Being African American is pretty tricky. In a sense, you are both American and African, yet often so far removed from Africa that you have little, if any, relation to her. As evident by the melanin in your skin, you have derived from the Motherland but how and to what degree is usually unknown by most African Americans in this country.

Although we hold the title "African" in our national name, we are rarely educated about Africa's history and her people. In addition, and most importantly, we are oft deprived of a cultural connection to the land we should be able to call home. American culture does not permit us to recognize the importance of the African drum, libations and giving reverence to African ancestors. American culture is so engrossed in greed, over-sexualized bodies, money and excess that the average African American has reached the brink of completely losing a connection to their African roots.

In remote places, often known only to a select few, there are what you could call, 'African Culture Revivals', where African culture is promoted, practiced and appreciated. In Wilmington, Delaware that place is the Ma'at Temple of Truth. Hidden on a quiet city street, the Ma'at Temple of Truth is a temple full of love, life and African culture.

From the outside The Temple appears to be a church, much like other churches in the city. However, once inside, you quickly see that the Ma'at Temple of Truth breaks the boundaries of a "church" and is an African culture haven. African drums, song, and dance pulsate through the walls of the building from the beginning of Sunday service to the very end.

As we all know, Africa is not monolithic nor is her culture; therefore, any display of 'African culture' in general has its difficulties. 'African culture' in and of itself is complicated, as Africa is a continent with 52 countries each maintaining their own distinct customs and traditions. During my visits to The Temple, I found this 'African culture' dilemma to be present, yet in their own way, the members of The Temple have resolved this issue. From what I have noticed, The Temple recognizes Yoruba, Egyptian and Akan traditions; however, I do not get the feeling that any other African tradition is purposefully excluded from the mix. It is nearly impossible to actively practice and acknowledge every African culture in existence and I believe that The Temple's gentle combination of cultures and traditions is obliging and sufficient.

I will not go into detail about the extraordinary experience of attending Sunday service at the temple--you will have to experience that for yourself. I will say, however, that the complexities of being African American with a questionable African past is better reconciled in the cultural environment of The Temple. If you have heard of The Temple and were afraid to attend for any reason, please discard your fear and visit. I am sure you will not be disappointed. If you have never heard of The Temple and are interested in African culture and good feelings, go for a visit one Sunday afternoon. The experience is wonderful.

The Ma'at Temple of Truth is located at 1720 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, Delaware. Sunday service starts at 12pm. Check them out on Facebook here.

Mz.Jonezy

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I just saw an article entitled "Do Black People Really Celebrate Kwanzaa" over at grio.com. Of course I didn't read the article (of course!) but I felt like answering the question anyway—

NO.

As a matter of fact HECK NO black folk don't celebrate Kwanzaa. Personally, I have nothing against Kwanzaa; HOWEVER, it wasn't until this year that I met people who actually celebrate it. That means I went 24 years essentially untouched by the 7 days of Kwanzaa. That's a long time. And I know a lot of black people. Therefore, I've come to the conclusion that we (black folk) just don't celebrate Kwanzaa.

Seriously, do you know people who REALLY (like really) celebrate Kwanzaa?  Now readers, please don't take this the wrong way (because I have nothing against Kwanzaa) but in all honesty, how many people have you encountered who celebrate Kwanzaa? And by celebrate, I mean "celebrate in real life", not vicariously through BET commercials. I'd really like to know.

Leave a comment. Tell me what you think about Kwanzaa (and if you know anyone who celebrates it).

Mz.Jonezy

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While Americans lament over the reckless oil spill in the Gulf Coast, and beg for assistance to stop one of its worst natural disasters to date, Nigerians look on with impassive, unaffected eyes. Why should they care about what is happening in the Gulf Coast when they have had oil spills equivalent to the Exxon Valdez spill of 1989 every year for the past 50 years?

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I was just reading an article about a 17 year old Ugandan king. The article was interesting and for some reason it made me think of Prince Akeem and King Jaffe Jopher in Zamunda (Coming to America). J That movie is so funny…

In the article Professor Ndebesa Mwambutsya, a History professor at Makerere University in Kampala said something that was really interesting. He was responding to the idea that that monarchs are a possible set back for national integration. This is what he said…

"Ugandans identify themselves first with their tribes and kingdoms, then as citizens." "This works in most African cultures because people have lost faith in the government, and tribes and kingdoms provide a nucleus around which an identity can be forged."

This made me think of people of color in America. We are more likely to rep our "set" or our skin color before we would ever think of announcing our American nationality. Yet those of "less color" are more likely to rep their nationality rather than their skin color or their "set"; that is, if they even have anything that could remotely be considered a "set".

For instance, if you are in Delaware and you ask me where I am from, my first instinct would be to reply, "Northside." Now, granted, if I am in a different state or a different country I would most likely respond differently but you get my drift.

In addition, if someone were to ask "What are you?" my response would probably be something like this… (with a quizzical facial expression since it is quite bizarre for someone to just randomly ask such a question)  

"I am black….and female."

And I could see a Dominican-American man (born and raised in America) responding something like this…

"I am Dominican."

Yet, I could see a Caucasian responding like this…

"I am American."

Now I could be wrong but this is just how I see things. I just think its interesting how people of color are usually the ones talking about what street they are from or what set they rep but Caucasians don't. Maybe it's in our DNA to associate with a sub-society within a larger society. Just like Professor Mwambutsya says, in Africa people usually identify with their tribe (sub-society) before their country (larger society). I guess in America, there is really only a larger society (America) and no real sub-societies. So we had to create our own…

Professor Mwambutsya also said,

Finding a balance between national unity and tradition can be a challenge...

"It's a paradox in itself. It is important that African culture is preserved because a people without culture is like groping in the darkness," he says.

This is even more interesting because often, people of color could care less about being American, not unless they are outside of America and need to assert their land of origin. I can't even remember the last time I stated "I am American." I really can't…but you better believe that I can remember the last time I said "I'm from 2-4" or "I'm from Northside" or "I'm black." Maybe this also has something to do with America being the strong-armed bully that she is where everything is judged based upon her standards so everyone already knows that I'm American…or maybe it has something to do with the fact that I am in America so there is no need to say that I am American…I don't know.  

The last part of Professor Mwambutsya statement is worth thinking about as well. "a people without culture is like groping in the darkness." Hmmmm, makes me wonder…am I in the darkness or in the light?

If you want to read the article about the 17- year old king, as "he bobs his head to rapper Jay-Z," check it here.

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