August 2019 Edition

Both the Trans-Saharan and Trans-Atlantic Slave Trades removed Africans from their homeland and transported them to new countries. The Trans-Saharan route lead to enslavement in the Middle East, while the Trans-Atlantic route practiced slavery in the Americas, Caribbean, and Europe. We must remember Africa is a diverse continent made up of multiple nations, languages, cultures, and ethnic groups. However, once aboard slave ships the human cargo began to have their cultural identities replaced with the label of “African Slave.” You were no longer a Bantu, Igbo, or Akan. Although there are some cases where cultural identity was remembered and passed on to subsequent generations, most of the enslaved, however, did not have conditions to support this remembrance.       

African Ancestry is a Washington, D.C.-based company that provides DNA-testing for those in search of their African origins. You can purchase a home test kit, swab your cheek, and return the sample to the company. Your DNA sample is compared to a database of African genetic sequences to identify the region of origin and probable ethnic group. The company is also a participant in Ghana’s “2019 Year of Return” to commemorate the 400 year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arrival to North America. Important to note, the American chattel slavery institution existed for 246 years (1619-1865). So, the question where do you come from, at least genetically speaking, is a little less of a mystery.

Faith Ringgold is an impressive artist who applies her craft through paint, sculpture, story quilts, and as an author. She is credited as the creator of artistic story quilts that communicate a social or political message. One of her most popular quilts “Who’s Afraid of Aunt Jemima?” (1983) has received wide critical acclaim. Ringgold adds a twist by making Aunt Jemima “an entrepreneur and fabulous,” as she puts it. Through her foundation: Anyone Can Fly, located in New Jersey, she seeks to introduce African-American Artists to the greater public and promote their inclusion in the art community.

Watch video clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Comf9SetjRA

Many of us have enjoyed board games as a classic form of entertainment. Whether it be Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue we played to our hearts content. Now a new board game enters the collection, Trials & Triumph, which teaches about the criminal justice system through 54 real life scenarios. The board game creator, April D. Preyar, is a seasoned criminal defense/civil rights attorney and co-owner of a boutique law firm. This is an interesting way to approach criminal justice and the law. What a nice party game, classroom activity, or for a heart-to-heart talk with someone special.

      

The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines

Shohreh Aghdashloo is an Emmy Award winning actress and the first Iranian person to be nominated for an Academy Award-that coveted Oscar. She has a television and film resume that includes: House of Saddam, Martin, Fox series 24, and House of Sand and Fog. The touching memoir, The Alley of Love and Yellow Jasmines, provides an inside look at the early years of her acting career in Iran and the eventual journey to America.

Her life and body of work is a testament to art, politics, and determination. The 1979 Iranian Revolution resulted in the fall of the Shah (the king and monarchy) and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. Due to her political beliefs, activism, and profession as an actress, it was believed she would be targeted by the new government. For her own safety and that of her first husband and family she fled to London. She took English language courses as a prerequisite to enroll at the International University of Europe to study international relations. While living in London she dealt with financial stress and homesickness. In March 1980 she returned to Iran using her family name instead of her married name to avoid interrogation. After a rude encounter at the Ministry of Science government office her father spoke caution: “What you see is the surface, the so-called calm before the chaos. But we see beneath it, things that you do not see and cannot even imagine. Young people like you are being tortured for conspiracy against the regime…Go back, get your B.A. and we’ll see. But do not stay here” (p.129). Her father’s words proved prophetic as actors’ dossiers were under government review and after her departure a self-appointed militia came to her father’s house to ask for her whereabouts. But she was safe back in London.

She graduated from university and performed in several stage plays in Europe. These plays were enjoyed by many and in particular by Iranians in exile, like herself. She also found a new love along the way, and a career and life in America. This memoir is a great read to glimpse inspiration and the determination of one’s journey.