This week's dose of Wednesday wisdom is from a 1963 Malcolm X speech, in which he distinguished between the 'House Negro’ and the 'Field Negro.'
He said that the House Negro identified with his master and believed they were alike because 'he ate the same food as master ate, and wore his same clothes, and he could talk just like his master.'
Over six decades later, Malcolm X's words ring true. We continue to witness some Africans—leaders, journalists and ordinary citizens alike—willing to betray the fight against colonialism, neocolonialism and imperialism, doing the bidding of their Western masters for a few pennies and privileges. They don't want the master's property burnt down.
However, as Malcolm X (1925-65) noted, Field Negroes pray 'for a strong wind to come along' when the master's house is burning. In this speech, he declared, 'I'm a Field Negro!'
What do you make of Malcolm X's distinction? Let us know in the comments.
He said that the House Negro identified with his master and believed they were alike because 'he ate the same food as master ate, and wore his same clothes, and he could talk just like his master.'
Over six decades later, Malcolm X's words ring true. We continue to witness some Africans—leaders, journalists and ordinary citizens alike—willing to betray the fight against colonialism, neocolonialism and imperialism, doing the bidding of their Western masters for a few pennies and privileges. They don't want the master's property burnt down.
However, as Malcolm X (1925-65) noted, Field Negroes pray 'for a strong wind to come along' when the master's house is burning. In this speech, he declared, 'I'm a Field Negro!'
What do you make of Malcolm X's distinction? Let us know in the comments.
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VISA RACISM
In this clip, European traveller and vlogger Sara Della Santa (@saradella.santa - Instagram) sheds light on the misconception that Europe is superior to Africa.
The reality is that everything that Europe and the world covet is found within Africa's borders. She urges Africans to reclaim control of their continent and fully embrace their immense wealth and potential.
She also highlights the frustrating inequality and hypocrisy of global travel.
While Western travellers can freely explore Africa, many Africans are denied the same freedom due to restrictive visa policies. This injustice is stark, especially when young Africans, like their European counterparts, simply wish to experience the world without the intention of staying abroad.
Please share your thoughts on the disparity in global travel and on how Africans can reclaim control of their resources and future.
Video Credit: @Africawebtv1 (YouTube)
In this clip, European traveller and vlogger Sara Della Santa (@saradella.santa - Instagram) sheds light on the misconception that Europe is superior to Africa.
The reality is that everything that Europe and the world covet is found within Africa's borders. She urges Africans to reclaim control of their continent and fully embrace their immense wealth and potential.
She also highlights the frustrating inequality and hypocrisy of global travel.
While Western travellers can freely explore Africa, many Africans are denied the same freedom due to restrictive visa policies. This injustice is stark, especially when young Africans, like their European counterparts, simply wish to experience the world without the intention of staying abroad.
Please share your thoughts on the disparity in global travel and on how Africans can reclaim control of their resources and future.
Video Credit: @Africawebtv1 (YouTube)
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SCOTTISH TRADE UNIONIST'S REMARKS RING TRUE FOR AFRICANS
For us at African Stream, Scottish trade unionist Jimmy Reid's remarks about freedoms of the press and speech are particularly relevant, given three social media platforms banned our accounts earlier this week. We got de-platformed after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused us—without providing evidence—of giving a voice to Kremlin propagandists.
Governments claim everyone has rights and freedoms. However, upon closer examination, according to Reid, rights and freedoms prove to be abstract.
Video credit: Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2 on X)
For us at African Stream, Scottish trade unionist Jimmy Reid's remarks about freedoms of the press and speech are particularly relevant, given three social media platforms banned our accounts earlier this week. We got de-platformed after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused us—without providing evidence—of giving a voice to Kremlin propagandists.
Governments claim everyone has rights and freedoms. However, upon closer examination, according to Reid, rights and freedoms prove to be abstract.
Video credit: Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2 on X)
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Continued... According to international law, a Malian farmer has the same legal rights and access to justice as Nestlé CEO Ulf Mark Schneider. However, when Malians lost a lawsuit against food companies Nestlé and Cargill over allegations they were trafficked as children, not paid for their work, threatened with starvation if they did not work, and forced to live in squalor. In theory they had a strong case but in reality companies like companies Nestlé and Cargill were always going to come out on top, and they did.
Over in Nigeria, rural villagers in the Niger River Delta are allegedly equal to the executives running oil companies Shell and Chevron. But who do you think has the upper hand in the courtroom?
Legally, African Stream has the same rights to freedom of speech and the press as the New York Times, CNN and the BBC. However, our ban from Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, show that free speech and freedom of the press, both enshrined in the United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights are only real when you don't speak truth to power.
Under capitalism, most of our freedoms are abstract because, while we have the same legal rights as those who run the imperialist global order, we do not have the resources to fight to maintain these so-called freedoms.
