January 2023 Edition

Culture & News

Ancient Rome

The Roman Empire (27 B.C.E.- 476 C.E.,5th century) was a powerful Mediterranean civilization that had contact with biblical lands and cultures beyond its borders. The legendary historian Dr. John Henrik Clarke, PhD (1915-1998) states in his book: Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust: Slavery and the Rise of European Capitalism (1992): “When the Europeans first saw the cities of Africa, they reported that these cities were well designed and that the African was civilized to the marrow of his bones.” ¹ Make this quote a barometer when you search for the African presence in historical literature. When reading history one must ask whose cultural story is absent or incomplete? Where are the pyramids of the Nubian Pharaohs, the West African Empires, or the castles of Ethiopia? If taken at face value, it would appear the Black race is absent in Rome. This is an incorrect assumption as Rome had notable Africans as citizens.

The imperial ambition of Rome to extend the empire southward was challenged by Queen Amanirenas of Nubia (Kush). According to Face2Face Africa News (2018): The Nubians and Romans (24 B.C.E) had three years of battle that ends with the signing of a peace treaty.² When looking back at antiquity be mindful that dark skin color, although a physical characteristic, did not necessarily carry the same stereotypical contention found in modern times. For example, the Transatlantic Slave Trade (maritime approx. 1482 C.E.-1850 C.E.) was a war strategy that used the ruse of racism to justify corrupt intentions to conquer, colonize, and plunder natural resources for global distribution. The psychological and social order required the enforcement of historical amnesia and dehumanization of the enslaved Africans. Their existence and empires that predate the slave trade by two thousand years, was erased from their minds, and the minds of many others.  

  

       

The ancient Romans have a significant history as a polytheistic society with ancestor veneration practices. In 380 C.E., Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official state religion. Both early Christians and Jews lived in Rome. Many Jews who live in the modern-day city of Rome, Italy claim lineage to the ancient Jews of that era (not Ashkenazi or Sephardic). The Roman Empire extended its reach far and wide in the ancient world. Today, its influence is still found within many societies through art, political philosophy, literature, and architecture.  

Bibliography:

(1) Clarke, John Henrik. Christopher Columbus and the Afrikan Holocaust: Slavery and the Rise of European Capitalism. A&B Book Dist. Inc. Publishers Group, 1992. Paperback (p.59).

(2) Johnson, Elizabeth Ofosuah. “Amanirenas, the brave one-eyed African Queen who led an army against the Romans in 24BC.” Face2Face Africa News. 2018.                                https://face2faceafrica.com/article/amanirenas-the-brave-one-eyed-african-queen-who-led-an-army-against-the-romans-in-24bc/amp

*Note: The article “Ancient Rome” was first published in the February 2021 Edition. To view click here.

Art/Film/Literature News

Avatar 2: The Way of Water

Jake Scully and his wife Neytiri are now the proud parents of four children on the planet of Pandora. But soon the return of the “sky people” interrupts the family’s peace and security. To learn more about their journey watch the movie: Avatar 2: The Way of Water (2022, running time 3 hours 12 minutes, 2D or 3D). The 3D effects of the forest flowers and underwater sea life was very enjoyable. It had such a vibrancy of fluorescent colors! There is also a neuroscience & anatomy scene with an explanation that is true of a species on Earth. Can you guess which one? I thought the movie was good and it gave a lot of food for thought on many different levels.

Business/Non-Profit News

The Clean Truth

Jordyn Wright is the CEO of J. Brielle Handmade Goods. This young lady entrepreneur has written an inspirational and savvy book: The Clean Truth About Starting a Business for Teens: 9 Key Ingredients I Used to Turn My Soap Hobby Into a Real Business (91 pages, 2021, kindle edition). This 13 year-old self-identified “kidpreneur” explains her personal reasons and passion to make natural handmade soaps. The book has an engaging writing style, useful tips, photos, and a glossary. The author has good insights that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults!

Book Quote:

“Always be confident enough to believe in yourself, but teachable enough to leave room for growth.”
(kindle p. 25)

Book Review

Makeda: The Queen of Sheba

The African fantasy tale: Makeda: The Queen of Sheba (50 pages, 2021, kindle edition) by Marlon McKenney is about the rise of Princess Makeda of Sheba to the throne as queen. Set in 1500 B.C.E., with beautiful CGI-style illustrations that create a unique vibrant flair. The storyline is engaging and refreshing with an adventurous young heroine.

The legendary Queen of Sheba (also known as Queen of the South) renowned as a skilled diplomat, wise, and a powerful queen in a time of kings. The Bible speaks of her: “And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to prove him with hard questions” (KJV Holy Bible 1 Kings 10:1).

Many Ethiopians claim this queen as their own. There is some geo-historical rivalry with Yemen who also claim this queen. However, it is quite possible her ancient kingdom included both present day Ethiopia and Yemen. An enjoyable read!

Book Quotes:

“Traders from Egypt, Greece, Persia, and India would come from hundreds of miles by land and sea to visit the beautiful city.”

“Fact, fiction, or religious icon, The Queen of Sheba will always be a symbol of royalty, beauty, and a powerful woman in control of her own destiny.”

For Additional Reading

PRX The World: Queen of Sheba’s gold found by archaeologists (2012)
https://www.pri.org/stories/2012-02-1…

Got Questions: Who was the Queen of Sheba?

https://www.gotquestions.org/Queen-of-Sheba.html

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