By Zika Bobby
In commemoration of the Black History month, the Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), in a series of programmes held in Lagos recently celebrated the contributions of Diaspora Africans, and discussed the need for Africans to tell their stories.
At one of the events held at the University of Lagos.(UNILAG) MAD House, was the Minister, Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa who was represented by the Director General, National Gallery of Arts, government officials, art and culture enthusiasts, and students.
CBAAC’s Director General, Aisha Adamu Augie said this year’s Black History celebration, themed: “Resilience, Innovation and Unity: Strengthening the African Diaspora,” “reflects the enduring strength and perseverance of African and African-descended people throughout history.
“Black History celebration provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on the place of Black and African peoples in world history, despite the many challenges that have historically hindered their progress. It is also a moment to acknowledge the immense contributions of Black and African peoples to global knowledge and civilisation. The remarkable rise of Black and African people from the painful legacies of enslavement and oppression to a position of global influence is a testament to their resilience, creativity, and ability to adapt to and overcome challenges that threaten their existence.
There is no question that the African Diaspora has made, and continues to make profound contributions to world culture, science, technology, and intellectual thought. From the rich traditions of African art, music, and dance to groundbreaking achievements in sports, invention, and intellectual endeavours, the achievements of Black and African peoples are vast and far-reaching. It is essential that we document these accomplishments to inspire and motivate both present and future generations of Black and African youth to strive for excellence.
Today’s event is not about lamenting the challenges of our past, but rather about celebrating and recognising the remarkable achievements we have made as a people. The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) conceived this program to provide a platform for the thoughtful examination and exploration of the experiences of Black and African peoples, particularly in the Diaspora, and to highlight how they have emerged from a dark history to make significant contributions across all areas of human endeavour,” she said.
In his Keynote speech, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History and International Studies, Faculty of Arts, Lagos State University, Lagos, Dr Britto Bonifacio Aderemi, said Africa’s history is a long history of suffering as Europeans dehumanised Africans, made them play second fiddle in their own countries until 1994 when we had a free South Africa.
He spoke on the history and impact of the slave trade on Africans, how the industrial Revolution in Europe ended the inhuman transaction and the subsequent return of the discarded slaves to a place later known as Freetown which became the capital of Sierra Leone, adding that the continent also gained in some way as the slaves exported Africa’s rich cultures to the outside world.
He said that due to the dispassal of Africans to foreign lands during the slave trade, many lost their original names. As a victim, he said the only reason he retains his Latino names was to attract generations to ask questions about how he got them.
He said while the earliest Africans were forcefully evacuated to foreign lands, this present generation is voluntarily leaving Africa in what is known as Japa syndrome in Nigeria.
Managing Director, Sterling Bank, Abubakar Suleiman lauded CBAAC’s agenda to involve the youths in its programmes.
“We like the fact that they brought it to the University of Lagos, to engage young people and the fact that they brought in an experienced professor to share his experience and history. We are also excited that we had the opportunity of handing over books to the participating students with the hope that it will encourage them to read more and eventually write in the future because if you don’t write your history somebody is going to write it for you,” Suleiman said.
The event had panelists like Prince Jon James Olomo, a pioneering cultural leader and the visionary founder of Tribal Tapestry; Amb. Nneka Isaac-Moses, culture and destination promoter who is also the co-founder of Goge Africa; Osarume Akenzua, a leading speaker and thought leader in the youth development and organisational leadership space and Dr Kehinde Adepegba, an artist, art critic/historian.
Subjects of discussion by the panelists included the legacy of resilience and overcoming historical challenges, how the present generation can draw inspiration from the past to tackle future challenges, creativity and innovation as tools for empowerment, and innovative voices in the Diaspora/shaping the future. It also highlighted the achievement of African innovators in technology, arts, and social entrepreneurship.