unity and diversity of the African people, both on the continent and in the Diaspora.

Africa Day!

May 25, is Africa Day, celebrated and recognize by the African Union, The Organization of African Unity was founded on May 25, 1963, this is a holiday recognizing that unity.

The African Diaspora is considering the 6th region of the African Union. These are my words to The Continent in honor of Africa Day.

Create by Author via Midjourney

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

In my heart, mind, body, and soul your gifts that you have given me all remain coded in my DNA

From the rhythmic way my hips sway when the beat hits from all around

I see where I gained my love of the rhythmic beats when I land on your hollow grounds

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

The flavors I long for and love the most come from thee

When I am craving gumbo, red beans and rice, and collard greens

My ancestorial coding is speaking to me

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

Created by Author via Midjourney and Canva

Oh how I love you for gifting me with hair that defies gravity at every turn

Thank you for the versatility of my hair, whether I want to style it in braids, afro, bantu, cornrolls and so much more

My coils ensure that all know my lineage leads back to you

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

You awarded me with melanin-rich skin

Our tones protect us from the sun’s harm while allowing us to bask in his glory.

He allows us to grow robust and vibrant as the days of our lives are long.

The beautiful melanin-rich skin, that doesn’t crack or age and keeps me looking young.

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

Strong like black coal, through trials diamonds they become

Alluring like mahogany wood, or skin that reminds us of the sage baobab tree.

Some of us are blessed with skin that is robust like coffee or skin as sweet as cinnamon and zesty like nutmeg.

I will never forget my siblings who are blessed with the rare but precious alabaster porcelain that we all know.

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

I am diverse in my gifts because of the secrets that you have hidden within me.

l am Bantu, Igbo, Hutu, and Zulu, just to name a few.

There are so many cultures you have coded in my DNA

For all of that I am grateful to you.

Motherland, Oh Motherland

Distant though you may be in space and time

I am lost but not forgotten

Momma, I honor you today.

Happy Africa Day!

“I love you momma” are words the children of the Diaspora say.

These are my thoughts,

Shanté

© 2023 Shante Nixon. All rights reserved.

Africa
Africa Day
African Union
African Unity
African Diaspora
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