THE AFRICAN ORIGIN OF VACCINATION

Africans in centuries past used to be immune to basic infectious based diseases such as smallpox. The people of the Yoruba kingdom and that of the Kingdom of Dahomey invoked the healing and immunizing powers of the Sopona or Babalú Aye and Sakpata deities (god of smallpox) over these periods (Oripelaye et al, 2016).

Many West and Central African people believed that the invasion of diseases was a result of poor relationships between them and the deities, spirits, or ancestors (The Royal Society, 2020). Smallpox, for example, was said to be a disease caused by sopona’s divine wrath and could only be curtailed and controlled by specific priests in charge of the god’s shrines.

The Sopona priests on the other hand could inflict the wrath of the Sakpta god (god of smallpox) onto those who defied the way of the gods. Afterward, the priest revokes the smallpox disease by scratching the surface material of the pox’s sores into their arms, a practice known as variolation (named after the virus that causes smallpox, the variola virus) or inoculations. Although this practice causes harm to the people, it also heals them by making them naturally resistant to smallpox.

During slavery, West Africans were ordinarily immunized against smallpox through indigenous medical practices representing our means of inoculations. Captains of slave ships were the first to recognize and use this process because they used to send captives who haven’t been inoculated back on shore to be inoculated. Slavery propagated the presence of Africans across the Americas, whereby knowledge of African medical practices such as inoculations was shared, even with their enslavers. The practice of inoculation was introduced to America and then to London by Africans who were brought to Boston and found themselves amid a smallpox outbreak.

In 1706, an enslaved West African man named Onesimus by his enslaver, Reverend Cotton Mather (the prominent Puritan Minister) explained how inoculation was practiced in his home – Africa. Routinely, enslaved Africans were asked by their enslavers if they had smallpox to ensure the safety of their family and themselves. When Onesimus was asked by Mather, he answered both yes and no and further explained: “how he had undergone an operation, a general practice carried out in their homes in Africa, which had given him immunity over smallpox and would forever preserve him, and whoever had the courage to use it was forever free from the fear of its contagion”.

Onesimus’ operation involved rubbing an infected person’s pus into an open wound. When the infected material is introduced into the body, the person is inoculated against smallpox, which is known in modern terms as immunization. Dr. Elumono Blyden further explained that inoculation extended to notions of power, and authority and that “those who held authority were said to be immune, capable of exercising power, and would not succumb to attacks”. It was through Onesimus’ explanation that Cotton Mather and Zabdiel Boylston implemented and began, for the first time in the history of American medicine, trials in inoculating about 245 patients in the year 1721.

Smallpox inoculation was widely circulated and available in multiple languages, and authorities in the Americas began to limit the practice to licensed European or local physicians. Some leading Western scientists declared this practice to be the most significant discovery in medicine for the preservation of human life. “One of whom was a man named Hans Sloane in England, who was the president of the Royal Society”, said Dr. Achebe.

References

*Association of African Universities. (2022, June 10). The COVID-19 Diary: Origins of immunization in African culture and traditional medicine [Video]. YouTube. youtu.be/KInw5WjH6DE

*The Royal Society. (2020, October 20) West Africas and the history of smallpox inoculation: Q&A with Elise A. Mitchell. royalsociety.org/blog/2020/10/w… ulation/

SAM COOKE

He was the last act scheduled on November 3, 1957, and after Ed introduced him, Sam strolled out looking very cool. The music started, he sang “Darling, you-ou-ou send me. I know…”, and the show was over. It was live TV, and the show had run long. The Sullivan Show received so many complaints that they immediately re-booked him.So on December 1, 1957, Sam returned. Ed Sullivan introduced him by saying “Sam, here’s the time.” Dressed neatly in suit and tie, Cooke delivered a stripped-down version of “You Send Me.” His performance used little more than backup vocals to compliment his singing, and centered on Cooke himself. As he crooned directly into the camera, his effortless charisma and charming smile made him a hit with audiences. Right after the show aired, “You Send Me” reached number one on the Billboard Top 100, displaying just how successful his performance was.