Ugandan dictator Idi Amin infamously said, 'There is freedom of speech, but I cannot guarantee freedom after speech.' Sounds like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken might agree with his sentiments.
Over in Nigeria, rural villagers in the Niger River Delta are allegedly equal to the executives running oil companies Shell and Chevron. But who do you think has the upper hand in the courtroom?
Legally, African Stream has the same rights to freedom of speech and the press as the New York Times, CNN and the BBC. However, our ban from Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, show that free speech and freedom of the press, both enshrined in the United Nations' 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights are only real when you don't speak truth to power.
Under capitalism, most of our freedoms are abstract because, while we have the same legal rights as those who run the imperialist global order, we do not have the resources to fight to maintain these so-called freedoms.
Ugandan dictator Idi Amin infamously said, 'There is freedom of speech, but I cannot guarantee freedom after speech.' Sounds like US Secretary of State Antony Blinken might agree with his sentiments.
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DO YOU HAVE HOUSES IN NIGERIA? 🤣
This skit from award-winning British-Nigerian MC, actor and brand influencer Kenny (@happinessisfr33 on TikTok) brilliantly tackles the absurdity of racist assumptions about Nigerians and Africans, particularly regarding their way of life. The video humorously plays on the misconception that Nigerians lack basic necessities, such as houses, which ignores the rich cultural, historical and civilizational achievements of Africa and its people.
Through sharp sarcasm, Kenny exposes the ignorance behind such questions, reminding viewers not to take these offensive assumptions seriously.
Nigeria is home not only to modern infrastructure but also to immense wealth in natural resources. It also boasts a long history of academic, sporting and cultural accomplishments that rival those of the Western world.
Video Credit: @happinessisfr33 (TikTok)
This skit from award-winning British-Nigerian MC, actor and brand influencer Kenny (@happinessisfr33 on TikTok) brilliantly tackles the absurdity of racist assumptions about Nigerians and Africans, particularly regarding their way of life. The video humorously plays on the misconception that Nigerians lack basic necessities, such as houses, which ignores the rich cultural, historical and civilizational achievements of Africa and its people.
Through sharp sarcasm, Kenny exposes the ignorance behind such questions, reminding viewers not to take these offensive assumptions seriously.
Nigeria is home not only to modern infrastructure but also to immense wealth in natural resources. It also boasts a long history of academic, sporting and cultural accomplishments that rival those of the Western world.
Video Credit: @happinessisfr33 (TikTok)
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Continued... For those still wondering - yes, Nigerians have houses, and so much more. Join the conversation in the comments below and share your experiences with similar misconceptions as an African, whether at home or abroad.
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'BOONDOCKS' CREATOR: 10 PEOPLE CONTROL U.S. MEDIA
Big Brother has made clear he only wants you to get your news from him.
But who is Big Brother? That is British novelist George Orwell's name for the leader of a futuristic world without freedom. Orwell's (1903-50) dystopian world, as described in his novel, '1984' (published in 1949), has become a reality in the 21st century, as the mainstream media is in the grip of a few powerful billionaires sanctioned by the state to promote official narratives. At the same time, the US government has collaborated with tech giants to shut down alternative or independent voices shedding light on the truth. Just a few days ago, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube de-platformed African Stream because we allegedly violated community standards.
Video Credit: @cspan
Big Brother has made clear he only wants you to get your news from him.
But who is Big Brother? That is British novelist George Orwell's name for the leader of a futuristic world without freedom. Orwell's (1903-50) dystopian world, as described in his novel, '1984' (published in 1949), has become a reality in the 21st century, as the mainstream media is in the grip of a few powerful billionaires sanctioned by the state to promote official narratives. At the same time, the US government has collaborated with tech giants to shut down alternative or independent voices shedding light on the truth. Just a few days ago, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube de-platformed African Stream because we allegedly violated community standards.
Video Credit: @cspan
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Continued... In this 2003 video clip, political cartoonist and creator of the TV series, 'The Boondocks,' Aaron McGruder, remarked on the censorship and distraction accompanying media consolidation.
Given the dire situation for the masses, who deserve to hear the truth, keeping anti-imperialist sources of information, like African Stream, afloat is crucial. If you believe in our mission, consider joining our Patreon and becoming part of the solution.
Given the dire situation for the masses, who deserve to hear the truth, keeping anti-imperialist sources of information, like African Stream, afloat is crucial. If you believe in our mission, consider joining our Patreon and becoming part of the solution.
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MALI NEUTRALISES DAWN TERROR ATTACK
Mali on Tuesday woke up to a terror attack claimed by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). The group targeted the airport and a gendarmerie training school in Bamako, releasing video showing them setting fire to a plane.
