This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. Follow this theme and author posted Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Story shapes narrative and narrative ultimately has the power to change the world. This is what I believe as a Pan-Africanist.
My childhood home was full of artisans with mastery of African art techniques, including the fabric of women’s wrappers, storytelling (my grandmother was a well-known African griot), ceramic vases, jewelry making and the peanut and maize moldering process. In addition to that, my cousins and sisters were talented in making different techniques of African hairstyles and breading.
Growing up in this diverse, creative environment rooted me deeply in the African collective concepts of UMOJA (to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, and nation), and UJIMA (our collective work and responsibility as a fundamental principle to build and maintain our community together and make our brother’s and sister’s problem our problems and to solve them together). These concepts are fundamental to my passion for creative writing and my desire to be among those who will make the world a better place.
My mentors come from this Pan-African framework, including my uncle, who has moved the Museum of Black Civilizations in Dakar, the Pan-African Museum in Ghana, and the African-American Library and Cultural Center in Broward County.
The sky is the limit, and as Pan-Africanists, we can bring the change we want to see by courtesy of the outstanding works accomplished by our Pan-African predecessors who already paved the way with their fights and commitment to advance human rights and dignity and make the world a better place. I believe that no one can grow or make progress in their lives if they do not recognize and value their cultural heritage and use it as a power to contribute to the world.
Mohamed Thiam, originally from Senegal, holds a Master of Arts in Pan-African Studies from Syracuse University, and is a Job Coach for the Center for New Americans at InterFaith Works.