Later in the show, Ed brought Sam onstage and apologized to him and the audience saying, “I did wrong one night here on our stage. And I never received so much mail in my life!” Sam, now dressed in a tuxedo, sang his rendition of “(I Love You) For Sentimental Reasons,” an R&B classic sung most famously by Sullivan show regular Nat “King” Cole in 1946. Ed Sullivan had always been a supporter of the civil rights movement, bringing on African-American artists like Nat “King” Cole before anyone else in the industry was. But while Cole had always been a very “safe” act, Cooke was pushing the envelope in regards to race and music. Cooke combined the smooth crooning style of past greats like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra with a soulful tone that many in Sullivan’s audience hadn’t previously heard.

In his tragically short life, Cooke made only a few television appearances, and The Ed Sullivan Show performance is one of the only ones that still exist. It proved once again that Sullivan was a reliable ally of the civil rights movement, and jumpstarted Cooke’s career as a pioneer of the “Soul” genre. Cooke’s musical style had a massive influence on the creation of Motown and on artists like Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Sam Cooke also went on to become an important leader in the civil rights movement because of politically-conscious songs like “A Change is Gonna Come,” released after his controversial death at the age of 33. But Cooke had the platform to speak out about the issues of his day only because of his early commercial success and fame. And for that, he has The Ed Sullivan Show to thank.

In his book “Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Sam Cooke”, Peter Guralnick writes that Sam’s music “still sounds as fresh, as elegant, as full of mirth, sadness and surprise as when it first emerged, translating somehow across the ages in ways that have little to do with calculation or fashion and everything to do with spontaneity of feeling, with a kind of purity of soul.”

Credit goes to respective Author

SEX SCENE IN KEMET

Sex scene in Kemet (Ancient Egypt): You will never see any human having sex with animals because the people of Kemet (Ancient Egyptians) believed in marriage between a man and a woman, considering it a sacred union central to their culture.

That's why Africans marry many as far as they can take care of them. The human race came from Africa. White are African who made expedition to the land of cold with time and season their body change to fit the weather.

Some say the reason why the white have sex with animals is because during the expedition the females the went with them are few since they are cooks and nurses cleaners and healer.

With time those in authority were the only ones having access to women, so the rest find their way. Some had sex with the same sex just like prisons while others have sex with animals. 

So yes the Indian whites etc all came out of Africa and are blacks. They just adopt to the surrounding they found themselves.

Africans and Blacks are the Originals that's why when a black sex you, you can never forget the moment. But when an African sex you, you will be addicted to it and will always go back for me.

We are the originals.

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR

February 9, 1906: Paul Laurence Dunbar died from Tuberculosis at the age of 33. He was interred in the Woodland Cemetery in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Paul Laurence Dunbar was a poet, novelist, and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Much of his popular work in his lifetime used a Negro dialect, which helped him become one of the 1st nationally-accepted African-American writers. Much of his writing, however, does not use dialect; these more traditional poems have become of greater interest to scholars.

LEGACY: Dunbar became the 1st African-American poet to earn nation-wide distinction and acceptance. The New York Times called him "a true singer of the people — white or Black."

In his preface to The Book of American Negro Poetry (1931) writer and activist James Weldon Johnson criticized Dunbar''''s dialect poems for fostering stereotypes of Blacks people as comical or pathetic and reinforcing the restriction that Black people only write scenes of plantation life.

Writer Maya Angelou called her autobiographical book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969) after a line from Dunbar''''s poem "Sympathy" at the suggestion of jazz musician and activist Abbey Lincoln.

Angelou named Dunbar an inspiration for her "writing ambition" and uses his imagery of a caged bird like a chained slave throughout much of her writings.

In 2002, Molefi Kete Asante listed Paul Laurence Dunbar on his list of 100 Greatest African Americans.

Dunbar''''s vaudeville song "Who Dat Say Chicken in Dis Crowd" influenced the development of "Who dat? Who dat? Who dat say gonna beat dem Saints?", the New Orleans Saints'''' chant.