Mali’s army chief of staff Oumar Diarra announced the situation was under control. All was quiet by mid afternoon - with citizens going about their business. Some of the attackers were eliminated, others arrested. Mali’s side also reportedly suffered casualties
The attack on Bamako comes as a shock as the capital has been spared much of the violence that has engulfed other parts of the country and the wider Sahel region. Starting 2012, rebels who had been armed and funded by NATO to overthrow Libya’s Gaddafi, began trickling south to the Sahel, which soon became the global epicentre of terrorism.
Mali on Tuesday woke up to a terror attack claimed by al-Qaeda affiliate Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM). The group targeted the airport and a gendarmerie training school in Bamako, releasing video showing them setting fire to a plane.
Mali’s army chief of staff Oumar Diarra announced the situation was under control. All was quiet by mid afternoon - with citizens going about their business. Some of the attackers were eliminated, others arrested. Mali’s side also reportedly suffered casualties
The attack on Bamako comes as a shock as the capital has been spared much of the violence that has engulfed other parts of the country and the wider Sahel region. Starting 2012, rebels who had been armed and funded by NATO to overthrow Libya’s Gaddafi, began trickling south to the Sahel, which soon became the global epicentre of terrorism.
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Continued... Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for 47% of global terrorism deaths in 2023, more than South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa combined.
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IS BILL GATES PLAYING GOD WITH AFRICA'S FOOD?
Bill Gates' agricultural investments in Africa have contributed to a hunger crisis on the continent - that’s the claim of ex US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Between 2003 and 2020, Gates pumped nearly $6 billion into industrialising Africa's agriculture. Most of that funding went to Western corporations that patent seeds and produce agrochemicals, purportedly to help African farmers increase crop yields. However, critics of Gates argue that his approach leads to hunger, as it does not fully consider African knowledge, biodiversity and food sovereignty - the right to choose what and when to grow.
What do you make of RFK Jr’s claims in this clip?
Video credit: @Daystar
Bill Gates' agricultural investments in Africa have contributed to a hunger crisis on the continent - that’s the claim of ex US presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Between 2003 and 2020, Gates pumped nearly $6 billion into industrialising Africa's agriculture. Most of that funding went to Western corporations that patent seeds and produce agrochemicals, purportedly to help African farmers increase crop yields. However, critics of Gates argue that his approach leads to hunger, as it does not fully consider African knowledge, biodiversity and food sovereignty - the right to choose what and when to grow.
What do you make of RFK Jr’s claims in this clip?
Video credit: @Daystar
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African Stream is under attack! Since our inception less than two years ago, we’ve attempted to reshape the narratives surrounding Africa and African people. In doing so, we seem to have upset some very powerful people.
On Friday 13th, the United States government launched a coordinated assault against us. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, branded our team - based in Nairobi, Kenya - Kremlin propagandists, putting a target on our backs. Within 24 hours, our YouTube page was taken down by Google, and soon after, Instagram, Facebook and Threads banned us as well.
These are clear attempts to intimidate and silence us. But, as the African proverb goes: 'The howling of hyenas will never stop the roar of lions.'
On Friday 13th, the United States government launched a coordinated assault against us. Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, branded our team - based in Nairobi, Kenya - Kremlin propagandists, putting a target on our backs. Within 24 hours, our YouTube page was taken down by Google, and soon after, Instagram, Facebook and Threads banned us as well.
These are clear attempts to intimidate and silence us. But, as the African proverb goes: 'The howling of hyenas will never stop the roar of lions.'
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BUJU BANTON ON THE MAROONS IN JAMAICA
Like many colonised and enslaved territories, Jamaica fronted strong resistance against imperialism. Listen to legendary Jamaican singer Buju Banton explain the role the Maroons played.
The Maroons, enslaved Africans who escaped from Spanish and British plantations, formed independent communities in the island's mountainous regions. Over time, they established well-organised societies, drawing on African cultural traditions for survival. Known for their staunch defiance of British rule and their resistance to slavery, they played a crucial role in the fight for liberation on the Caribbean island.
In the First Maroon War, Africans used guerrilla war tactics to defend their freedom and disrupt British plantations. Maroons' extensive knowledge of Jamaica's terrain challenged colonial forces, and so, after years of conflict, Britain was forced to negotiate peace treaties in 1739 and 1740.
Video credit: @revolttv
Like many colonised and enslaved territories, Jamaica fronted strong resistance against imperialism. Listen to legendary Jamaican singer Buju Banton explain the role the Maroons played.
The Maroons, enslaved Africans who escaped from Spanish and British plantations, formed independent communities in the island's mountainous regions. Over time, they established well-organised societies, drawing on African cultural traditions for survival. Known for their staunch defiance of British rule and their resistance to slavery, they played a crucial role in the fight for liberation on the Caribbean island.
In the First Maroon War, Africans used guerrilla war tactics to defend their freedom and disrupt British plantations. Maroons' extensive knowledge of Jamaica's terrain challenged colonial forces, and so, after years of conflict, Britain was forced to negotiate peace treaties in 1739 and 1740.
Video credit: @revolttv
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