INSPIRING STORY OF THE ORIGINAL KING OF DANCEHALL: YELLOW MAN

YELLOMAN was born Winston Foster on January 15, 1956 in Jamaica.

Since that time being albino was associated with superstition  and badluck, his parents abandoned him the day he was born and he was raised in an orphanage home.

Up to now he doesn't know who were his parents. (Not sure where the name Foster came from).

As a person with albinism, he was mocked and ridiculed growing up and he was given the name "Yellowman" as a way of degrading him.

He turned to music as his only hope and when he started making a name with music.... he decided to use the name "Yellowman" although it was the name that people were using to mock him.

Back then calling someone "Yellowman" was mockery of highest level. 

Yellowman became the first Jamaican to be signed by an international music label.... Columbian Sounds .. 

He was the first Dancehall artist to be nominated for Grammy awards and the first dancehall artist to perform outside Jamaica. 

While enjoying his success, in 1986 he was diagnosed with Cancer which mostly affected his jaws. Doctors told him he had 6 months to live. 

An operation was done on his jaws and this deformed his face (as shown in the photo)

He conquered cancer and relaunched his music career and released many successful albums. 

He is married and his first daughter Kreem got married recently (as shown in the photos).

He is 69 years old and is believed to be the King of Dancehall up to now.

From being an orphan, dealing with social abuses due to his skin condition.... to fighting cancer....and becoming a global star.... Yellowman's perseverance indicates the qualities of a king.

KING YELLOW

ALICIA AUGELLO COOK

Alicia Augello Cook (born January 25, 1981), known by the pseudonym Alicia Keys, is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. Keys released her debut album with J Records, having had previous record deals first with Columbia and then Arista Records. Keys' debut album, Songs in A Minor, was a commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide. She became the best-selling new artist and best-selling R&B artist of 2001. The album earned Keys five Grammy Awards in 2002, including Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "Fallin'" becoming the second American recording artist to win five Grammys in one night. Her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys, was released in 2003 and was also another success worldwide, selling eight million copies. The album garnered her an additional four Grammy Awards in 2005. Later that year, she released her first live album, Unplugged, which debuted at number one in the United States. She became the first female to have an MTV Unplugged album to debut at number one and the highest since Nirvana in 1994.

Happy birthday Alicia Keys!

MICHAEL JACKSON AND DIANA ROSS

Michael Jackson and Diana Ross shared a special bond that went beyond their music careers. Diana Ross, a Motown legend, played a significant role in Michael’s early life and career. She mentored him when he was a young member of the Jackson 5, helping to shape his incredible talent.

Their relationship was not just professional; they had a deep personal connection. Michael often referred to Diana as a mother figure and close friend. He admired her elegance, talent, and kindness. Diana, in turn, saw Michael as a dear friend and protege, always supporting him throughout his life.

One touching moment that fans remember is when Michael inducted Diana into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. He expressed his admiration and gratitude for her influence on his life and career.

Their friendship remains a beautiful example of mutual respect and love between two iconic artists.

#MichaelJackson #DianaRoss #Friendship #MusicLegends #Inspiration

GEORGE BENSON

Born on March 22, 1943, George Benson is a virtuoso guitarist and jazz singer celebrated for his remarkable fusion of jazz, R&B, and pop. His groundbreaking work on albums like Breezin' and Give Me the Night showcases his incredible technique and smooth vocal style, blending intricate guitar solos with his distinctive, soulful voice. Hits like “This Masquerade” and “On Broadway” highlight his ability to seamlessly bridge genres and captivate audiences with both his guitar prowess and engaging performances.

Beyond his solo career, Benson has collaborated with a wide array of artists and contributed significantly to the development of contemporary jazz and smooth jazz. His innovative approach to guitar playing and his ability to cross musical boundaries have made him a revered figure in jazz and beyond. George Benson’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary musicianship and his influential contributions to modern jazz and popular music.

#GeorgeBenson #JazzLegend #GuitarVirtuoso #SmoothJazz #MusicIcon

MEET MAMA EKUNDAYO - THE WOMAN WHO OPENED HER DOORS TO OVER 500 ORPHANS AND ABANDONED CHILDREN 🇳🇬

Popularly known as  the Mother Theresa of Africa, Mama Janet Ekundayo  dedicated her life to taking care of orphans.

She projected the meaning of her name, “Ekundayo,” which is translated to mean, “(my) tears has turned to joy.”

Mama Ekundayo had five biological children of her own but that did not stop her from adopting others because of her love for children. Mama Ekundayo enjoyed the company of children and so taking care of them came naturally to her.

In 1969, Mama Ekundayo decided to dedicate the rest of her life to taking care of orphans and abandoned children. She took in the 469th child by 2007. By the year 2008; she had cared for over 500 children.

Thank you Mama Africa ❤

#Africa

May Ellen Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo

Meet May Ellen Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo (1956-1996), fondly known as MEE, was a trailblazing Nigerian journalist, writer, and publisher.

Born in Takoradi, Ghana 🇬🇭, to Owogbenu and Victoria Ezekiel, MEE made a lasting impact on the media landscape.

MEE's illustrious career spanned several notable publications. She worked as a journalist for Sunday Concord from 1982 to 1984 and later served as assistant editor for Newswatch in 1985. Her editorial expertise also shaped Quality magazine, which she helmed from 1987.

As the publisher of Classique magazine, MEE showcased her passion for celebrity and entertainment journalism. 

The magazine boasted an impressive roster of writers, including Dele Momodu, Ben Charles Obi, and Rudolf Okonkwo. MEE also authored two books, "Dream Maker" and "Center Spread," and hosted the popular TV talk show "Mee and You" on NTA 2 channel 5 in Lagos.

In her personal life, MEE was married to veteran actor Richard Mofe-Damijo. She had a daughter, Nichole Onome, from a previous marriage.

Tragically, MEE passed away in 1996 due to complications from surgery to remove fibroids, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in Nigerian journalism.

#Africa #Ghana

THE HAMAR OR HAMER TRIBE

Portrait of a Hamar woman near Turmi, Omo valley, Southwest Ethiopia 🇪🇹 Photograph by Luisa Puccini.

"The Hamar (or Hamer) Tribe - population about 50,000 - in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples Region are pastoral semi-nomadic people living in the Omo River Valley. The rites of passage to adulthood of the Hamar Tribe Rituals include cattle leaping and young Hamar women getting whipped to prove their love for their kinsmen.

The entire life of the Hamar turns around their cattle, which marks the wealth of its owner-family, provides food during times of hardship and plays an important role in the tribal rituals, like dowry for weddings.

The women cultivate sorghum, beans, maize and pumpkins, fetch water, cooking and looking after the children - who start herding the goats by age eight. Men herd the cattle, plough the fields and keep bees. Young men live in grazing camps near the Omo River plains. When bush food runs out, they survive on cow’s milk and blood taken from its neck. If a man loses a family’s cattle herd his reputation will be ruined.

Appearance is extremely important to the Hamar People, having spectacular hairstyles, for both men and women, and grooming ones hair is essential to the Hamar's sense of beauty. Women paint their locks with fat and red ochre and then twist them into dreads, while often ostrich feathers and other ornaments are attached. Men who have killed an enemy or dangerous animal wear a mud cap that lasts for months. To protect their hairdos, the men always carry a borkoto, a wooden headrest for a pillow. Married women wear iron rings around their necks and they also decorate themselves with shells, glass, seed and metal beads, and they wear beaded goat skins that cover their bodies.

Iron rings, necklaces, tools, weapons, and ritual objects are made by the blacksmith (gito), who are shaman-like figures believed to have the power of the evil eye. They also are the “makers” of men and women through the scarification tools and ornaments they make."

-Worqamba Tour

The Incredible and Bizarre Story of Diallo: A Slave Trader Who Became a Slave

Born in 1701, Diallo was the son of a Fulani slave trader operating in what is now Senegal. As he grew older, he became deeply involved in his father’s business, selling slaves to European traders.

However, during one of his trading ventures, Diallo's life took a dramatic turn. While transporting slaves for sale, he was captured, chained alongside the very people he intended to sell, and shipped to Maryland, USA.

In America, Diallo refused to accept his new status as a slave. Unlike many others, he could read and write Arabic, a skill he shared with many African Muslims of the time. Diallo used this skill to write a letter to his father back in Africa, pleading for his freedom.

When his master discovered the letter, he realized Diallo came from a royal family. This revelation led to Diallo being sent to England, where he regained his freedom. Eventually, Diallo returned to Africa.

What makes Diallo’s story particularly tragic is that, despite enduring the horrors of the transatlantic voyage and the brutal conditions of slavery in America, he resumed trading slaves upon his return to Africa.

12 Trailblazing Women of the 1980s Who Transformed Nigerian Music🇳🇬❤️

The 1980s was a golden era for Nigerian music, and at its core were extraordinary women whose talent, creativity, and resilience reshaped the industry. These iconic trailblazers left an indelible mark, laying the foundation for today's vibrant music scene.

Here are 12 phenomenal women who changed the narrative:

(1). Nelly Uchendu – The “Lady with the Golden Voice,” she popularized Igbo folk music and inspired cultural pride.

(2). Martha Ulaeto – A unique talent who seamlessly blended Nigerian highlife with global sounds.

(3). Salawa Abeni – The undisputed “Queen of Waka Music,” whose influence transcends generations.

(4). Dora Ifudu – Known for her soulful voice and dynamic stage presence.

(5). Christy Essien-Igbokwe – The “Nigeria’s Lady of Songs,” a pioneer of Afro-pop and advocate for women’s rights.

(6). Oby Onyioha – The disco queen who gave us timeless hits that still light up dance floors.

(7). Veno Marioghae – Famous for her thought-provoking hit, Nigeria Go Survive, a song of hope and resilience.

(8). Uche Ibeto – A unique voice in reggae and contemporary Nigerian music.

(9). Stella Monye – A soulful singer whose artistry captured the hearts of Nigerians.

(10). Evi Edna Ogholi – The “Queen of Nigerian Reggae,” celebrated for her socially conscious lyrics.

(11). Funmi Adams – Known for her children's music and patriotic songs that continue to inspire.

(12). Onyeka Onwenu – The “Elegant Stallion,” a legend of highlife and one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians.

These women weren’t just artists; they were cultural ambassadors, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to dream bigger. Their legacy continues to echo in the sounds of contemporary Nigerian music. 🎶🇳🇬❤️🎵

Source: Kingpin Eshiet

WHAT IS MANGWE?

Deep in the hearts of the Mijikenda lies a gem treasured by the people, an age-old tradition that has stood defiant through time disregarding cultural decay as the coastal region grows and become more metropolitan. A preserve of the locals and the few who assimilate to embrace it; it stands unique... THE MANGWE!

So, what exactly is a mangwe? Simply put, the Mangwe is a premise for the serving and preservation of the unadulterated coastal drink called palm wine, MNAZI. Whereas you’d walk into a bar and get spoiled for choice on what to drink, you walk into a mangwe exclusively for mnazi; although a few urban ones serve other drinks as well. Here, the air is always filled with laughter as men and women cast aside their worries and wield humor to take jabs at each other.

A mangwe can host from one bar to more than five; different owners united on common ground to make profit. In the latter setting, competition is tough and the success of the mangwe chiefly lies in the waiter’s charm. Expect not to find a sign with the mangwe name inscribed, but to each, a distinct name is given. Mshike Mshike, Mbuzi Wengi, Mama mchafu, Kudzacha, Kodorini, Kwa Rasta etc.

Like all magnificent things, the mangwe is kept simple. The seats and tables are wooden or plastic, drinks are served in mbokos with a mrija or in plastic cups as well, and to complete the experience, makuti roofing. The taste of mnazi is subjective. Fresh mnazi is sweet to the tongue while kilalo is sour and more alcoholic. 

The mangwe serves as a News stand and a library for all past events... the history of the land and of the people lingers here. It is here you get to know of any concealed land disputes, get to hear how Kazungu spent his last hour before the grim reaper paid him a visit, or how the new OCS has been top trend all week followed closely by Gitonga from Meru illicit affair with Kadzo.

Food is usually served on order. For mangwes that do not have the meal option, your order is placed at the nearest hotel and you’ll be served at the mangwe when it’s ready. Alternatively for some, you provide cash for what you desire to eat plus an agreed service charge and it's cooked for you. While in Kaloleni, I had the pleasure of dipping fried fish, goat head or udzora in locally made hot sauce... chilli peppers put in a bottle with masimbi, and left to naturally ferment under the sun for a couple of days, popularly called SIKI. It has a sweet slow mild burn that lingers on your tongue after food is swallowed; very sweet.

Like all businesses, mangwes are bound to face challenges. In their case, it is one of life’s certainties: taxation, not to the KRA but to the police otherwise raids will push your business to extinction. Price of mnazi fluctuate depending on the supply, but surprisingly,all mangwe sell the same price at a given time depending on the location!

On the whole, mangwes are a safe haven for enjoying great company, food and drink. While in the Coastal area of Kenya wet your whistle at a mangwe and share the experience.

Pics by Wambugu Williamson

THE NAGO PEOPLE

The Nago people, or Anago, refers to Yoruba-speaking individuals, particularly from the kingdom of Ketu, as called by Fon-speaking people.

In Brazil, "Nago" also became a term to group the Yoruba people who were brought to the country during the transatlantic slave trade.

By the 1880s, nearing the end of the slave trade, the Nagos were the African group most frequently transported to Brazil.

Many of them, along with other Yoruba people, played crucial roles in shaping Afro-Brazilian culture, religious practices (like Candomblé), and resistance movements.

The portrait of a Nago albino black slave taken around 1869 in Pernambuco, Brazil, gives a rare glimpse into the lives of these individuals during the period.

This photograph, captured by the German-born photographer Alberto Henschel, is one of many historical images that document the African presence in Brazil, serving as a poignant reminder of the legacy of slavery in the Americas.

THE UNIVERSITY OF SANKORE, TIMBUKTU

The historic city of Timbuktu in Mali, recognised for its profound scholarly heritage, harbours the remnants of one of the world's earliest centres of learning, the University of Sankore. Established in the 1200s AD, this university was a beacon of knowledge, housing an extensive collection of manuscripts. These manuscripts, predominantly inscribed in Ajami—a writing system that employs Arabic script to transcribe African languages, with Hausa being a notable example—serve as a testament to the rich intellectual traditions of the region.

As the centuries progressed, from the 1300s through to the 1800s AD, Timbuktu experienced the arrival and, in some cases, the colonisation by Europeans and West Asians. This period marked a turning point for the preservation of the manuscripts. The Malian custodians of this knowledge, acutely aware of the potential risk of destruction or expropriation by foreign invaders—a fate that befell numerous other texts across the African continent, notably in Kemet (ancient Egypt)—took decisive action to safeguard their heritage. They concealed these invaluable documents in various hidden locations, including basements, attics, and underground vaults, thereby shielding them from potential harm.

Among the concealed treasures were manuscripts that covered a broad spectrum of knowledge, including significant works on mathematics and astronomy. These documents are pivotal in understanding the historical depth of mathematical and scientific inquiry in Africa, predating European colonial influence. They reveal a sophisticated grasp of complex concepts and contribute to debunking the myth of a pre-colonial Africa devoid of advanced scholarly pursuits.

In recent decades, the rediscovery of up to 700,000 of these manuscripts has illuminated the enduring legacy of African scholarship. The Timbuktu manuscripts, particularly those related to mathematics and astronomy, underscore Africa's role as a contributor to the global repository of knowledge well before the advent of European colonisation. This resurgence of interest in Africa's intellectual history not only enriches our understanding of the past but also inspires a reevaluation of the continent's place in the history of science and education...

Credit Marksman Antonmarks

SO WHAT WAS AFRICA LIKE IN THE 14th CENTURY?

THE SWAHILI STONE TOWNS

On the Swahili coast there were around 50 stone towns from Mogadishu in Somalia all the way down to Sofala in Mozambique. 

They traded with Arabs, Persians, Chinese, Indians and the Kingdoms from the African interior. They exported gold, Ivory, salt and animal skins. They imported silk, porcelian, cotton and black pepper. 

Kilwa in Tanzania controlled the gold trade from the interior which came from Great Zimbabwe. 

Vasco De Gama arrived on the Swahili coast in the late 15th century. It was the Sultan of Malindi in Kenya who gave him a Pilot to travel to India as they didn’t know how to get there. 

In the early 1500s most of the key Swahili towns like Mombasa and Kilwa were attacked and plundered by the Portuguese and eventually the international trade of the Swahili declined. 

The Swahili stone towns will appear in the upcoming Graphic Novel the 14th Century Africa. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy when it’s released, post in the comment section or send us a message.

THE TALAI CLAN

The Talai clan wielded great spiritual power over the Kipsigis. They were considered to be diviners and ritual healers with mystical powers.

One thing that bothered the colonial establishment was whether they truly had these powers or they manipulated their subjects psychologically to live in fear.

Superintendent EK Laws, who was working as a police officer in Kenya before moving to Fiji where he became the Commissioner of Fijian Police recalled one incident.

A man in Kisumu was arrested on suspicion of breaking a safe and taken to Kisumu prison where he met a Talai laibon who was serving a  sentence for unlawful possession of a gun which had been found buried under the floor of his hut.

Just before the man left prison after being acquitted, a confrontation ensued between  him and this Talai man. According to the man, the Talai Laibon ordered him to get him some tobacco to chew, something that the man refused to do.

The Talai became so annoyed and told him:  "You may have been acquitted in this case, but you have not escaped. Some trouble is waiting for you at home."

As soon as the man arrived home from prison, he was hit by a mysterious illness. After many weeks of suffering, he was escorted by his relatives to Assistant Superintendent Laws, to whom he narrated the source  of predicaments.

Asst. Laws wrote:

"An African arrived in a semi-demented state with some of his relatives and a letter from his employer. He is evidently subject to periodical fits, and his lower limbs get paralysed at intervals. A few abrasions on his body and the look in his eyes bore witness to the fact that there was something wrong with him, whether physically or mentally, I could not tell. When he had calmed down, he was asked what the trouble was. He told his story simply. He had been acquitted on a charge of safe-breaking at Kisumu. When in gaol there, he met a Laibon who cursed him."

The man and his friends and relatives wanted Asst. Superintendent Laws to fetch the Talai Laibon from Kisumu prison so that he could  heal him by rubbing his saliva on his shoulder. Failure to do this, the so-called  bewitched man would die.

It was shortly after this incident and many  others that the Laibons Removal Ordinances No.32 of 1934) was passed by the Legislative  Council. The Talai were rounded up in the Kipsigis country and taken to Gwassi in the Luo country on the shores of Lake Victoria, where  they were restricted. While there, they were restricted from carrying arms, holding  meetings and moving without permits.

The accusation against them were that they had instilled  too much fear among the Kipsigis, they hindered the work of the Native Authorities, and they promoted crime by giving protective charms to criminals.

The Achievements of African Americans

For too long, the contributions of African Americans have been overshadowed, misunderstood, or outright ignored. But when we examine history—real history, not the sanitized version—we see a rich tapestry of achievement, innovation, resilience, and excellence that has shaped America in ways many take for granted.

Let’s start with the basics: America didn’t just “happen.” The economic engine that powered its rise to global dominance was cotton, and that cotton was picked by enslaved Africans and African Americans. By 1860, the United States was producing 1.5 billion pounds of cotton annually, contributing to 61% of U.S. exports. At the heart of this production were the millions of enslaved Africans whose labor didn’t just enrich plantation owners but also fueled industries in the North and Europe. The global demand for cotton made it the oil of its time, and enslaved labor was the machinery. A significant portion of America’s GDP and national wealth before the Civil War can be directly tied to this forced labor. This wealth built railroads, banks, and cities—a cruel irony when we think about the poverty and systemic barriers African Americans faced for generations after emancipation.

But African American contributions don’t stop there. Despite centuries of systemic oppression, African Americans have not only survived but thrived, creating lasting legacies across fields as varied as science, sports, art, and politics.

Take science, for instance. The world of modern computing owes a huge debt to the “Hidden Figures” of NASA—Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson—whose mathematical genius made space exploration possible. When John Glenn orbited Earth in 1962, he insisted Katherine Johnson verify NASA’s calculations. Yet their contributions were hidden from public view for decades.

And speaking of groundbreaking medical achievements, Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood preservation during World War II, laying the foundation for modern blood banks. Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the first successful open-heart surgeries in 1893, proving that African Americans were pioneers in medicine long before integration.

Let’s pivot to the arts, where African Americans redefined global culture. Jazz? Blues? Rock ‘n’ Roll? All owe their origins to African American musicians like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Chuck Berry. Today, artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar carry that torch, using their platforms not just to entertain but to challenge societal norms and uplift their communities.

In sports, the dominance of African American athletes is undeniable. Names like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Serena Williams aren’t just synonymous with greatness; they’ve redefined their sports, inspired millions, and shattered barriers. Even in golf, a sport historically closed to African Americans, Tiger Woods transformed the game, proving that talent transcends prejudice.

But let’s not overlook the pioneers who paved the way. Jackie Robinson, the first African American in Major League Baseball, faced unimaginable hostility yet persevered, opening doors for countless others. Bill Russell, who led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships, was not only a giant on the court but also a vocal advocate for civil rights.

And what about the economy? Beyond slavery, African Americans have been driving forces of entrepreneurship and innovation. Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America, built an empire in haircare products for Black women. Fast forward to today, and African Americans are leading Fortune 500 companies, starting tech startups, and redefining industries.

Yet, even as we celebrate these achievements, it’s important to recognize that African American history isn’t just about overcoming barriers—it’s about building something remarkable, often against impossible odds. During Reconstruction, for example, African Americans built schools, churches, and entire communities from the ground up. Despite the constant threat of violence and systemic disenfranchisement, they laid the foundation for institutions that still serve Black communities today.

The Civil Rights Movement of the 20th century showcased the power of collective action, led by figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall, whose efforts dismantled segregation and inspired global movements for justice. Their achievements weren’t isolated—they were built on centuries of resistance, from Nat Turner’s rebellion to the Harlem Renaissance.

And let’s talk about innovation. From Garrett Morgan’s gas mask to Lewis Latimer’s carbon filament (which made Thomas Edison’s light bulb commercially viable), African Americans have consistently been at the forefront of technological progress. Even the beloved Super Soaker—a staple of 1990s childhoods—was invented by Lonnie Johnson, a NASA engineer. Think about that: the man who worked on the Galileo mission to Jupiter also made summer a lot more fun.

The wealth of talent extends to contemporary figures as well. Former President Barack Obama shattered the ultimate glass ceiling, becoming America’s first Black president, while Vice President Kamala Harris continues that legacy as the first woman of African and South Asian descent to hold the office.

But for every household name, there are thousands more unsung heroes—educators, activists, small business owners, and community leaders—who’ve contributed quietly but profoundly to the fabric of America. Their stories deserve to be told alongside the giants.

So, as we celebrate Black History, let’s remember that African American history isn’t just Black history—it’s American history. From the cotton fields of the 19th century to the boardrooms, laboratories, and sports arenas of today, the achievements of African Americans have shaped the nation in ways that are impossible to quantify but essential to acknowledge. It’s a history of brilliance, resilience, and unyielding hope—a story that continues to inspire.

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